Communication method, user equipment, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a user equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: a first user equipment receiving a notification message, which is sent by a second user equipment, wherein the notification message represents that the second user equipment initiates an access to a target node (S5101); and performing path handover (S5102). In this way, by means of configuring a first user equipment to perform path handover when a second user equipment initiates an access to a target node, the aim of enabling a simultaneous path change between the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be achieved.

Description

Communication method, terminal, communication system, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] During a handover (HO) process, the network configures the user equipment (UE) to perform measurements. Based on the measurement results reported by the UE, the network sends a handover request to the target cell. After the target cell confirms the handover, the network sends a handover command to the UE. Upon receiving the handover command, the UE initiates a random access procedure to access the target cell.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium. By configuring a first terminal to perform path switching when a second terminal initiates access to a target node, the first terminal and the second terminal can change paths together.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0006] The first terminal receives a notification message sent by the second terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to a target node; and performs path switching.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0008] The second terminal receives the second path switching command sent by the network device and initiates access to the target node;

[0009] A notification message is sent to the first terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to the target node.

[0010] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first terminal is provided, the first terminal including:

[0011] A receiving module, configured for the first terminal to receive a notification message sent by the second terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal has initiated access to a target node;

[0012] A processing module is used for the first terminal to perform path switching.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second terminal is provided, the second terminal including:

[0014] The transceiver module is configured to receive a second path switching command sent by a network device at a second terminal and initiate access to a target node; and send a notification message to the first terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal has initiated access to the target node.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, including:

[0016] one or more processors;

[0017] The terminal is used to execute the steps of the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, and the second terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the steps of the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0020] The above technical solution can achieve at least the following beneficial technical effects:

[0021] By configuring the first terminal to perform path switching when the second terminal initiates access to the target node, the first terminal and the second terminal can change the path together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG1 b is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG2 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG3 a is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG3 b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG3 c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG3 d is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG4 a is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG4 b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG5 a is a schematic diagram showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG5 b is a schematic diagram showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG6 a is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG6 b is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG7 a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG7 b is a schematic structural diagram of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0039] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0040] The first terminal receives a notification message sent by the second terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to a target node; and performs path switching.

[0041] In the above embodiment, by configuring the first terminal to perform path switching when the second terminal initiates access to the target node, the purpose of changing the path of the first terminal and the second terminal together can be achieved.

[0042] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before performing the path switching, it includes: determining that the notification message includes a path change indication.

[0043] In the above embodiment, when the second terminal initiates access to the target node, the first terminal determines to perform path switching according to the path change indication, thereby achieving the purpose of the first terminal changing the path together with the second terminal according to the indication, and is compatible with scenarios in which the first terminal and the second terminal change the path together, and is compatible with scenarios in which the first terminal and the second terminal do not change the path together.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first terminal has a first path switching command;

[0045] Before performing the path switching, the method includes: determining that the notification message includes a path change indication; and determining that the target node identifier in the first path switching command is consistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication.

[0046] In the above embodiment, when the first terminal initiates access to the target node and the second terminal determines that the target node identifier in the first path switch command matches the target node identifier in the path change indication, the first terminal performs path switching. This allows the first terminal and the second terminal to simultaneously change paths to the target node.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0048] It is determined that the target node identifier in the first path switching command is inconsistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication, and RRC reconstruction is triggered.

[0049] In the above embodiment, when the first terminal initiates access to the target node at the second terminal, if it is determined that the target node identifier in the first path switching command is inconsistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication, RRC reconstruction is triggered to restore the RRC signaling connection and reduce disconnection.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the target node identifier is a cell identifier or a relay terminal identifier.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the purpose of the first terminal and the second terminal changing the path to the cell or the relay terminal together can be achieved.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first path switching command on the first terminal includes a first configuration, where the first configuration includes at least one of a bearer configuration, a MAC configuration, and a random access configuration;

[0053] The performing path switching includes: performing path switching according to the first configuration and starting a first timer.

[0054] In the above embodiment, when the first terminal and the second terminal change paths together, the first terminal can perform path switching based on at least one of the bearer configuration, MAC configuration, and random access configuration. This approach supports path switching with multiple configurations. Furthermore, it is specified that when the first terminal performs path switching, a first timer is started to assist.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, it is determined that the first timer has timed out, triggering RRC reconstruction.

[0056] In the above embodiment, when the first terminal and the second terminal change the path together, if the first timer times out, RRC reestablishment is triggered to restore the RRC signaling connection and reduce disconnection.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first path switching command further includes the duration of the first timer;

[0058] The method further includes: determining whether the first timer has timed out according to the duration of the first timer.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the duration of the first timer can be configured according to the first path switching command, which provides a way to configure the duration of the first timer.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0061] Receive a first indication message sent by the second terminal, where the first indication message indicates that the second terminal successfully accesses the target node; and stop the first timer.

[0062] In the above embodiment, when the first terminal and the second terminal change the path together, if the first terminal determines that the second terminal successfully accesses the target node, the first timer is stopped to avoid triggering redundant steps of RRC reestablishment due to the expiration of the first timer.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0064] Receive a second indication message sent by the second terminal, where the second indication message indicates that the second terminal fails to access the target node; and trigger RRC reconstruction.

