Method for transmitting reservation state of cell for operator, and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a method for transmitting a reservation state of a cell for an operator, and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a second access network device receiving a first message sent by a first access network device, wherein the first message carries a reservation state of a first cell for an operator that uses a public land mobile network (PLMN) as granularity, and the first cell is a cell under the first access network device. It can be seen that, on the basis of the method, the second access network device can acquire from the first access network device the reservation state of the cell of the first access network equipment for the operator that uses the PLMN as the granularity, such that the second access network device can carry out a communication decision on the basis of the reservation state of the cell of the first access network device for the operator that uses the PLMN as the granularity, thus helping the second access network device make a rational communication decision.

Description

A cell operator's reservation status transmission method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on September 27, 2023, with application number 202311274411.5, and priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “A method and communication device for transmitting the reservation status of a cell for an operator”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and a communication device for transmitting a reservation status of an operator's cell. Background Art

[0003] Currently, in the system information block 1 (SIB1) of long term evolution (LTE) or new radio (NR), the operator reserved status of a cell can be broadcast according to the public land mobile network (PLMN). When the value of the operator reserved status is "reserved", it indicates that the cell is reserved for the operator. Terminals assigned access control 11 (AC11) or AC15 and operating in the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) / equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN) will use this cell as a candidate cell during cell selection and reselection. Terminals assigned AC0-9 / AC12-14 or AC11 / AC15 but not operating in the HPLMN / EHPLMN will use this cell as a prohibited cell during cell selection and reselection. When the value of the reserved state of the cell for the operator is not reserved, it means that the cell is not reserved for the operator. During the cell selection and reselection process, all terminals use this cell as a candidate cell.

[0004] Currently, access network devices are unable to make reasonable communication decisions in many communication scenarios. For example, in a cell handover scenario, cell 1 under access network device 1 is the serving cell for a terminal, and cell 2 under access network device 2 is a neighboring cell of cell 1. The terminal's access type is AC0. The operator's reserved state for cell 1 is "not reserved," while the operator's reserved state for cell 2 is "reserved." If the signal quality of cell 1 deteriorates while the signal quality of cell 2 improves, access network device 1 may decide to hand over the terminal from cell 1 to cell 2. Because the operator's reserved state for cell 2 is "reserved" and the terminal's access type is AC0, the terminal cannot access cell 2. Access network device 1 can only hand over the terminal to another neighboring cell with better signal quality, resulting in the inability to promptly hand over the terminal to a suitable cell.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a method and a communication device for transmitting the reservation status of a cell for an operator, which is conducive to access network equipment making reasonable communication decisions.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for transmitting a reservation status of a cell for an operator. The method can be performed by a second access network device, or by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the second access network device. It can also be implemented by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second access network device. In this method, the second access network device receives a first message sent by a first access network device, where the first message carries the reservation status of a first cell for an operator at a granularity of a public land mobile network (PLMN), where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device.

[0008] It can be seen that based on the method described in the first aspect, the second access network device can obtain the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device as the operator with PLMN as the granularity from the first access network device, so that the second access network device can make communication decisions based on the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device as the operator with PLMN as the granularity, which is conducive to the second access network device making reasonable communication decisions.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device receives the first message sent by the first access network device, including: the second access network device receives the first message sent by the first access network device through an X2 / Xn link / private link.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, before receiving the first message, the second access network device may further send a second message to the first access network device, where the second message is used to request that the cell be in a reserved state of the operator.

[0011] Based on this possible embodiment, the second access network device can proactively obtain from the first access network device the operator's reserved status of the cell of the first access network device with PLMN as the granularity according to its own needs.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, after the second access network device receives the first message sent by the first access network device, it can also receive a third message sent by the first access network device, which carries the updated reservation status of the first cell with PLMN as the granularity as the operator.

[0013] Based on this possible embodiment, when the reservation status of the cell of the first access network device with PLMN as the granularity for the operator changes, the second access network device can be dynamically notified, which helps to reduce manual maintenance.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the first message is one of the following messages: an X2 establishment request message, an Xn establishment request message, and the third message is one of the following messages: an ENB configuration update message, and an NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0015] Optionally, if the first message is an X2 setup request message, after receiving the first message, the second access network device may further send an X2 setup response message (X2 setup response) to the first access network device. The X2 setup response message may carry the operator-reserved status of the second cell at the PLMN granularity, where the second cell is a cell under the second access network device. Based on this optional embodiment, the operator-reserved status of the cell can be exchanged between the first access network device and the second access network device, thereby facilitating both the first access network device and the second access network device to make reasonable communication decisions.

