Method, terminal device, and network device

Abstract

To provide a method, a device, and a computer storage medium for a multi-USIM to communicate in a network.SOLUTION: In a process 200 for a multi-USIM to communicate in a network, a terminal device connected to a first network device determines 220 to establish connection to a second network device and sends 230 an instruction to the first network device indicating that a portion of the terminal device's capability for a first subscriber identity module is released for simultaneous connection to the first network device and the second network device.EFFECT: A portion of the terminal device's capability for the first subscriber identity module is released so that the terminal device has spare capability for a second subscriber identity module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, and computer storage media for communication within a multi-universal subscriber identity module (USIM) network. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, multi-USIM terminals occupy a large market share. The two USIMs may conform to the same or different communication standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR). A dual-transmit (Tx) / dual-receive (Rx) (2Tx / 2Rx) multi-USIM terminal can simultaneously receive traffic from or transmit traffic to two USIM networks. Therefore, in some scenarios, a multi-USIM terminal may establish connections in two networks simultaneously. However, the solution in NR Release 17 is not suitable for these scenarios, so extensions to the solution for these scenarios need to be researched. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus, and computer storage medium for communication in a multi-USIM network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In a first aspect, there is provided a method of communication, the method comprising: determining, in a terminal device, in a connected state to a first network device associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device, whether to establish a connection to a second network device associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device; and, according to the determination to establish the connection to the second network device, sending an indication to the first network device indicating that a part of the terminal device's capabilities for the first subscriber identity module is released for simultaneous connection to the first network device and the second network device.

[0005] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of communications, the method comprising: determining, at a terminal device, whether a simultaneous connection is established to a first network device associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device and a second network device associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device; and, in accordance with determining that the simultaneous connection is established, sending a first indication to the first network device indicating the simultaneous connection.

[0006] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of communications, the method comprising receiving, at a first network device, an indication from a terminal device indicating that a portion of the terminal device's capacity for the first subscriber identity module of the terminal device is to be released for simultaneous connection to a first network device associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device and a second network device associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of communications, the method comprising receiving, at a first network device, a first indication from a terminal device indicating simultaneous connection of the terminal device to a first network device associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device and to a second network device associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a terminal device is provided, the terminal device comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the terminal device to perform a method according to at least one of the first or second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a network device comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the network device to perform a method according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to at least one of the first or second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to the third or fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] Other features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication scenario in which some embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. [Figure 1B]1 is a schematic diagram of exemplary components of a network device in an exemplary communications network. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for communication in a multi-USIM network, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for communication in a multi-USIM network, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for communication in a multi-USIM network, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for communication in a multi-USIM network, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for communication in a multi-USIM network, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process for communication in a multi-USIM network, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication method implemented in a terminal device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary communication method implemented in a terminal device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary communication method implemented in a network device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary communication method implemented in a network device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] In the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and practicing the present disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways different from those described below.

[0017] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0018] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device capable of wireless or wired communication. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to, user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, tablets, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, any Internet of Things (IoE) device, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, and in-vehicle devices for V2X communications. The "X" in V2X may represent a pedestrian, vehicle, or infrastructure / network, or an image capture device such as a digital camera, a gaming device, a music storage and playback device, or an Internet appliance that enables wireless or wired Internet access and browsing. The term "terminal device" may be used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, subscriber station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device. The term "network device" refers to a device capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage area through which terminal devices can communicate. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, low power nodes such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB), a transmit / receive point (TRP), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a femto node, and a pico node.

[0019] In one embodiment, a terminal device can connect to a first network device and a second network device. One of the first network device and the second network device may be a master node and the other a secondary node. The first network device and the second network device may use different radio access technologies (RATs). In one embodiment, the first network device may be a first RAT device, and the second network device may be a second RAT device. In one embodiment, the first RAT device is an eNB, and the second RAT device is a gNB. Information related to the different RATs may be transmitted to the terminal device from at least one of the first network device and the second network device. In one embodiment, the first information may be transmitted from the first network device to the terminal device, and the second information may be transmitted from the second network device directly or via the first network device to the terminal device. In one embodiment, information related to the terminal device configuration configured by the second network device may be transmitted from the second network device via the first network device. The information regarding the reconfiguration of the terminal device configured by the second network device may be transmitted to the terminal device directly from the second network device or via the first network device.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "said" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "comprises" and variations thereof should be understood as open-ended terms meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on." The terms "one embodiment" and "embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment." Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may refer to different or the same object. The following may include other explicit and implicit definitions.

[0021] In some instances, values, procedures, or devices are referred to as "best," "lowest," "highest," "minimum," "maximum," etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to illustrate that choices may be made from among many functional alternatives used, and that such choices are not necessarily better, smaller, higher, or otherwise more preferred than other choices.

[0022] As used herein, the term "subscriber identity module (SIM)" refers to a general-purpose subscriber identity module used in a terminal device. Examples of SIMs include, but are not limited to, a SIM card, a USIM card, an ISIM card, etc. The term "SIM" may be used interchangeably with USIM or ISIM.

[0023] In the context of this disclosure, the capabilities of a terminal device may be single Tx / single Rx (1 Tx / 1 Rx), single Tx / dual Rx (1 Tx / 2 Rx), dual Tx / single Rx (2 Tx / 1 Rx), 2 Tx / 2 Rx, etc. Single Tx (1 ​​Tx) allows the terminal device to transmit traffic to one of two USIM networks at a time. Single Rx (1 Rx) allows the terminal device to receive traffic from one of two networks of two USIMs at a time. Dual Rx (2 Rx) allows the terminal device to simultaneously receive traffic from two networks of two USIMs. Dual Tx (2 Tx) allows the terminal device to simultaneously transmit traffic to two networks of two USIMs. The terms single Rx / Tx and dual Rx / Tx refer to device capabilities rather than device types. For example, a single terminal device may use dual Tx for communication in some cases but single Tx for communication in other cases. Similarly, for example, a single terminal device may use dual Rx for communication in some cases, but may use a single Rx for communication in some cases, and of course, for example, a single terminal device may use both dual Rx and dual Tx for communication in some cases.