[0065] In the above embodiment, during the process of the first terminal and the second terminal changing the path together, if the second terminal fails to access the target node, RRC reestablishment is triggered to restore the RRC signaling connection and reduce disconnection.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0067] Stop the first timer.

[0068] In the above embodiment, when RRC re-establishment is triggered, the first timer is stopped to avoid the redundant step of triggering RRC re-establishment again due to the expiration of the first timer.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0070] receiving the first path switching command sent by the network device;

[0071] The first path switching command is stored.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the network device sends the first path switching command to the first terminal, and the first terminal stores the first path switching command. In this way, the usage time limit of the first path switching command can be increased, avoiding the problem of resource waste caused by continuously sending the first path switching command.

[0073] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the path switching is group path switching;

[0074] During the group path switching process, the first terminal and the second terminal maintain connection.

[0075] In the above embodiment, when the first terminal and the second terminal change the path together, maintaining the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal can reduce signaling consumption and avoid service interruption of the first terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of the first terminal and the second terminal changing the path to the target node together.

[0076] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0077] The second terminal receives the second path switching command sent by the network device and initiates access to the target node;

[0078] A notification message is sent to the first terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to the target node.

[0079] In the above embodiment, by configuring the second terminal to send a notification message to the first terminal when initiating access to the target node, the first terminal can obtain a path change opportunity and then change the path together with the second terminal.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second path switching command includes a target node identifier, and the target node is determined based on the target node identifier; and / or, the second path switching command includes a first terminal identifier, and the first terminal is determined based on the first terminal identifier.

[0081] In the above embodiment, by configuring the second path switching command, the target node to which the second terminal accesses and the recipient to which the notification message is sent can be flexibly controlled.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the notification message includes a path change indication, the path change indication includes the target node identifier, and the target node identifier is used by the first terminal to determine to perform path switching or trigger RRC reconstruction.

[0083] In the above embodiment, by configuring the notification message, the first terminal can be instructed to perform path switching with the second terminal or to trigger RRC reconstruction, thereby reducing the offline duration of the first terminal or avoiding offline of the first terminal.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second path switching command includes a first configuration, wherein the first configuration includes at least one of a bearer configuration, a MAC configuration, and a random access configuration;

[0085] The initiating access to the target node includes: initiating access to the target node according to the first configuration, and starting a second timer.

[0086] In the above embodiment, when the second terminal initiates access to the target node, the second timer is started to assist in determining whether the second terminal fails to access.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0088] Determining that the target node is successfully accessed, and stopping the second timer;

[0089] A first indication message is sent to the first terminal, where the first indication message is used to instruct the first terminal to stop a first timer.

[0090] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the target node identifier of the target node is a cell identifier;

[0091] The determining that the target node is successfully accessed includes:

[0092] Successful access to the target node is determined based on successful completion of the random access process.

[0093] In the above embodiment, whether the second terminal successfully accesses the cell may be determined by whether the random access procedure is successfully completed.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the target node identifier of the target node is a relay terminal identifier;

[0095] The determining that the target node is successfully accessed includes:

[0096] Successful access to the target node is determined based on successful sending of the RRC connection reconfiguration complete message.

[0097] In the above embodiment, whether the second terminal successfully accesses the relay terminal can be determined by whether the RRC connection reconfiguration complete message is successfully sent.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0099] Determine that access to the target node fails, and send a second indication message to the first terminal, where the second indication message is used to instruct the first terminal to trigger RRC reconstruction.

[0100] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining that access to the target node fails includes:

[0101] When the second timer times out, it is determined that access to the target node has failed.

[0102] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second timer is T304 or T420.

[0103] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first terminal, which includes at least one of a receiving module and a processing module, and is used to execute the implementation method of the first aspect or the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0104] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second terminal, which includes a transceiver module and is used to execute the implementation of the second aspect or an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0105] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a terminal comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the implementation method of the first aspect or the optional implementation method of the first aspect, or the terminal is used to execute the implementation method of the second aspect or the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0106] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is configured to execute the communication method described in the implementation manner of the first aspect or the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, and the second terminal is configured to execute the communication method described in the implementation manner of the second aspect or the optional implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0107] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the first aspect, or the communication device executes the communication method described in the implementation of the second aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0108] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the first aspect, or the communication device executes the communication method described in the implementation of the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0109] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect, the implementation of the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0110] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect, the implementation of the second aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, or the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0111] It is understandable that the first terminal, the second terminal, the terminal, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, or the chip system are all used to execute the communication method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0112] The present disclosure provides a communication method, terminal, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," and "path switching / modification method" are interchangeable; the terms "communication device," "information processing device," and "path switching / modification device" are interchangeable; and the terms "communication system," "information processing system," and "path switching / modification system" are interchangeable.

[0113] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0114] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0115] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0120] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0121] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0122] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0123] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0124] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0125] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0126] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0127] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0128] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0129] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0130] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0131] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0132] Although operations are described in a particular order in the accompanying drawings in the disclosed embodiments, this should not be construed as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a serial order, or that all of the operations shown be performed to obtain the desired result. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, sending multiple messages via the same message may also be advantageous.