[0016] Optionally, if the first message is an Xn setup request message, after receiving the first message, the second access network device may further send an Xn setup response message (Xn setup response) to the first access network device. The Xn setup response message may carry the operator-reserved status of the second cell at the PLMN granularity, where the second cell is a cell under the second access network device. Based on this optional embodiment, the operator-reserved status of the cell can be exchanged between the first access network device and the second access network device, thereby facilitating both the first access network device and the second access network device to make reasonable communication decisions.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell shutdown based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, coverage holes can be avoided.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to handover the terminal to a suitable cell in a timely manner.

[0019] Optionally, the second access network device performs cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity and the access control information of the terminal. In this way, a cell handover strategy can be made more accurately.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the second access network device may further determine whether to add a carrier of the first cell as a secondary component carrier (SCC) based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at a PLMN granularity. This possible embodiment facilitates ensuring that the added SCC complies with the operator's control policy.

[0021] Optionally, the second access network device determines whether to add the carrier of the first cell as an SCC based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at the PLMN granularity and the access control information of the terminal. This enables a more accurate SCC addition strategy to be made.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for transmitting a reservation status of a cell for an operator. The method can be performed by a first access network device, or by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first access network device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network device. In this method, the first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, where the first message carries the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at the granularity of the public land mobile network (PLMN), where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device.

[0023] In a possible embodiment, the first access network device sending the first message to the second access network device includes:

[0024] The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device through an X2 / Xn link / private link.

[0025] In a possible embodiment, before the first access network device sends the first message to the second access network device, the method further includes:

[0026] The first access network device receives a second message sent by the second access network device, where the second message is used to request that the cell be in a reserved state of the operator.

[0027] In a possible embodiment, after the first access network device sends the first message to the second access network device, the method further includes:

[0028] When the reservation status of the first cell with PLMN as the granularity for the operator changes, the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device, and the third message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell with PLMN as the granularity for the operator.

[0029] In a possible embodiment, the first message is one of the following messages: an X2 establishment request message, an Xn establishment request message, and the third message is one of the following messages: an ENB configuration update message, and an NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0030] Optionally, if the first message is an X2 setup request message, after the first access network device sends the first message, it may also receive an X2 setup response message (X2 setup response) sent by the second access network device. The X2 setup response message may carry the operator-reserved status of the second cell at the PLMN granularity, where the second cell is a cell under the second access network device. Based on this optional embodiment, the operator-reserved status of the cell can be exchanged between the first access network device and the second access network device, thereby facilitating both the first access network device and the second access network device to make reasonable communication decisions.

[0031] Optionally, if the first message is an Xn setup request message, after the first access network device sends the first message, it may also receive an Xn setup response message (Xn setup response) sent by the second access network device. The Xn setup response message may carry the operator-reserved status of the second cell at the PLMN granularity, where the second cell is a cell under the second access network device. Based on this optional embodiment, the operator-reserved status of the cell can be exchanged between the first access network device and the second access network device, thereby facilitating both the first access network device and the second access network device to make reasonable communication decisions.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the second aspect can be referred to the beneficial effects of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0033] In a third aspect, the present application provides a method for transmitting the reservation status of a cell for an operator. The method can be executed by a second access network device, or by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the second access network device. It can also be implemented by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second access network device. In this method, the second access network device receives a first message sent by a network management device, the first message carrying the reservation status of a first cell for an operator with PLMN granularity, where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device; the second access network device receives a second message sent by the network management device, the second message carrying an updated reservation status of the first cell for an operator with PLMN granularity.

[0034] It can be seen that based on the method described in the third aspect, when the reservation status of the cell of the first access network device with PLMN as the granularity changes, the network management device can dynamically notify the second access network device, which is conducive to reducing manual maintenance.

[0035] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell shutdown based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, coverage holes can be avoided.

[0036] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to handover the terminal to a suitable cell in a timely manner.