[0024] Assume that the terminal device supports network A on USIM A and network B on USIM B. In some scenarios, the terminal device may have established a connection in network A on USIM A using its full Rx / Tx capabilities and remain idle or inactive in network B on USIM B. In this case, if the terminal device needs to handle an incoming service from network B, it expects to establish a connection with network B as well.

[0025] In view of this, one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution for capacity adjustment during network switching, in which an indication is sent from the terminal device to network A indicating a reduction in the terminal device's capacity for simultaneous connections, so that network A may release some of its Rx / Tx capacity so that the terminal device has spare capacity for network B.

[0026] In some scenarios, the terminal device may have established a connection in network A on USIM A and also in network B on USIM B. That is, the terminal device may have established simultaneous connections to networks A and B. In this case, one of networks A and B may reconfigure the terminal device, which makes the simultaneous connection impossible because the reconfiguration may cause some problems. For example, interference occurs between a cell of network A and a cell of network B. As another example, the configurations from networks A and B may exceed the capabilities (e.g., Rx / Tx capabilities) of the terminal device.

[0027] In view of this, another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution to address potential problems under simultaneous connections, thereby allowing the behavior of terminal devices during simultaneous connections to be defined.

[0028] The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Communication Network Example

[0029] 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary communication scenario 100A in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1A, communication scenario 100A may involve a first communication network 101 including a first network device 110 and a second communication network 102 including a second network device 120. Note that first network device 110 is merely an example of a network device in first communication network 101, and in practice, first communication network 101 may include more network devices. Similarly, second network device 120 is merely an example of a network device in second communication network 102, and in practice, second communication network 102 may include more network devices.

[0030] The communication scenario 100A may involve a terminal device 130 holding a first USIM 131 and a second USIM 132. The first USIM 131 communicates with an external environment via a first communication network 101, and the second USIM 132 communicates with an external environment via a second communication network 102. That is, the first USIM 131 is served by a network device in the first communication network 101, and the second USIM 132 is served by a network device in the second communication network 102.

[0031] The first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may comply with the same or different RATs currently existing or to be developed in the future. That is, the first communication network 101 and the second communication network 102 may comply with the same or different RATs. Note that the number of USIMs held by the terminal device 130 is not limited to two, and two or more USIMs may be applied. Therefore, it should be noted that the communication scenario 100A may involve more communication networks serving USIMs. For convenience, the following description will be given taking two USIMs and two corresponding communication networks as an example.

[0032] It should be understood that the first network device 110 may support the second communication network 102, and the second network device 120 may support the first communication network 101. Accordingly, the first network device 110 may serve at least one of the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132. The second network device 120 may serve at least one of the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132. For convenience, the following description will be made assuming that the first network device 110 serves the first USIM 131 and the second network device 120 serves the second USIM 132, unless otherwise specified. However, it should be noted that this is merely an example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may be served by the same network device, such as the first network device 110 or the second network device 120 .

[0033] The first network device 110 may communicate with the terminal device 130 over a channel, such as a wireless communication channel. Similarly, the second network device 120 may communicate with the terminal device 130 over a channel, such as a wireless communication channel. In some embodiments where the first network device 110 supports the first communication network 101 and the second network device 120 supports the second communication network 102, the first USIM 131 may communicate with the first network device 110 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the second network device 120. In some embodiments where the first network device 110 supports the second communication network 102 and the second network device 120 supports the first communication network 101, the first USIM 131 may communicate with the second network device 120 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the first network device 110. In some embodiments where the first network device 110 supports both the first communication network 101 and the second communication network 102, both the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the first network device 110. In some embodiments where the second network device 120 supports both the first communication network 101 and the second communication network 102, both the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132 may communicate with the second network device 120.

[0034] 1A is given for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitations on the present disclosure. Communication scenario 100A may include any suitable number of network devices and / or terminal devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Communications in communication scenario 100A may conform to any suitable standard, including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communications (MTC), etc. Furthermore, communications may be performed in accordance with any currently known or future-developed generation of communications protocols. Examples of communications protocols include, but are not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, and fifth-generation (5G) communications protocols.

[0036] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram 100B illustrating exemplary components of network devices in an exemplary communication scenario 100A. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 1B will be described with reference to a first network device 110. It should be understood that the description of FIG. 1B is also applicable to other network devices in the communication scenario 100A, whether shown or not. As shown in FIG. 1B, the first network device 110 may include a master node (MN) 111 and a secondary node (SN) 112. It should be understood that the MN 111 and the SN 112 may be implemented as network devices. The MN 111 may have serving cells 111-1 and 111-2, and the SN 112 may have serving cells 112-1 and 112-2. A group of serving cells (i.e., Master Cell Group, MCG) associated with the MN 111 may include a primary cell (PCell) and at least one secondary cell (SCell), and a group of serving cells (i.e., Secondary Cell Group, SCG) associated with the SN 112 may include a primary secondary cell (PSCell) and at least one secondary cell (SCell). It should be understood that each of the MCG and SCG may have more or fewer serving cells and are not limited to the serving cells shown.

[0037] 1A , in some scenarios, the terminal device 130 may have established a connection between the first USIM 131 and the first network device 110 and maintain an idle or inactive state between the second USIM 132 and the second network device 120. In this case, when the terminal device 130 transmits or receives data between the second USIM 132 and the second network device 120, the terminal device 130 may expect to establish a connection to the second network device 120.

[0038] In some scenarios, the terminal device 130 may have established a connection between the first USIM 131 and the first network device 110, and may also have established a connection between the second USIM 132 and the second network device 120. That is, the terminal device 130 may have established simultaneous connections to the networks of the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132. In this case, the terminal device 130 may receive a message for radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration from the first network device 110 or the second network device 120.

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved solutions for the above scenarios. It should be noted that the above scenarios are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Solutions according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to any suitable scenario. For convenience, these solutions will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2-7. Example of establishing simultaneous connections

[0040] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process 200 for communication in a multi-USIM network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 200 may involve a terminal device 130 and a first network device 110 as shown in FIG. 1. Assume that the terminal device 130 establishes a connection between the first USIM 131 and the first network device 110 and maintains an idle or inactive state between the second USIM 132 and the second network device 120.

