Communication methods and devices

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and apparatus, relating to the field of communication technology, which can pre-establish a transmission channel on the network side and reduce the waiting time for terminal data transmission. The method includes: predicting that a terminal will access a first network within a first time period, sending a first message to a first access network device, and sending a second message to a second network element; wherein the first message is used to indicate information about the second network element, the second message is used to indicate information about the first access network device, and the information of the second network element and the information of the first access network device are used to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element, the first access network device being a device capable of serving the terminal, and the second network element being used to forward data from the first network.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] When a terminal needs to send data, it requests the network to establish a transmission channel (such as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session). During the establishment of the transmission channel, the access network device allocates a radio bearer (such as a data radio bearer (DRB)) to the terminal and establishes a mapping relationship between the transmission channel and the radio bearer. After this, the terminal sends data to the network through the transmission channel and the radio bearer. Currently, the terminal only requests the establishment of the transmission channel and radio bearer when sending service data, which will result in a longer waiting time for the terminal to transmit data. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus that can pre-establish a transmission channel on the network side, thereby reducing the waiting time for terminal data transmission.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network element, or by a component of the first network element, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first network element, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. For example, the first network element can be a RAN node or a terminal. The method includes: if the first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network within a first time period, then sending information about a second network element to a first access network device, and sending information about the first access network device to the second network element so that the first access network device and the second network element establish a first transmission channel. In this way, when it is predicted that a terminal will access the network, a transmission channel is established between the access network device and the network in advance. Therefore, when the terminal needs to send data, it does not need to wait for the transmission channel to be established, thereby reducing the waiting time for the terminal to transmit data.

[0005] As an example, the first network element is the connection agent (also called the connection agent), the first network is the generative network (GN), and the second network element is the gateway of the GN (also called the agency core-gateway, A-GW).

[0006] In one possible implementation, the first network element indicates the address of the second network element to the first access network device, and indicates the address of the first access network device to the second network, so that the first access network device and the second network element establish a first transmission channel based on each other's addresses.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first network element further instructs the first access network device to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel, and / or instructs the second network element to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel, so that both the first access network device and the second access network device reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel, and then establish the first transmission channel based on the tunnel endpoint identifier.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first network element also indicates the entry address of the first network to the second network element, so that the second network element can forward data of the first network according to the entry address of the first network.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first network element predicts whether a terminal will access the first network within a first time period based on the network type and / or the service area of ​​the first network.

[0010] In one possible implementation, before predicting that a terminal will access the first network within a first time period, the first network element receives a third message. The third message is used to indicate information about the first network. The information about the first network includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the type of the first network, the service area of ​​the first network. This allows the information about the first network to be pre-configured, thereby enabling the first network element to know the information about the first network in advance, thus improving the flexibility of configuring the information about the first network.

[0011] In one possible implementation, after sending a first message to the first access network device and a second message to the second network element, after the first network element receives a first request message from the first terminal requesting access to the network it needs to access, if it determines that the network the first terminal needs to access is the first network, it sends a fourth message to the second network element to activate the first transmission channel, so that subsequent data between the first network and the first terminal can be transmitted based on the first transmission channel.

[0012] In one possible implementation, after the first network element receives a first request message from the first terminal requesting access to the network, the method further includes: the first network element instructing the first access network device to establish a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device; the first bearer is used to carry the transmission data between the first terminal and the first network, so that the first bearer can be established between the first terminal and the first access network device to improve data transmission efficiency by establishing a targeted bearer.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first terminal indicates the network it needs to access by using the identifier of the network it needs to access; or, the type of the network it needs to access indicates the network it needs to access.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first network element also sends the identifier of the first network and / or the address assigned to the first terminal to the first access network device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first network element also sends the identifier of the first network and / or the address of the first access network device to the second network element.

[0016] In one possible implementation, a first network element receives a handover request message from a first access network device. This message requests a handover from a second terminal (which is a terminal accessing the first network) to a second access network device. The first network element then sends a sixth message to the second access network device, instructing the establishment of a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device. This second bearer carries the data transmission between the second terminal and the first network. Thus, when the second terminal needs to handover from the first access network device to the second access network device, the establishment of this second bearer allows the second terminal to transmit data to the first access network device via the second bearer, thereby improving the stability and reliability of data transmission.

[0017] In one possible implementation, when there is a transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, the first network element directly sends a sixth message to the second access network device, instructing the establishment of a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, when there is no transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, the first network element sends a seventh message to the second access network device and an eighth message to the second network element to instruct the establishment of a second transmission channel between the second network element and the second access network device; thereafter, a sixth message is sent to the second access network device to instruct the establishment of a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first network element receiving a ninth message from a second access network device, wherein the ninth message is used to indicate that the establishment of the second bearer is complete; and sending a handover completion message to the first access network device.

[0020] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first access network device, or by a component of the first access network device, such as its processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network device. For example, the first access network device can be a terminal or a RAN node. The method includes: receiving a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message indicates information about a second network element, and the information of the second network element and the information of the first access network device are used to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element, wherein the first access network device is a device capable of serving a terminal, and the second network element is used to forward data from the first network; and establishing the first transmission channel based on the first message.

[0021] In one possible implementation, establishing a first transmission channel based on a first message includes: sending a second request message to a second network element, wherein the second request message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the first access network device for the first transmission channel.

[0022] In one possible implementation, establishing a first transmission channel based on a first message includes: receiving a third request message from a second network element. The third request message indicates the address of the second network element and / or a tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the second network element for the first transmission channel.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to indicate the address of the second network element; and / or, the second message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to instruct the first access network device to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel; and / or, the second message is used to instruct the second network element to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second message is also used to indicate the entry address of the first network, which is used by the second network element to forward data to the first network.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a fifth message from a first network element, the fifth message indicating the establishment of a first bearer between a first terminal and a first access network device; the first bearer being used to carry transmission data between the first terminal and the first network; sending a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message indicating the establishment of the first bearer; and in response to the completion of the establishment of the first bearer, associating the first bearer with a first transmission channel.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the fifth message includes the identifier of the first network and / or the address assigned to the first terminal.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first indication message is used to indicate the configuration information of the first bearer and the address allocated to the first terminal.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a handover request message to a first network element, the handover request message being used to request the second terminal to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device, the second terminal being a terminal accessing the first network.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a handover completion message from the first network.

[0031] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be the first network element in the first aspect, or a device comprising the first network element, or a device included in the first network element, such as a chip; the communication device can also be the first access network device in the second aspect, or a device comprising the first access network device, or a device included in the first access network device, such as a chip. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described above, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0032] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transmission and / or reception functions in any of the above aspects and their possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuits, transceivers, transceivers, or communication interfaces. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and their possible implementations.