[0037] Optionally, the second access network device performs cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity and the access control information of the terminal. In this way, a cell handover strategy can be made more accurately.

[0038] In one possible embodiment, the second access network device may further determine whether to add a carrier of the first cell as a secondary component carrier (SCC) based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at a PLMN granularity. This possible embodiment facilitates ensuring that the added SCC complies with the operator's control policy.

[0039] Optionally, the second access network device determines whether to add the carrier of the first cell as an SCC based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at the PLMN granularity and the access control information of the terminal. This enables a more accurate SCC addition strategy to be made.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a method for transmitting the reservation status of a cell for an operator, which can be executed by a network management device, or by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.) applied to the network management device, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network management device. In this method, the network management device sends a first message to the second access network device, the first message carrying the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity, where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device; when the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity changes, the gateway device sends a second message to the second access network device, the second message carrying the updated reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0041] In a possible embodiment, before the gateway device sends the second message to the second access network device, it may also receive a third message sent by the first access network device, where the third message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell with PLMN as the granularity as the operator.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the fourth aspect can be found in the beneficial effects of the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device may be a second access network device or a module applied to the second access network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system. It may also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second access network device. The communication device includes a module / unit for performing any method of the first aspect or the third aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device may be a first access network device or a module applied to the first access network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system. It may also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The communication device includes a module / unit for performing any method in the second aspect and its possible implementations.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device may be a network management device or a module applied to the network management device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system. It may also be a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network management device. The communication device includes a module / unit for executing any method of the fourth aspect and its possible implementations.

[0046] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device comprising a processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, and the memory is used to store programs or instructions. When the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or the fourth aspect above.

[0047] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and an interface, and the processor and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to receive or output signals, and the processor is used to execute code instructions, so that the chip executes the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect above.

[0048] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are called, the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or the fourth aspect is executed.

[0049] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising: a computer program code, wherein when the computer program code is executed, the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or the fourth aspect is executed.

[0050] In the twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a communication device (e.g., a second access network device) for executing the method described in the first aspect and a communication device (e.g., a first access network device) for executing the method described in the second aspect.

[0051] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a communication device (e.g., a second access network device) for executing the method described in the third aspect and a communication device (e.g., a network management device) for executing the method described in the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by this application;

[0053] FIG2 is a flow chart of a method for transmitting a reservation status of an operator in a cell provided by the present application;

[0054] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a cell in a reserved state of an operator provided by the present application;

[0055] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a cell in a reserved state of an operator provided by the present application;

[0056] FIG5 is a flow chart of a method for transmitting a reservation status of an operator in a cell provided by the present application;

[0057] FIG6 is a flow chart of a method for transmitting a reservation status of an operator in a cell provided by the present application;

[0058] FIG7 is a flow chart of a method for transmitting a reservation status of an operator in a cell provided by the present application;

[0059] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0060] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The specific embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] The terms "first" and "second" and the like in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements, but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0063] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0064] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "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 or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0065] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "an access network device sending information" can be understood as an access network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or as logical module 1 within an access network device sending information to logical module 2 within the access network device.

[0066] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "an access network device receiving information" can be understood as the access network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or as logical module 1 within the access network device receiving information from logical module 2 within the access network device.

[0067] In this application, "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination end of the information being the terminal. This can include sending information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)", or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source end of the information being the terminal, which can include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0068] In order to facilitate access network equipment to make reasonable communication decisions, the embodiments of the present application provide a method and a communication device for transmitting the reservation status of a cell for an operator.

[0069] To better understand the embodiments of the present application, the following first introduces the system architecture involved in the embodiments of the present application:

[0070] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to communication systems evolved after 5G, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, fifth generation mobile communication (5G) systems, sixth generation mobile communication (6G) systems, satellite communication and short-range wireless communication systems. Among them, the wireless communication systems mentioned in the embodiments of the present application include but are not limited to: three major application scenarios of 5G / 6G mobile communication systems: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra reliable low latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine type communication (mMTC), long range Internet of Things (LoRa) systems or vehicle network systems. The wireless communication system may include one or more access network devices, and one or more terminals.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a possible, non-restrictive system diagram. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a first access network device, a second access network device, a first terminal, a second terminal and a network management device. The first access network device and the second access network device are connected to the network management device. The first access network device and the first terminal communicate through the air interface. The second access network device and the second terminal communicate through the air interface. The first access network device and the second access network device can communicate through an X2 / Xn link. Optionally, the first access network device and the second access network device can also communicate through other links other than X2 / Xn, such as through a private link. A private link is a set of non-protocol-specified link modes established between access network devices. The current protocol is X2 and Xn, and some control information can also be exchanged between private links. Figure 1 takes the communication between the first access network device and the second access network device through the X2 / Xn link as an example. Figure 1 takes two access network devices and two terminals as an example. The communication system can also include more access network devices and terminals, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0072] 1. Access network equipment