[0041] 2, the first network device 110 may send (210) a configuration to the terminal device 130 indicating the sending of an instruction, the instruction indicating that a portion of the capacity of the terminal device 130 for the first USIM 131 is to be released for simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120. In other words, the first network device 110 may configure the terminal device 130 to indicate that the capacity of the terminal device 130 needs to be reduced for simultaneous connection.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit the configuration within an RRC message. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit the configuration within system information. Of course, the first network device 110 may transmit the configuration in any other suitable manner.

[0043] The terminal device 130 determines (220) whether to establish a connection to the second network device 120. For example, if the terminal device 130 needs to handle an incoming service from the second network device 120, the terminal device 130 may decide to establish a connection to the second network device 120.

[0044] If it is determined to establish a connection to the second network device 120, the terminal device 130 sends (230) an indication to the first network device 110 indicating that a portion of the terminal device's 130 capabilities for the first USIM 131 is released for simultaneous connections to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120. In this way, a capability adjustment may be realized for simultaneous connections.

[0045] In some embodiments, the terminal 130 may send an RRC message containing this indication to the first network device 110. For example, the terminal device 130 may send an RRC message, such as a UEAssistanceInformation message, to indicate that it needs to change its configuration to reduce some of its capabilities in the first USIM 131 for simultaneous connections. Of course, this is just one example, and the indication may be passed in any other suitable manner.

[0046] In some embodiments, the indication may include information indicating a proposed configuration, which may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130 (also referred to herein as an SCG deactivation request), a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130 (also referred to herein as an SCG release request), a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layer to be reduced.

[0047] In some embodiments, the indication may include information indicating that the reason for the release is simultaneous connections, in other words, the cause of the capacity reduction or configuration change is due to multi-USIM transmissions.

[0048] In some embodiments, the indication may include information indicating a preferred RRC state at the first network device 110. For example, the indication may include information indicating an RRC connection state, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the instructions may include information indicating an expected length of time for the release. In other words, the instructions may include information indicating an expected length of time for the capacity reduction.

[0050] Once this indication is sent, terminal device 130 may start a timer (240). In some embodiments, terminal device 130 is prohibited from sending another indication for simultaneous connection to first network device 110 while the timer is running (250). That is, when the timer is running, terminal device 110 is not permitted to send another message for the same purpose. In this way, signaling overhead can be effectively saved.

[0051] In some embodiments, if the timer expires and a response to the release is not received from the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 may release 260 the portion of the capabilities of the terminal device 130. That is, the terminal device 130 may itself reduce the capabilities in its first USIM 131. In some alternative embodiments, if the timer expires and a response to the release is not received from the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 may enter (or change to) an idle state in the network of the first network device 110 (260').

[0052] The process described in connection with FIG. 2 can achieve capacity adjustment for simultaneous multi-USIM connections. Example of how to deal with problems during simultaneous connections

[0053] As described above, a terminal device may be reconfigured during simultaneous connections for multiple USIMs of the terminal device. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution to address the problems caused by simultaneous connections in this case, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process 300 for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the process 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Assume that a terminal device 130 has established simultaneous connections to a first network device 110 and a second network device 120. The process 300 may involve the terminal device 130 and the first network device 110 (also referred to herein as a network device) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] 3, the terminal device 130 determines (310) whether a simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 is established. For example, if the terminal device 130 determines that an RRC connection is established between the first USIM 131 and the first network device 110 and an RRC connection is established between the second USIM 132 and the second network device 120, the terminal device 130 may determine that a simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 is established.

[0055] If terminal device 130 determines that the simultaneous connection is established, it transmits (320) a first indication indicating the simultaneous connection to first network device 110. It should be understood that the first indication may be transmitted in any suitable manner, and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0056] In this way, the first network device 110 can recognize that the terminal device 130 is in a multi-USIM simultaneous connection state, and therefore does not have to reconfigure the terminal device 130, which would require higher capabilities of the terminal device 130.

[0057] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine (330) whether the connection to second network device 120 has been released. If terminal device 130 determines that the connection to second network device 120 has been released, terminal device 130 may send (340) a second indication to first network device 110 indicating the release of the connection to second network device 120. That is, terminal device 130 may notify first network device 110 that it is leaving the simultaneous connection state.

[0058] In this way, the first network device 110 can recognize that the terminal device 130 is leaving the multi-USIM simultaneous connection state, and may perform a reconfiguration of the terminal device 130 that requires higher capabilities of the terminal device 130.

[0059] In relation to the first to fourth embodiments, several implementation examples for indicating simultaneous connections will be described. Embodiment 1

[0060] In this embodiment, as the first instruction, the terminal device 130 may send to the first network device 110 first information indicating a limitation on the capability of the terminal device 130 for the first USIM 131. In this way, the first network device 110 will not reconfigure the terminal device 130 with a setting that exceeds the limitation on the capability of the terminal device 130. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0061] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process 400 for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, the process 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Assume that a terminal device 130 has established simultaneous connections to a first network device 110 and a second network device 120. The process 400 may involve the terminal device 130 and the first network device 110 (also referred to herein as a network device) as shown in FIG.

[0062] 4, the terminal device 130 may determine 410 whether a simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 is established. The operation of decision 410 is similar to the operation of decision 310 described in FIG. 3 and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] If it is determined that a simultaneous connection is established, terminal device 130 may transmit (420) to first network device 110 first information indicating limitations on the capabilities of terminal device 130 for first USIM 131. It should be understood that the first information may be transmitted in any suitable manner, and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first information may include a set of authorized bands or band combinations for the first USIM 131. In some embodiments, the first information may include a set of selected bands or band combinations for the second USIM 132. In some embodiments, the first information may include a maximum number of cells for the first USIM 131, i.e., a maximum number of cells in the network of the first USIM 131. In some embodiments, the first information may include information regarding power adjustment between the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132. For example, the information regarding power adjustment may include a maximum power used by the terminal device 130 for the first USIM 131. Of course, the information regarding power adjustment may include any other suitable information. It should be understood that the first information may also include any other suitable information, and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0065] The terminal device 130 may determine (430) whether the connection to the second network device 120 has been released. If it determines that the connection to the second network device 120 has been released, the terminal device 130 may send (440) second information to the first network device 110 indicating the lifting of the restriction. That is, the terminal device 130 may indicate to the network of the first USIM 131 that the capability restriction should also be lifted when the connection in the network of the second USIM 132 is released.

