Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a communication method and apparatus, which can be applied to a multi-card terminal. The method comprises: a network device sending first information and second information to a terminal device, wherein the first information is used for instructing the terminal device to report a measurement gap requirement, the second information is used for enabling the terminal device to report a temporary capability by means of UAI, and the temporary capability comprises the measurement gap requirement; and when the terminal device has not yet reported the measurement gap requirement, or a first measurement gap requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement gap requirement, the terminal device sending the first measurement gap requirement to the network device, wherein the first measurement gap requirement is the current measurement gap requirement of the terminal device. By means of the method, a network side can acquire the current measurement gap requirement of a terminal device, so as to configure a suitable related parameter for the terminal device, thereby ensuring normal communication between the terminal device and a network device. In addition, repeated reporting of a measurement gap requirement can be reduced, thereby improving the resource utilization rate of a system.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 9, 2023, with application number 202311005283.4 and application name “A Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of measurement reporting technology, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0004] The terminal device may report the measurement interval requirement based on a radio resource control (RRC) message or based on a temporary capability update mechanism. When the terminal device reports the measurement interval requirement based on an RRC message and based on a temporary capability update mechanism at the same time, the network may be unable to determine the terminal device's latest measurement interval requirement, thereby affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus, which enable the network side to determine the latest measurement interval requirements of a terminal device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that can be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal device, or the first communication device can be a component used to implement the functions of the terminal device. For example, the first communication device can be a unit / module, circuit, or chip within the terminal device. The method provided in the first aspect is described below using the first communication device as an example, wherein the first communication device is the terminal device itself.

[0009] The communication method includes: a terminal device receives first information and second information, the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement, and the second information is used to enable the terminal device to report a temporary capability through user equipment assistance information (UAI), and the temporary capability includes a measurement interval requirement, and the measurement interval requirement is used to indicate whether a measurement interval is required; when the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement, or the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends a first measurement interval requirement, and the first measurement interval requirement is the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device.

[0010] In this method, when the terminal device is configured to report measurement interval requirements and report temporary capabilities through UAI, the terminal device compares the most recently reported measurement interval requirement. If the current measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement. Of course, if the current measurement interval requirement is the first measurement interval requirement to be reported by the terminal device, the terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement. Through this method, the network side can determine the latest measurement interval requirement of the terminal device, and then configure relevant parameters for the terminal device according to the measurement interval requirement adapted by the terminal device to ensure normal communication of the terminal device. In addition, this method can also avoid repeated reporting of measurement interval requirements, thereby reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization of the communication system.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC recovery message; the first measurement interval requirement is carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the RRC Reconfiguration Complete message and the UAI message. Alternatively, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the RRC Reconfiguration Complete message, the RRC Recovery Complete message, and the UAI message.

[0013] When the terminal device is configured to report temporary capabilities through UAI, the measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device may be carried in the RRC reconfiguration complete message or the UAI message. In this case, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement refers to the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the UAI message. When the terminal device is configured to report temporary capabilities through UAI, the measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device may be carried in the RRC reconfiguration complete message or the RRC recovery complete message or the UAI message. In this case, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement refers to the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message and the UAI message.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first information includes filtering information, which is used to indicate a target frequency band for requesting the terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement. Accordingly, when the first measurement interval requirement is carried in a UAI message, the first measurement interval requirement corresponds to the target frequency band.

[0015] The first measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device through the UAI message can correspond to the target frequency band indicated by the network device through the first information. This solution can reduce the number of unnecessary measurement interval requirements reported by the terminal device, improve communication efficiency and resource utilization of the communication system.

[0016] In a possible implementation, after sending the first measurement interval request, the method further includes: the terminal device starting a timer, wherein while the timer is running, the terminal device is prohibited from reporting the measurement interval request via a UAI message. This solution can prevent the terminal device from frequently reporting the measurement interval request via a UAI message, reduce the number of unnecessary measurement interval requests reported by the terminal device, and improve resource utilization of the communication system.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the terminal device switches from a source network device to a target network device, and the terminal device sends a first UAI message within a first time period before receiving the switching instruction. The method also includes: the terminal device sends a second UAI message to the target network device; wherein, when the first measurement interval requirement is carried in the first UAI message, the second UAI message includes a second measurement interval requirement, and the second measurement interval requirement is the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device; or, when the first measurement interval requirement is carried in the RRC reconfiguration completion message, the second UAI does not include the measurement interval requirement.

[0018] In a switching scenario, when the terminal device has sent a UAI message (for example, a first UAI message) within a first time period before receiving a switching instruction, and after the terminal device switches to the target network device, the measurement interval requirement has been reported to the source network device through an RRC reconfiguration completion message, the UAI message (for example, a second UAI message) sent by the terminal device to the target network device again may not include the measurement interval requirement, so as to reduce repeated reporting of the same measurement interval requirement, improve communication efficiency, and improve resource utilization of the communication system.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal device, or the first communication device can be a component used to implement the functions of the terminal device. For example, the first communication device is a unit / module, circuit, or chip inside the terminal device. The second communication device can be a network device, or the second communication device can be a component used to implement the functions of the network device. For example, the second communication device is a unit / module, circuit, or chip inside the network device. The method provided in the second aspect is described below using the first communication device as the terminal device itself and the second communication device as the network device itself as an example.

[0020] The communication method includes: a network device sends first information to a terminal device, and sends second information to the terminal device, wherein the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement, and the second information is used to enable the terminal device to report a temporary capability through a UAI message, and the temporary capability includes a measurement interval requirement, and the measurement interval requirement is used to indicate whether a measurement interval is required; when the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement, or the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends the first measurement interval requirement to the network device, and the first measurement interval requirement is the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC recovery message; the first measurement interval requirement is carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is:

[0023] The most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirements included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the UAI message; or, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirements included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the UAI message.

[0024] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that can be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal device, or the first communication device can be a component used to implement the functions of the terminal device. For example, the first communication device can be a unit / module, circuit, or chip within the terminal device. The method provided in the second aspect is described below using the first communication device as an example, wherein the terminal device itself is the first communication device.

[0025] The communication method includes: the terminal device sends a first RRC reconfiguration completion message and a first UAI message, the first RRC reconfiguration completion message includes a first measurement interval requirement, and the first UAI message includes a second measurement interval requirement; when the terminal device switches from a source network device to a target network device, the terminal device sends the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device.

[0026] In a handover scenario, when a terminal device switches from a source network device to a target network device, it can report its current measurement interval requirement to the target network device. This allows the target network device to clearly know the terminal device's current measurement interval requirement, allowing the target network device to configure appropriate parameters for the terminal device based on the measurement interval requirement, ensuring normal communication between the terminal device and the network device.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the current measurement interval requirement is carried in a second RRC reconfiguration complete message or a second UAI message.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: when the terminal device initiates transmission of a UAI message within a first time period before receiving a switching instruction, and switches from a source network device to a target network device, and sends a current measurement interval requirement to the target network device through a second RRC reconfiguration completion message, the terminal device sends a third UAI message to the target network device, and the third UAI message does not include the current measurement interval requirement.

[0029] In this scheme, if the terminal device has sent a UAI message (for example, a second UAI message) within the first time period before receiving the switching instruction, and after the terminal device switches to the target network device, it has reported the measurement interval requirement to the source network device through the RRC reconfiguration completion message, then the UAI message (for example, a third UAI message) sent by the terminal device to the target network device again does not include the measurement interval requirement, so as to reduce the repeated reporting of the same measurement interval requirement and save signaling overhead.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that can be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a network device, or a component used to implement the functions of the network device. For example, the second communication device can be a unit / module, circuit, or chip within the network device. The method provided in the fourth aspect is described below using the second communication device as a source network device as an example.

[0031] The communication method includes: a source network device receiving a first measurement interval requirement from a terminal device, and receiving a second measurement interval requirement from the terminal device, wherein the second measurement interval requirement is different from the first measurement interval requirement, and the second measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, and the message carrying the second measurement interval requirement is different from the message carrying the first measurement interval requirement; the source network device sends the second measurement interval requirement to the target network device.

[0032] In this solution, the second measurement interval requirement sent by the source network device to the target network device is the measurement interval requirement most recently reported by the terminal device, so that the relevant parameters configured by the target network device for the terminal device based on the second measurement interval requirement are appropriate to ensure normal communication of the terminal device.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is:

[0034] The most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the measurement interval requirement in the UAI message; or, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the UAI message.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a handover preparation information message, which includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information is measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information is UAI information. When the second measurement interval requirement of the terminal device is carried in an RRC message, the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the first indication information; when the second measurement interval requirement of the terminal device is carried in a UAI message, the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the second indication information.

[0036] In this solution, the source network device can determine whether to indicate the second measurement interval requirement based on the first indication information or the second indication information according to the message used by the terminal device to report the second measurement interval requirement to the source network device. When the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the first indication information, the second measurement interval requirement is not indicated by the second indication information. When the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the second indication information, the second measurement interval requirement is not indicated by the first indication information. Through this solution, the target network device can clarify the current latest measurement interval requirement of the terminal device through the first indication information or the second indication information, and this solution does not need to redefine the meaning of the switching preparation information message, and has better compatibility.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a handover preparation information message, where the handover preparation information message includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information or the second indication information indicates the second measurement interval requirement, the first indication information is measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information is UAI information.

[0038] In this solution, it may be specified / agreed that the second measurement interval requirement be indicated via the first indication information or the second indication information. For example, it may be specified that the second measurement interval requirement be indicated via the first indication information, and the target network device may know the terminal device's current latest measurement interval requirement via the first indication information. For example, it may be specified that the second measurement interval requirement be indicated via the second indication information, and the target network device may know the terminal device's current latest measurement interval requirement via the second indication information.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a handover preparation information message, where the handover preparation information message includes first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information and the second indication information both indicate the second measurement interval requirement, the first indication information being measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information being UAI information.

[0040] In this solution, it may be stipulated that both the first indication information and the second indication information indicate the second measurement interval requirement. For the target network device, the current latest measurement interval requirement may be obtained according to the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0041] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that can be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal device, or the first communication device can be a component used to implement the functions of a network device. For example, the first communication device can be a unit / module, circuit, or chip within the terminal device. The method provided in the fifth aspect is described below using the first communication device as an example of a terminal device.

[0042] The communication method includes: a terminal device generates a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) and sends the MAC PDU. The MAC PDU includes an RRC recovery request message and a MAC subheader, wherein the MAC subheader is used to indicate that the terminal device has limited capabilities.

[0043] This solution indicates that the terminal device capability is limited through the MAC subheader, without occupying the reserved bits of the RRC recovery request message to indicate that the terminal device capability is limited, so that the reserved bits of the RRC recovery request message can be used for other purposes.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the MAC subheader is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is limited, including: the MAC subheader includes a reserved bit, the value of the reserved bit is a first value, used to indicate that the terminal device capability is limited; or, the MAC subheader includes a logical channel identifier (logical channel ID, LCID), and the value of the LCID is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is limited.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the indication of the limited capabilities of the terminal device takes effect during the RRC establishment process or during the RRC recovery process.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the behavior in the method example of the first aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect above. The beneficial effects can be found in the relevant descriptions of the first aspect to the fifth aspect and will not be repeated here. For example, the communication device can be a terminal device in the first aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect. For another example, the communication device can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the functions required by the method provided in the first aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, for example, the communication device can be a chip or chip system in the terminal device.

[0047] In one possible design, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0048] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding means (means) or modules for executing the method of the first aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also referred to as a processing module or processor) and / or a transceiver unit (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver module or transceiver). The transceiver unit can implement a sending function and a receiving function. When the transceiver unit implements the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also referred to as a sending module). When the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also referred to as a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional unit, which is called a transceiver unit, and the functional unit can implement a sending function and a receiving function; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional units, and the transceiver unit is a general term for these functional units. These units (modules) can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples of the first aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect above. Please refer to the detailed description in the method examples for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be the communication device in the sixth aspect of the above embodiment, or a chip or chip system provided in the communication device in the sixth aspect. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, also includes a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions or data, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions or data, the communication device executes the method executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment. For example, the communication device may be a terminal device or a functional module in the terminal device, such as a baseband chip and a radio frequency chip. Alternatively, when the processor reads the computer program or instructions or data, the communication device executes the method executed by the network device in the above method embodiment. For example, the communication device may be a network device or a functional module in the network device, such as a baseband chip and a radio frequency chip.

[0050] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may further include a communication interface for implementing the method described in the first aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect. Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs (also referred to as codes, or instructions). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the device equipped with the chip system executes the method in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0051] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device comprising an input / output interface and a logic circuit. The input / output interface is used to input and / or output information. The input / output interface can be an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuits. The logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the first, third, fourth, or fifth aspects.

[0052] In a specific implementation, the communication device may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the logic circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit, respectively, at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the input and output interfaces and logic circuits.

[0053] In one implementation, when the communication device is a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device may be a terminal device such as a mobile phone, the interface circuit may be a radio frequency processing chip in the wireless communication device, and the processing circuit may be a baseband processing chip in the wireless communication device.

[0054] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device is used to implement the functions of the methods described in the first to fifth aspects.

[0055] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store computer programs or instructions. When the computer-readable storage medium is executed, the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or the method described in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof is implemented.

[0056] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when run on a computer, enables the method described in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or enables the method described in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or enables the method described in the above-mentioned fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, and enables the method described in the above-mentioned fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0057] The beneficial effects of the sixth to twelfth aspects and their implementation methods mentioned above can refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation methods thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] FIG1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of two independent processes for a terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG6 is a flow chart of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG10 is another schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The method provided by the embodiment of the present application enables the network side to determine the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device, thereby configuring appropriate parameters for the terminal device based on the measurement interval requirement to ensure normal communication of the terminal device. The solution provided by the embodiment of the present application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as long term evolution (LTE) communication systems, sixth generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or can also be applied to other next generation mobile communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) communication systems, or other similar communication systems. Other similar communication systems may include wireless fidelity (WIFI), vehicle to everything (V2X), internet of things (IoT) systems, narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) systems, and the like.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a network architecture of a communication system. The network architecture may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. Figure 1 takes at least one terminal device as a terminal device and at least one network device as a network device as an example. The network device may be an access network device, or the network device may include an access network device and a core network. The network architecture shown in Figure 1 is only for illustration, and the number of terminal devices and / or network devices may be less or more. The communication system described in the embodiment of the present application is to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the communication system to which the embodiment of the present application is applicable. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of network architecture, the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems. When applying the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiment can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems without limitation.