[0033] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods.

[0034] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the methods of any of the above aspects. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor. The communication device may be a first network element as described in the first aspect, or a device comprising the first network element, or a device included in the first network element, such as a chip; the communication device may also be a first access network device as described in the second aspect, or a device comprising the first access network device, or a device included in the first access network device, such as a chip. In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the processor includes logic circuitry and input and / or output interfaces. The output interfaces are used to perform the sending action in the corresponding method, and the input interfaces are used to perform the receiving action in the corresponding method.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface and a communication bus, with the processor, memory, and communication interface connected via the communication bus. The communication interface is used to perform the sending and receiving actions in the corresponding method. The communication interface can also be called a transceiver. Optionally, the communication interface includes a transmitter and a receiver; in this case, the transmitter is used to perform the sending action in the corresponding method, and the receiver is used to perform the receiving action in the corresponding method.

[0037] In some possible designs, the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. When the communication device is a chip, the aforementioned transmitting action / function can be understood as an output, and the aforementioned receiving action / function can be understood as an input.

[0038] Fifthly, a chip is provided, which includes a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0039] In some possible designs, the chip includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods of any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0042] The technical effects of any of the implementation methods in aspects two through seven can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementation methods in aspect one, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] It should be noted that any of the possible implementations of any of the above aspects can be combined, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a process for establishing a PDU session;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for a future communication network;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a communication system;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an O-RAN system;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of communication device. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0055] 1. The process of establishing a PDU session:

[0056] Currently, when a terminal needs to send data, it requests the network side to establish a transmission channel (such as a PDU session). During the establishment of the transmission channel, the access network device allocates a radio bearer (such as a DRB) to the terminal and binds the transmission channel to the radio bearer session.

[0057] The following, combined with Figure 1 The process of establishing a PDU session is explained in detail.

[0058] Step 101: The terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the PDU session establishment request from the terminal.

[0059] As an example, a PDU session establishment request is: PDU Session Establishment Request.

[0060] Step 102: Select the session management function (SMF) for the access network device.

[0061] Step 103: The access and mobility management function (AMF) sends a request to the selected SMF to create a session management context. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the request from the AMF to create a session management context.

[0062] As an example, the request to create a session management context is: Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request.

[0063] Step 104: SMF retrieves or updates subscription data from unified data management (UDM).

[0064] As an example, retrieving or updating subscription data can be understood as: Subscription retrieval / Subscription for updates.

[0065] Step 105: The SMF sends a Create Session Management Context response to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the Create Session Management Context response from the SMF.

[0066] As an example, the session management context creation response is: Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse.

[0067] Step 106: Each network element authenticates and authorizes the PDU session.

[0068] As an example, PDU session authentication and authorization can be understood as: PDU Session authentication / authorization.

[0069] Step 107: Select the policy control function (PCF) in the SMF.

[0070] Step 108: Establish or modify the session management (SM) policy association in SMF.

[0071] This process is for establishing Session Management (SM) policy associations or for modifying SM policy associations initiated by the SMF.

[0072] As an example, the establishment of an SM policy association by an SMF or the initiation of a modification by an SMF can be understood as: SM Policy Association Establishment or SMF initiated SM Policy Association Modification.

[0073] Step 109: SMF selects the appropriate user plane function (UPF).

[0074] Step 110: SMF initiates modification of SM policy association.

[0075] As an example, SMF initiating a modification to the SMPolicy Association can be understood as: SMF initiated SMPolicy Association Modification.

[0076] Step 111: The SMF sends an N4 session establishment / modification request to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the N4 session establishment / modification request from the SMF.

[0077] As an example, an N4 session establishment / modification request is: N4 Session Establishment / Modification Request.

[0078] Step 112: The UPF sends an N4 session establishment / modification response to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N4 session establishment / modification response from the UPF.

[0079] As an example, the N4 session establishment / modification response is: N4 Session Establishment / Modification Response.

[0080] Step 113: Transmit N1 and N2 messages between AMF and SMF.

[0081] As an example, the N1 and N2 messages are transferred as: Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer.

[0082] Step 114: The AMF sends an N2 PDU session request to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the N2 PDU session request from the AMF.

[0083] As an example, an N2 PDU session request is: N2 PDU Session Request(NAS msg).

[0084] Step 115: The access network device performs specific resource settings and returns PDU session establishment acceptance.

[0085] As an example, the access network device performing specific resource setup and returning PDU session establishment acceptance can be understood as: AN-specific resource setup (PDU Session Establishment Accept).

[0086] Step 116: The access network device sends an N2 PDU session response to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the N2 PDU session response from the AMF.

[0087] As an example, the N2 PDU session response is: N2 PDU Session Response.

[0088] It should be noted that after step 116, the terminal and the UPF can perform the first uplink data transmission.

[0089] Step 117: The AMF sends a request to the SMF to update the session management context. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the update session management context request from the AMF.

[0090] As an example, the request to update the session management context is: Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request.

[0091] Step 118: The SMF sends an N4 session modification request to the UPF. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the N4 session modification request from the SMF.

[0092] As an example, an N4 session modification request is: N4 Session Modification Request.

[0093] Step 119: The UPF sends an N4 session modification response to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the N4 session modification response from the UPF.

[0094] As an example, the N4 Session Modification Response is: N4 Session Modification Response.

[0095] Step 120: Perform the registration operation between SMF, PCF, and UDM.

[0096] It should be noted that after step 120, the terminal and the UPF can perform the first downlink data transmission.

[0097] Step 121: The SMF sends an Update Session Management Context response to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the Update Session Management Context response from the SMF.

[0098] As an example, the update session management context response is: Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse.

[0099] Step 122: The SMF sends a session management context state notification to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the session management context state notification from the SMF.

[0100] As an example, the session management context status notification is: Nsmf_PDUSession_SMContextStatusNotify.

[0101] Step 123: SMF configures the terminal with an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) address.

[0102] As an example, configuring an IPv6 address can be understood as: IPv6 Address Configuration.

[0103] Step 124: SMF initiates another modification to the SM policy association.

[0104] As an example, the modification of SM policy association can be understood as: SMF initiated SM PolicyAssociation Modification.

[0105] Step 125: Perform an unsubscribe operation between SMF, PCF, and UDM.

[0106] As an example, the unsubscription operation can be understood as: Unsubscription.