[0133] FIG1a is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1a , a communication system 100 includes a first terminal 101 and a second terminal 102 .

[0134] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and / or the second terminal 102 include, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but are not limited thereto.

[0135] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0136] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0137] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0138] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1a, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1a are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1a, or may include other entities other than those shown in FIG1a. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0139] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 includes a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, and a network device.

[0140] In some embodiments, the network device may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0141] Optionally, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses the terminal to the wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, the network device is a base station.

[0143] Optionally, the base station is, for example, a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a relay station, an access point, a 5G base station or a future base station, a satellite, a transmission point (Transmitting and Receiving Point, TRP), a transmission point (Transmitting Point, TP), a mobile switching center, or other devices that perform base station functions in a communication system, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the convenience of description, in all embodiments of the present disclosure, devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices are collectively referred to as network devices or base stations.

[0144] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0145] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0146] In the disclosed embodiment, during the handover (HO) process, the network configures the UE to perform measurements, and based on the measurement results reported by the UE, the network sends a handover request to the target cell. After the target cell is confirmed, the network sends a handover command to the UE, such as a Reconfiguration with sync signaling. The handover command may carry configuration information of the target cell, which may include bearer configuration, MAC configuration, and random access configuration. After receiving the handover command, the UE synchronizes with the target cell, initiates a random access process to access the target cell, and begins using the configuration of the target cell.

[0147] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG1b , a UE may communicate with the base station through the relay function of another UE instead of being directly connected to the base station, wherein the UE that is not connected to the base station is called a remote UE (Remote UE), and the UE that provides the relay function is called a relay UE (Relay UE). The remote UE and the relay UE communicate via Sidelink unicast, and this architecture is called U2N (UE to Network, also known as UE to NW) relay. In this way, even if the remote UE cannot receive the base station signal, the remote UE can still maintain communication with the network through the relay UE, thereby expanding the coverage of the network. The direct communication interface between UEs is PC-5. The UE and the base station communicate via the cellular network communication interface Uu.

[0148] 1b , the remote UE and the base station can implement Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) related communications via the Uu interface.

[0149] Continuing with Figure 1b, the remote UE and the relay UE can implement Sidelink Relay Adaptation Protocol (SRAP), Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and physical layer (PHY) related communications through the PC-5 interface.

[0150] Based on the correspondence between the sending and receiving UEs, three data transmission modes are supported on the sidelink: unicast, multicast, and broadcast. Establishing a unicast connection between UEs establishes a PC5-RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection, and after the unicast connection is established, UEs can exchange PC5-RRC messages.

[0151] When a radio link failure (Radio Link Failure), handover, cell reselection, or RRC connection failure occurs in the relay UE, a notification message can be sent to the connected remote UE via sidelink, such as NotificationMessageSidelink signaling. When the remote UE receives the notification message, the remote UE in the connected (CONNECTED) state triggers reestablishment, and the remote UE in the idle (IDLE) state and the inactive (INACTIVE) state can decide whether to release the connection with the relay UE. If the connection with the relay UE is not released, and if the notification message indicates that the relay UE has undergone handover / cell reselection, the remote UE also believes that it has undergone handover / cell reselection.

[0152] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the network may switch the path of a remote UE from one relay UE to another. For example, the network may send path switch signaling to the remote UE, such as a path switch signaling message, which may include the identifier of the target relay UE. After the remote UE receives the path switch signaling message, it establishes a sidelink unicast connection with the target relay UE, allowing the remote UE to transmit data to the network through the target relay UE.

[0153] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the network switches the path of the remote UE from the relay UE to a direct connection with the cell, the traditional handover process is reused.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the architecture in which a remote UE maintains connection with a network through multiple relay UEs is referred to as a multi-hop U2N relay.

[0155] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the relay UE and the connected remote UE change paths together, which is called group mobility.

[0156] The present disclosure provides an implementation method in which the network may first switch the remote UE to another path, then switch the relay UE to the new path, and then switch the remote UE back to the relay UE. However, this method may cause additional signaling consumption.

[0157] The present disclosure also provides another embodiment in which, if the remote UE has no other path to switch to, the remote UE can release the connection with the relay UE. After switching the relay UE to a new path, the remote UE reconnects to the relay UE. However, this approach may cause service interruption for the remote UE.

[0158] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a communication method and system to reduce signaling consumption and avoid service interruption of the remote UE during the process of changing the path between the relay UE and the connected remote UE.

[0159] The following describes an embodiment based on an example in which the first terminal 101 is a remote UE of the second terminal 102 and the second terminal 102 is a relay UE of the first terminal 101 .

[0160] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for use in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0161] Step S201: The network device sends a first path switching command to the first terminal 101.

[0162] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 receives the first path switching command. Optionally, the first terminal 101 stores the first path switching command. This increases the useful life of the first path switching command and avoids wasting resources caused by continuously sending the first path switching command to the first terminal 101.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first path switching command is used to configure parameters used / involved in the path switching process.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first path switching command is used to configure parameters used / involved in a path switching process of the remote UE.