[0073] Access network devices, sometimes also referred to as access network nodes, access network entities, or access nodes, constitute part of a communication system and are used to help terminals achieve wireless access. In one possible scenario, the access network device may 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 sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The access network device may be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. In one possible embodiment, the access network device may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an onboard device. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology may be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application may also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The access network device in this application may also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0074] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different access network devices respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the access network device can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0075] 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.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, the form of the access network device is not limited. The device used to implement the functions of the access network device can be the access network device; it can also be a device that supports the access network device to implement the functions, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device.

[0077] 2. Terminal

[0078] Terminals can also be referred to as terminal devices, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, or mobile terminals. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, and smart home appliances.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present application, the form of the terminal is not limited. The device for implementing the function of the terminal can be a terminal; it can also be a device that can support the terminal to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal.

[0080] 3. Network management equipment

[0081] Network equipment used for wireless network deployment, maintenance optimization, and service delivery, mainly realizing centralized maintenance and management functions of access network equipment and network elements.

[0082] In order to facilitate the understanding of the content of this solution, some of the terms involved in the embodiments of this application are explained below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. This part is only for ease of understanding and cannot be regarded as a disclosure or specific limitation of the technical solution of this application.

[0083] 1. Cell reserved for operator use

[0084] When the value of the cell's operator reserved status is "reserved," it indicates that the cell is reserved for the operator. Terminals assigned AC11 or AC15 and operating in the HPLMN / EHPLMN will use this cell as a candidate cell during cell selection and reselection. Terminals assigned AC0-9 / AC12-14 or assigned AC11 / AC15 but not operating in the HPLMN / EHPLMN will consider this cell a prohibited cell during cell selection and reselection. When the value of the cell's operator reserved status is "not reserved," it indicates that the cell is not reserved for the operator. All terminals will use this cell as a candidate cell during cell selection and reselection.

[0085] Currently, in the LTE or NR system message SIB1, the reserved status of the cell for the operator can be broadcast according to the PLMN. For example, taking LTE as an example, the cell access related information (CellAccessRelatedInfo) of SIB1 includes a PLMN identity list (PLMN-IdentityList). The PLMN-IdentityList includes one or more PLMN identity information (PLMN-IdentityInfo), and each PLMN-IdentityInfo includes a PLMN-Identity and cellReservedForOperatorUse. For example, the PLMN-IdentityList and PLMN-IdentityInfo are shown below.

[0086] 2. Access control (AC)

[0087] Access control is used by operators to control the network in emergency situations. In some cases, operators may wish to prohibit all or some terminals from issuing access requests or paging response requests in a specific area. Therefore, each user is typically assigned an access level.

[0088] Access control classifies users into 15 categories. Access classes 0-9 are for general users. Access class 11 is for PLMN management. Access class 12 is for security services. Access class 13 is for public utilities. Access class 14 is for emergency services. Access class 15 is for PLMN personnel. Users with access classes 0-9 have access rights applicable to the HPLMN and visited public land mobile networks (VPLMNs). Users with access classes 11 and 15 have access rights applicable to the HPLMN only if the EHPLMN list is not present or there is no EHPLMN. Users with access classes 12, 13, and 14 have access rights applicable to the HPLMN and VPLMN of the home country, where the home country is defined as the country in the MCC portion of the IMSI.

[0089] The following further describes the method and communication device for transmitting the reserved state of the cell for the operator in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is understandable that this application uses the first access network device and the second access network device as examples to illustrate the execution entities of the interaction diagram, but this application does not limit the execution entities of the interaction diagram. For example, the access network device in the method provided in this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the access network device, or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the access network device.