[0066] The process described in connection with FIG. 4 may prevent the first network device 110 from reconfiguring the terminal device 130 with settings that exceed the limitations on the capabilities of the terminal device 130 . Embodiment 2

[0067] In this embodiment, as the first instruction, the terminal device 130 may send third information to the first network device 110, indicating that the cell for the first USIM 131 is subject to interference from simultaneous connections. In this way, the first network device 110 can avoid configuring the affected cell for the terminal device 130. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0068] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process 500 for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, the process 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Assume that a terminal device 130 has established simultaneous connections to a first network device 110 and a second network device 120. The process 500 may involve the terminal device 130 and the first network device 110 (also referred to herein as a network device) as shown in FIG.

[0069] 5, the first network device 110 may transmit 510 to the terminal device 130 a configuration indicating transmission of third information. The third information indicates that the cell for the first USIM 131 experiences interference from simultaneous connections. For example, the first network device 110 may configure the terminal device 130 to report the interference from simultaneous connections in a measurement report.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit this setting within the system information. It should be understood that this setting may be transmitted in any suitable manner and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0071] The terminal device 130 may determine 520 whether a simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 is established. The operation of decision 520 is similar to the operation of decision 310 described in FIG. 3 and will not be described in detail here.

[0072] If it is determined that the simultaneous connection is established, terminal device 130 may transmit (530) to first network device 110 third information indicating that the cell for first USIM 131 experiences interference from the simultaneous connection. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may transmit the third information within a measurement report. For example, terminal device 130 may indicate within the measurement report whether the neighboring cell experiences interference from second USIM 132. It should be understood that the third information may be transmitted in any suitable manner, and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0073] The process described in connection with FIG. 5 allows the first network device 110 to avoid setting up the affected cell to the terminal device 130 . Embodiment 3

[0074] In this embodiment, as the first instruction, the terminal device 130 may send fourth information to the first network device 110, indicating that the cell for the first USIM 131 is experiencing problems caused by simultaneous connections. Thus, the first network device 110 may move away from the cell where the terminal device 130 is experiencing interference from the second USIM 132, and may reconfigure the terminal device 130 with an appropriate setting, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0075] 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another process 600 for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, the process 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Assume that a terminal device 130 has established simultaneous connections to a first network device 110 and a second network device 120. The process 600 may involve the terminal device 130 and the first network device 110 (also referred to herein as a network device) as shown in FIG.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first network device 110 may transmit 610 to the terminal device 130 a configuration indicating transmission of fourth information. The fourth information indicates that the cell for the first USIM 131 is experiencing problems caused by simultaneous connections. In some embodiments, the problems may include interference from simultaneous connections. In some embodiments, the problems may include the capabilities of the terminal device 130 being exceeded. Of course, the problems may include any other related scenarios. It should be understood that the configuration may be transmitted in any suitable manner, and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0077] The terminal device 130 may determine 620 whether a simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 is established. The operation of decision 620 is similar to the operation of decision 310 described in FIG. 3 and will not be described in detail here.

[0078] If it is determined that the simultaneous connection is established, the terminal device 130 may transmit fourth information to the first network device 110 indicating that the cell for the first USIM 131 is experiencing a problem caused by the simultaneous connection (630). In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may transmit the third information in an RRC message. For example, the RRC message may be a UEAssistanceInformation. As another example, the RRC message may be an RRCReconfigurationComplete message. Of course, any other suitable RRC message is also possible. It should be understood that the fourth information may be transmitted in any suitable manner, and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include a cause of the problem. For example, the cause of the problem may include at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with the second USIM 132, an indication that the capacity of the terminal device 130 has been exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first USIM 131 has been exceeded. It should be noted that these are merely examples, and the cause of the problem may also include any other suitable items.

[0080] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include a proposed configuration. For example, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130, a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum MIMO layer to be reduced. These are merely examples, and it should be understood that the proposed configuration may also include any other appropriate items.

[0081] It should also be understood that the fourth information may also include any other suitable information, and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0082] By the process described in connection with FIG. 6, the first network device 110 may move away from the cell in which the terminal device 130 is experiencing interference from the second USIM 132 and may reconfigure the terminal device 130 with appropriate settings. Embodiment 4

[0083] In this embodiment, if the terminal device 130 detects that the settings in the RRCReconfiguration message from the network of the first USIM 131 cause problems in the network of the second USIM 132, the terminal device 130 may not apply the RRCReconfiguration message and may reject the reconfiguration. In some embodiments, this problem may include interference from simultaneous connections. In some embodiments, this problem may include the capabilities of the terminal device 130 being exceeded. Of course, this problem may include any other related scenarios.

[0084] This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7, which is a schematic diagram illustrating another process 700 for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, the process 700 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Assume that a terminal device 130 has established simultaneous connections to a first network device 110 and a second network device 120. The process 700 may involve the terminal device 130 and the first network device 110 (also referred to herein as a network device) as shown in FIG.

[0085] 7, the first network device 110 may send a first message for RRC reconfiguration to the terminal device 130 (710). The first message includes a configuration to be applied to the terminal device 130.

[0086] Terminal device 130 may determine 720 whether the settings in the first message are applicable to simultaneous connections. In other words, terminal device 130 may determine whether the settings will cause problems associated with simultaneous connections. For example, terminal device 130 may determine whether the settings will cause interference to second USIM 132. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may determine whether the settings will cause insufficient capacity for terminal device 130.