[0166] In some embodiments, the name of the first path switching command is not limited, and it can be, for example, a group path switching command, a path change command, a path switching configuration, a switching signaling, etc.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first path switching command includes at least one of a target node identifier, a first configuration, and a first timer duration. The target node identifier is not limited to a specific name and may be, for example, a node identifier, a node ID, a node unique identifier, etc. Optionally, the target node identifier is a cell identifier or a relay terminal identifier. Optionally, the first configuration includes at least one of a bearer configuration, a MAC configuration, and a random access configuration.

[0168] In some embodiments, the network device sends a reconfigurationwithsync synchronous reconfiguration signaling, where the reconfigurationwithsync signaling carries or includes the first path switching command. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the reconfigurationwithsync signaling to obtain the first path switching command.

[0169] In some embodiments, the network device sends a pathswitch signaling, where the pathswitch signaling carries or includes the first path switching command. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the pathswitch signaling to obtain the first path switching command.

[0170] In some embodiments, the network device may send the first path switching command to the first terminal 101 by: the network device sends the first path switching command to the first terminal 101 through the relay function of the second terminal 102 .

[0171] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 can be directly connected to the network device, and at the same time, the first terminal 101 can also be connected to the network device through the second terminal 102. Based on this, the implementation method of the network device sending the first path switching command to the first terminal 101 can be: the network device directly sends the first path switching command to the first terminal 101.

[0172] Step S202 : The network device sends a second path switching command to the second terminal 102 .

[0173] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 receives a second path switching command.

[0174] In some embodiments, the second path switching command is used to configure parameters used / involved in the path switching process.

[0175] In some embodiments, the second path switching command is used to configure parameters used / involved in the path switching process of the relay UE.

[0176] In some embodiments, the name of the second path switch command is not limited, and it can be, for example, a group path switch command, a path switch command, a path switch configuration, a switch signaling, etc.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second path switching command includes at least one of a target node identifier, a first terminal identifier, and a first configuration. The name of the target node identifier is not limited, and may be, for example, a node identifier, a node ID, a node unique identifier, etc. Optionally, the target node identifier is a cell identifier or a relay terminal identifier. Optionally, the first configuration includes at least one of a bearer configuration, a MAC configuration, and a random access configuration. In some embodiments, the name of the first terminal identifier is not limited, and may be, for example, a terminal ID, a terminal unique identifier, etc.

[0178] In some embodiments, the network device sends a reconfiguration with sync synchronous reconfiguration signaling, where the reconfiguration with sync signaling carries or includes the second path switching command. Optionally, the second terminal 102 receives the reconfiguration with sync signaling to obtain the second path switching command.

[0179] In some embodiments, the network device sends a path switch signaling, where the path switch signaling carries or includes the second path switch command. Optionally, the second terminal 102 receives the path switch signaling to obtain the second path switch command.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may be directly connected to the network device, or the second terminal 102 may be connected to the network device through another relay terminal, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0181] Based on this, the network device may send the second path switching command to the second terminal 102 by: the network device directly sends the second path switching command to the second terminal 102. Alternatively, the network device sends the second path switching command to the second terminal 102 via another relay terminal connected to the second terminal 102.

[0182] Optionally, the first path switching command is the same as the second path switching command.

[0183] Step S203: The second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node.

[0184] Optionally, the target node is a cell or a relay terminal.

[0185] Optionally, the target node is determined according to a target node identifier. Optionally, the target node identifier is carried in the second path switching command.

[0186] In some embodiments, the target node is used to indicate a node that the second terminal is going to access. The name of the target node is not limited, and it can be, for example, a network device, an access network device, a network element, etc.

[0187] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the second path switching command, the second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node.

[0188] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node simultaneously with or after receiving the second path switching command.

[0189] In some embodiments, the step of second terminal 102 initiating access to the target node may include: second terminal 102 initiating access to the target node according to a first configuration. Optionally, the first configuration is included in a second path switching command. Optionally, when second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node, a second timer is started. Thus, when second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node, the second timer is started to assist in determining whether second terminal 102 has failed to access the target node.

[0190] Step S204 : The second terminal 102 sends a notification message to the first terminal 101 .

[0191] Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives a notification message.

[0192] In some embodiments, first terminal 101 is determined by second terminal 102 based on a first terminal identifier. Optionally, the first terminal identifier is included in the second path switching command. Optionally, the first terminal identifier is used by second terminal 102 to determine the recipient to whom the notification message is to be sent. The name of the first terminal identifier is not limited and may be, for example, a terminal ID, a terminal unique identifier, or the like.

[0193] In some embodiments, the notification message is used to notify the first terminal 101 that the second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node.

[0194] In some embodiments, the notification message is used to notify the remote UE that the relay UE initiates access to the target node.

[0195] In some embodiments, the notification message is used to notify the remote UE that it is time for it to perform path switching together with the relay UE.

[0196] In some embodiments, the notification message is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to perform path switching.

[0197] In some embodiments, the notification message is used to carry a path change indication, and the path change indication is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to perform path switching.

[0198] In some embodiments, the notification message carries a target node identifier, which is used by first terminal 101 to determine whether to perform a path switch. Alternatively, the target node identifier is used by first terminal 101 to determine whether to perform a path switch or trigger an RRC reestablishment. Alternatively, first terminal 101 determines whether to perform a path switch based on the target node identifier carried in the notification message and the target node identifier in the first path switch command. Alternatively, the notification message carries a path change indication, which includes the target node identifier.