[0107] 2. Future Communication Networks:

[0108] Future communication networks need to support new service scenarios such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with communication and the convergence of sensing and communication, including smart cities, digital healthcare, and smart factories. Different service scenarios have different performance requirements; therefore, the core network of future communication networks needs to have strong customization capabilities to integrate end-to-end network and application functions for the service targets. Generative Networks (GNs) will be generated based on communication, computing, and data resources to provide customized services. After a GN instance is created, how to enable terminals to quickly obtain the GN's service data is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0109] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a system architecture for a future communication network provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the core network of future communication networks is a multi-agent system, containing multiple agents and shared common components. Based on these agents, generative network instances can be generated to provide dedicated services to applications / terminals / tenants. A generative network refers to a logical network containing a series of network and application functions. Multiple generative network instances are connected to access network devices through a gateway (A-GW, Agentic Core-Gateway in the diagram). The functions of the agents and components in the core network are as follows:

[0110] Connectivity Agent: Responsible for intelligent connectivity management and control, including configuring terminal and base station functions, and establishing and updating end-to-end network topology and connections according to business needs. Execution Agent: Responsible for computing resource management and control, including deploying, updating, and deleting functional instances in the network, and dynamically scheduling computing resources. Memory: Used to collect and store network data and knowledge for use by the agents. It should be noted that the future core network may include other agents and components, not just those mentioned above.

[0111] The above provides a detailed description of the technologies involved in this application.

[0112] Currently, when a terminal needs to send data, it requests the establishment of a transmission channel from the network side. During the establishment of the transmission channel, the access network device allocates a radio bearer (such as a DRB) to the terminal and binds the transmission channel to the radio bearer session. After this, the terminal sends data through the DRB and PDU session. The fact that the terminal only requests the establishment of the transmission channel and radio bearer when sending service data, and binds the transmission channel to the radio bearer session, results in a longer waiting time for terminal data transmission.

[0113] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method in which a first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network within a first time period. The first network element then sends information about a second network element to a first access network device, and sends information about the first access network device to the second network element, thereby enabling the first access network device and the second network element to establish a first transmission channel. In this way, when it is predicted that a terminal will access the network, a transmission channel is established in advance between the access network device and the network. When the terminal needs to send data, only a bearer needs to be established between the terminal and the access network device, and the transmission channel and bearer need to be bound together for data transmission, without waiting for the transmission channel to be established, thus reducing the waiting time for terminal data transmission.

[0114] The following is a detailed description of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Before introducing the embodiments of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0115] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0116] In the description of this application, A sending a message to B can be understood as A sending a message to B through one or more network elements.

[0117] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b and / or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0118] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0119] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0120] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0121] It is understood that in this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require a judgment action to be performed during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0122] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0123] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0124] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be used in various communication systems, including 3GPP communication systems such as 4th generation (4G) systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), 5th generation (5G) systems (e.g., New Radio (NR) systems), LTE and 5G hybrid networking systems, integrated communication and sensing systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-type communication (MTC) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, or other future communication systems. The communication system can also be a non-3GPP communication system; there is no limitation on this.

[0125] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to those described herein. The communication systems provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions described herein. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0126] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible, non-limiting communication system. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the communication system includes a first network element and a first access network device. For example, the first access network device can be a radio access network (RAN) 100, and the first network element can be a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 3 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 3 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network node in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0127] In one possible implementation, a core network node can refer to equipment in the core network 200 that provides service support to terminal 120. The core network node in core network 200 may also include at least one of the following: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, application function (AF) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, network slice selection function (NSSF) network elements, or location management function (LMF) network elements, etc. Of course, core network 200 may also include other core network nodes, without limitation.

[0128] In one possible implementation, RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), an NTN network (such as an NTN supporting pass-through mode and / or regenerative mode, or an NTN supporting eye-viewing mode (earth fixed cell) and / or non-eye-viewing mode (earth moving cell), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0129] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and assists terminals in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in RAN 100 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example... Figure 3 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 3 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0130] For RAN node 110, in one possible scenario, RAN node 110 can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB, also known as eNB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a future communication base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. RAN node 110 can also be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 3 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 3The network equipment can be a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Examples include: satellite base stations, radio network controllers (RNCs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs, or home NodeBs, HNBs), relay stations, balloon stations, drone stations, wireless backhaul nodes, or grant nodes (G nodes) in satellite telemetry. It is understood that network equipment can be ground-based or non-ground-based (e.g., satellites, drones, high-altitude communication equipment). Furthermore, the names of network equipment with base station functions may differ in communication systems employing different wireless access technologies; this application does not limit this. Optionally, RAN node 110 can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU). RAN node 110 is also known as the next generation-RAN (NG-RAN) node.

[0131] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes 110 collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node 110 implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node 110 can be a CU, DU, CU-CP, CU-user plane (UP), or radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0132] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0133] In one possible scenario, terminal 120 can be a device used to implement wireless communication functions, such as a terminal, a chip or circuit that can be used in the terminal, or an entity associated with the terminal. Specifically, terminal 120 can be user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication equipment, terminal agent or terminal device, subscriber unit, smartphone, wireless data card, tablet computer, wireless modem, laptop computer, machine type communication (MTC) terminal, tag, etc., in a 5G network or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). The access terminal can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handset with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device or wearable device, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, or terminal node (T-node) in StarSpark, etc. In one possible implementation, terminal 120 can be mobile or fixed. It is understood that the terminal and the mobile user can be completely independent. All user-related information can be stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, which can be used on the terminal device. The terminal can then interact with network-side devices by sending and / or receiving signals over the air interface.

[0134] The chip or circuit in the terminal includes components inside the terminal, such as at least one of a chip, a central processing unit (CPU), a network processing unit (NPU), and a terminal radio frequency module.

[0135] Entities associated with the terminal include terminal-side servers, computing / processing nodes, computing / processing entities, computing / processing units, and servers such as over-the-top (OTT) servers. OTT refers to various services provided to users by a third party other than the network operator via the operator's network. Examples of OTT services include OTT voice communication services, OTT multimedia services, and OTT data processing services. The terminal interacts with relevant information (e.g., data) through communication with this associated network entity. For example, this associated network entity and the terminal may belong to the same vendor. Since model training, model selection, etc., may not be executed on the terminal but rather on the terminal-side OTT server, the term "terminal" in this embodiment also includes the terminal-side OTT server.

[0136] It should be understood that the terminal in this embodiment may also be referred to as the "UE side" or the "UE part".