[0071] The network devices involved in the embodiments of the present application are mainly access network devices. Therefore, in the following text, unless otherwise specified, the "network devices" referred to are radio access network (RAN) devices, which can be referred to as access network devices for short. RAN can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, for example, a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). RAN can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (cloud radio access network, CRAN), or a virtualized radio access network (virtualized RAN, vRAN), etc. RAN can also be a communication system that is a fusion of two or more of the above systems. RAN devices can also be referred to as RAN nodes, RAN entities, or access nodes, etc.

[0072] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node / host node, or a wireless controller. A RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an onboard device. For example, a RAN node in V2X technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0073] In another possible scenario, the RAN node may be a module or unit that performs part of the functions of the base station; or multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively perform part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node may be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The functions of the CU may be implemented by one entity, or by different entities. For example, the functions of the CU may be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane may be separated and implemented by different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (i.e., CU-control plane (CP) entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., CU-user plane (UP) entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity may be coupled with the DU to jointly perform the functions of the RAN node. The CU and DU may be set separately, or may be included in the same network element, such as the baseband unit (BBU).

[0074] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0075] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU is configured to implement the functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and the protocol layers above it (such as the radio resource control (RRC) layer and / or the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, etc.); the DU is configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the radio link control (RLC), MAC layer, and / or physical (PHY) layer, etc.). For another example, the CU is configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer (such as the RRC layer and / or the SDAP layer), and the DU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and the protocol layers below it (such as the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer, etc.). For a detailed description of each of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of 3GPP or the technical specifications of other applicable communication protocols. The above division of the processing functions of the CU and DU according to the protocol layer is only an example, and can also be divided in other ways, which is not limited by this application. For example, in one design, the CU or DU can also be divided into parts with partial processing functions of the protocol layer. In one design, part of the RLC layer functions and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the functions of the network device can be the network device itself, or a device that can support the network device to implement the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the functions of the network device, and the device can be installed in the network device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the network device.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present application, any device capable of performing data communication with a base station can be considered a terminal device. A terminal device is also referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, or mobile terminal. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as D2D communication, V2X communication, machine-type communication (MTC), IoT, virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, or smart city. For example, a terminal device can be: a mobile phone, a computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a robotic arm, a camera, a robot, or a smart home device (such as a TV, air conditioner, vacuum cleaner, speaker, set-top box), a relay, a customer premise equipment (CPE), etc.

[0078] The various terminal devices introduced above, if located on a vehicle (for example, placed / installed in a vehicle), can be considered as vehicle-mounted terminal devices. The vehicle-mounted terminal device can be an on-board module, on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip or on-board unit built into the vehicle as one or more components or units, and the vehicle can implement the method of the present application through the built-in on-board module, on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip or on-board unit. The on-board terminal device can be a complete vehicle device, an on-board module, a vehicle, an on-board unit (OBU), a roadside unit (RSU), a vehicle-mounted system (or a vehicle-mounted sending unit) (telematics box, T-box), a chip or a system on chip (SOC), etc. The above chip or SOC can be installed in a vehicle, OBU, RSU or T-box.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components capable of implementing the functions of the terminal device, which can be installed in the terminal device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the terminal device.

[0080] Terminal devices receive and transmit signals via radio frequency channels. A set of radio frequency channels typically operates at a single carrier frequency or within a frequency range. If a terminal device has multiple radio frequency channels, it can tune one of the channels to the carrier frequency of the serving cell to exchange information with the serving cell. Simultaneously, the terminal device can tune other radio frequency channels to the carrier frequencies of neighboring cells to exchange information with them. When a terminal device has only one radio frequency channel, it can only receive signals at a single frequency or within a frequency range at a time and cannot simultaneously transmit services with the serving cell and perform measurements on neighboring cells. For example, if a terminal device needs to perform measurements on other cells while receiving data from the serving cell, the terminal device's receiving antenna or receiving radio frequency channel must switch from the current frequency to the desired frequency. To ensure the quality of the radio link between the terminal device and the current serving cell, the terminal device typically stops receiving signals and data from the serving cell for a specified period of time and instead receives signals from other cells for measurement. This period is called a measurement gap. After this period ends, the terminal device resumes receiving signals and data from the serving cell. The measurement interval can be a non-periodic period of time or multiple periodic time periods.

[0081] The measurement interval is configured by the network device to the terminal device. According to the RF hardware capabilities of the terminal device, the terminal device may need a measurement interval to measure some co-frequency points or different frequency points, while measuring other co-frequency points or different frequency points may not require a measurement interval. In order for the network device to configure a suitable measurement interval for the terminal device, the terminal device can report a measurement interval requirement (also called measurement interval capability) to the network device, and the measurement interval requirement can indicate whether the terminal device needs a measurement interval. The measurement interval requirement includes the measurement interval requirement for the terminal device to measure the target frequency band (target band). The target frequency band includes one or more frequency bands, and the terminal device reports the measurement interval requirement corresponding to each frequency band to indicate whether the terminal device needs a measurement interval to measure each frequency band.

[0082] The network device instructs the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. The network device instructs the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement, including: the network device enables the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement, the network device instructs the terminal device to allow reporting the measurement interval requirement, or the network device configures the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. The terminal device reports the measurement interval requirement to the network device according to the instruction of the network device. If the network device configures the measurement interval requirement reporting to the terminal device through an RRC reconfiguration message. Accordingly, the terminal device reports the measurement interval requirement to the network device through an RRC reconfiguration completion message. For example, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message including the measurement interval requirement to the network device. If the network device configures the measurement interval requirement reporting to the terminal device through an RRC resume message. Accordingly, the terminal device reports the measurement interval requirement to the network device through an RRC resume completion message.

[0083] Optionally, a terminal device can report a measurement interval requirement to the network device only if the network device enables the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement, allows the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement, or configures the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. If the network device does not instruct the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement, the terminal device does not need to report the measurement interval requirement to the network device.

[0084] The network device may also instruct the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement for the target frequency band. For example, the RRC reconfiguration message / RRC recovery message also includes information about the target frequency band. In this case, the terminal device may only report whether a measurement interval is required for measuring these target frequency bands. If the RRC reconfiguration message / RRC recovery message does not include information about the target frequency band, the terminal device may report whether a measurement interval is required for all supported frequency bands.

[0085] It should be noted that after the terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement for the first time, if the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device changes, the terminal device will subsequently report the current measurement interval requirement again through the RRC reconfiguration message. For example, the first time the network device instructs the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration message, the terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement (for example, measurement interval requirement A) to the network device through the RRC reconfiguration completion message. Afterwards, the network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device again. Since the network device has previously instructed the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement, if the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device is different from the measurement interval requirement reported last time (for example, measurement interval requirement B), then the terminal device reports measurement interval requirement B to the network device through the RRC reconfiguration completion message. On the contrary, if the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device is the same as the measurement interval requirement reported last time (for example, it is still measurement interval requirement A), then the terminal device does not need to report the measurement gap requirement to the network device again through the RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0086] The change in the measurement interval requirement of the terminal device may be due to a change in the "user identity" of the terminal device. The "user identity" here is a logical concept. For example, the "user identity" can correspond to a SIM card or contracted user information or a virtual SIM card or a user identity (such as an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), etc.). Different "user identities" logically correspond to different communication entities. For example, for the network side, a terminal device that supports two user identities can be regarded as two communication entities. For example, the user identity is a SIM card, and a terminal device that supports multiple SIM cards is a physical communication entity, but the network device will identify the terminal device that supports multiple SIM cards as multiple different communication entities, where one SIM card corresponds to one communication entity. In the embodiments of this application, the "user identity" corresponding to the SIM card will be mainly used as an example for explanation.

[0087] Different user identities may have different requirements for measurement intervals. For terminal devices that support multiple user identities, as the user identities of the terminal device switch, the terminal device's requirements for measurement intervals are also different. Taking a terminal device that supports two user identities (referred to as a dual-SIM terminal) as an example, assume that the terminal device is installed with SIM card 1 and SIM card 2, and SIM card 1 and SIM card 2 share the terminal device's radio frequency path. When SIM card 1 is in the RRC connected state and SIM card 2 is in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, from the perspective of SIM card 1, when only SIM card 1 in the dual-SIM terminal is in the RRC connected state, SIM card 1 can occupy all the capabilities of the dual-SIM terminal. When SIM card 2 enters the RRC connected state from the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state, SIM card 2 also needs to occupy part or all of the capabilities of the dual-SIM terminal to achieve normal communication functions. At this time, the capabilities of SIM card 1 may change from occupying all the capabilities of the dual-SIM terminal to occupying part of the capabilities of the dual-SIM terminal, that is, the capabilities of SIM card 1 change. Since SIM card 1 has occupied part of the capabilities of the dual-SIM terminal, SIM card 2 cannot use all the capabilities of the dual-SIM terminal and can only occupy part of the capabilities of the dual-SIM terminal.

[0088] To ensure network devices are aware of the latest capabilities of terminal devices, a temporary capability restriction mechanism (also known as a temporary capability update mechanism) has been introduced. The temporary capability restriction mechanism means that when a terminal device's capabilities change while in the RRC connected state, the terminal device can indicate its current temporary capabilities to the network device, informing the network device that the terminal device's capabilities have been updated to temporary capabilities. The network device then configures the terminal device based on the temporary capabilities to ensure that the terminal device's configuration does not exceed the terminal device's current capabilities. Temporary capabilities can also be understood as capabilities that can be directly updated while the terminal device is in the RRC connected state.

[0089] Temporary capabilities include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: the maximum number of supported multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers, the number of supported secondary cells (SCells), the number of supported band combinations (BCs), or measurement interval capability. The temporary capability update mechanism can be used to update measurement interval requirements or indicate updated measurement interval requirements to the terminal device.

[0090] The network device may enable a temporary capability restriction mechanism, and the terminal device may report temporary capabilities through a terminal device assistance information (UE assistance information) message. The network device determines whether to reconfigure the terminal device based on the temporary capabilities of the terminal device. For example, the current configuration of the terminal device does not match the temporary capabilities of the terminal device, and the network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device based on the temporary capabilities of the terminal device. If the current configuration of the terminal device matches the temporary capabilities of the terminal device, the network device does not need to reconfigure the terminal device. The network device enabling the temporary capability restriction mechanism may also be replaced by "the network device configures the temporary capability restriction mechanism", "the network device instructs / configures the terminal device to use the temporary capability restriction mechanism", or "the network device instructs / configures the terminal device to report temporary capabilities". For example, the network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device, and the RRC reconfiguration message includes indication information, which indicates that the terminal device is allowed to report temporary capabilities through a UAI message, or the indication information enables the terminal device to send assistance information for temporary capability restriction (assistance information for temporary capability restriction).

[0091] Optionally, only when the network device has enabled the temporary capability restriction mechanism, the terminal device reports the temporary capabilities of the terminal device via a UAI message when its capabilities change. If the network device does not enable the temporary capability restriction mechanism, the terminal device may not report the temporary capabilities of the terminal device via a UAI message even if its capabilities change.

[0092] It should be noted that in the temporary capability restriction mechanism, the terminal device determines whether its capabilities have changed by comparing the temporary capabilities included in the previous UAI message. For example, if the terminal device's last reported UAI message included measurement interval requirement A, and if the terminal device's current measurement interval requirement is measurement interval requirement B, the terminal device will send another UAI message, which will include measurement interval requirement B. Conversely, if the terminal device's current measurement interval requirement is still measurement interval requirement A, the terminal device does not need to send the UAI message again.

[0093] The measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device based on the RRC reconfiguration message / RRC recovery message and the measurement interval requirement reported based on the temporary capability update mechanism are two independent processes. In other words, the measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device through the RRC reconfiguration message / RRC recovery message only refers to whether the current measurement interval requirement has changed compared with the measurement interval requirement reported last time through the RRC reconfiguration message / RRC recovery message; similarly, the measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device through the UAI message only refers to whether the current measurement interval requirement has changed compared with the measurement interval requirement reported last time through the UAI message. When both processes exist, the same measurement interval requirement may be reported repeatedly or the measurement interval requirement may be missed, resulting in the measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device not being the latest one), which may cause the relevant parameters configured by the network side for the terminal device to be inapplicable, affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0094] For easier understanding, please refer to Figure 2, which shows two independent processes for a terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement. In Figure 1, the network device has enabled the temporary capability update mechanism.

[0095] In Figure 2, the terminal device reports the measurement interval requirements in the following order: S201, the terminal device reports measurement interval requirement A via an RRC reconfiguration complete message; S202, the terminal device reports measurement interval requirement B via a UAI message; S203, the terminal device reports measurement interval requirement B via an RRC reconfiguration complete message; S204, the terminal device reports measurement interval requirement C via an RRC reconfiguration complete message. S205, the terminal device reports measurement interval requirement B via UAI (this is not actually performed, so it is indicated by a dotted line).