[0199] Among them, RRC reconstruction means that the first terminal initiates an RRC reconstruction request (RRCRe-establishmentRequest) to the adjacent gNB cell; after receiving the request, the NB requests the first terminal's nearest service (LastServicegNB) base station to retrieve the first terminal context.

[0200] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification information, where NotificationMessageSidelink carries or includes a notification message. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives NotificationMessageSidelink to obtain the notification message.

[0201] Step S205: The first terminal 101 performs path switching.

[0202] In some embodiments, the path switching may be a group path switching. Optionally, the group path switching refers to a path switching mode in which the relay UE and the connected remote UE switch paths to the same target node, and during the path switching process, the relay UE and the remote UE maintain a sidelink connection.

[0203] Optionally, the first terminal 101 executes step S205 in response to receiving the notification message. In this way, by configuring the first terminal to perform path switching when the second terminal initiates access to the target node, the first terminal and the second terminal can change the path together.

[0204] Optionally, the first terminal 101 executes step S205 in response to receiving the notification message including the path change indication. In this manner, when the second terminal initiates access to the target node, the first terminal determines to perform path switching according to the path change indication, thereby achieving the purpose of the first terminal changing the path together with the second terminal according to the indication. This is compatible with scenarios in which the first terminal and the second terminal change the path together, as well as scenarios in which the first terminal and the second terminal do not change the path together.

[0205] Optionally, the first terminal 101 determines that the target node identifier in the first path switch command is consistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication, and then executes step S205. In this manner, when the second terminal initiates access to the target node, if the first terminal determines that the target node identifier in the first path switch command is consistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication, path switching is performed. In this way, the first terminal and the second terminal can simultaneously change the path to the target node.

[0206] In some embodiments, the step of the first terminal 101 performing path switching may be: performing path switching according to a first configuration. Optionally, the first configuration is carried in a first path switching command.

[0207] Step S206: The first terminal 101 starts a first timer.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first timer is used to time path switching for the first terminal 101 .

[0209] Optionally, when performing path switching, the first terminal 101 executes step S206 , and the first terminal 101 starts a first timer.

[0210] Step S207 : The second terminal 102 sends a first indication message to the first terminal 101 .

[0211] Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the first indication information. Optionally, the first indication message indicates that the second terminal successfully accesses the target node.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 successfully accesses the target node and stops the second timer. Optionally, when stopping the second timer, the second terminal 102 executes step S207 to send a first indication message to the first terminal 101.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first indication message is used to instruct the first terminal to stop the first timer.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to notify the first terminal 101 that the second terminal 102 has successfully accessed the target node.

[0215] In some embodiments, the name of the first indication information is not limited, and it can be, for example, a first timer stop instruction.

[0216] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification information, where the NotificationMessageSidelink carries or includes the first indication information. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the NotificationMessageSidelink and obtains the first indication information.

[0217] In some embodiments, if the target node identifier of the target node is a cell identifier, the terminal 102 may determine that it has successfully accessed the target node by determining that the second terminal 102 has successfully accessed the target node based on the second terminal 102 successfully completing the random access process. Optionally, the second timer is T304.

[0218] In some embodiments, if the target node identifier of the target node is a relay terminal identifier, then the implementation method of determining successful access to the target node may be: the second terminal 102 determines that the second terminal 102 has successfully accessed the target node based on successfully sending an RRC Connection Re-Configuration RRC connection reconfiguration complete message. Optionally, the second timer is T420.

[0219] Step S208 : The second terminal 102 sends a second indication message to the first terminal 101 .

[0220] Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives a second indication message.

[0221] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 determines that access to the target node has failed, and sends a second indication message to the first terminal 101 .

[0222] In some embodiments, the second indication message is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to trigger RRC reconstruction.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second indication message is used to notify the first terminal 101 that the second terminal 102 has failed to access the target node.

[0224] In some embodiments, the name of the second indication information is not limited, and it can be, for example, an RRC re-establishment instruction.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification information, where the NotificationMessageSidelink carries or includes the second indication information. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the NotificationMessageSidelink and obtains the second indication information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 may determine that the access to the target node has failed by implementing the following implementation: if the second timer times out, it is determined that the second terminal 102 has failed to access the target node.

[0227] Step S209: The first terminal 101 stops the first timer.

[0228] Optionally, the first terminal 101 executes step S209 in response to receiving the first indication information sent by the second terminal 102.

[0229] Optionally, the first terminal 101 executes step S209 in response to triggering RRC reconstruction.

[0230] Step S210: The first terminal 101 triggers RRC reestablishment.

[0231] Optionally, the first terminal 101 determines that the target node identifier in the first path switching command is inconsistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication, and executes step S210.

[0232] Optionally, if the first terminal 101 determines that the first timer has timed out, step S210 is performed. Optionally, the first path switching command includes the duration of the first timer. This provides a method for configuring the duration of the first timer. Optionally, the first terminal 101 determines whether the first timer has timed out based on the duration of the first timer.

[0233] Optionally, the first terminal 101 executes step S210 in response to receiving the second indication information.