[0137] In one possible implementation, the network device (e.g., access node or core network node) and terminal 120 in this embodiment can also be referred to as communication devices. These devices can be general-purpose or dedicated devices. The network device may include an access node (RAN node), an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) device, or a core network node. For the OAM device, it may include devices in an element management system (EMS) or a network management system (NMS). It should be understood that the network device in this embodiment can also be referred to as a "network side" or a "network part." This embodiment does not specifically limit its use in this regard.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the relevant functions of the terminal 120 or network device in this application embodiment can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. It is understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0139] It should be noted that a RAN node can be a device or a component within a device in the aforementioned NG-RAN, such as an ng-eNB node, a gNB node, or a transmission point (TP), transmission and reception point (TRP) within an ng-eNB node and a gNB node, or a central unit (CU) integrated on the NG-RAN. A RAN node can also be a network element with transmission capabilities, such as a transmission measurement function (TMF) network element. In some embodiments, a RAN node can also be an access node in an O-RAN system. A RAN typically consists of a series of modules, such as antennas, RRUs, and BBUs. Traditional RAN architectures define the overall reception and output of a RAN node but do not restrict the transmission and communication between internal modules. O-RAN architectures define the architectural connections and standardized interfaces between various modules within the RAN, allowing the RAN to be decoupled into multiple standard modules, thereby enabling the combination and replacement of modules.

[0140] For example, such as Figure 4The diagram illustrates a possible, non-limiting O-RAN system architecture. The Service Management and Orchestration Framework (SMO), as the network management device in the O-RAN, is used for the operation and management of devices within the O-RAN. The Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC), located within the SMO module, implements non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, such as AI / ML workflows including model training and updates, and guides applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. The Near-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Near-RT RIC) enables near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it achieves near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources.

[0141] The O-RAN central unit (O-CU) comprises the O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP) and the O-RAN central unit user plane (O-CU-UP). The O-CU implements the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions. Specifically, the O-CU-CP implements the RRC layer functions and the PDCP control plane functions. The O-CU-UP implements the SDAP layer functions and the PDCP user plane functions.

[0142] The O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU) is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY). The higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0143] The O-RAN radio unit (O-RU) is used to implement lower physical layer (PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions. These PHY functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH). In other words, the O-RU possesses functions similar to TRP and RRH RF devices, as well as PHY processing capabilities. Furthermore, the O-RU, O-CU, and O-DU can also be used as a single unit, i.e., the O-eNB / gNB, to implement the aforementioned functions.

[0144] O-RAN cloud (O-Cloud) is a cloud computing platform that includes physical infrastructure nodes for hosting O-RAN functions such as RIC and O-DU. O-Cloud supports software components (such as operating systems, virtual machine monitoring, and container runtimes), management, and orchestration functions.

[0145] In one possible scenario, the O-RAN system also includes a sensing unit (SU). The SU is mainly used to implement sensing-related functions, such as sending sensing signals and / or receiving echo signals of sensing signals, performing corresponding signal processing based on the received echo signals to obtain sensing measurement data, and performing sensing-related processing, etc.

[0146] As one possible implementation, a RAN node may include at least one of CU, DU, SU, and RU. A communication interface exists between CU and SU. A communication interface may or may not exist between SU ​​and DU. If no communication interface exists between SU ​​and DU, SU and DU can communicate through CU.

[0147] In the O-RAN architecture, the module that receives the report of the difference between the twin channel and the measurement channel can be CU, RT RIC, Non-RT RIC, etc. DU is responsible for receiving signals, signal processing, multipath measurement, and channel difference calculation.

[0148] For example, an O-RAN system includes communication interfaces between newly added internal components and other communication interfaces. For instance, the A1 interface serves as the interface between Non-RT RICs and Near-RT RICs, used for intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. Non-RT RICs can provide policies, enriched information, and ML model updates to Near-RT RICs via the A1 interface, while Near-RT RICs can provide policy feedback to Non-RT RICs via the A1 interface.

[0149] The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. The RAN node includes the CU and DU in 5G, the O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, and the O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) and / or O-DU in O-RAN. The Near-RT RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0150] The O1 interface is the interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module, used for operation management. This interface enables network management (such as fault management, configuration management, billing management, performance management, and security management, also known as FCAPS management), software management, and file management. The O2 interface is the interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functions.

[0151] The Open Fronthaul (FH) CUS-Plane interface includes a control plane (C-Plane), a user plane (U-Plane), and a synchronization plane (S-Plane). The control plane is used for real-time control between the O-DU and O-RU, such as transmitting beamforming weights from the O-DU to the O-RU or performing power control from the O-DU to the O-RU. The user plane is used to transmit communication data between the DU and RU for access network devices and terminals. The synchronization plane is used by the O-DU to provide clock synchronization to the O-RU. The Open FH M-Plane interface is the management plane interface, used for connection between the O-RU and O-DU, as well as the SMO, enabling management, monitoring, and configuration functions.

[0152] In addition, the NG interface is the interface between RAN nodes (e.g., base stations, CUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs) and the core network; NG-u is the user plane NG interface; and NG-c is the control plane NG interface. The Xn interface is the interface between NR RAN nodes; Xn-u is the user plane Xn interface; and Xn-c is the control plane Xn interface. The X2 interface is the interface between LTE RAN nodes; X2-u is the user plane X2 interface; and X2-c is the control plane X2 interface. In NR systems, the X2 interface is mainly used in E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity scenarios (E-UTRA-NR dualconnectivity, EN-DC), where the primary base station is an LTE RAN node connected to the LTE core network via the X2 interface. The E1 interface is the interface between CU-CPs and CU-UPs; the F1-C interface is the interface between CU-CPs and DUs; and the F1-U interface is the interface between CU-UPs and DUs.

[0153] In one possible implementation, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 The network devices and terminals shown can all be used Figure 5 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 5 The component shown; or, Figure 3 The components (e.g., chips) in the network devices and terminals shown can all be adopted. Figure 5 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 5 The components shown. It is understood that the communication device 500 includes means of the necessary form, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to perform this solution.

[0154] like Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 includes one or more processors 501. The processors 501 are used to implement the processing and determination processes performed by the various devices in the following embodiments. The processor 501 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., a RAN node, a terminal, or a chip), execute software programs, and process the data from the software programs.

[0155] Optionally, in one design, processor 501 may include program 503 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on processor 501 to cause communication device 500 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments.