[0096] As mentioned above in S201 and S202: After the terminal device reports "measurement interval requirement A" through the RRC reconfiguration completion message, it is found that the current measurement interval requirement has changed to "measurement interval requirement B", then the terminal device reports "measurement interval requirement B" through UAI. Afterwards, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the network device. At this time, the terminal device determines that the current measurement interval (i.e., measurement interval requirement B) is different from the "measurement interval requirement A" in S201, then the terminal device reports "measurement interval requirement B" through the RRC reconfiguration completion message. Afterwards, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the network device. At this time, the terminal device determines that the current measurement interval (i.e., measurement interval requirement C) is different from the "measurement interval requirement B" in S203, and the terminal device reports "measurement interval requirement C" through the RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0097] As can be seen from Figure 2, from S202 to S203, the measurement interval requirement of the terminal device has actually always been "measurement interval requirement B", but in S203, the RRC reconfiguration completion message sent by the terminal device still includes "measurement interval requirement B". It can be seen that the terminal device has repeatedly reported the measurement interval requirement. In addition, assuming that after S204, the measurement interval requirement of the terminal device changes from "measurement interval requirement C" to "measurement interval requirement B", the terminal device should report "measurement interval requirement B" through the UAI message, but the terminal device compares the measurement interval requirement included in the previously sent UAI message (i.e., measurement interval requirement B in S202) and finds that the measurement interval requirement of the terminal device has not changed, so it will not report "measurement interval requirement B", that is, there will be no S205. This causes the network device to believe that the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device is "measurement interval requirement C" in S204, rather than the latest "measurement interval requirement B".

[0098] In a handover scenario (a terminal device switches from a source network device to a target network device), in order to let the target network device know the measurement interval requirement of the terminal device, the source network device will forward the measurement interval requirement of the terminal device to the target network device. In one implementation, the source network device will send both the measurement interval requirements reported by the terminal device through an RRC message and a UAI message to the target network device. However, the measurement interval requirement most recently reported by the terminal device through an RRC message may be different from the measurement interval requirement most recently reported through a UAI message, resulting in the target network device not knowing which the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device actually is, which in turn causes errors in the information configured by the target network device to the terminal device (e.g., measurement interval configuration). In an embodiment of the present application, the RRC message includes an RRC reconfiguration completion message and / or an RRC recovery completion message.

[0099] In order to solve the above technical problems, a method according to an embodiment of the present application is provided. In an embodiment of the present application, when a terminal device is configured to report a measurement interval requirement and report a temporary capability through UAI, the terminal device may compare whether the current measurement interval requirement has changed compared to the most recently reported measurement interval requirement. The most recently reported measurement interval requirement refers to: the most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirement reported through an RRC message and the measurement interval requirement reported through a UAI message. If the current measurement interval requirement changes compared to the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement; on the contrary, if the current measurement interval requirement changes compared to the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device does not report the current measurement interval requirement. The method provided by the embodiment of the present application can ensure that the measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device is the current measurement interval requirement, and the measurement interval requirement will not be reported repeatedly, nor will the measurement interval requirement be missed.

[0100] For handover scenarios, the terminal device or the source network device may report the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device to the target network device, thereby reducing misconfiguration of the target network device.

[0101] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are described below in combination with the above content and the accompanying drawings.

[0102] The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a terminal device that supports at least two user identities. The terminal device that supports two user identities is, for example, a terminal device that supports dual SIM dual active (DSDA) or a terminal device that supports dual SIM dual receive single send (DR-DSDS).

[0103] In the embodiments of this application, "measurement interval requirement" and "measurement interval capability" are interchangeable. "When," "if," and "if" all indicate that the device will take appropriate action under certain objective circumstances. They do not limit the time, do not require the device to make a judgment when implementing, and do not imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" are interchangeable, and "when" and "under the circumstances" are interchangeable. "When" and "if" / "if" are interchangeable.

[0104] For the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, it means "singular or plural nouns", that is, "one or more". "Multiple" means two or more. In view of this, in the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" can be one or more, for example, at least one can be one, two or more. For example, including at least one means including one, two or more, and there is no limit on which ones are included. For example, including at least one of A, B and C, then the included ones can be A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Similarly, the understanding of descriptions such as "at least one" is also similar. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character “ / ”, unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0105] Unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. Furthermore, the descriptions of "first" and "second" do not necessarily require the objects to be different. For example, a first measurement interval requirement and a second measurement interval requirement indicate two measurement interval requirements, but do not limit the priority or importance of the two measurement interval requirements.

[0106] In the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application (for example, communication method 300-communication method 800), the steps performed by the network device may be implemented by the RAN device itself, or by components in the RAN device (such as a baseband chip, or other processing units or processor modules). For example, the network device may be the network device in 1, or it may be a chip (system) in the network device in Figure 1. The steps performed by the terminal device may be implemented by the terminal device itself, or by components in the terminal device (such as a chip, processing unit, or processor modules). The terminal device may be the terminal device shown in Figure 1, or it may be a chip (system) in the terminal device in Figure 1.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 3, which shows a schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. For example, Figure 3 uses the example of communication method 300 being executed by a network device and a terminal device as an example to introduce the method from the perspective of interaction between the network device and the terminal device. It should be understood that communication method 300 can also be implemented by other devices, such as a chip or communication device with communication capabilities. As shown in Figure 3, the process of communication method 300 includes the following steps.

[0108] S301. A network device sends first information to a terminal device, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement.

[0109] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the network device. The first information can be used to instruct the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. The first information instructing the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement can be replaced by: the first information enables the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement, the first information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to report the measurement interval requirement, or the first information configures the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. The terminal device receives the first information from the network device and can report the measurement interval requirement to the network device. The network device configures the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement through the first information. When the network device sends the first information or the terminal device receives the first information, it can also be considered that the terminal device is configured to report the measurement interval requirement. The terminal device reports the measurement interval requirement to the network device based on the first information.

[0110] The first information may be an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC recovery message. If the network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC recovery message to the terminal device, the terminal device is instructed by default to report the measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the first information may be carried in the RRC reconfiguration message or the RRC recovery message to instruct the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement.

[0111] Optionally, the first information includes filtering information, which is used to indicate the target frequency band for requesting the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. In this case, the first information instructs the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement corresponding to the target frequency band, and the terminal device does not need to report the measurement interval requirement corresponding to frequency bands other than the target frequency band. For example, the target frequency bands indicated by the filtering information include {frequency band 1, frequency band 2, frequency band 3}. The measurement interval requirements reported by the terminal device include the measurement interval requirement corresponding to frequency band 1, the measurement interval requirement corresponding to frequency band 2, and the measurement interval requirement corresponding to frequency band 3. If the first information does not include filtering information, the terminal device may report the measurement interval requirements corresponding to all frequency bands supported by the terminal device.

[0112] S302. The network device sends second information to the terminal device, where the second information is used to enable the terminal device to report temporary capabilities through a UAI message, where the temporary capabilities include a measurement interval requirement.

[0113] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information from the network device. The second information can be carried in the RRC reconfiguration message. For example, the second information can be carried in the other configuration (otherconfig) field in the RRC reconfiguration message. The second information is used to enable the terminal device to report temporary capabilities through UAI, which can be replaced by: the second information is used to configure the terminal device to report temporary capabilities through UAI messages, the second information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to report temporary capabilities through UAI messages, the second information is used to enable / configure a temporary capability update mechanism, the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to use a temporary capability restriction mechanism, the second information is used to enable sending UAI for temporary capability restriction, or the second information is used to enable temporary capability reporting of the terminal device. The network device sends the second information or the terminal device receives the second information, and it can also be considered that the terminal device is enabled to report temporary capabilities through UAI messages. Since the temporary capability includes the measurement interval requirement, the terminal device receives the second information and can report the measurement interval requirement.

[0114] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of S301 and S302. For example, S301 can be executed before S302 or after S302. In addition, S301 and S302 are intended to illustrate that the terminal device is configured with the requirement to report the measurement interval and is enabled to report the temporary capability through the UAI message. In a possible implementation, S301 and S302 are not steps that must be executed, as long as the terminal device is configured with the requirement to report the measurement interval and is enabled to report the temporary capability through the UAI message.

[0115] S303: The terminal device sends a first measurement interval request to the network device.

[0116] The first measurement interval requirement is the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device. When the terminal device receives both the first information and the second information, the terminal device may report the measurement interval requirement to the network device in a repeated manner or miss-report the measurement interval requirement. To this end, in an embodiment of the present application, when the terminal device reports the measurement interval requirement, it can decide whether to report it to the network device to avoid repeated reporting of the measurement interval requirement, thereby reducing signaling overhead. In addition, it is also possible to avoid missing measurement interval requirements to ensure normal communication between the terminal device and the network device and improve communication efficiency.

[0117] For example, if one or more of the following conditions are met, the terminal device determines to report the first measurement interval requirement to the network device. If one or more of the following conditions are not met, the terminal device may not report the first measurement interval requirement to the network device.

[0118] Condition A: The terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement, or the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement to the network device.

[0119] If the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement, the terminal device reports a first measurement interval requirement to the network device, so that the network device knows the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device.

[0120] The terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement, which includes the terminal device not reporting a measurement interval requirement through an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message. Accordingly, condition A may be: the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement through an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message. Alternatively, condition A may be: the terminal device is configured to report temporary capabilities through a UAI message, and the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement through an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message.

[0121] It should be noted that the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement means that the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement each time it enters the RRC connected state. The terminal device entering the RRC connected state means that the terminal device enters the RRC connected state from the RRC idle state or the RRC activated state.

[0122] When the first information is carried in the RRC reconfiguration message, it can be considered that the network device has configured the terminal device with the requirement to report the measurement interval. When condition A is met, the terminal device can report the first measurement interval requirement to the network device through the RRC reconfiguration complete message. For example, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the network device, and the RRC reconfiguration complete message includes the first measurement interval requirement. From this perspective, condition A may be: the terminal device is configured with the requirement to report the measurement interval, and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the UAI message.

[0123] When the first information is carried in the RRC recovery message, it can also be considered that the network device has configured the terminal device with a requirement to report the measurement interval. When condition A is met, the terminal device reports the first measurement interval requirement to the network device through an RRC recovery completion message. For example, the terminal device sends an RRC recovery completion message to the network device, and the RRC recovery completion message includes the first measurement interval requirement. From this perspective, condition A is equivalent to: the terminal device is configured with a requirement to report the measurement interval, and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement through an RRC reconfiguration completion message, an RRC recovery completion message, and a UAI message. It can be understood that before the terminal device receives the RRC recovery message, the terminal device must not have reported the measurement interval requirement.

[0124] Optionally, the terminal device reports the first measurement interval requirement to the network device only when it has an expected / needed measurement interval requirement and meets condition A. Conversely, when the terminal device does not have an expected measurement interval requirement, it does not report the first measurement interval requirement to the network device, thereby reducing unnecessary reporting of measurement interval requirements. In other words, even if the terminal device is configured to report the measurement interval requirement, the reporting of the measurement interval requirement will only be triggered when the terminal device has an expected measurement interval requirement. This can save signaling overhead and improve system resource utilization.

[0125] The terminal device's expected measurement interval requirement is also one of the conditions for the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. Accordingly, condition A may be: the terminal device has an expected measurement interval requirement, and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the UAI message. Alternatively, condition A is: the terminal device has an expected measurement interval requirement, the terminal device is configured to report the measurement interval requirement, and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the UAI message.

[0126] When the terminal device receives the second information and meets condition A, the terminal device reports the first measurement interval requirement to the network device through the UAI message. In this case, condition A is also equivalent to: the terminal device is configured to report temporary capabilities through the UAI message, and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration completion message, the RRC recovery completion message, and the UAI message. It can be understood that the terminal device initiates the transmission of the UAI message before sending the UAI. "Initiating the transmission of the UAI message" refers to initializing the transmission of the UAI message to provide the first measurement interval requirement.

[0127] Similarly, when the terminal device reports the first measurement interval requirement to the network device through the UAI message, the terminal device will report the first measurement interval requirement to the network device only if it has an expected / required measurement interval requirement. When the terminal device does not have an expected measurement interval requirement, it may not report the first measurement interval requirement to the network device to save the signaling overhead of the UAI message and improve system resource utilization. The terminal device having an expected measurement interval requirement is also one of the conditions for the terminal device to report the measurement interval requirement. From this perspective, condition A may be: the terminal device has an expected measurement interval requirement, the terminal device is configured with the temporary capability to report through the UAI message, and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration completion message, the RRC recovery completion message, and the UAI message.

[0128] Condition B: the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement.

[0129] Among them, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration completion message and the measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message. For example, the measurement interval requirement last reported by the terminal device through the RRC reconfiguration completion message is measurement interval requirement A, and the measurement interval requirement last reported by the terminal device through the UAI message is measurement interval requirement B. When the RRC reconfiguration completion message last sent by the terminal device is later than the UAI message last sent by the terminal device, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is measurement interval requirement A; when the RRC reconfiguration completion message last sent by the terminal device is earlier than the UAI message last sent by the terminal device, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is measurement interval requirement B.

[0130] Alternatively, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC recovery complete message, and the measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message. For example, the measurement interval requirement last reported by the terminal device through the RRC reconfiguration complete message is measurement interval requirement A, the measurement interval requirement last reported by the terminal device through the UAI message is measurement interval requirement B, and the measurement interval requirement last reported by the terminal device through the RRC recovery complete message is measurement interval requirement C. When the last RRC reconfiguration complete message sent by the terminal device is later than the last UAI message sent by the terminal device and later than the last RRC recovery complete message sent by the terminal device, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is measurement interval requirement A; when the last RRC recovery complete message sent by the terminal device is later than the last UAI message sent by the terminal device and later than the last RRC reconfiguration complete message sent by the terminal device, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is measurement interval requirement C; when the last UAI message sent by the terminal device is later than the last RRC recovery complete message sent by the terminal device and later than the last RRC reconfiguration complete message sent by the terminal device, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is measurement interval requirement B.

[0131] When a terminal device has reported a measurement interval requirement, if the first measurement interval requirement is the same as the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, it indicates that the terminal device's expected measurement interval requirement remains unchanged, and the terminal device does not need to report the first measurement interval requirement again, so as to avoid repeated reporting of the measurement interval requirement, save signaling overhead, and improve system resource utilization. If the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, it indicates that the terminal device's expected measurement interval requirement has changed. The terminal device can report the first measurement interval requirement to avoid missing the latest measurement interval requirement, so that the network device configures appropriate related parameters for the terminal device based on the measurement interval requirement to ensure normal communication between the terminal device and the network device as much as possible.