[0234] By adopting the above communication method, when the first terminal and the second terminal change the path together, the first terminal and the second terminal are kept connected, which can reduce signaling consumption and avoid service interruption of the first terminal, thereby achieving the purpose of the first terminal and the second terminal changing the path to the target node together.

[0235] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S210. For example, step S205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S204 and S205 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0236] In some embodiments, step S201 and step S202 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, step S203 and step S204 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, and step S205 and step S206 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously.

[0237] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S204 and S206 to S210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0238] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S203 and S205 to S210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0239] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0240] FIG3a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0241] Step S3101: Acquire a first path switching command.

[0242] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 receives the first path switching command sent by the network device, but is not limited thereto. The first terminal 101 may also receive the first path switching command sent by other entities.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains a first path switching command specified by a protocol.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains the first path switching command from an upper layer(s).

[0246] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 performs processing to obtain a first path switching command.

[0247] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the first terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first path switching command, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0248] Step S3102, receiving a notification message.

[0249] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 receives a notification message sent by the second terminal 102, but is not limited thereto and may also receive a notification message sent by other entities.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains a notification message specified by a protocol.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains the notification message from an upper layer(s).

[0253] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the notification message.

[0254] In some embodiments, step S3102 is omitted, and the first terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the notification message, or the above function is default or by default.

[0255] In some embodiments, the notification message is sent to the first terminal 101 when the second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node. Optionally, the notification message indicates that the second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node.

[0256] Step S3103: perform path switching.

[0257] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0258] Step S3104: start the first timer.

[0259] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0260] Step S3105: Stop the first timer

[0261] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S209 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 and step S3103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S3101, step S3102, and step S3103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0263] In some embodiments, step S3101 and step S3102 may be performed simultaneously.

[0264] In some embodiments, step S3101, step S3102, step S3104, and step S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0265] In some embodiments, step S3101, step S3103, step S3104, and step S3105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0266] FIG3b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0267] Step S3201, receiving a notification message.

[0268] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to step S204 in FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3102 in FIG. 3 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0269] Step S3202: Determine whether to perform path switching or trigger RRC reestablishment.

[0270] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 and step S210 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] Step S3203: perform path switching.

[0272] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] Step S3204: trigger RRC reestablishment

[0274] The optional implementation of step S3204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3204. For example, step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201 and step S3203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3201 to S3203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0276] In some embodiments, step S3201 and step S3202 may be performed simultaneously.

[0277] In some embodiments, step S3201, step S3202, and step S3203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0278] In some embodiments, step S3201, step S3202, and step S3204 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0279] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S3202 may be combined with step S3103 of FIG. 3 a , and step S3204 may be combined with step S3105 of FIG. 3 a , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0280] FIG3c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0281] Step S3301, receiving a notification message.

[0282] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] Step S3302: perform path switching.

[0284] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of step S3301 and step S3302. For example, step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0286] In some embodiments, step S3301 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0287] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S3302 can be combined with step S3104 in FIG. 3 a , and step S3302 can be combined with step S3202 in FIG. 3 b , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0288] FIG3 d is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 d , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0289] Step S3401, receiving a notification message.

[0290] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0291] Step S3402, trigger RRC reconstruction.

[0292] The optional implementation of step S3402 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of step S3401 and step S3402. For example, step S3402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0294] In some embodiments, step S3401 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0295] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S3402 can be combined with step S3202 of FIG. 3 b , but is not limited thereto.

[0296] FIG4a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the second terminal 102 and includes:

[0297] Step S4101: Receive a second path switching command.

[0298] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0299] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 receives the second path switching command sent by the network device, but is not limited thereto. The second terminal 102 may also receive the second path switching command sent by other entities.

[0300] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 obtains a second path switching command specified by the protocol.

[0301] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 obtains the second path switching command from an upper layer(s).

[0302] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 performs processing to obtain a second path switching command.

[0303] In some embodiments, step S4101 is omitted, and the second terminal 102 autonomously implements the function indicated by the second path switching command, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0304] Step S4102: initiate access to the target node.

[0305] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0306] Step S4103: Send a notification message.

[0307] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0308] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends a notification message to the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send a notification message to other entities.

[0309] Optionally, the notification message is used by the first terminal 101 to change the path or trigger RRC reestablishment. Optional implementations thereof can be found in the optional implementations of steps S205 to S210 of FIG2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0310] Subsequently, either step S4104 or step S4105 is executed.

[0311] Step S4104: Send a first indication message.

[0312] The optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends the first indication message to the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto. The first indication message may also be sent to other entities.

[0314] Optionally, the first indication message is used to stop the first timer of the first terminal 101. For optional implementations thereof, please refer to the optional implementations of step S209 in FIG2 and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0315] Step S4105: Send a second instruction message

[0316] The optional implementation of step S4105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S208 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends the second indication message to the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and the second indication message may also be sent to other entities.

[0318] Optionally, the second indication message is used to trigger RRC reestablishment by the first terminal 101. For optional implementations thereof, reference may be made to the optional implementations of step S210 in FIG2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0319] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4105. For example, step S4103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 and step S4103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S4101 to S4103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0320] In some embodiments, step S4102 and step S4103 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0321] In some embodiments, step S4101, step S4102, step S4104, and step S4105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0322] FIG4 b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 b , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the second terminal 102 and includes:

[0323] Step S4201: Receive a second path switching command.