[0087] If the terminal device 130 determines that the settings in the first message are not applicable to the simultaneous connections, the terminal device 130 may send a second message to the first network device 110 to reject the RRC reconfiguration (730). For example, if the terminal device 130 determines that the settings will cause interference to the second USIM 132, the terminal device 130 may determine that the settings in the first message are not applicable to the simultaneous connections. As another example, if the terminal device 130 determines that the settings will cause insufficient capabilities of the second USIM 130, the terminal device 130 may determine that the settings in the first message are not applicable to the simultaneous connections.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second message may include a cause for rejecting the RRC reconfiguration. For example, the cause may include at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with the second USIM 132, an indication that the capabilities of the terminal device 130 are exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first USIM 131 is exceeded. It should be noted that these are examples only, and the cause of the problem may also include any other suitable items.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second message may include a proposed configuration. For example, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130, a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum MIMO layer to be reduced. These are merely examples, and it should be understood that the proposed configuration may also include any other suitable items.

[0090] It should also be understood that the second message may also include any other suitable information and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0091] Due to the process described in connection with FIG. 7, RRC reconfigurations that cause problems associated with simultaneous connections are not applied by the terminal device 130.

[0092] It should be noted that the operations shown in Figures 2 to 7 are not necessarily required to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure, and more or fewer operations may be applied as needed. Corresponding to the processes described in Figures 2 to 7, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide communication methods implemented in terminal devices and network devices. These methods are described below with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Example of the method

[0093] 8 illustrates an exemplary communication method 800 implemented in a terminal device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 800 may be performed in a terminal device 130 such as that shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of explanation, method 800 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 800 may include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Assume that terminal device 130 is in a connected state with first network device 110 and in an idle or inactive state with second network device 120.

[0094] 8, in block 810, the terminal device 120 determines whether to establish a connection to the second network device 120. The first network device 110 is associated with a first USIM 131 of the terminal device 130, and the second network device 120 is associated with a second USIM 132 of the terminal device 130.

[0095] When establishing a connection to the second network device 120, in block 820, the terminal device 130 sends an indication to the first network device 110 indicating that a portion of the terminal device 130's capabilities for the first USIM 131 will be released for simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

[0096] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may start a timer upon sending the instruction. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may be prohibited from sending another instruction for a simultaneous connection to first network device 110 while the timer is running.

[0097] In some embodiments, if the timer expires and a response to the release is not received from the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 may release the portion of the capabilities of the terminal device 130. In some alternative embodiments, if the timer expires and a response to the release is not received from the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 may change to an idle state.

[0098] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may send this indication by transmitting information indicating at least one of a proposed configuration, a reason for the release being simultaneous connections, a preferred RRC state in first network device 110, or an expected length of time for the release. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of terminal device 130, a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum MIMO layer to be reduced. Of course, the proposed configuration may include any other suitable information. It should be understood that the indication may include any other suitable information.

[0099] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive a configuration from first network device 110 indicating the sending of this indication.

[0100] The method of FIG. 8 can realize capacity adjustment for simultaneous connection of multiple USIMs.

[0101] 9 illustrates another exemplary communication method 900 implemented in a terminal device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 900 may be performed in terminal device 130 as shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of explanation, method 900 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. For convenience, first network device 110 will be described below as an example of a network device. It should be understood that method 900 may also be performed between terminal device 130 and second network device 120 as shown in FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 900 may include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some blocks shown, and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0102] 9, in block 910, the terminal device 130 determines whether a simultaneous connection to a first network device 110 and a second network device 120 is established. The first network device 110 is associated with a first USIM 131 of the terminal device 130, and the second network device 120 is associated with a second USIM 132 of the terminal device 130.

[0103] If a simultaneous connection is established, in block 920, the terminal device 130 sends a first indication indicating this simultaneous connection to the first network device 110. In this way, the first network device 110 does not reconfigure the terminal device 130 with settings that exceed the limitations on the capabilities of the terminal device 130.

[0104] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the connection to the second network device 120 has been released, the terminal device 120 may send to the first network device 110 a second indication indicating the release of the connection to the second network device 120. In this way, the first network device 110 may recognize that the terminal device 130 is leaving the multi-USIM simultaneous connection state and may perform a reconfiguration of the terminal device 130 that requires higher capabilities of the terminal device 130.

[0105] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may send the first indication by transmitting, to first network device 110, first information indicating limitations on the capabilities of terminal device 130 for first USIM 131. In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of: a set of authorized bands or band combinations for first USIM 131; a set of selected bands or band combinations for second USIM 132; a maximum number of cells for first USIM 131; or information regarding power adjustment between first USIM 131 and second USIM 132. In some embodiments, the information regarding power adjustment may include a maximum power used by terminal device 130 for first USIM 131. Of course, the information regarding power adjustment may also include any other suitable information. It should be understood that the first information may include any other suitable information.

[0106] In some embodiments, upon determining that the connection to the second network device has been released, terminal device 130 may transmit second information indicating the lifting of the restriction to first network device 110. In this manner, first network device 110 may not reconfigure terminal device 130 with settings that exceed the limitations on the capabilities of terminal device 130.

[0107] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may send the first indication by transmitting third information to first network device 110 indicating that the cell for first USIM 131 is subject to interference from the simultaneous connection. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may send the third information in a measurement report. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive a configuration from first network device 110 indicating the transmission of the third indication. In this way, first network device 110 can avoid configuring the affected cell for terminal device 130.

[0108] In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may send the first indication by sending fourth information to first network device 110 indicating that the cell for first USIM 131 is experiencing problems caused by simultaneous connections. In some embodiments, terminal 130 may send the fourth information in an RRC message to first network device 110. In some embodiments, terminal device 130 may receive configuration from first network device 110 indicating sending of the fourth indication.

[0109] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of a cause of the problem or a proposed configuration. In some embodiments, the cause of the problem includes at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with the second USIM 132, an indication that the terminal device 130's capabilities have been exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first USIM 131 has been exceeded. Of course, the cause may take any other suitable form. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130, a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum MIMO layer to be reduced. It should be understood that the fourth information may include any other suitable information. Thus, the first network device 110 may move away from the cell where the terminal device 130 is experiencing interference from the second USIM 132 and may reconfigure the terminal device 130 with an appropriate configuration.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 may send the first indication by determining whether the settings in a first message for RRC reconfiguration received from the first network 110 are applicable to the simultaneous connections, and if the settings are not applicable to the simultaneous connections, sending a second message to the first network device 110 to reject the RRC reconfiguration.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second message may include at least one of a cause for rejecting the RRC reconfiguration or a proposed configuration. In some embodiments, the cause for rejecting the RRC reconfiguration includes at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with the second USIM 132, an indication that the terminal device 130's capabilities have been exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first USIM 131 has been exceeded. Of course, the cause may take any other suitable form. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130, a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum MIMO layer to be reduced. It should be understood that the second message may include any other suitable information. In this way, an RRC reconfiguration that causes problems associated with simultaneous connections is not applied by the terminal device 130.