[0132] Optionally, when the terminal device reports the first measurement interval requirement to the network device through a UAI message, condition B may be: the terminal device is configured to report the measurement interval requirement, and the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement; or, the terminal device has an expected / required measurement interval requirement, the terminal device is configured to report the measurement interval requirement, and the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement. Or condition B is: the terminal device is configured with the capability to report temporary capabilities through a UAI message, and the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement; or, the terminal device has an expected / required measurement interval requirement, the terminal device is configured with the capability to report temporary capabilities through a UAI message, and the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement.

[0133] When the first measurement interval requirement differs from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends the first measurement interval requirement to the network device. Depending on the message carrying the first information, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement may be different, and the message carrying the first measurement interval requirement may also be different. The following scenarios illustrate this with examples.

[0134] Scenario 1: The first information is carried in the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0135] 1) If the terminal device has reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration completion message, and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement through UAI, then the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration completion message sent by the terminal device.

[0136] In this case, the first measurement interval requirement may be carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message. For example, when the terminal device receives an RRC reconfiguration message, and when the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the network device, and the RRC reconfiguration complete message includes the first measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the first measurement interval requirement may be carried in a UAI message. For example, when the terminal device determines that the current measurement interval requirement has changed from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement to the first measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends a UAI message to the network device, and the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement.

[0137] 2) If the terminal device has reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration completion message, and the terminal device has also reported the measurement interval requirement through the UAI message, then the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration completion message and the measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message that the terminal device reported most recently.

[0138] In this case, the first measurement interval requirement may be carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message. For example, when the terminal device receives an RRC reconfiguration message, and when the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the network device, and the RRC reconfiguration complete message includes the first measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the first measurement interval requirement may be carried in a UAI message. For example, when the terminal device determines that the current measurement interval requirement has changed from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement to the first measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends a UAI message to the network device, and the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement.

[0139] In scenario 2, the first information is carried in an RRC recovery message. In this case, the terminal device may report the measurement interval requirement via an RRC recovery complete message or via an RRC configuration complete message.

[0140] 1) If the terminal device has reported a measurement interval requirement through an RRC reconfiguration complete message and / or an RRC recovery complete message, and the terminal device has not reported a measurement interval requirement through UAI, then the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: the most recently reported measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC recovery complete message.

[0141] In this case, the first measurement interval requirement may be carried in an RRC recovery complete message (this is the first time the measurement interval requirement is reported). For example, the terminal device receives an RRC recovery message, and the terminal device sends an RRC recovery complete message to the network device, and the RRC recovery complete message includes the first measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the first measurement interval requirement may also be carried in an RRC configuration complete message. For example, the terminal device receives an RRC recovery message, and when the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends an RRC configuration complete message to the network device, and the RRC configuration complete message includes the first measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the first measurement interval requirement may also be carried in a UAI message, for example, the terminal device determines that the current measurement interval requirement has changed from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement to the first measurement interval requirement, and the terminal device sends a UAI message to the network device, and the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement.

[0142] 2) If the terminal device has reported the measurement interval requirement through the RRC reconfiguration complete message, and the terminal device has also reported the measurement interval requirement through the UAI message, then the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC recovery complete message, and the most recently reported measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message.

[0143] In this case, the first measurement interval requirement may be carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message. For example, when the terminal device receives an RRC reconfiguration message, and the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the network device, and the RRC reconfiguration complete message includes the first measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the first measurement interval requirement may also be carried in a UAI message. For example, when the terminal device determines that the current measurement interval requirement has changed from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement to the first measurement interval requirement, the terminal device sends a UAI message to the network device, and the UAI message includes the first measurement interval requirement.

[0144] In scenario three, the first information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message and an RRC recovery message. For example, the network device sends both an RRC reconfiguration message and an RRC recovery message to the terminal device.

[0145] At this time, the processing behavior of the terminal device in scenario 2 is also applicable to scenario 3 and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Optionally, if the first information includes filtering information, the first measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device corresponds to the target frequency band indicated by the filtering information. For example, the first measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device through the RRC reconfiguration completion message corresponds to the target frequency band. For example, the first measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device through the RRC recovery completion message corresponds to the target frequency band. For another example, the first measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device through the UAI message also corresponds to the target frequency band, so that the reported first measurement interval requirement is the measurement interval requirement required by the network device. In this way, the terminal device will not report measurement interval requirements that are not needed by the network device, which can reduce the signaling overhead of the first measurement interval requirement in the UAI message and improve system resource utilization.

[0147] Optionally, when condition B is met, the terminal device reports the first measurement interval requirement and starts the timer. For example, when condition B is met, the terminal device reports the first measurement interval requirement through an RRC reconfiguration completion message, an RRC recovery completion message, or a UAI message, and starts the timer. In this way, the terminal device can be prohibited from reporting the measurement interval requirement through a UAI message while the timer is running, thereby avoiding the terminal device from frequently sending UAI messages. The timer is also called a prohibit timer. The running time of the timer can also be predefined or configured by the network device. For example, the second information also indicates the running time of the timer. The network device can also configure the running time of the timer through signaling other than the second information.

[0148] Accordingly, condition B may be: the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, and the prohibit timer is not in operation; or, the terminal device has an expected / required measurement interval requirement, the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, and the prohibit timer is not in operation. Alternatively, condition B may be: the terminal device is configured with the capability to report temporary intervals via UAI messages, the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, and the prohibit timer is not in operation; or, the terminal device has an expected / required measurement interval requirement, the terminal device is configured with the capability to report temporary intervals via UAI messages, the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, and the prohibit timer is not in operation.

[0149] It should be noted that if the terminal device is configured with the prohibition timer, then the "terminal device starts the prohibition timer" exists; if the terminal device is not configured with the prohibition timer or the protocol does not support (does not exist) the prohibition timer, then the "terminal device starts the prohibition timer" does not exist.

[0150] In method 300, when a terminal device is configured to report measurement interval requirements and is enabled to report temporary capabilities via UAI messages, the measurement interval requirement reported to the network device is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement. This prevents the terminal device from repeatedly reporting the same measurement interval requirement, saves signaling overhead, and improves system resource utilization. Furthermore, this prevents omission of the most recent measurement interval requirement, allowing the network device to configure the relevant parameters for the terminal device based on the measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device to match the terminal device's capabilities, thereby ensuring normal communication between the terminal device and the network device.

[0151] In a switching scenario, if the terminal device initiates the transmission of a UAI message within a period of time (for example, the last 1 second) before receiving the switching command / switching indication / RRC reconfiguration message, and the target network device has sent a second message to the terminal device, the terminal device will initiate the transmission of the UAI message again after switching to the target network device. Alternatively, the terminal device has initiated the transmission of a UAI message after being configured to allow the transmission of a UAI message, and the target network device has sent a second message to the terminal device, and the terminal device will initiate the transmission of a UAI message again after switching to the target network device. If the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device has not changed, then the terminal device has repeatedly reported the measurement interval requirement.

[0152] To this end, in an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device initiates the transmission of a UAI message within the last 1 second before receiving a handover command / handover indication / RRC reconfiguration message, or the terminal device sends a first UAI message within the first time period before receiving a handover command / handover indication / RRC reconfiguration message. The UAI message sent again by the terminal device to the target network device may not include a measurement interval requirement, so as to avoid the terminal device from repeatedly reporting the measurement interval requirement and improve the utilization of system resources. For example, when the terminal device has reported the first measurement interval requirement to the source network device through an RRC reconfiguration completion message, or the first measurement interval requirement is carried in an RRC reconfiguration completion message, the terminal device sends a second UAI message to the target network device, and the second UAI message does not include a measurement interval requirement.

[0153] Optionally, the terminal device may still report the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device. For example, the terminal device may send a first UAI message including the first measurement interval requirement. After switching to the target network device, the terminal device may send a second UAI message to the target network device, where the second UAI message includes the second measurement interval requirement, which is the current measurement interval requirement.

[0154] As mentioned above, in the switching scenario, the source network device sends the measurement interval requirements reported by the terminal device through RRC messages and UAI messages to the target network device. In this way, the target network device does not know the current measurement interval requirements of the terminal device, resulting in the relevant parameters configured by the target network device for the terminal not matching the capabilities of the terminal device, and thus causing the terminal device and the network device to be unable to communicate normally.

[0155] To this end, in an embodiment of the present application, it may be provided that the terminal device switches from the source network device to the target network device and reports the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device. Alternatively, the target network device may instruct the terminal device to report the current measurement interval requirement. The terminal device switches from the source network device to the target network device according to the instruction of the network device, and reports the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device. For example, the target network device sends a first message to the terminal device, triggering the terminal device to report the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device. The terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device based on the first information. Alternatively, the target network device may send a second message to the terminal device, causing the terminal device to send a UAI message of temporary capability. The terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device based on the second information. Since the terminal device reports the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device after switching from the source network device to the target network device, the relevant parameters configured for the terminal device by the target network device according to the measurement interval requirement match the capabilities of the terminal device to ensure normal communication between the terminal device and the target network device.

[0156] Please refer to Figure 4, which shows a flow diagram of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 introduces the method from the perspective of the interaction between the source network device, the target network device, and the terminal device. As shown in Figure 4, the flow of the communication method 400 includes the following steps.

[0157] S401. The terminal device sends a first RRC reconfiguration completion message to the source network device. The first RRC reconfiguration completion message includes a first measurement interval requirement.

[0158] Correspondingly, the source network device receives a first RRC reconfiguration complete message from the terminal device.

[0159] S402. The terminal device sends a first UAI message to the source network device, where the first UAI message includes a second measurement interval requirement.

[0160] Accordingly, the source network device receives the first UAI message from the terminal device.

[0161] The first measurement interval requirement is different from the second measurement interval requirement. It should be noted that S401 and S402 are independent and their execution order is not restricted by each other. For example, S401 can be before or after S402.

[0162] S403: The terminal device switches from the source network device to the target network device, and sends the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device.

[0163] The terminal device switches from the source network device to the target network device, i.e., the terminal device establishes an RRC connection with the target network device. After switching from the source network device to the target network device, the terminal device may send a current measurement interval request to the target network device. For example, the terminal device sends the current measurement interval request to the target network device via an RRC reconfiguration complete message, or the terminal device sends the current measurement interval request to the target network device via a UAI message.

[0164] If the target network device sends the first information to the terminal device, after the terminal device switches from the source network device to the target network device, it may send an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the target network device, where the RRC reconfiguration complete message includes the current measurement interval requirement. For example, after the terminal device switches to the target network device, it may send a second RRC reconfiguration complete message to the target network device, where the second RRC reconfiguration complete message includes the current measurement interval requirement.

[0165] If the target network device sends the second information to the terminal device, or if the target network device sends the first information and the second information to the terminal device, the terminal device may again initiate transmission of a UAI message after switching to the target network device. The UAI message may include the current measurement interval requirement. For example, after switching to the target network device, the terminal device may send a second UAI message to the target network device. The second UAI message may include the current measurement interval requirement.

[0166] It should be noted that if the terminal device initiates the transmission of a UAI message within a period of time (for example, the last 1 second) before receiving the handover command / handover indication / RRC reconfiguration message, and the target network device sends a second message to the terminal device, after the terminal device switches to the target network device, it will send a UAI message (for example, a third UAI message) to the target network device again. The third UAI message does not include the current measurement interval requirement to reduce repeated reporting of the same measurement interval requirement, save signaling overhead, and improve system resource rate.

[0167] Method 400 provides for a terminal device to switch from a source network device to a target network device and report its current measurement interval requirement to the target network device, so that the target network device is clearly aware of the terminal device's current measurement interval requirement. The target network device then configures parameters for the terminal device based on the measurement interval requirement to match the terminal device's capabilities, ensuring normal communication between the terminal device and the target network device.

[0168] As an alternative to method 400 , in a handover scenario, the source network device may also report the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device to the target network device.

[0169] Please refer to Figure 5, which shows a flow diagram of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 describes the method from the perspective of interaction between a terminal device, a source network device, and a target network device. As shown in Figure 5, the flow of the communication method 500 includes the following steps.

[0170] S501. A terminal device sends a first measurement interval request to a source network device.

[0171] Accordingly, the source network device receives a first measurement interval request from the terminal device.

[0172] S502: The terminal device sends a second measurement interval request to the source network device.

[0173] Correspondingly, the source network device receives a second measurement interval requirement from the terminal device. The second measurement interval requirement is different from the first measurement interval requirement, and the second measurement interval requirement is the measurement interval requirement most recently reported by the terminal device to the source network device.

[0174] S501 and S502 can be understood as the terminal device sequentially reporting different measurement interval requirements. For example, S501 and S502 take the case where the terminal device first reports the first measurement interval requirement and then reports the second measurement interval requirement. For the network device, the second measurement interval requirement is the measurement interval most recently reported by the terminal device, and can also be considered the second measurement interval requirement of the terminal device.

[0175] In a similar method 300, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement may be the most recently reported measurement interval among the measurement interval requirements included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the UAI message. Alternatively, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement may be the most recently reported measurement interval among the measurement interval requirements included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the UAI message. Accordingly, the message carrying the second measurement interval requirement is different from the message carrying the first measurement interval requirement. For example, the first measurement interval is carried in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, and the second measurement interval requirement is carried in the UAI message; or, the first measurement interval is carried in the UAI message, and the second measurement interval requirement is carried in the RRC reconfiguration complete message. For another example, the first measurement interval is carried in the RRC reconfiguration recovery message, and the second measurement interval requirement is carried in the UAI message; or, the first measurement interval is carried in the UAI message, and the second measurement interval requirement is carried in the RRC recovery complete message.