[0324] The optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to step S202 in FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4101 in FIG. 4 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0325] Step S4202, sending a notification message.

[0326] For optional implementations of step S4202, reference may be made to step S204 in FIG. 2, the optional implementations of step S4103 in FIG. 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4a, which will not be described in detail here.

[0327] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4202. For example, step S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0328] In some embodiments, step S4201 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0329] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S4202 may be combined with step S4104 or S4105 of FIG. 4 a , but is not limited thereto.

[0330] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0331] Step S5101: A first terminal receives a notification message sent by a second terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to a target node.

[0332] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, step S3102 in Figure 3a, step S4103 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] Step S5102: perform path switching.

[0334] The optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, step S3103 in Figure 3a, step S4103 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0335] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first terminal side, the second terminal side, the network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0336] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0337] Step S5201: The second terminal receives a second path switching command sent by a network device and initiates access to a target node.

[0338] The optional implementation of step S5201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0339] Step S5202: Send a notification message to the first terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to the target node.

[0340] The optional implementation of step S5202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2, step S3102 in Figure 3a, step S4103 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first terminal side, the second terminal side, the network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0342] The present disclosure also provides an interactive mode of a communication method, wherein a remote UE maintains a connection with a network via a relay UE.

[0343] The remote UE is configured to perform the following processing:

[0344] 1. Receive a first set of switching commands sent by the network, which carries a first configuration, the first configuration being the configuration used after path switching. Store the received first set of switching commands, and use the first configuration when determining to perform group switching.

[0345] As an embodiment, the first group of switching commands may be reconfigurationwithsync or pathswitch signaling.

[0346] As an embodiment, the first configuration used may include any one of the following: bearer configuration (PDCP, RLC or SL-RLC), MAC configuration and random access configuration, wherein the random access configuration is used for handover from a relay UE to a cell.

[0347] During the group handover process, the remote UE maintains the connection with the serving relay UE.

[0348] 2. Based on step 1, a notification message sent by the relay UE is received, which carries a path switching indication, and a group switching is determined.

[0349] As an embodiment, the relay UE is a serving relay UE connected to a remote UE.

[0350] As an embodiment, the path switching indication may be carried by NotificationMessageSidelink.

[0351] 3. Based on 1 and / or 2, further, if the path switching target node identifier carried in the notification message sent by the relay UE is consistent with the target node identifier in the group switching command, it is determined to perform group switching. The group switching command may carry the target node identifier.

[0352] As an embodiment, when the target node is a cell, the identifier may be a cell identifier; when the target node is a relay UE, the identifier may be a relay UE identifier.

[0353] 4. Based on 1 and / or 2, further, if the path switching target node identifier carried in the notification message of the relay UE is inconsistent with the target node identifier in the group switching command, it is determined that RRC reestablishment is triggered. The group switching command may carry the target node identifier.

[0354] 5. Based on step 2, start a first timer. If the first timer times out, trigger RRC reestablishment. The first timer duration is included in the first set of handover commands.

[0355] 6. Based on 5, receive a first indication sent by the relay UE, indicating that the access is successful, and stop the first timer.

[0356] 7. Based on 5, receive a second indication sent by the relay UE, indicating access failure, stop the first timer, and trigger RRC re-establishment.

[0357] The relay UE is used to perform the following processing:

[0358] 1. Receive a second group path switch command from the network. The group switch command carries the first configuration and the identifier of the target node. The first configuration is the configuration used after the path switch. Initiate access to the target node and start a second timer. Send a notification message to the connected remote UE, including the path switch indication.

[0359] As an embodiment, the second group of path switching commands may carry one or more remote UE identifiers.

[0360] As an embodiment, the second group of path switching commands may be reconfigurationwithsync or pathswitch signaling.

[0361] As an embodiment, when the target node is a cell, the identifier may be a cell identifier; when the target node is a relay UE, the identifier may be a relay UE identifier.

[0362] 2. Based on 1, the second group of path switching commands may carry a remote UE identifier, and a path switching indication is sent to the remote UE identified by the remote UE identifier.

[0363] As an embodiment, if the identifier of a remote UE is not in the second set of path switch commands, the relay UE sends a traditional NotificationMessageSidelink message to the remote UE, indicating HO. For the remote UE identified in the second set of path switch commands, a path switch indication is sent.

[0364] 3. Based on 1, the path switching indication carries the target node identifier.

[0365] 4. Based on 1, initiate access to the target node. If the access is successful, send a first indication to the remote UE and stop the second timer.

[0366] As an embodiment, if the target node is a cell, access success is determined based on successful completion of the random access procedure. If the target node is a relay UE, access success is determined based on successful transmission of an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0367] 5. Based on 1, if the second timer times out, it is determined that the access has failed, and a second indication is sent to the remote UE.

[0368] As an embodiment, if the target node is a cell, the second timer may be T304 timeout. If the target node is a relay UE, the second timer may be T420.

[0369] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0370] The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a device is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a first terminal in any of the above communication methods. For another example, another device is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a second terminal in any of the above communication methods.