[0156] Optionally, the communication device 500 may include one or more memories 502 storing a program 504 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 501 to cause the communication device 500 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0157] Optionally, processor 501 and / or memory 502 may include AI module 507 and AI module 508, which are used to implement AI-related functions. These AI modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include an intelligent controller (RIC) module. For instance, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0158] Optionally, the processor 501 and / or memory 502 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0159] Optionally, the communication device 500 may further include a transceiver 505, which is used to implement the transmission and reception processes performed by the various devices in the following embodiments. The processor 501, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 505, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, etc., may also include an antenna 506 in the communication device 500.

[0160] It should be pointed out that, Figure 5 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 5 In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0161] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0162] Furthermore, the actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referenced interchangeably without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages exchanged between the various devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation.

[0163] The following is combined Figures 1 to 5 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0164] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between network elements are just examples. Other names may also be used in other embodiments. The communication method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0165] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0166] It is understood that this application uses terminals and network devices as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions; similarly, the method executed by the network device in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the network device (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device's functions. This application does not specifically limit these aspects.

[0167] The functions and actions performed by each device in the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application are described below, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0168] Step 601: The first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network during the first time period.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first network element determines the historical terminal access information of the first network, and predicts whether a terminal will access the first network within a future period of time (denoted as the first time period) based on the historical terminal access information of the first network. If so, the first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network during the first time period.

[0170] In some other embodiments, the first network element determines the type of the first network (also referred to as the description of the first network) and the service area of ​​the first network. Subsequently, the first network element determines the historical terminal access information of networks with the same type as the first network and / or whose service area similarity is greater than a preset threshold, and predicts whether a terminal will access the first network in a first time period based on the historical access information. If so, the first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network in the first time period.

[0171] As an example, the first network element is a connecting agent, the first network is a generating network, and the second network element is the gateway A-GW of the GN. The above is an exemplary description of the first network element, the second network element, and the first network. The first network element and the second network element can also be other network elements, and the first network can also be other networks. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0172] Step 602: The first network element sends a first message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first message from the first network element.

[0173] The first message is used to indicate information about the second network element. The first access network device is a device that can serve the terminal, such as an access network device that the terminal has already accessed, or an access network device that the terminal may access.

[0174] In some implementations, if the first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network during a first time period, it further predicts the terminal's activity range and identifies the access network device covering the terminal's activity range as the first access network device. The first network element sends information about the second network element to the first access network device so that the first access network device can subsequently establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element based on the information from the second network element.

[0175] For example, the first transmission channel can be a wired transmission channel, such as an optical fiber; the first transmission channel can also be a wireless transmission channel, such as a wireless channel, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first message is used to indicate the address of the second network element. Based on this, the first access network device can communicate with the second network element based on the address of the second network element to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element.

[0177] In some other embodiments, the first message is further used to instruct the first access network device to reserve transmission resources for the first transmission channel, such as reserving a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID). In other words, the first message is also used to instruct the first access network device to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel. This enables the first access network device to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel, thereby enabling the first access network device to establish the first transmission channel based on the tunnel endpoint identifier.

[0178] Step 603: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the second message from the first network element.

[0179] The second message is used to indicate information about the first access network device. The information of the second network element and the information of the first access network device are used to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element. The second network element is used to forward data from the first network.

[0180] In some implementations, the first network element identifies a network element connected to the first network that covers the activity range of the terminal as the second network element, or the first network element identifies a gateway capable of communicating with the first access network device and the first network as the second network element. The first network element sends information about the first access network device to the second network element so that the second network element can subsequently establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element based on the information about the access network device.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device. Based on this, the second network element can communicate with the first access network device based on the address of the first access network device to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element.

[0182] In some other embodiments, the second message is also used to instruct the second network element to reserve transmission resources for the first transmission channel, such as reserving a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID). In other words, the second message is used to instruct the second network element to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel. This enables the second network element to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel, and consequently, enables the second network element to establish the first transmission channel based on the tunnel endpoint identifier.

[0183] Optionally, the second message may also indicate the entry address of the first network, which is used by the second network element to forward data to the first network. This allows the second network element to forward data from the first network based on the entry address of the first network.

[0184] Step 604: The first access network device and the second network element establish a first transmission channel based on the first message and the second message.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the first access network device sends a second request message to the second network element. The second request message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the first access network device for the first transmission channel.

[0186] The second network element sends a third request message to the first access network device. The third request message is used to indicate the address of the second network element and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the second network element for the first transmission channel.

[0187] The first access network device and the second network element establish a first transmission channel based on the address of the first access network device and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the first access network device for the first transmission channel, and the address of the second network element and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the second network element for the first transmission channel.

[0188] It should be noted that the above is only an example of establishing a first transmission channel. In actual implementation, the first network element can establish multiple first transmission channels in parallel, and this application does not limit this.

[0189] In this embodiment, if a first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network within a first time period, it sends information about the second network element to the first access network device and information about the first access network device to the second network element, thereby enabling the first access network device and the second network element to establish a first transmission channel. In this way, when it is predicted that a terminal will access the network, a transmission channel is established in advance between the access network device and the network. When the terminal needs to send data, it only needs to establish a bearer between the terminal and the access network device and bind the transmission channel and bearer to transmit data, without waiting for the transmission channel to be established, thus reducing the waiting time for terminal data transmission.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first network element may obtain information about the first network from the third network element in advance, so that the first network element can predict, based on the information about the first network, whether a terminal will access the first network within a first time period. The following provides a detailed description, in conjunction with... Figure 6 ,like Figure 7 As shown, prior to step 601 above, and step 601 can be replaced by step 702, the method further includes:

[0191] Step 701: The third network element sends a third message to the first network element. The corresponding first network element receives the third message from the third network element.

[0192] The third message is used to indicate information about the first network, which includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the type of the first network, and the service area of ​​the first network.

[0193] It is understandable that in this implementation, the information of the first network can be pre-configured, so that the first network element can know the information of the first network in advance, thereby improving the flexibility of configuring the information of the first network.

[0194] In some embodiments, the third message may also include the entry address of the first network, so that the second network element can forward data of the first network based on the entry address of the first network.

[0195] Step 702: The first network element predicts that a terminal will access the first network within the first time period based on the network type and / or service area of ​​the first network.

[0196] In some embodiments, taking a first network element as a connecting agent, a third network element as an executing agent, and a second network element as a GN as an example, after deploying a GN instance in the executing agent, the executing agent sends GN instance information to the connecting agent. The GN instance information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: GN entry address, GN type (also known as GN description), and GN service area. Afterward, the connecting agent retrieves historical terminal access information for that type of GN network from memory and predicts the number and activity range of terminals that may access the first network element within a first time period based on the historical terminal access information. Based on the number and activity range of the terminals, the first network element determines a first access network device and a second network element capable of providing services to these terminals. The first network element instructs the first access network device and the second network element to establish a first transmission channel.