[0176] S503: The source network device sends a second measurement interval request to the target network device.

[0177] To ensure that the target network device is aware of the terminal device's current measurement interval requirement, the source network device may send a second measurement interval requirement to the target network device. This allows the target network device to configure parameters for the terminal device based on the second measurement interval requirement to match the terminal device's capabilities, thereby ensuring normal communication between the terminal device and the target network device. It should be understood that the measurement interval requirement sent by the source network device to the target network device is only the second measurement interval requirement.

[0178] The source network device may send a second measurement interval requirement to the target network device via a handover preparation information message. The handover preparation information message may include first indication information and second indication information. The first indication information may be carried in the measurement interval requirement (e.g., needForGapsInfoNR) field, and the second indication information may be carried in the UAI (e.g., ueAssistanceInformation) field. Alternatively, the first indication information may be measurement interval requirement information (e.g., needForGapsInfoNR), and the second indication information may be UAI (e.g., ueAssistanceInformation).

[0179] The source network device sends the second measurement interval request to the target network device through a handover preparation information message, including the following three implementation methods.

[0180] Method 1: The second measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device is carried in an RRC message (such as an RRC reconfiguration complete message or an RRC recovery complete message), and the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the first indication information; the second measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device is carried in a UAI message, and the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the second indication information. Alternatively, the second measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device is carried in an RRC message, and the second measurement interval requirement is indicated only by the first indication information. In this case, the second indication information does not exist or does not indicate the measurement interval requirement; the second measurement interval requirement reported by the terminal device is carried in a UAI message, and the second measurement interval requirement is indicated only by the second indication information. In this case, the first indication information does not exist or does not indicate the measurement interval requirement.

[0181] For example, when the second measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device to the source network device is carried in an RRC message, the source network device sends a handover preparation information message to the target network device, the measurement interval requirement field in the handover preparation information message carries the second measurement interval requirement, and the UAI field in the handover preparation information message carries the content of the UAI message sent by the terminal device to the source network device, and the content in the UAI message does not include the measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the source network device sends a handover preparation information message to the target network device, the measurement interval requirement field in the handover preparation information message carries the second measurement interval requirement, and the handover preparation information message does not include the UAI field.

[0182] For another example, when the second measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device to the source network device is carried in a UAI message, the source network device sends a handover preparation information message to the target network device, the UAI field in the handover preparation information message carries the second measurement interval requirement, and the measurement interval requirement field in the handover preparation information message does not carry the second measurement interval requirement. Alternatively, the source network device sends a handover preparation information message to the target network device, the UAI field in the handover preparation information message carries the second measurement interval requirement, and the handover preparation information message does not include the measurement interval requirement field.

[0183] Method 1 does not require modifying the meanings of the measurement interval requirement field and the UAI field in the handover preparation information message, and is simpler.

[0184] In the second method, the protocol defines or configures the first indication information or the second indication information to indicate the second measurement interval requirement.

[0185] Method 2 can be understood as: the protocol definition indicates the second measurement interval requirement only through the first indication information, or indicates the second measurement interval information only through the second indication information, which is irrelevant to the message of the second measurement interval requirement sent by the carrying terminal device to the source network device.

[0186] Optionally, the measurement interval requirement field is used to indicate the latest measurement interval requirement, and the measurement interval requirement field indicates second measurement interval information; or the UAI field is used to indicate the latest measurement interval requirement, and the UAI field indicates second measurement interval information. The latest measurement interval requirement is the measurement interval requirement most recently reported by the terminal device under the source network device, and the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC recovery complete message, and the measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message, or the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message.

[0187] If the protocol defines that the first indication information indicates the second measurement interval requirement, then the second measurement interval requirement is carried in the measurement interval requirement field in the handover preparation information message. When the second measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device to the source network device is carried in the UAI message, the second measurement interval requirement sent by the source network device to the target network device is carried in the measurement interval requirement field in the handover preparation information message. When the second measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device to the source network device is carried in the RRC reconfiguration complete message or the RRC recovery complete message, the second measurement interval requirement sent by the source network device to the target network device is carried in the measurement interval requirement field in the handover preparation information message. In this case, the target network device can obtain the second measurement interval requirement only from the measurement interval requirement field, and use the measurement interval requirement field as the current latest measurement interval requirement of the terminal device.

[0188] Optionally, the UAI field in the handover preparation information message carries a UAI that does not include the second measurement interval requirement.

[0189] For another example, the protocol defines that the second indication information indicates the second measurement interval requirement, then the second measurement interval requirement is carried in the UAI field in the handover preparation information message. When the second measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device to the source network device is carried in the RRC reconfiguration completion message or the RRC recovery completion message, the second measurement interval requirement sent by the source network device to the target network device is carried in the UAI field in the handover preparation information message. When the second measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device to the source network device is carried in the UAI message, the second measurement interval requirement sent by the source network device to the target network device is carried in the UAI field in the handover preparation information message. In this case, the target network device can obtain the second measurement interval requirement only from the UAI field, and use the measurement interval requirement field as the current latest measurement interval requirement of the terminal device.

[0190] In a third approach, both the first indication information and the second indication information indicate a second measurement interval requirement.

[0191] The measurement interval requirement field and the UAI field in the handover preparation information message are both used to carry the second measurement interval requirement and have nothing to do with the message carrying the second measurement interval requirement sent by the terminal device to the source network device.

[0192] Optionally, both the measurement interval requirement field and the UAI field are used to indicate the latest measurement interval requirement, where the latest measurement interval requirement is the measurement interval requirement most recently reported by the terminal device under the source network device, and the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration completion message, the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC recovery completion message, and the measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message. Alternatively, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is the measurement interval requirement included in the RRC reconfiguration completion message and the measurement interval requirement included in the UAI message.

[0193] For example, the source network device determines the second measurement interval requirement and sends a handover preparation information message to the target network device. The measurement interval requirement field in the handover preparation information message carries the second measurement interval requirement, and the UAI field in the handover preparation information message carries the second measurement interval requirement.

[0194] It is understandable that if the target network device only supports reporting of measurement interval requirements but does not support reporting of temporary capabilities through UAI messages, then the target network device can only parse the content of the first indication information and cannot parse the content of the second indication information. In this case, if the first indication information indicates the second measurement interval requirement, the target network device can obtain the second measurement interval requirement; if the second measurement interval requirement is not indicated by the first indication information, the target network device cannot obtain the second measurement interval requirement and will think that the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement, which may cause the target network device to be configured incorrectly or trigger the terminal device to repeatedly report the measurement interval requirement. Therefore, Method 2 and Method 3 are more compatible with the target network device.

[0195] Method 500 specifies how, when a terminal device switches from a source network device to a target network device, the source network device reports the terminal device's current measurement interval requirement to the target network device, ensuring that the target network device is fully aware of the terminal device's current measurement interval requirement. The target network device then configures parameters for the terminal device based on the measurement interval requirement to match the terminal device's capabilities, ensuring normal communication between the terminal device and the target network device.

[0196] For a terminal device that is equipped with multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs) (also known as a multi-SIM (MUSIM) terminal device), the terminal device can indicate to the network device that the terminal device is a terminal device with temporarily restricted capabilities or that the capabilities of the terminal device are temporarily restricted during the RRC setup process or the RRC resume process. For example, during the RRC setup process, the terminal device can indicate that the capabilities of the terminal device are temporarily restricted through an RRC setup completion message to avoid the configuration carried by the first RRC reconfiguration message exceeding the current capabilities of the terminal device. For another example, during the RRC resume process, the terminal device can indicate that the capabilities of the terminal device are temporarily restricted through an RRC resume request message to avoid the configuration carried by the first RRC resume message exceeding the current capabilities of the terminal device.

[0197] In one possible approach, a 1-bit message can be used to indicate that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited. For example, a 1-bit message is carried in the RRC setup complete message or the RRC recovery request message, and the 1-bit message can also indicate the specific capability parameter set corresponding to the terminal device with limited capabilities. The specific capability parameter set can be predefined by the protocol. However, the RRC recovery request message only has 1 reserved bit. If the 1-bit reserved bit is used to indicate that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited, then the RRC recovery request message has no available reserved bits, and the usage scenario is limited.

[0198] To this end, an embodiment of the present application proposes an alternative solution. This solution uses the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU that encapsulates the RRC recovery message to indicate that the terminal device is a terminal device with temporarily limited capabilities or indicates that the terminal device's capabilities are limited. For ease of understanding, the structure of the MAC PDU is first introduced.

[0199] The MAC PDU includes one or more MAC sub-PDUs. Each MAC sub-PDU can be composed of any of the following: 1) only one MAC subheader, A MAC subheader only (including padding); 2) a MAC subheader and a MAC service data unit (SDU), A MAC subheader and a MAC SDU; 3) a MAC subheader and a MAC control element (CE), A MAC subheader and a MAC CE; 4) a MAC subheader and padding, A MAC subheader and padding.

[0200] The MAC subheader includes the following:

[0201] 1) LCID field, used to indicate the logical channel identifier. The LCID field can indicate what specific information the content in the MAC PDU is. For example, when the LCID indicates 52, it is used to indicate that the corresponding content in the MAC PDU is the common control channel (CCCH). During the RRC recovery process, the CCCH is the RRC recovery request message. Optionally, CCCH can be further divided into 48-bit CCCH (called CCCH) and 64-bit CCCH (called CCCH1) according to the message size. When the LCID indicates 52, it is used to indicate CCCH, and when the LCID indicates 0, it is used to indicate CCCH1.

[0202] 2) The L field is used to indicate the length of the corresponding MAC SDU or variable-size MAC CE.

[0203] 3) The F field is used to indicate the length of the L field.

[0204] 4) The R field is a reserved bit and must be set to 0.

[0205] Please refer to Figure 6, which shows a flow diagram of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 introduces the method from the perspective of interaction between a network device and a terminal device. As shown in Figure 6, the flow of the communication method 600 includes the following steps.

[0206] S601. The terminal device generates a MAC PDU, the MAC subheader of which indicates that the terminal device has limited capabilities.

[0207] S602: The terminal device sends a MAC PDU to the network device.

[0208] When a terminal device sends an RRC recovery request message, the RRC layer of the terminal device generates the RRC recovery request message, which is then delivered to the MAC layer of the terminal device for packet assembly to generate a MAC PDU. The MAC PDU is delivered to the physical layer of the terminal device and ultimately sent out by the physical layer. Accordingly, the network device receives the MAC PDU from the terminal device. The RRC recovery request message is carried on the CCCH, and the uplink transport channel corresponding to the CCCH is the uplink shared channel (UL-SCH).

[0209] In the embodiment of the present application, if the terminal device capability is limited, the MAC subheader included in the MAC PDU may indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited. The MAC subheader indicating that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited includes but is not limited to the following indication methods.

[0210] Indication method one: the MAC subheader includes a reserved bit, and the value of the reserved bit is a first value, which is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited.

[0211] For example, the R field of the MAC subheader indicates that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily restricted. The meaning of the R field can be redefined. For example, if the value of the R field is 1, the R field indicates that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily restricted; if the value of the R field is 0, the R field is a reserved bit and has no special meaning.

[0212] Indication method two: the MAC subheader includes an LCID, and the value of the LCID is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited.

[0213] For example, the LCID is a certain value, indicating that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited. For another example, the LCID value is within a preset range, indicating that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited.

[0214] Considering that LCID37-LCID42 are reserved identifiers and have not been used, the preset range can be [37, 42]. The embodiment of the present application reuses the value in LCID37-LCID42 to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted. For example, when the LCID belongs to the preset range, the LCID can indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted. For example, when the LCID is a first value (for example, 37 in 37-42), the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted. Or, when the LCID is a second value (for example, 38 in 37-42), the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted.

[0215] Optionally, the protocol specifies that LCID is a first value, indicating that the capabilities of the terminal device are temporarily limited.

[0216] It is understood that messages sent by terminal devices can be carried on CCCH or CCCH1. The message size corresponding to CCCH is 48 bits, and the message size corresponding to CCCH1 is 64 bits. If the terminal device does not indicate that the message to be sent is carried on CCCH or CCCH1, the network equipment may use the incorrect message size to parse the message, resulting in message parsing errors. Therefore, it is usually necessary for the terminal device to indicate that the message to be sent is carried on CCCH or CCCH1.

[0217] Considering the case of distinguishing CCCH and CCCH1, when LCID is a certain value, it may indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted and the content in the MAC PDU is CCCH; when LCID is another value, it may indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted and the content in the MAC PDU is CCCH1. For example, when LCID is a first value (for example, 37 in 37-42), it indicates that the content in the MAC PDU is CCCH and the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted; when LCID indicates a second value (for example, 38 in 37-42), it indicates that the content in the MAC PDU is CCCH1 and the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted.

[0218] Optionally, the protocol stipulates that LCID is a first value, indicating that the content in the MAC PDU is CCCH and the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted, and LCID is a second value, indicating that the content in the MAC PDU is CCCH1 and the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted.

[0219] Indication method three: The MAC subheader includes a reserved bit and an LCID, wherein the reserved bit indicates CCCH or CCCH1, and the value of the LCID is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited. The reserved bit can be the R field of the MAC subheader.

[0220] The difference between indication mode 3 and indication mode 2 is that the reserved bit in the multiplexed MAC subheader indicates CCCH or CCCH1. For example, the reserved bit has the first value, which is used to indicate CCCH; the reserved bit has the second value, which is used to indicate CCCH1.

[0221] Indication method three can also be understood as follows: if the LCID included in the MAC subheader falls within a preset range, the R field in the MAC subheader indicates CCCH or CCCH1. For example, if the value of the R field is 0, the R field indicates CCCH; if the value of the R field is 1, the R field indicates CCCH1. It should be noted that if the LCID does not fall within the preset range, the R field in the MAC subheader remains reserved.