[0371] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0372] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0373] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, terminal 6100 may include at least one of a receiving module 6101 and a processing module 6102. In some embodiments, receiving module 6101 is configured to receive a notification message sent by a second terminal, indicating that the second terminal has initiated access to a target node. Processing module 6102 is configured to perform path switching.

[0374] Optionally, the receiving module 6101 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S201, step S204, step S207, step S208, but not limited thereto) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first terminal 101 in any of the above communication methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 6102 is configured to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S205, step S206, step S209, step S210, but not limited thereto) performed by the first terminal 101 in any of the above communication methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0375] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6b, terminal 6200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6201 and a processing module 6202. In some embodiments, transceiver module 6201 is configured to receive a second path switching command from a network device and send a notification message to a first terminal, indicating that the second terminal has initiated access to a target node. Processing module 6202 is configured to initiate access to the target node.

[0376] Optionally, the transceiver module 6201 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S204, step S207, step S208, but not limited thereto) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second terminal 102 in any of the above communication methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 6202 is configured to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S203, but not limited thereto) performed by the second terminal 102 in any of the above communication methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0377] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0378] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0379] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user device, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above communication methods. Communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above communication method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above communication method embodiments.

[0380] As shown in Figure 7a, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 7100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0381] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0382] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceiver 7103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S201, step S202, step S204, step S207, step S208, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S203, step S205, step S206, step S209, step S210, but not limited thereto).

[0383] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0384] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuit 7104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 may read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0385] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7a. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0386] FIG7 b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 7200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 shown in FIG7 b , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0387] The chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201 , and the chip 7200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0388] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to the memory 7203. The interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in the memory 7203 and send the instructions to the processor 7201.

[0389] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 executes at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S201, step S202, step S204, step S207, step S208, but not limited to these), and the processor 7201 executes at least one of the other steps (for example, step S203, step S205, step S206, step S209, step S210, but not limited to these).

[0390] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0391] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside the chip 7200.

[0392] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 7100, the communication device 7100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0393] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 7100, enables the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0394] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a first terminal, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a notification message sent by a second terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to a target node; Switch the path.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first terminal has a first path switching command; Before switching paths, include: Determining that the notification message includes a path change indication; It is determined that the target node identifier in the first path switching command is consistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: It is determined that the target node identifier in the first path switching command is inconsistent with the target node identifier in the path change indication, and RRC reconstruction is triggered.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The target node identifier is a cell identifier or a relay terminal identifier.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first path switching command on the first terminal includes a first configuration, wherein the first configuration includes at least one of a bearer configuration, a MAC configuration, and a random access configuration; The path switching includes: Perform path switching according to the first configuration and start a first timer.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine that the first timer has timed out, and trigger RRC reconstruction.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first path switching command also includes the duration of the first timer; The method further comprises: Determine whether the first timer has timed out according to the duration of the first timer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving a first indication message sent by the second terminal, wherein the first indication message indicates that the second terminal successfully accesses the The target node; Stop the first timer.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving a second indication message sent by the second terminal, where the second indication message indicates that the second terminal fails to access the target node; Trigger RRC re-establishment.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Stop the first timer.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receiving the first path switching command sent by the network device; The first path switching command is stored.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The path switching is group path switching; During the group path switching process, the first terminal maintains connection with the second terminal.

13. A communication method, executed by a second terminal, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a second path switching command sent by the network device, and initiating access to the target node; A notification message is sent to the first terminal, where the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to the target node.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The second path switching command includes a target node identifier, and the target node is determined according to the target node identifier; and / or, The second path switching command includes a first terminal identifier, and the first terminal is determined according to the first terminal identifier.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The notification message includes a path change indication, and the path change indication includes the target node identifier, and the target node identifier is used by the first terminal to determine to perform a path switch or trigger an RRC reconstruction.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The second path switching command includes a first configuration, wherein the first configuration includes at least one of a bearer configuration, a MAC configuration, and a random access configuration; The initiating access to the target node includes: Access is initiated to the target node according to the first configuration, and a second timer is started.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Determining that the target node is successfully accessed, and stopping the second timer; A first indication message is sent to the first terminal, where the first indication message is used to instruct the first terminal to stop a first timer.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The target node identifier of the target node is a cell identifier; The determining that the target node is successfully accessed includes: Successful access to the target node is determined based on successful completion of the random access process.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The target node identifier of the target node is a relay terminal identifier; The determining that the target node is successfully accessed includes: Successful access to the target node is determined based on successful sending of the RRC connection reconfiguration complete message.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine that access to the target node fails, and send a second indication message to the first terminal, where the second indication message is used to instruct the first terminal to trigger RRC reconstruction.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The determining that access to the target node fails includes: When the second timer times out, it is determined that access to the target node fails.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that The second timer is T304 or T420.

23. A first terminal, characterized in that: The first terminal includes: A receiving module, configured to receive a notification message sent by a second terminal, wherein the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to a target node; A processing module is used for the first terminal to perform path switching.

24. A second terminal, characterized in that: The second terminal includes: The transceiver module is used to receive a second path switching command sent by the network device and initiate access to the target node; send a notification message to the first terminal, wherein the notification message indicates that the second terminal initiates access to the target node.

25. A terminal, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The terminal is used to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the second terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 22.

27. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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