[0197] In some embodiments, after the first access network device and the second network element establish a first transmission channel based on the first message and the second message in step 604 above, if a first terminal connected to the first access network device requests access to the first network, the first network element instructs the establishment of a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device. In this way, a first bearer can be established between the first terminal and the first access network device to improve data transmission efficiency by establishing a targeted bearer. The following describes this in detail with reference to steps 703 to 707.

[0198] Step 703: The first terminal sends a first request message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first request message from the first terminal.

[0199] The first terminal is a terminal connected to the first access network device, and the first request message is used to request the network that the first terminal needs to access.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first request message is used to indicate the identifier of the network that the first terminal needs to access; or, the first request message is used to indicate the type of network that the first terminal needs to access.

[0201] Step 704: The first network element, in response to the requirement that the first terminal needs to access the first network, sends a fourth message to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the fourth message from the first network element. The fourth message is used to activate the first transmission channel.

[0202] Optionally, the fourth message includes the identifier of the first network and / or the address of the first access network device. Thus, the second network element can determine the first transmission channel to be activated based on the identifier of the first network and / or the address of the first access network device. For example, if the second network element establishes transmission channels across multiple networks, and these transmission channels are bound to different networks and / or access network devices, after receiving the fourth message, the second network element determines the first transmission channel to be activated based on the identifier of the first network and / or the address of the first access network device in the fourth message, and activates the first transmission channel.

[0203] As an example, a first terminal sends an access request message to a connected agent requesting access to a GN. The access request message carries description information (e.g., the GN's identifier or type) of the target GN that the first terminal wishes to access. A first network element determines the GN that the first terminal wishes to access based on the target GN's description information. When the GN that the first terminal wishes to access is the aforementioned first network, the first network element sends a message to a second network element to activate the first transmission channel, enabling the second network element to activate the first transmission channel for subsequent data transmission between the first terminal and the first network via the first transmission channel. Optionally, the first network element may also send a message to a first access network device to activate the first transmission channel, enabling the first access network device to activate the first transmission channel; this application does not limit this to a specific method.

[0204] Step 705: The first network element sends a fifth message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the fifth message from the first network element.

[0205] The fifth message is used to instruct the establishment of a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device; the first bearer is used to carry the transmission data between the first terminal and the first network.

[0206] As an example, when the first network element determines that the GN to which the first terminal needs to access is the aforementioned first network based on the description information of the target GN, the first network element sends a fifth message to the first access network device, instructing the first access network device to establish a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device, so that the first terminal can subsequently transmit data with the first network through the first bearer and the first transmission channel.

[0207] In some embodiments, the fifth message includes an identifier of the first network, an identifier of the first terminal, and / or an address (such as an IP address) assigned to the first terminal. Based on this, the first access network device can establish a first bearer based on the identifier of the first network and the address assigned to the first terminal.

[0208] It should be noted that in some implementations, the configuration for establishing the first bearer can also be indicated in advance by the terminal to the first access network device. In other words, the first terminal sends a first bearer establishment request message to the first access network device.

[0209] Step 706: The first access network device sends a first indication message to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first indication message from the first access network device.

[0210] The first instruction message is used to instruct the establishment of a first bearer; optionally, the first instruction message is used to instruct the configuration information of the first bearer and the address allocated to the first terminal.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first access network device configures a first bearer for the first terminal and sends an address allocated to the first terminal to the first terminal. The address allocated to the first terminal is used for the first terminal to send data to the first network, or for the first network to send data to the first terminal.

[0212] Step 707: In response to the completion of the first bearer establishment, the first access network device associates the first bearer with the first transmission channel.

[0213] In some embodiments, after the first bearer is established, the first access network device associates the first bearer with the first transmission channel. When the first terminal needs to send data to the first network, the first terminal sends data to the first access network device through the first bearer. After receiving the data from the first bearer, the first access network device maps the data to the first transmission channel so that it can send the data to the second network element through the first transmission channel. After receiving the data, the second network element forwards the data to the first network based on the entry address of the first network.

[0214] When the first network needs to send data to the first terminal, the first network sends data to the second network element. After receiving the data, the second network element maps the data onto the first transmission channel to send the data to the first access device through the first transmission channel. After receiving the data, the first access network device maps the data onto the first bearer to send the data to the first terminal through the first bearer.

[0215] In some embodiments, this application also provides a method for a terminal to switch to other access network devices after establishing a connection with a first network through a first access network device and a second network element, in combination with... Figure 6 ,like Figure 8 As shown, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes:

[0216] Step 801: The first access network device sends a handover request message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the handover request message from the first access network device.

[0217] The handover request message is used to request the second terminal to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device. The second terminal is a terminal that is connected to the first network.

[0218] In some embodiments, the handover request message includes GN instance information of the first network and information of the second access network device. The first network element determines the GN instance to which the second terminal is connected and the target access network device to be switched based on the GN instance information of the first network and the information of the second access network device. The second network element switches the second terminal based on the GN instance to which the second terminal is connected and the target access network device to be switched.

[0219] Step 802: The first network element sends the sixth message to the second access network device.

[0220] The sixth message is used to instruct the establishment of a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device. The second bearer is used to carry the transmission data between the second terminal and the first network.

[0221] It is understandable that when the second terminal needs to switch from the first access network device to the second access network device, an instruction is made to establish a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device so that the second terminal can transmit data to the first access network device through the second bearer, thereby improving the stability and reliability of data transmission.

[0222] In some embodiments, after the first network element determines the target access network device that needs to be switched, it instructs the second access network device to establish a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device, so that the second terminal can access the second access network device through the second bearer.

[0223] As one implementation method, when the second terminal switches to the second access network device, the first network element needs to determine whether a transmission channel has been established between the second access network device and the second network element.

[0224] If a transmission channel exists between the second access network device and the second network element (denoted as Scenario 1), the first network element can directly instruct the second access network device to establish a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device. Afterward, the second access network device associates the second bearer with the transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element. The second terminal can then transmit data with the first network through the second bearer and the transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element.

[0225] If there is no transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element (referred to as scenario 2), the first network element instructs the second access network device to establish a second transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, and instructs the second access network device to establish a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device. After this, the second access network device associates the second bearer with the second transmission channel. The second terminal can then transmit data with the first network through the second bearer and the transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element.