[0112] 10 illustrates an exemplary communication method 1000 implemented in a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, method 1000 may be performed in a first network device 110 as shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of explanation, method 1000 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 1000 may include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Assume that terminal device 130 is in a connected state with first network device 110 and in an idle or inactive state with second network device 120.

[0113] 10 , in block 1010, the first network device 110 receives an indication from the terminal device 130 that a portion of the capabilities of the terminal device 130 for a first USIM 131 of the terminal device 130 is to be released for simultaneous connection to the first network device 110 and a second network device 120. The first network device 110 is associated with the first USIM 131, and the second network device 120 is associated with a second USIM 132 of the terminal device 130.

[0114] In some embodiments, the indication may include information indicating at least one of a proposed configuration, a reason for the release being simultaneous connections, a preferred RRC state in the first network device 110, or an expected length of time for the release. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130, a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum MIMO layer to be reduced.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may send a configuration to the terminal device 130 indicating the sending of this indication.

[0116] According to the method of FIG. 1, the first network device 110 may perform capability adjustment for simultaneous connections of multiple USIMs.

[0117] 11 illustrates another exemplary communication method 1100 implemented in a network device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, method 1100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. For example, method 1100 may be performed in a first network device 11 as shown in FIG. 1. It should be understood that method 1100 may also be performed in a second network device 120 as shown in FIG. 1. For convenience, first network device 110 will be described below as an example of a network device. It should be understood that method 1100 may include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some blocks shown, and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0118] 11 , in block 1110, the first network device 110 receives a first indication from the terminal device 130 indicating a simultaneous connection of the terminal device 130 to the first network device 110 and the second network device 120. The first network device 110 is associated with a first USIM 131 of the terminal device 130, and the second network device 120 is associated with a second USIM 132 of the terminal device 130.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive a second indication from the terminal device 130 indicating the release of the connection between the terminal device 130 and the second network device 120 .

[0120] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive the first indication by receiving, from the terminal device 130, first information indicating limitations on the terminal device's capabilities for the first subscriber identity module.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of a set of allowed bands or band combinations for the first USIM 131, a set of selected bands or band combinations for the second USIM 132, a maximum number of cells for the first USIM 131, or information regarding power adjustment between the first USIM 131 and the second USIM 132. In some embodiments, the information regarding power adjustment may include a maximum power used by the terminal device 130 for the first USIM 131.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit a setting indicating the transmission of the third information to the terminal device 130. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive the second information indicating the lifting of the restriction from the terminal device 130.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive the first indication by receiving third information from the terminal device 130 indicating that a cell for the first USIM 131 is experiencing problems caused by simultaneous connections. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive the third information in a measurement report.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive the first indication by receiving fourth information from the terminal device 130 indicating that the cell for the first USIM 131 is experiencing problems caused by simultaneous connections. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may receive the fourth information in an RRC message.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first network device 110 may transmit to the terminal device 130 a configuration indicating the transmission of the fourth information.

[0126] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include at least one of a cause of the problem or a proposed configuration. In some embodiments, the cause of the problem includes at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with the second USIM 132, an indication that the capability of the terminal device 130 has been exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first USIM 131 has been exceeded. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130, a set of Scells to deactivate, a set of Scells to release, or a maximum MIMO layer to reduce.

[0127] In some embodiments, first network device 110 may send a first message for RRC reconfiguration and receive a second message for rejecting RRC reconfiguration to terminal device 130. If the settings in the first message are not applicable to the simultaneous connections, the second message is sent by terminal device 130.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second message may include at least one of a cause for rejecting the RRC reconfiguration or a proposed configuration. In some embodiments, the cause for rejecting the RRC reconfiguration includes at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with the second USIM 132, an indication that the capability of the terminal device 130 has been exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first USIM 131 has been exceeded. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate the SCG of the terminal device 130, a request to release the SCG of the terminal device 130, a set of Scells to be deactivated, a set of Scells to be released, or a maximum MIMO layer to be reduced.

[0129] By using the method of FIG. 11, the first network device 110 can recognize that the terminal device 130 is in a multi-USIM simultaneous connection state, and therefore does not need to reconfigure the terminal device 130, which would require higher capabilities of the terminal device 130.

[0130] The operation of the steps in methods 200 to 1100 is similar to the process described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 11, and therefore other overlapping details will not be described here. Device implementation example

[0131] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1200 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 1200 may be considered another exemplary implementation of the first network device 110, the terminal device 130, or the second network device 120 shown in Figure 1. Thus, the apparatus 1200 may be implemented in, or as at least a part of, the first network device 110, the terminal device 130, or the second network device 120.

[0132] As shown, the apparatus 1200 comprises a processor 1210, a memory 1220 coupled to the processor 1210, a suitable transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) 1240 coupled to the processor 1210, and a communication interface coupled to the TX / RX 1240. The memory 1210 stores at least a portion of a program 1230. The TX / RX 1240 is used for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 1240 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, although the access nodes referred to herein may in practice have multiple antennas. The communication interface may represent any interface required for communication with other network elements, such as an X2 / Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs / gNBs, an S1 / NG interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and an eNB / gNB, an Un interface for communication between an eNB / gNB and a relay node (RN), or a Uu interface for communication between an eNB / gNB and a terminal device.