[0222] Optionally, the protocol stipulates that the indication of "terminal device capabilities are temporarily restricted" is only effective during the RRC establishment process or the RRC recovery process. When the RRC establishment process is completed (for example, the RRC establishment complete message is successfully sent) or the RRC recovery process is completed (for example, the RRC recovery complete message is successfully sent), the indication of "terminal device capabilities are temporarily restricted" is no longer effective.

[0223] Optionally, the protocol stipulates that the indication of "temporary restriction of terminal device capabilities" is only effective before the terminal device receives the first RRC reconfiguration message. For example, the indication of "temporary restriction of terminal device capabilities" is effective from the start of the RRC establishment process or the RRC recovery process until the terminal device receives the first RRC reconfiguration message. The first RRC reconfiguration message can be used to enable / configure / instruct the terminal device to report temporary capabilities via UAI. Alternatively, the first RRC reconfiguration message can be used to enable / configure temporary capability restrictions. Alternatively, the first RRC reconfiguration message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to report temporary capabilities via a UAI message. Alternatively, the first RRC reconfiguration message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to use the capability restriction mechanism. Alternatively, the first RRC reconfiguration message is used to enable sending of UAI for temporary capability restrictions.

[0224] Taking into account that in some application scenarios, LCID is still needed to indicate some content, the currently reserved LCID values ​​(i.e. LCID37-LCID42) may not be sufficient. For example, for enhanced reduced capabilities (eRedCap) terminal devices, it is necessary to use the LCID value to indicate that the terminal device type is an eRedCap terminal device. For another example, for terminal devices that support non-terrestrial networks (NTN), it is necessary to use the LCID value to indicate whether the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback of message 4 (Msg4) needs to be repeated. For another example, if a terminal device is both a MUSIM terminal device and an eRedCap terminal device, then in addition to using one or two LCID values ​​to indicate that the terminal device capabilities are temporarily limited, it is also necessary to use the LCID value to indicate that the terminal device type is an eRedCap terminal device. Similarly, if a terminal device supports NTN and is a MUSIM terminal device, in addition to using one or two LCID values ​​to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited, the LCID value is also required to indicate whether the HARQ feedback of Msg4 needs to be repeated. For another example, if a terminal device supports NTN and is an eRedCap terminal device and a MUSIM terminal device, in addition to using one or two LCID values ​​to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited, the LCID value is also required to indicate that the terminal device type is an eRedCap terminal device, and the LCID value is also required to indicate whether the HARQ feedback of Msg4 needs to be repeated.

[0225] For the convenience of description, in the embodiments of the present application, a content that requires LCID indication may be referred to as a feature. Continuing with the above example, feature 1 may be MUSIM, feature 2 may be eRedCap, and feature 3 may be NTN; or, feature 1 may be "terminal device capabilities are temporarily limited," feature 2 may be "eRedCap terminal device type," and feature 3 may be "whether the HARQ feedback of Msg4 needs to be repeated." Depending on the application scenario, one or more LCID values ​​are required to indicate one or more of the above features. One or more features constitute a feature combination. For example, the above three features can constitute seven feature combinations. For example, feature combination 1 is {feature 1}, feature combination 2 is {feature 2}, feature combination 3 is {feature 3}, feature combination 4 is {feature 1, feature 2}, feature combination 5 is {feature 1, feature 3}, feature combination 6 is {feature 2, feature 3}, and feature combination 7 is {feature 1, feature 2, feature 3}. Depending on the application scenario, a feature combination is indicated based on one or more LCIDs.

[0226] In the future, more application scenarios may be introduced, and more feature combinations may need to be indicated. In this case, the reserved LCID37-LCID42 may not be sufficient. To this end, the method 700 provided in the embodiment of the present application is proposed. Through the method 700, one or more important / specific feature combinations can be indicated using fewer LCID values.

[0227] Please refer to Figure 7, which shows a flow diagram of a communication method 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 introduces the method from the perspective of interaction between a network device and a terminal device. As shown in Figure 7, the flow of the communication method 700 includes the following steps.

[0228] S701: A terminal device receives configuration information sent by a network device, where the configuration information indicates a correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination.

[0229] Accordingly, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device. At least one LCID value may correspond to at least one combination. For example, the number of at least one LCID value is the same as the number of at least one combination, and one LCID corresponds to one combination. The network device may indicate the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination to the terminal device through the configuration information. Optionally, the configuration information may be carried in an RRC message or a system information (SI) message, or the configuration information may be an RRC message or an SI message. The network device may broadcast the configuration information, and any terminal device that receives the configuration information may determine the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination. Alternatively, the network device may also send the configuration information to a certain terminal device separately to configure the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination for the terminal device separately.

[0230] Optionally, at least one LCID value belongs to a preset range, which can be predefined by the protocol or configured by the network device. For example, the preset range is [LCID37-LCID42]. In this case, [LCID37-LCID42] can indicate up to 6 feature combinations. If it is considered that each feature combination also needs to distinguish CCCH and CCCH1, then [LCID37-LCID42] can indicate up to 3 feature combinations. It can be understood that, for the case of distinguishing CCCH and CCCH1, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes: the correspondence between at least one LCID value and CCCH type (CCCH or CCCH1) and at least one feature combination.

[0231] Taking into account that the maximum number of feature combinations that can be indicated by the LCID within the preset range may be less than the actual feature combinations that exist, it may be impossible to indicate one or some feature combinations. To this end, the network device can define the meaning corresponding to the LCID according to the features supported in the current network, and indicate a certain feature combination by indicating the correspondence between the LCID value and the feature combination. For ease of understanding, the following detailed description is given using the example that the network device currently only supports MUSIM and eRedCap, but does not support NTN, including the following two situations. Among them, the network device supporting a feature can be understood as the network device supporting the use of a feature or configuring a feature. It is understandable that if the network device does not support NTN, then there is no need to consider NTN-related indications, and features that do not need to be indicated may not occupy LCID values.

[0232] Case 1: for CCCH or CCCH1, or not distinguishing between CCCH and CCCH1.

[0233] The correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes: LCID37 corresponds to feature combination 1 {MUSIM}, LCID38 corresponds to feature combination 2 {eRedCap}, and LCID39 corresponds to feature combination 1 {MUSIM+eRedCap}.

[0234] Case 2: Distinguish CCCH and CCCH1.

[0235] The correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one characteristic combination includes: the correspondence between at least one LCID value and a CCCH type (CCCH or CCCH1) and at least one characteristic combination.

[0236] For example, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes: LCID37 corresponds to CCCH-based feature combination 1 {MUSIM}, LCID38 corresponds to CCCH1-based feature combination 1 {MUSIM}, LCID39 corresponds to CCCH-based feature combination 2 {eRedCap}, LCID40 corresponds to CCCH1-based feature combination 2 {eRedCap}, LCID41 corresponds to CCCH-based feature combination 1 {MUSIM+eRedCap}, and LCID42 corresponds to CCCH1-based feature combination 1 {MUSIM+eRedCap}.

[0237] From Case 1 and Case 2, it can be seen that using fewer LCID values ​​can indicate more features. For example, in Case 1, only three LCID values ​​are used to indicate the features included in the three feature combinations.

[0238] S702: The terminal device sends a MAC PDU to the network device. The MAC subheader in the MAC PDU includes a first LCID value, and the first LCID value is used to indicate a first feature combination of the terminal device.

[0239] The features included in the first feature combination are what the terminal device needs to inform the network device. In an embodiment of the present application, the first feature combination can be indicated by the MAC subheader included in the MAC PDU. For example, the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU includes a first LCID value, and the first LCID value is used to indicate the first feature combination of the terminal device. It can be understood that the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes the correspondence between the first LCID value and the first feature combination. The network device receives the MAC PDU and can determine the first feature combination based on the aforementioned configuration information and the first LCID value carried by the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU.

[0240] For example, in the configuration information, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes: LCID37 corresponds to feature combination 1 {MUSIM}, LCID38 corresponds to feature combination 2 {eRedCap}, and LCID39 corresponds to feature combination 3 {MUSIM+eRedCap}. When the terminal device is both a MUSIM terminal device and an eRedCap terminal device, the first feature combination is feature combination 3. The terminal device needs to indicate "the capabilities of the terminal device are temporarily restricted" and "the type of eRedCap terminal device". At this time, the terminal device determines that the first LCID value is LCID39, and the LCID value included in the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU is 39, which is used to indicate the "capabilities of the terminal device are temporarily restricted" and "the type of eRedCap terminal device" of the terminal device.

[0241] For another example, in the configuration information, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes: LCID37 corresponds to CCCH-based feature combination 1 {MUSIM}, LCID38 corresponds to CCCH1-based feature combination 1 {MUSIM}, LCID39 corresponds to CCCH-based feature combination 2 {eRedCap}, LCID40 corresponds to CCCH1-based feature combination 2 {eRedCap}, LCID41 corresponds to CCCH-based feature combination 3 {MUSIM+eRedCap}, and LCID42 corresponds to CCCH1-based feature combination 3 {MUSIM+eRedCap}. When the terminal device is both a MUSIM terminal device and an eRedCap terminal device, the terminal device needs to indicate "terminal device capabilities are temporarily limited" and "eRedCap terminal device type", and the message indicating the sending is carried in CCCH1, then the first feature combination is CCCH1-based feature combination 3. At this time, the terminal device determines that the first LCID value is LCID42, and the LCID value included in the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU is 42, which is used to indicate the "terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited" and "eRedCap terminal device type" of the terminal device, as well as the corresponding CCCH1.

[0242] In the second case, although CCCH and CCCH1 can be distinguished by the LCID value, the number of feature combinations that can be indicated by the same number of LCID values ​​will be reduced.

[0243] To this end, an alternative solution is proposed, which indicates CCCH or CCCH1 through a reserved bit (R field) in the MAC subheader, and indicates the first feature combination through the first LCID value carried by the MAC subheader. For example, the MAC subheader includes a reserved bit, the value of which is a first value, used to indicate CCCH; the value of which is a second value, used to indicate CCCH1. For example, the LCID value included in the MAC subheader belongs to a preset range. If the value of the R field is 0, the R field indication corresponds to CCCH; if the value of the R field is 1, the R field indication corresponds to CCCH1. It should be noted that if the LCID value does not belong to the preset range, the R field included in the MAC subheader is still a reserved bit.

[0244] For example, in the configuration information, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes: LCID37 corresponds to feature combination 1 {MUSIM}, LCID38 corresponds to feature combination 2 {eRedCap}, and LCID39 corresponds to feature combination 1 {MUSIM+eRedCap}. If the terminal device is both a MUSIM terminal device and an eRedCap terminal device, then the terminal device needs to indicate "temporarily limited capabilities of the terminal device" and "eRedCap terminal device type". In this case, the first LCID value is LCID39, and the LCID value included in the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU is 39. If the message to be sent is carried in CCCH1, the value of the R field of the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU is 1, which is used to indicate "temporarily limited capabilities of the terminal device" and "eRedCap terminal device type" of the terminal device, and corresponds to CCCH1.

[0245] In method 700, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination is configured by a network device as an example. In a possible implementation, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination may also be predefined by a protocol. In this case, S701 may not be performed and is an optional step, which is illustrated by a dotted line in FIG7 .

[0246] When the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination is predefined by the protocol, the same applies to the aforementioned cases 1 and 2. The terminal device indicates the first feature combination of the terminal device through the first LCID value included in the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU, which will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the terminal device may also indicate CCCH or CCCH1 through the reserved bit (R field) in the MAC subheader, and indicate the first feature combination through the first LCID value carried by the MAC subheader. For details, please refer to the aforementioned content, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] In the CU-DU architecture, it is the CU that generates the RRC recovery message. If the CU is unaware of the "terminal device capabilities are temporarily restricted", the configuration carried in the RRC recovery message generated by the CU may exceed the current capabilities of the terminal device. Therefore, the DU can indicate to the CU that the terminal device capabilities are temporarily restricted. For example, in S602, the terminal device sends a MAC PDU to the network device. It may be that the terminal device sends a MAC PDU to the DU, and the DU determines the information of "terminal device capabilities are temporarily restricted" from the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, and tells the CU. For another example, in S702, the terminal device sends a MAC PDU to the network device. It may be that the terminal device sends a MAC PDU to the DU, and the DU determines the information of "terminal device capabilities are temporarily restricted" from the MAC subheader of the MAC PDU, and tells the CU.

[0248] In method 600, the DU may indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted by sending a first message to the CU. For example, the first message may include a first indication field, and the first indication field indicates that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted. If the first message does not include the first indication field, it indicates that the terminal device capability is not temporarily restricted. For another example, the first message includes a first indication field, and the first indication field occupies at least one bit. When the value of the first indication field is a first value, it is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted; if the value of the first indication field is a second value, it is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is not temporarily restricted.

[0249] In method 700, the DU may indicate the first feature combination via a first message sent to the CU. For example, the first message may include a first indication field, where the first indication field occupies at least one bit. When the value of the first indication field is a first value, it indicates the first feature combination; when the value of the first indication field is a second value, it indicates the second feature combination, and so on.

[0250] Optionally, when the first feature combination includes MUSIM or "the capability of the terminal device is temporarily restricted", the DU indicates the first feature combination through a first message sent to the CU, or the DU directly indicates that the capability of the terminal device is temporarily restricted through a first message sent to the CU. The first message may include a first indication field, which indicates that the capability of the terminal device is temporarily restricted. If the first message does not include the first indication field, it indicates that the capability of the terminal device is not temporarily restricted. For another example, the first message includes a first indication field, which occupies at least one bit. When the value of the first indication field is the first value, it is used to indicate that the capability of the terminal device is temporarily restricted; if the value of the first indication field is the second value, it is used to indicate that the capability of the terminal device is not temporarily restricted.

[0251] Optionally, the first message may be multiplexed into an initial uplink RRC message transfer message, as shown in S603 / S703. Alternatively, the first message may be other possible messages.