[0226] In scenario 1, the following steps 901 are performed between the first network element and the second access network device to establish a second bearer.

[0227] Step 901: In response to the existence of a transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, the first network element sends a sixth message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the sixth message from the first network element.

[0228] In some embodiments, the sixth message includes the identifier of the first network, the identifier of the second terminal, and / or an address assigned to the second terminal (such as an Internet Protocol (IP) address). It should be noted that the sixth message is similar to the fifth message described above, except that the sixth message is used to indicate the establishment of a second bearer and to indicate information related to the second terminal. For a detailed understanding of the sixth message, please refer to the fifth message described above. The specific implementation of step 901 can be referred to step 705 described above; this application will not elaborate further on this.

[0229] In scenario 2, the first network element, the second network element, and the second access network device perform the following steps 902 to 904 to establish a second bearer.

[0230] Step 902: In response to the absence of a transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, the first network element sends a seventh message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the seventh message from the first network element.

[0231] The seventh message is used to indicate information about the second network element.

[0232] It should be noted that the seventh message is similar to the first message mentioned above, except that the seventh message indicates information about the second network element and information related to the second terminal. For an understanding of the seventh message, please refer to the first message mentioned above; for the implementation of step 902, please refer to step 602 mentioned above. This application will not elaborate further on these points.

[0233] Step 903: The first network element sends the eighth message to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the eighth message from the first network element.

[0234] The eighth message is used to indicate information about the second access network device; the information about the second network element and the second access network device is used to establish a second transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element.

[0235] It should be noted that the eighth message is similar to the second message described above, except that the eighth message indicates information about the second access network device and information related to the second terminal. The understanding of the eighth message can be referred to the second message described above, and the implementation method of step 903 can be referred to step 603 described above; this application will not elaborate further on these aspects.

[0236] Step 904: The first network element sends a sixth message to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the sixth message from the first network element.

[0237] The implementation of step 904 can refer to step 901 above, and this application will not elaborate on it.

[0238] In some embodiments, after step 901 or step 904 described above, the second access network device may associate the second bearer with the second transmission channel, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the process specifically includes:

[0239] Step 905: The second access network device sends a bearer update message to the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second terminal receives the bearer update message from the second access network device.

[0240] The bearer update message is used to indicate the identifier or description information of the updated transmission channel, the updated second bearer, and other information, which are not limited in this application.

[0241] Step 906: The second access network device is associated with the second bearer and the second transmission channel.

[0242] The implementation of step 906 can refer to step 707 above, and this application will not elaborate on it.

[0243] Step 907: The second access network device sends a ninth message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the ninth message from the second access network device.

[0244] The ninth message is used to indicate the completion of the second bearer establishment.

[0245] Step 908: The first network element sends a handover completion message to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the handover completion message from the first network element.

[0246] Step 909: If there is no terminal connected to the first network among the terminals accessed by the first access network device, the first network element instructs the second network element to activate the first transmission channel.

[0247] In step 909, if the first access network device no longer needs to transmit data to the first network, the first network element can instruct the first transmission channel to be deactivated. At this time, the second network element will no longer need to forward downlink data to the first access network device.

[0248] Based on the above Figure 9 The provided terminal handover method decouples the process of establishing a bearer and establishing a transmission channel. When a terminal needs to switch, only the bearer needs to be re-established. If there is a transmission channel between the access network device and the gateway, the transmission channel can be reused directly without waiting for the transmission channel to be established, thereby reducing the terminal handover latency and achieving fast handover.

[0249] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between network elements. Correspondingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. The communication device can be a terminal in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the terminal, or a component usable in a terminal; the communication device can be a network device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the network device, or a component usable in a network device; it is understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0250] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be understood that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0251] for example, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a transceiver module 1010. Optionally, it includes a processing module 1020. The transceiver module 1010, also known as a transceiver unit, is used to implement transceiver functions, and may be, for example, a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver device, or a communication interface.

[0252] Taking the communication device 1000 as the first network element in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the first network element, or a component that can be used in the first network element, as an example: the processing module 1020 is used to predict that a terminal will access the first network within a first time period; the transceiver module 1010 is used to send a first message to the first access network device and a second message to the second network element; wherein, the first message is used to indicate the information of the second network element, the second message is used to indicate the information of the first access network device, and the information of the second network element and the information of the first access network device are used to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element, the first access network device is a device that can serve the terminal, and the second network element is used to forward data of the first network.

[0253] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to indicate the address of the second network element; and / or, the second message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to instruct the first access network device to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel; and / or, the second message is used to instruct the second network element to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel.

[0255] In one possible implementation, the second message is also used to indicate the entry address of the first network, which is used by the second network element to forward data to the first network.

[0256] In one possible implementation, the processing module 1020 is specifically used to predict whether a terminal will access the first network within a first time period based on the network type and / or service area of ​​the first network.

[0257] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to receive a third message, which indicates information about the first network. The information about the first network includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the type of the first network, and the service area of ​​the first network.

[0258] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to receive a first request message from a first terminal, wherein the first terminal is a terminal connected to a first access network device, and the first request message is used to request the network that the first terminal needs to access; in response to the network that the first terminal needs to access being a first network, a fourth message is sent to a second network element, and the fourth message is used to activate the first transmission channel.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send a fifth message to the first access network device, the fifth message being used to indicate the establishment of a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device; the first bearer being used to carry the transmission data between the first terminal and the first network.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the first request message is used to indicate the identifier of the network that the first terminal needs to access; or, the first request message is used to indicate the type of network that the first terminal needs to access.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the fifth message includes the identifier of the first network and / or the address assigned to the first terminal.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the fourth message includes the identifier of the first network and / or the address of the first access network device.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to receive a handover request message from the first access network device, the handover request message being used to request the second terminal to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device, the second terminal being a terminal accessing the first network; the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send a sixth message to the second access network device, the sixth message being used to instruct the establishment of a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device, the second bearer being used to carry the transmission data between the second terminal and the first network.

[0264] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send a sixth message to the second access network device in response to the existence of a transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element; or, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send a seventh message to the second access network device and an eighth message to the second network element in response to the absence of a transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, wherein the seventh message is used to indicate information of the second network element and the eighth message is used to indicate information of the second access network device; the information of the second network element and the information of the second access network device are used to establish a second transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element; the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send the sixth message to the second access network device.

[0265] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to receive a ninth message from the second access network device, wherein the ninth message is used to indicate that the establishment of the second bearer is complete; the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send a handover completion message to the first access network device.