[0133] The program 1230 is assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 1210, enable the device 1200 to operate according to embodiments of the present disclosure, as described herein with reference to Figures 1-11. The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 1210 of the device 1200, by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 1210 may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the combination of the processor 1210 and the memory 1220 may form a processing means 1250 suitable for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0134] Memory 1220 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, including, by way of non-limiting example, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. While only one memory 1220 is shown in device 1200, several physically distinct memory modules may be present within device 1200. Processor 1210 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1200 may have multiple processors, for example, application-specific integrated circuit chips time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0135] In some embodiments, the terminal device comprises circuitry configured to: determine, in a connected state to a first network device associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device, whether to establish a connection to a second network device associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device; and, in accordance with a decision to establish a connection to the second network device, send an indication to the first network device indicating that a portion of the terminal device's capabilities for the first subscriber identity module is released for simultaneous connection to the first network device and the second network device.

[0136] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to start a timer upon sending the indication. In some embodiments, the terminal device may be prohibited from sending another indication for a simultaneous connection to the first network device while the timer is running. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to release the portion of the terminal device's capabilities or change to an idle state pursuant to determining that the timer has expired and a response to the release is not received from the first network device.

[0137] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to transmit the indication by transmitting information indicating at least one of the following: a proposed configuration, a reason for the release being simultaneous connections, a preferred radio resource control state at the first network device, or an expected length of time for the release. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate a secondary cell group of the terminal device, a request to release a secondary cell group of the terminal device, a set of secondary cells to be deactivated, a set of secondary cells to be released, or a maximum multiple-input multiple-output layer to be reduced.

[0138] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to receive a configuration from the first network device indicating transmission of the indication.

[0139] In some embodiments, the terminal device comprises circuitry configured to determine whether a simultaneous connection is established to a first network device associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device and a second network device associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device, and, in accordance with a determination that the simultaneous connection is established, to send a first indication to the first network device indicating the simultaneous connection.

[0140] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to, in accordance with determining that the connection to the second network device has been released, send a second indication to the first network device indicating the release of the connection to the second network device.

[0141] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the first indication by transmitting, to the first network device, first information indicating limitations on capabilities of the terminal device for the first subscriber identity module.

[0142] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to transmit the first information by transmitting at least one of a set of allowed bands or band combinations for the first subscriber identity module, a set of selected bands or band combinations for the second subscriber identity module, a maximum number of cells for the first subscriber identity module, or information regarding power adjustment between the first subscriber identity module and the second subscriber identity module. In some embodiments, the information regarding power adjustment may include a maximum power to be used by a terminal device for a first subscriber identity module.

[0143] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to, in accordance with determining that the connection to the second network device has been released, send second information to the first network device indicating the lifting of the restriction.

[0144] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to send the first indication by sending, to a first network device, third information indicating that a cell for a first subscriber identity module is experiencing interference from a simultaneous connection. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to send the third information to the first network device by sending the third information in a measurement report.

[0145] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to receive a configuration from the first network device indicating transmission of the third information.

[0146] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to send the first indication by sending fourth information to a first network device indicating that a cell for a first subscriber identity module is experiencing problems caused by simultaneous connections. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to send the fourth information to the first network device by sending the fourth information in a radio resource control message.

[0147] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to receive a configuration from the first network device indicating transmission of the fourth information.

[0148] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to transmit the fourth information by transmitting at least one of a cause of the problem or a suggested configuration.

[0149] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to: determine whether settings in a first message for radio resource control reconfiguration received from the first network are applicable to the simultaneous connections; and, in accordance with a determination that the settings are not applicable to the simultaneous connections, send the first indication by sending a second message to the first network device to reject the radio resource control reconfiguration.

[0150] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to transmit the second message by transmitting at least one of a reason for rejecting the radio resource control reconfiguration or a proposed configuration.

[0151] In some embodiments, the cause of the problem or the cause for rejecting the radio resource control reconfiguration may include at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with a second subscriber identity module, an indication that the terminal device's capabilities have been exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first subscriber identity module has been exceeded. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate a secondary cell group of the terminal device, a request to release a secondary cell group of the terminal device, a set of secondary cells to be deactivated, a set of secondary cells to be released, or a maximum multiple-input multiple-output layer to be reduced.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first network device comprises circuitry configured to receive an indication from a terminal device indicating that a portion of the terminal device's capabilities for a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device is to be released for simultaneous connection to the first network device associated with the terminal device's first subscriber identity module and a second network device associated with the terminal device's second subscriber identity module.

[0153] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the indication by receiving information indicating at least one of a proposed configuration, a reason for the release being the simultaneous connection, a preferred radio resource control state at the first network device 110, or an expected length of time for the release. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate a secondary cell group of a terminal device, a request to release a secondary cell group of a terminal device, a set of secondary cells to be deactivated, a set of secondary cells to be released, or a maximum multiple-input multiple-output layer to be reduced.

[0154] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to transmit to the terminal device a configuration indicating transmission of the indication.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first network device comprises circuitry configured to receive a first indication from the terminal device indicating simultaneous connection of the terminal device to a first network device associated with a first subscriber identity module of the terminal device and a second network device associated with a second subscriber identity module of the terminal device.

[0156] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to receive a second indication from the terminal device indicating a release of the terminal device's connection to the second network device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the first indication by receiving, from the terminal device, first information indicating limitations on capabilities of the terminal device for the first subscriber identity module.

[0158] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the first information by receiving at least one of a set of allowed bands or band combinations for the first subscriber identity module, a set of selected bands or band combinations for the second subscriber identity module, a maximum number of cells for the first subscriber identity module, or information regarding power adjustment between the first and second subscriber identity modules. In some embodiments, the information regarding power adjustment may include a maximum power used by a terminal device for a first subscriber identity module.

[0159] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to receive second information from the terminal device indicating removal of the restriction.

[0160] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the first indication by receiving third information from the terminal device indicating that a cell for the first subscriber identity module is experiencing a problem caused by the simultaneous connection.

[0161] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the third information by receiving the third information from the terminal device in a measurement report.

[0162] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to transmit to the terminal device a configuration indicating transmission of the third information.

[0163] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the first information by receiving fourth information from the terminal device indicating that a cell for the first subscriber identity module is experiencing problems caused by the simultaneous connection. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the fourth information by receiving the fourth information from the terminal device in a radio resource control message. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to transmit to the terminal device a configuration indicating transmission of the fourth information.