[0090] Please refer to FIG. 2 , which is a flow chart of a method for transmitting a reservation state of an operator in a cell provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein:

[0091] 201. A first access network device sends a first message to a second access network device. The first message carries a reservation status of a first cell with PLMN granularity as an operator, where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the first message.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the first message, the second access network device may make a communication decision based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present application, the cell under the first access network device and the cell under the second access network device have a neighboring cell relationship.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, the first message may carry the status of some cells under the first access network device being reserved by the operator. Alternatively, the first message may carry the status of all cells under the first access network device being reserved by the operator.

[0095] In the embodiment of the present application, the reservation status of the first cell for the operator carried in the first message is based on the PLMN granularity, that is, the reservation status of the first cell for the operator is indicated for each of the first cell in different PLMNs.

[0096] For example, assuming that the first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2, the first message may carry the operator-reserved status of the first cell under PLMN1 and the operator-reserved status of the first cell under PLMN2. After receiving the first message, the second access network device may distinguish the operator-reserved status of the first cell under different PLMNs.

[0097] In a possible embodiment, the first access network device may send the first message to the second access network device via an X2 / Xn link. Correspondingly, the second access network device may receive the first message sent by the first access network device via the X2 / Xn link.

[0098] Optionally, the first message may be a message specified by the protocol of the X2 / Xn link or a private message.

[0099] In another possible embodiment, the first access network device may send the first message to the second access network device via a link other than the X2 / Xn link. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the first message sent by the first access network device via a link other than the X2 / Xn link. For example, the first access network device may send the first message to the second access network device via a private link. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the first message sent by the first access network device via the private link.

[0100] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell shutdown based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, coverage holes can be avoided.

[0101] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first access network device has cells 1 and 2, and the second access network device has cell 3. Cells 1 and 3 are capacity layer cells, operating at a frequency of 2.6 GHz. Cell 2 is a coverage layer cell, operating at a frequency of 900 MHz. The reserved status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved. The reserved status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN2 is not reserved. The reserved status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is reserved. The reserved status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN2 is not reserved. The reserved status of cell 3 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved. The reserved status of cell 3 for the operator under PLMN2 is not reserved. If the second access network device shuts down cell 3 of the capacity layer to save energy, ordinary user coverage of PLMN1 will be lost within the coverage area of ​​cell 3, resulting in a coverage gap.

[0102] In order to solve this problem, in an embodiment of the present application, after the second access network device receives the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device for the operator with PLMN as the granularity, it can shut down the cell based on the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device for the operator with PLMN as the granularity. For example, if the second access network device finds that the reserved status of cell 3 for the operator under PLMN1 is inconsistent with the reserved status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1, the second access network device may not shut down cell 3 to avoid causing coverage holes. Alternatively, if the second access network device finds that the reserved status of cell 3 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved and the reserved status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is reserved, the second access network device may not shut down cell 3 to avoid causing coverage holes.

[0103] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to handover the terminal to a suitable cell in a timely manner.

[0104] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the first access network device has cell 1, and the second access network device has cell 2. The reservation status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN1 is reserved. The reservation status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved. In the cell handover scenario, cell 2 is the serving cell of the terminal, and cell 1 is a neighboring cell of cell 2. The access type of the terminal is AC0. If the signal quality of cell 2 deteriorates, the signal quality of cell 1 improves. The second access network device may decide to handover the terminal from cell 2 to cell 1. Since the reservation status of cell 1 for the operator is reserved and the access type of the terminal is AC0, the terminal cannot access cell 1 when accessing cell 1, resulting in the inability to handover the terminal to a suitable cell in a timely manner.

[0105] In order to solve this problem, in an embodiment of the present application, after the second access network device receives the reservation status of the cell of the first access network device for the operator with PLMN as the granularity, it can perform cell switching for the terminal based on the reservation status of the cell of the first access network device for the operator with PLMN as the granularity. For example, if the second access network device finds that the reservation status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is inconsistent with the reservation status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN1, the second access network device will not switch the terminal to cell 1. Alternatively, if the second access network device finds that the reservation status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved and the reservation status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN1 is reserved, the second access network device will not switch the terminal to cell 1.

[0106] Optionally, the second access network device performs cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity and the access control information of the terminal. In this way, a cell handover strategy can be made more accurately.