[0266] Taking the communication device 1000 as the first access network device in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the first access network device, or a component that can be used in the first access network device as an example, then: the transceiver module 1010 is used to receive a first message from the first network element, wherein the first message is used to indicate information of the second network element, and the information of the second network element and the information of the first access network device are used to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element, wherein the first access network device is a device that can serve the terminal, and the second network element is used to forward data of the first network; the processing module 1020 is used to establish the first transmission channel based on the first message.

[0267] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send a second request message to the second network element, wherein the second request message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the first access network device for the first transmission channel.

[0268] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to receive a third request message from the second network element. The third request message indicates the address of the second network element and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the second network element for the first transmission channel.

[0269] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to indicate the address of the second network element; and / or, the second message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the first message is used to instruct the first access network device to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel; and / or, the second message is used to instruct the second network element to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the second message is also used to indicate the entry address of the first network, which is used by the second network element to forward data to the first network.

[0272] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to receive a fifth message from the first network element, the fifth message being used to indicate the establishment of a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device; the first bearer being used to carry the transmission data between the first terminal and the first network; and to send a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message being used to indicate the establishment of the first bearer; the processing module 1020 is further configured to associate the first bearer and the first transmission channel in response to the completion of the establishment of the first bearer.

[0273] In one possible implementation, the fifth message includes the identifier of the first network and / or the address assigned to the first terminal.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the first indication message is used to indicate the configuration information of the first bearer and the address allocated to the first terminal.

[0275] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is further configured to send a handover request message to the first network element. The handover request message is used to request the second terminal to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device. The second terminal is a terminal that accesses the first network.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a handover completion message from the first network.

[0277] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to in the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage module 1030, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 1020 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module 1030.

[0278] In this embodiment, the communication device 1000 is presented as an integrated functional module. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device can employ... Figure 5 The communication device 500 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0279] Specifically, Figure 10 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 1010 and the processing module 1020 can be obtained through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 502 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1020 can be achieved through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 502 to implement the communication. Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1010 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 5 This is achieved by the transceiver 505 in the communication device 500 shown.

[0280] Since the communication device provided in this application embodiment can execute the above communication method, the technical effects it can obtain can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0281] It should be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0282] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0283] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system), which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data, and the processor can call the program code stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be included in the communication device. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0284] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0285] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the first network element, the second network element, the first access network device, the second access network device, and / or the terminal described in the above method embodiments.

[0286] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs).

[0287] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0288] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network element, including: It is predicted that a terminal will access the first network within a first time period, send a first message to the first access network device, and send a second message to the second network element; wherein, the first message is used to indicate the information of the second network element, the second message is used to indicate the information of the first access network device, and the information of the second network element and the information of the first access network device are used to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element, the first access network device is a device that can serve the terminal, and the second network element is used to forward data from the first network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first message is used to indicate the address of the second network element; And / or, the second message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message is used to instruct the first access network device to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel; And / or, the second message is used to instruct the second network element to reserve a tunnel endpoint identifier for the first transmission channel.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The second message is also used to indicate the entry address of the first network, which is used by the second network element to forward data to the first network.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The prediction that a terminal will access the first network within the first time period includes: Based on the network type and / or service area of ​​the first network, it is predicted that a terminal will access the first network during the first time period.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before predicting that a terminal will access the first network within the first time period, the method further includes: A third message is received, the third message being used to indicate information about the first network, the information about the first network including but not limited to at least one of the following: the type of the first network, the service area of ​​the first network.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, After sending a first message to the first access network device and a second message to the second network element, the method further includes: Receive a first request message from a first terminal, wherein the first terminal is a terminal connected to the first access network device, and the first request message is used to request the network that the first terminal needs to access; In response to the fact that the network required for the first terminal to access is the first network, a fourth message is sent to the second network element, the fourth message being used to activate the first transmission channel.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, After receiving the first request message from the first terminal, the method further includes: A fifth message is sent to the first access network device, the fifth message being used to instruct the establishment of a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device; the first bearer is used to carry the transmission data between the first terminal and the first network.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first request message is used to indicate the identifier of the network that the first terminal needs to access; Alternatively, the first request message may be used to indicate the type of network that the first terminal needs to access.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fifth message includes the identifier of the first network and / or the address assigned to the first terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fourth message includes the identifier of the first network and / or the address of the first access network device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a handover request message from the first access network device, the handover request message being used to request the second terminal to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device, the second terminal being a terminal that accesses the first network; A sixth message is sent to the second access network device, the sixth message being used to instruct the establishment of a second bearer between the second terminal and the second access network device, the second bearer being used to carry the transmission data between the second terminal and the first network.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Sending the sixth message to the second access network device includes: In response to the existence of a transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, the sixth message is sent to the second access network device; or, In response to the absence of a transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element, a seventh message is sent to the second access network device, and an eighth message is sent to the second network element. The seventh message is used to indicate information about the second network element, and the eighth message is used to indicate information about the second access network device. The information about the second network element and the information about the second access network device are used to establish a second transmission channel between the second access network device and the second network element. The sixth message is sent to the second access network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a ninth message from the second access network device, wherein the ninth message is used to indicate that the establishment of the second bearer is complete; Send a handover completion message to the first access network device.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first access network device, the method includes: Receive a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message is used to indicate information of the second network element, and the information of the second network element and the information of the first access network device are used to establish a first transmission channel between the first access network device and the second network element, wherein the first access network device is a device capable of serving the terminal, and the second network element is used to forward data from the first network; The first transmission channel is established based on the first message.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The establishment of the first transmission channel based on the first message includes: Send a second request message to the second network element, wherein the second request message is used to indicate the address of the first access network device and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier reserved by the first access network device for the first transmission channel.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth message is received from the first network element, the fifth message being used to instruct the establishment of a first bearer between the first terminal and the first access network device; the first bearer is used to carry the transmission data between the first terminal and the first network; Send a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message being used to indicate the establishment of the first bearer; In response to the completion of the first bearer establishment, associate the first bearer with the first transmission channel.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first indication message is used to indicate the configuration information of the first bearer and the address allocated to the first terminal.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: A handover request message is sent to the first network element. The handover request message is used to request the second terminal to be switched from the first access network device to the second access network device. The second terminal is a terminal that is connected to the first network.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a handover completion message from the first network.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A functional unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-20; wherein the action performed by the functional unit is implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor; The processor is connected to a memory for storing computer execution instructions, and the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

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

24. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor; the processor is connected to a memory for storing computer execution instructions, and the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

25. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When it is operated on a communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

Images