[0164] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the fourth information by receiving at least one of a cause of the problem or a suggested configuration.

[0165] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be further configured to send a first message to the terminal device for radio resource control reconfiguration and to receive a second message sent by the terminal device pursuant to a determination that the configuration in the first message is inapplicable to the simultaneous connection, the second message being for rejecting the radio resource control reconfiguration.

[0166] In some embodiments, the circuitry may be configured to receive the second message by receiving at least one of a cause for rejecting the radio resource control reconfiguration or a proposed configuration.

[0167] In some embodiments, the cause of the problem or the cause for rejecting the radio resource control reconfiguration may include at least one of a set of serving cells interfering with a second subscriber identity module, an indication that the terminal device's capabilities have been exceeded, or an indication that the number of cells for the first subscriber identity module has been exceeded. In some embodiments, the proposed configuration may include at least one of a request to deactivate a secondary cell group of the terminal device, a request to release a secondary cell group of the terminal device, a set of secondary cells to be deactivated, a set of secondary cells to be released, or a maximum multiple-input multiple-output layer to be reduced.

[0168] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a hardware circuit and / or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. For example, a circuit may be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware. As yet another example, a circuit may be any portion of a hardware processor with software, including a digital signal processor, software, and one or more memories, that cooperate to cause a device, such as a terminal device or a network device, to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit may be a hardware circuit and / or a processor, such as a microprocessor or portion thereof, that requires software / firmware for operation, although the software may not be present if not necessary for operation. As used herein, the term "circuitry" also includes an implementation of a hardware circuit or one or more processors only, or a hardware circuit or portion of one or more processors and its / their accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0169] Overall, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or other pictorial representations, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented, by way of non-limiting example, in hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or any combination thereof.

[0170] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in program modules, that execute within a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the processes or methods described above with reference to FIGS. 2-11. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules may be executed within local or distributed devices. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0171] Program code for carrying out the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, and when executed by the processor or controller, cause the program code to implement the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code may run entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a separate software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0172] The above-described program code may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or associated with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the aforementioned media. More specific examples of a machine-readable storage medium may include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0173] Although operations have been described in a particular order, it should not be understood that performing these operations in the particular order shown, or in any sequential order, or performing all of the operations described, is required to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking or parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Some features that are described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0174] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A method for a terminal device, comprising: communicating with a first network associated with a first Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and a second network associated with a second USIM; sending a message to a first network device included in the first network, the message including a first setting of a temporary capacity restriction of the terminal device in a connected state to the first network device; starting a timer upon transmission of the message including the first setting; applying a temporary capacity restriction to the terminal device when the timer expires; Including, The terminal device is a multi-USIM (MUSIM) device, The terminal device includes the first USIM and the second USIM. method.

2. sending the message when the terminal device initiates a connection to a second network device included in the second network; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. receiving a second configuration from the first network device, the second configuration including information for transmitting the first configuration to the first network device; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

4. The first setting is A request for deactivating a secondary cell group of the terminal device; a request for the terminal device to release a secondary cell group; a set of secondary cells to be deactivated; A set of secondary cells to be released, or Number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

5. sending the first configuration to the first network device using a UEAssistanceInformation message; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

6. The terminal device sends the message including the first setting and starts the timer if the timer is not running. The method of claim 1.

7. receiving information from the first network device indicating an instruction to temporarily limit the capacity of the terminal device; transmitting information to the first network device indicating that temporary capacity restriction of the terminal device will be implemented; The method of claim 1.

8. When the temporary capacity restriction of the terminal device is released, transmitting information indicating that the temporary capacity restriction is to be terminated to the first network device. The method of claim 1.

9. communication means for communicating with a first network associated with a first Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and a second network associated with a second USIM; a transmitting means for transmitting a message including a first setting of temporary capacity restriction of a terminal device connected to a first network device included in the first network to the first network device; a decision means for starting a timer upon sending the message including the first setting and for applying a temporary capacity restriction to the terminal device if the timer expires; Equipped with a multi-USIM (MUSIM) device; The first USIM and the second USIM are provided Terminal device.

10. The transmitting means transmits the message when the terminal device initiates a connection to a second network device included in the second network. The terminal device according to claim 9.

11. The communication means receives a second configuration from the first network device, the second configuration including information for transmitting the first configuration to the first network device. The terminal device according to claim 9.

12. The first setting is A request for deactivating a secondary cell group of the terminal device; a request for the terminal device to release a secondary cell group; a set of secondary cells to be deactivated; A set of secondary cells to be released, or Number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers 10. The terminal device according to claim 9, comprising at least one of:

13. The transmitting means transmits the first configuration to the first network device using a UEAssistanceInformation message. The terminal device according to claim 9.

14. Sending the message including the first setting and starting the timer if the timer is not running. The terminal device according to claim 9.

15. the communication means receives information indicating an instruction to temporarily limit the capacity of the terminal device from the first network device; the transmitting means transmits to the first network device information indicating that temporary capacity restriction of the terminal device will be implemented. The terminal device according to claim 9.

16. the transmitting means, when releasing the temporary capacity restriction of the terminal device, transmits information indicating that the temporary capacity restriction is to be terminated to the first network device. The terminal device according to claim 9.

17. 1. A method of a network device, comprising: communicating with a terminal device associated with a first Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM); receiving a message from a terminal device in a connected state to a first network device, the message including a first setting of a temporary capacity limit for the terminal device; Including, The terminal device is a multi-USIM (MUSIM) device, the terminal device includes the first USIM and a second USIM; the terminal device starts a timer upon transmission of the message including the first setting, and applies a temporary capacity restriction to the terminal device when the timer expires. method.

18. communication means for communicating with a terminal device associated with a first Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM); receiving means for receiving a message including a first setting of temporary capacity restriction of the terminal device connected to a first network device from the terminal device; Equipped with The terminal device is a multi-USIM (MUSIM) device, the terminal device includes the first USIM and a second USIM; the terminal device starts a timer upon transmission of the message including the first setting, and applies a temporary capacity restriction to the terminal device when the timer expires. Network equipment.

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