[0252] It should be noted that S603 / S703 only exists in the CU-DU architecture. If the network device is not a CU-DU architecture, S603 / S703 does not exist.

[0253] Consider that in the CU-DU architecture, the CU generates the RRC reconfiguration message, and the DU schedules the information transmission of the terminal device. For example, the DU configures resources for the terminal device to transmit data. If the DU is unaware of the "temporary limitation of the terminal device capabilities", the scheduling configuration configured by the DU for the terminal device may exceed the current capabilities of the terminal device. For example, taking the example of the terminal device's capabilities including the number of supported MIMO layers, the terminal device's capabilities are not temporarily limited, and the number of MIMO layers that the terminal device can support is 4. Due to the temporary limitation of capabilities, the number of MIMO layers currently supported by the terminal device is 1. The DU is unaware of the "temporary limitation of the terminal device capabilities" and may schedule the terminal device according to the MIMO layer number of 4. Since the terminal device cannot support the transmission of 4 MIMO layers, data loss occurs.

[0254] Therefore, to enable the terminal device to transmit data normally, the CU may indicate to the DU that the terminal device's capabilities are temporarily limited. For example, the terminal device sends an RRC message to the CU of the network device, indicating that the terminal device's capabilities are limited. The CU determines that the terminal device's capabilities are limited based on the RRC message and sends a second message to the DU, indicating that the terminal device's capabilities are limited.

[0255] Please refer to Figure 8, which illustrates a flow chart of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 introduces the method from the perspective of interaction between a network device and a terminal device. As shown in Figure 8, the flow of the communication method 800 includes the following steps.

[0256] S801. The terminal device sends third indication information to the CU, where the third indication information indicates that the capability of the terminal device is temporarily limited.

[0257] Correspondingly, the CU receives third indication information from the terminal device. The third indication information indicates that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited, which can be replaced by indicating that the terminal device capability is limited, or indicating that the terminal device is a terminal device with limited capability.

[0258] The third indication information may be carried in one or more messages of the RRC establishment complete message, the RRC recovery request message or the RRC recovery complete message.

[0259] Optionally, the third indication information may further indicate a specific capability parameter set corresponding to the current capability of the terminal device. The specific capability parameter set may be defined in a protocol.

[0260] S802. The CU sends fourth indication information to the DU, where the fourth indication information indicates that the capability of the terminal device is temporarily limited.

[0261] Accordingly, the DU receives the fourth indication information from the CU. The fourth indication information indicates that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited, which can be replaced by,

[0262] The fourth indication information indicates that the capability of the terminal device is limited, or the fourth indication information indicates that the terminal device is a terminal device with limited capability.

[0263] The fourth indication information may be carried in a downlink (DL) RRC message transfer (DL RRC message transfer) message. For example, the DL RRC message transfer message may add a new indication field, which indicates that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted. For example, the DL RRC message transfer message includes the indication field, indicating that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted; the DL RRC message transfer message does not include the indication field, indicating that the terminal device capability is not temporarily restricted. For another example, the value of the indication field is a first value, indicating that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted; the value of the indication field is a second value, indicating that the terminal device capability is not temporarily restricted.

[0264] In method 800, the CU determines that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited based on the third indication information, and indicates to the DU through the fourth indication information that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited, so that the DU can reasonably schedule the terminal device.

[0265] For a terminal device with the temporary capability restriction mechanism enabled, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state and the capabilities of the terminal device change, the terminal device can indicate the current temporary capabilities to the network device to indicate that the capabilities of the terminal device are updated to temporary capabilities. The terminal device can indicate that the capabilities of the terminal device are updated to temporary capabilities in an active manner or in a passive manner.

[0266] The proactive way to indicate the temporary capabilities of a terminal device means that: the terminal device informs the network device of the updated temporary capabilities of the terminal device in advance, and the network device configures relevant parameters to the terminal device based on the temporary capabilities of the terminal device, so that the configuration of the terminal device does not exceed the current capabilities of the terminal device. For the proactive way, the configuration sent by the network device to the terminal device will not exceed the current capabilities of the terminal device. The reactive way to indicate the temporary capabilities of a terminal device means that: when the terminal device finds that the current configuration exceeds the current temporary capabilities, the terminal device informs the network device of the updated temporary capabilities of the terminal device, so that the network device reconfigures relevant parameters for the terminal device based on the current temporary capabilities of the terminal device, so that the configuration of the terminal device does not exceed the current capabilities of the terminal device.

[0267] The active mode requires the terminal device to reserve some capacity in advance so that the network device can be informed in advance of the temporary capacity of the terminal device. Therefore, it may happen that the capacity currently actually used by the terminal device is not all the reserved capacity. That is, in the active mode, some of the reserved capacity will not be used temporarily, resulting in the system failing to reach the peak rate. For the passive mode, since the network device does not know the limited capacity of the terminal device in advance, the configuration sent by the network device to the terminal device may exceed the current capacity of the terminal device, resulting in the need for reconfiguration and increased signaling overhead. The terminal device may not be able to meet the actual needs of the network device using the active or passive mode. For example, if the actual need of the network device is that a higher system rate is more important and higher system performance is higher, then the terminal device cannot meet the actual needs of the network device using the passive mode; if the actual need of the network device is to reduce signaling overhead and avoid redundant reconfiguration messages, then the terminal device cannot meet the actual needs of the network device using the active mode.

[0268] To this end, an embodiment of the present application proposes a solution, in which the network device instructs the terminal device on which method to use to indicate / report the current temporary capabilities of the terminal device, thereby meeting the actual needs of the network device.

[0269] For example, the network device may send fifth indication information to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device receives the fifth indication information sent by the network device. The fifth indication information may be used to indicate the manner in which the terminal device indicates temporary capabilities. After the terminal device receives the fifth indication information sent by the network device, it indicates the temporary capabilities using a corresponding manner according to the fifth indication information. Indicating temporary capabilities may be replaced by: indicating temporary capability restrictions or updating temporary capabilities. "Terminal device indicating temporary capabilities" means that the terminal device indicates temporary capabilities through a UAI message.

[0270] The fifth indication information is used to indicate the manner in which the terminal device indicates the temporary capability through the UAI message, including: the fifth indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to indicate the temporary capability using an active manner and / or a passive manner. That is, the fifth indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to use an active manner or a passive manner, or the fifth indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to use an active manner and a passive manner. For example, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to use an active manner or a passive manner, or the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to use an active manner and a passive manner. For example, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to use an active manner or a passive manner, or the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to use an active manner and a passive manner.

[0271] Optionally, when the network device does not allow the terminal device to report temporary capabilities in an active manner or a passive manner, the network device may indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to indicate temporary capabilities.

[0272] The fifth indication information may be carried in an RRC reconfiguration message. For example, the fifth indication information may be carried in an other configuration (otherconfig) field in an RRC reconfiguration message. Optionally, the network device may implicitly indicate that the terminal is allowed to indicate temporary capabilities through an active and / or passive indication by the network device.

[0273] The various embodiments provided in the embodiments of the present application can be executed separately or in combination with each other. In the embodiments provided in the present application, the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application are introduced from the perspective of the interaction between the terminal device and the network device (involving the source network device and / or the target network device). Among them, the steps performed by the terminal device can be implemented by the different functional entities that constitute the terminal device. The steps performed by the network device can be implemented by the different functional entities that constitute the network device. For example, the network device can be a CU-DU architecture, the CU can generate an RRC recovery message, and the DU can send an RRC recovery message. In order to implement the various functions in the method provided in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application, the terminal device and the network device may include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and implement the above-mentioned functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. Whether one of the above-mentioned functions is performed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0274] The following describes the communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the above contents can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated contents will not be repeated.

[0275] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 900 may be a network device or a terminal device in the aforementioned embodiments. For example, the communication device 900 may be the network device or terminal device in Figure 1; alternatively, the communication device 900 may be a chip (system) in a network device or a chip (system) in a terminal device; or alternatively, the communication device 900 may be a software module of the network device or terminal device. The communication device 900 may implement the functions or steps implemented by the terminal device or network device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The communication device 900 may include a processing module 910 and a transceiver module 920. Optionally, it may also include a storage module, which may be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The storage module may be, for example, a memory. The processing module 910 and the transceiver module 920 may be coupled to the storage module. For example, the processing module 910 may read the instructions (code or program) and / or data in the storage module to implement the corresponding method. When the communication device 900 is a chip in a terminal device, the storage module may be a storage module within the chip, such as a register or cache. For example, the storage module may also be a storage module located outside the chip within the network device / terminal device, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc. The above-mentioned units may be independently provided or partially or fully integrated.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the processing module 910 may be a processor or controller, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and the like. The transceiver module 920 is a transceiver, an interface circuit, a bus, a pin, or other possible communication interface for receiving signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the transceiver module 920 is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices, or an interface circuit for the chip to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0277] In some possible implementations, the communication device 900 can implement the behaviors and functions of the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments. The communication device 900 can be a terminal device, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in a terminal device, or a chip or chipset in the terminal device, or a portion of a chip used to perform the functions of the relevant method, or a software module capable of implementing the method performed by the terminal device in the above-mentioned method (such as any of the methods 300-600), without limitation.

[0278] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment of Figure 3. The transceiver module 920 can be used to execute S301-S303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 and / or other processes supporting the technology described herein; the processing module 910 can be used to execute other processes of the technology described herein.

[0279] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 920 is configured to receive first information and second information. The first information is used to instruct the communication device 900 to report a measurement interval requirement. The second information is used to enable the communication device 900 to report a temporary capability through a UAI message, where the temporary capability includes a measurement interval requirement, and the measurement interval requirement is used to indicate whether a measurement interval is required. The processing module 910 is configured to determine whether the communication device 900 has not reported a measurement interval requirement, or that the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement. The transceiver module 920 is further configured to send a first measurement interval requirement, where the first measurement interval requirement is the current measurement interval requirement of the communication device 900.

[0280] As an optional implementation manner, the first information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC recovery message; the first measurement interval requirement is carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message.

[0281] As an optional implementation method, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the measurement interval requirements in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the UAI message; or, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the measurement interval requirements in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the UAI message.

[0282] As an optional implementation, the first information includes filtering information, where the filtering information is used to indicate the target frequency band for requesting the communication apparatus 900 to report the measurement interval requirement. The first measurement interval requirement is carried in the UAI message, and the first measurement interval requirement corresponds to the target frequency band.

[0283] As an optional implementation, after the transceiver module 920 sends the first measurement interval requirement, the processing module 910 is further configured to: start a timer, wherein, while the timer is running, the communication device is prohibited from reporting the measurement interval requirement via a UAI message.

[0284] As an optional implementation method, the communication device 900 switches from the source network device to the target network device, and the communication device 900 sends a first UAI message within a first time period before receiving the switching instruction. The transceiver module 920 is also used to: send a second UAI message to the target network device; wherein, when the first measurement interval requirement is carried on the first UAI message, the second UAI message includes the second measurement interval requirement, and the second measurement interval requirement is the current measurement interval requirement of the communication device 900; or, when the first measurement interval requirement is carried on the RRC reconfiguration completion message, the second UAI does not include the measurement interval requirement.

[0285] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment of Figure 4. The transceiver module 920 can be used to execute S401-S403 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 910 can be used to execute other processes of the technology described herein.

[0286] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 920 is configured to send a first RRC reconfiguration complete message and a first UAI message. The first RRC reconfiguration complete message includes a first measurement interval requirement. The first UAI message includes a second measurement interval requirement. When the communication device 900 switches from a source network device to a target network device, the transceiver module 920 is further configured to send the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device.

[0287] As an optional implementation manner, the current measurement interval requirement is carried in the second RRC reconfiguration complete message or the second UAI message.

[0288] As an optional implementation method, when the communication device 900 initiates the transmission of a UAI message within a first time period before receiving a switching instruction, and the communication device 900 switches from the source network device to the target network device, and sends the current measurement interval requirement to the target network device through the second RRC reconfiguration completion message, the transceiver module 920 is also used to send a third UAI message to the target network device, and the third UAI message does not include the current measurement interval requirement.

[0289] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method performed by the source network device in the embodiment of Figure 5. The transceiver module 920 can be used to perform S501-S503 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 and / or other processes supporting the technology described herein; the processing module 910 can be used to perform other processes of the technology described herein.

[0290] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 920 is configured to receive a first measurement interval request and a second measurement interval request from a terminal device, and send the second measurement interval request to a target network device. The second measurement interval request is different from the first measurement interval request, and the second measurement interval request is the most recently reported measurement interval request. The message carrying the second measurement interval request is different from the message carrying the first measurement interval request.

[0291] As an optional implementation method, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the measurement interval requirement in the radio resource control RRC reconfiguration completion message and the user equipment auxiliary information UAI message; or, the most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the measurement interval requirement in the RRC reconfiguration completion message, the RRC recovery completion message, and the UAI message.

[0292] As an optional implementation method, the second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a handover preparation information message, and the handover preparation information message includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information is UAI information. When the second measurement interval requirement of the terminal device is carried in an RRC message, the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the first indication information; when the second measurement interval requirement of the terminal device is carried in a UAI message, the second measurement interval requirement is indicated by the second indication information.

[0293] As an optional implementation method, the second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a switching preparation information message, which includes first indication information and second indication information; wherein, the first indication information or the second indication information indicates the second measurement interval requirement, the first indication information is the measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information is the UAI information.

[0294] As an optional implementation method, the second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a switching preparation information message, which includes first indication information and second indication information; wherein, the first indication information and the second indication information both indicate the second measurement interval requirement, the first indication information is the measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information is the UAI information.

[0295] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment of FIG6 . The processing module 910 can be used to execute S601 in the embodiment shown in FIG6 , and to execute other processes for the technology described herein. The transceiver module 920 can be used to execute S602 in the embodiment shown in FIG6 , and / or to support other processes for the technology described herein.

[0296] The processing module 910 is configured to generate a MAC PDU, wherein the MAC PDU includes an RRC recovery request message and a MAC subheader, wherein the MAC subheader is configured to indicate that the terminal device has limited capabilities. The transceiver module 920 is configured to send the MAC PDU.

[0297] As an optional implementation manner, the MAC subheader is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is limited, including: the MAC subheader includes a reserved bit, the value of the reserved bit is a first value, and is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is limited.

[0298] As an optional implementation manner, the MAC subheader is used to indicate that the terminal device has limited capabilities, including: the MAC subheader includes an LCID, and the value of the LCID is used to indicate that the terminal device has limited capabilities.

[0299] As an optional implementation, the MAC subheader includes a reserved bit and an LCID, wherein the reserved bit indicates CCCH or CCCH1, and the value of the LCID is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited.

[0300] As an optional implementation, the indication of the limited capability of the communication apparatus 900 takes effect during the RRC establishment process or during the RRC recovery process.

[0301] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment of FIG. 7 . The processing module 910 can be used to execute other processes of the technology described herein. The transceiver module 920 can be used to execute S701 and S702 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

[0302] The transceiver module 920 is configured to receive configuration information sent by a network device, the configuration information being used to indicate a correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination; and to send a MAC PDU to the network device, wherein the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU includes a first LCID value, the first LCID value being used to indicate a first feature combination of the terminal device. The processing module 910 is configured to generate a MAC PDU.

[0303] As an optional implementation manner, the correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination includes: the correspondence between at least one LCID value and a CCCH type (CCCH or CCCH1) and at least one feature combination.

[0304] As an optional implementation manner, the MAC subheader includes a reserved bit, the value of the reserved bit is a first value, and the MAC subheader indicates that the message to be sent is carried on CCCH or CCCH1.

[0305] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method executed by the network device in the embodiment of FIG. 7 . The processing module 910 can be used to execute other processes of the technology described herein. The transceiver module 920 can be used to execute S701 and S702 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

[0306] The transceiver module 920 is configured to send configuration information indicating a correspondence between at least one LCID value and at least one feature combination, and receive a MAC PDU sent by a terminal device, wherein the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU includes a first LCID value indicating a first feature combination of the terminal device. The processing module 910 is configured to generate a MAC PDU.

[0307] As an optional implementation manner, the MAC subheader includes a reserved bit, the value of the reserved bit is a first value, and the MAC subheader indicates that the message to be sent is carried on CCCH or CCCH1.

[0308] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment of FIG8 . The processing module 910 can be used for other processes of the technology described herein. The transceiver module 920 can be used to execute S801 and S802 in the embodiment shown in FIG8 and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

[0309] The transceiver module 920 is used to send third indication information to the CU, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily limited.

[0310] As an optional implementation method, the third indication information may be carried in one or more messages of an RRC establishment completion message, an RRC recovery request message or an RRC recovery completion message.

[0311] For example, the communication device 900 implements the method executed by the CU in the network device in the embodiment of FIG8 . The processing module 910 can be used for other processes of the technology described herein. The transceiver module 920 can be used to execute S801 and S802 in the embodiment shown in FIG8 and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

[0312] The transceiver module 920 is used to receive third indication information from the terminal device, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted; and send fourth indication information to the DU, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device capability is temporarily restricted.

[0313] As an optional implementation method, the third indication information may be carried in one or more messages of an RRC establishment completion message, an RRC recovery request message or an RRC recovery completion message.

[0314] As an optional implementation manner, the fourth indication information may be carried in a DL RRC message transfer message.

[0315] When the communication device 900 is a chip-type device or circuit, the transceiver module may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing module may be an integrated processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit.

[0316] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 can be a network device or a terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the communication device 1000 can be the network device or terminal device in Figure 1; or the communication device 1000 is a chip (system) in the network device or terminal device. In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices. For specific functions, please refer to the description in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0317] The communication device 1000 includes one or more processors 1001, which are used to implement or support the communication device 1000 to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details, which will not be repeated here. The processor 1001 can also be called a processing unit or a processing module, which can implement certain control functions. The processor 1001 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it includes: a baseband processor, a central processing unit, an application processor, a modem processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a digital signal processor, a video codec processor, a controller, a memory, and / or a neural network processor. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 1000 (such as a network device or terminal device), execute software programs and / or process data. Different processors can be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated into one or more dedicated integrated circuits.

[0318] In one design, the processor 1001 may include a program 1003 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which may be executed on the processor 1001 to cause the communication device 1000 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments. In another possible design, the communication device 1000 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG10 ) configured to implement the network device or terminal device functions described in the above embodiments.

[0319] In one design, the communication device 1000 may include one or more memories 1002 on which a program 1004 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions) is stored. The program 1004 can be run on the processor 1001, so that the communication device 1000 performs the method described in the above method embodiment, such as the process shown in one or more figures in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

[0320] In one design, the processor 1001 and / or the memory 1002 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module 1007 and an AI module 10010, each configured to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RAN intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near-real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0321] In a possible design, data may also be stored in the processor 1001 and / or the memory 1002. The processor and the memory may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0322] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1005 and / or an antenna 1006. The processor 1001 may also be sometimes referred to as a processing unit, and controls the communication device 1000. The transceiver 1005 may also be sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, and is configured to implement the transceiver function of the communication device through the antenna 1006.

[0323] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more of the following components: a wireless communication module, an audio module, an external memory interface, an internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a power management module, an antenna, a speaker, a microphone, an input / output module, a sensor module, a motor, a camera, or a display screen, etc. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the communication device 1000 may include more or fewer components, or some components may be integrated or separated. These components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0324] The communication device in the above embodiments can be a terminal device (or network device), a circuit, a chip used in a terminal device (or network device), or other combined devices or components with the above terminal device (or network device). When the communication device is a terminal device (or network device), the transceiver module can be a transceiver, which can include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc., and the processing module can be a processor, such as a CPU. When the communication device is a component with the functions of the above terminal device (or network device), the transceiver module can be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module can be a processor. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device can be an FPGA, a dedicated ASIC, a system on chip (SoC), a CPU, a network processor (NP), a DSP, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated circuit. The processing module can be the processor of the chip system. The transceiver module or communication interface can be the input / output interface or interface circuit of the chip system. For example, the interface circuit can be a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit can be used to receive code instructions (the code instructions are stored in a memory and can be read directly from the memory or read from the memory via another device) and transmit them to the processor; the processor can be used to execute the code instructions to perform the method in the above method embodiment. For example, the interface circuit can also be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver.

[0325] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system. Specifically, the communication system includes a network device and a terminal device. Exemplarily, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device for implementing the functions related to Figure 3. Alternatively, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device for implementing the functions related to Figure 4. Alternatively, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device for implementing the functions related to Figure 5. Alternatively, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device for implementing the functions related to Figure 6. Alternatively, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device for implementing the functions related to Figure 7. Alternatively, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device for implementing the functions related to Figure 8. Please refer to the relevant description in the above method embodiment for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0326] A computer-readable storage medium is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method executed by the terminal device or network device in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

[0327] A computer program product is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, including instructions, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method executed by the terminal device or network device in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

[0328] The embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may also include a memory, for implementing the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method. The chip system can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0329] To implement the functions of the communication device shown in Figures 9 and 10 above, embodiments of the present application further provide a chip including a processor for supporting the communication device in implementing the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the chip is connected to or includes a memory, which is used to store computer programs, instructions, and data necessary for the communication device.

[0330] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0331] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0332] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0333] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0334] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0335] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving first information, where the first information is used to indicate a terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement, where the measurement interval requirement is used to indicate whether a measurement interval is required; receiving second information, where the second information is used to enable the terminal device to report temporary capabilities through a user equipment assistance information UAI message, where the temporary capabilities include a measurement interval requirement; When the terminal device has an expected / needed measurement interval requirement and the terminal device has not reported the measurement interval requirement, the first measurement interval requirement is sent; or, when the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, the first measurement interval requirement is sent, wherein the first measurement interval requirement is the current measurement interval requirement of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is carried in a radio resource control RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC recovery message; The first measurement interval requirement is carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: The most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirements in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message and the UAI message.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first information includes filtering information, where the filtering information is used to indicate a target frequency band for requesting the terminal device to report a measurement interval requirement, where the first measurement interval requirement is carried in a UAI message, and where the first measurement interval requirement corresponds to the target frequency band.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: After sending the first measurement interval requirement, the method further includes: Start a timer, wherein, during the operation of the timer, the terminal device is prohibited from reporting a measurement interval requirement via a UAI message.

6. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving a first measurement interval request from a terminal device; receiving a second measurement interval requirement from the terminal device, where the second measurement interval requirement is different from the first measurement interval requirement, the second measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, and a message carrying the second measurement interval requirement is different from a message carrying the first measurement interval requirement; Send the second measurement interval request to the target network device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: The measurement interval requirement most recently reported in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the measurement interval requirement in the UAI message.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a handover preparation information message, where the handover preparation information message includes first indication information and second indication information; The first indication information indicates the second measurement interval requirement, the first indication information is measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information is UAI information.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Determine third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device has limited capabilities; The third indication information is sent to the first access network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first access network device is a centralized unit CU.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The third indication information is carried in a radio resource control RRC establishment complete message and / or an RRC recovery complete message.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first access network device, the method includes: Receiving third indication information from a terminal device, where the third indication information is used to indicate that a capability of the terminal device is limited; Send fourth indication information to the second access network device, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the capability of the terminal equipment is limited.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first access network device is a centralized unit CU, and the second access network device is a distributed unit DU.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The third indication information is carried in a radio resource control RRC establishment complete message and / or an RRC recovery complete message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that Sending fourth indication information to the second access network device includes: A first message is sent to the second access network device, where the first message includes the fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal equipment capability is limited.

16. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a second access network device, the method comprises: Receiving fourth indication information sent by the first access network apparatus, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the capability of the terminal device is limited; Schedule the terminal device according to the fourth indication information.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that Receiving fourth indication information sent by the first access network device, including: Receive a first message sent by the first access network device, where the first message includes the fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal equipment capability is limited.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a transceiver module and a processing module; The transceiver module is configured to receive first information, where the first information is used to instruct the communication device to report a measurement interval requirement, where the measurement interval requirement is used to indicate whether a measurement interval is required; and receive second information, where the second information is used to enable the communication device to report a temporary capability through a user equipment auxiliary information UAI message, where the temporary capability includes a measurement interval requirement; The processing module is used to determine that the communication device has an expected / needed measurement interval requirement, and the communication device has not reported a measurement interval requirement, or to determine that the first measurement interval requirement is different from the most recently reported measurement interval requirement; The transceiver module is further configured to send the first measurement interval requirement, wherein the first measurement interval requirement is a current measurement interval requirement of the communication device.

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The first information is carried in a radio resource control RRC reconfiguration message or an RRC recovery message; The first measurement interval requirement is carried in an RRC reconfiguration complete message, an RRC recovery complete message, or a UAI message.

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: The most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the RRC reconfiguration complete message and the measurement interval requirement in the UAI message; or, The most recently reported measurement interval requirement among the measurement interval requirements in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message and the UAI message.

21. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that The first information includes filtering information, where the filtering information is used to indicate a target frequency band for requesting the communication device to report a measurement interval requirement, where the first measurement interval requirement is carried in a UAI message, and the first measurement interval requirement corresponds to the target frequency band.

22. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that After sending the first measurement interval requirement, the processing module is further used to start a timer, wherein, during the operation of the timer, the communication device is prohibited from reporting the measurement interval requirement through a UAI message.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first measurement interval requirement from a terminal device, and receive a second measurement interval requirement from the terminal device, and send the second measurement interval requirement to a target network device, wherein the second measurement interval requirement is different from the first measurement interval requirement, the second measurement interval requirement is the most recently reported measurement interval requirement, and the message carrying the second measurement interval requirement is different from the message carrying the first measurement interval requirement; The processing module is used to determine a message carrying the second measurement interval requirement.

24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that The most recently reported measurement interval requirement is: The most recently reported measurement interval requirement in the radio resource control RRC reconfiguration complete message and the measurement interval requirement in the user equipment assistance information UAI message; or, The measurement interval requirement most recently reported in the RRC reconfiguration complete message, the RRC recovery complete message, and the measurement interval requirement in the UAI message.

25. The device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The second measurement interval requirement sent to the target network device is carried in a handover preparation information message, where the handover preparation information message includes first indication information and second indication information; The first indication information indicates the second measurement interval requirement, the first indication information is measurement interval requirement information, and the second indication information is UAI information.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processing module, used to determine third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device has limited capabilities; The transceiver module is used for the first access network device to send the third indication information.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that The first access network device is a centralized unit CU.

28. The device according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The third indication information is carried in a radio resource control RRC establishment complete message and / or an RRC recovery complete message.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: include: a transceiver module, configured to receive third indication information, and send fourth indication information to the second access network apparatus, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device has limited capability, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device has limited capability; A processing module is used to determine the fourth indication information.

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that The communication device is a centralized unit CU, and the second access network device is a distributed unit DU.

31. The device according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that The third indication information is carried in a radio resource control RRC establishment complete message and / or an RRC recovery complete message.

32. The device according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that The transceiver module is specifically used for: A first message is sent to the second access network device, where the first message includes the fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal equipment capability is limited.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A transceiver module, configured to receive fourth indication information sent by the first access network apparatus, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the capability of the terminal device is limited; A processing module is used to schedule the terminal device according to the fourth indication information.

34. The device according to claim 33, characterized in that The transceiver module is specifically used for: Receive a first message sent by the first access network device, where the first message includes the fourth indication information, which is used to indicate that the terminal equipment capability is limited.

35. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor configured to execute one or more computer programs or instructions so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 16 to 17.

36. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises a network device and a terminal device, and the terminal device is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5; or, The communication system comprises a terminal device, a source network device and a target network device, wherein the source network device is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

37. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A computer program or instruction is stored, the computer program or instruction being used to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 17.

38. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, or to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, or to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, or to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, or to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 17.

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