[0107] For example, if the second access network device finds that the reservation status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved, the reservation status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN1 is reserved, and the access control information of the terminal is not AC11 or AC15, the second access network device does not switch the terminal to cell 1.

[0108] In one possible embodiment, the second access network device may further determine whether to add a carrier of the first cell as a secondary component carrier (SCC) based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at a PLMN granularity. This possible embodiment facilitates ensuring that the added SCC complies with the operator's control policy.

[0109] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the first access network device has cell 1, and the second access network device has cell 2. The reservation status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN1 is reserved. The reservation status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved. In the carrier aggregation scenario, the carrier of cell 2 is the primary carrier. If the second access network device adds the carrier corresponding to cell 1 as an SCC. If the terminal's access type is not AC11 or AC15, the terminal cannot use the SCC. Therefore, if the second access network device adds the carrier corresponding to cell 1 as an SCC, it may not comply with the operator's control policy.

[0110] To address this issue, the second access network device can determine whether to add the carrier of cell 1 as an SCC based on the operator reservation status of cell 1 under PLMN1. For example, if the operator reservation status of cell 2 under PLMN1 is inconsistent with the operator reservation status of cell 1 under PLMN1, the second access network device does not add the carrier of cell 1 as an SCC. Alternatively, if the operator reservation status of cell 2 under PLMN1 is not reserved and the operator reservation status of cell 1 under PLMN1 is reserved, the second access network device does not add the carrier of cell 1 as an SCC.

[0111] Optionally, the second access network device determines whether to add the carrier of the first cell as an SCC based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at the PLMN granularity and the access control information of the terminal. This enables a more accurate SCC addition strategy to be made.

[0112] For example, if the second access network device finds that the reservation status of cell 2 for the operator under PLMN1 is not reserved, the reservation status of cell 1 for the operator under PLMN1 is reserved, and the access control information of the terminal is not AC11 or AC15, the second access network device does not add the carrier of the first cell as an SCC.

[0113] It can be seen that based on the method described in Figure 2, the second access network device can obtain the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device as the operator with PLMN as the granularity from the first access network device, so that the second access network device can make communication decisions based on the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device as the operator with PLMN as the granularity, which is conducive to the second access network device making reasonable communication decisions.

[0114] Please refer to FIG5 , which is a flow chart of a method for transmitting a reservation state of an operator in a cell provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein:

[0115] 501. A second access network device may send a second message to a first access network device, the second message being used to request that a cell be in a reserved state of an operator. Accordingly, the first access network device may receive the second message and, based on the second message, send a first message to the second access network device.

[0116] 502. The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device. The first message carries the reservation status of a first cell with PLMN granularity as an operator, where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the first message.

[0117] The specific implementation of step 502 can refer to the description under step 201 and will not be repeated here. After the second access network device receives the first message, the operations that the second access network device can perform can also refer to the description in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 2 and will not be repeated here.

[0118] That is to say, the second access network device can actively request the first access network device to reserve the cell for the operator according to its own needs.

[0119] In another possible embodiment, the first access network device may also actively send the first message to the second access network device.

[0120] It can be seen that based on the method described in Figure 5, the second access network device can actively obtain the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device as the operator with PLMN as the granularity from the first access network device according to its own needs, so that the second access network device can make communication decisions based on the reserved status of the cell of the first access network device as the operator with PLMN as the granularity, which is conducive to the second access network device making reasonable communication decisions.

[0121] Please refer to FIG6 , which is a flow chart of another method for transmitting a reservation state of an operator in a cell provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein:

[0122] 601. A first access network device sends a first message to a second access network device. The first message carries the reservation status of a first cell with PLMN granularity as an operator, where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the first message.

[0123] The specific implementation of step 601 can refer to the description under step 201. After the second access network device receives the first message, the operations that the second access network device can perform can also refer to the description in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 2, which is not repeated here.

[0124] 602. When the reservation status of the first cell for the operator based on the PLMN granularity changes, the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device. The third message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell for the operator based on the PLMN granularity. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the third message.

[0125] For example, assume that the first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2. The first message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved. If the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 for the operator changes to not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 for the operator changes to not reserved, then the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device, and the third message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is not reserved.

[0126] Optionally, the third message carries the reservation status of the changed first cell under the PLMN, and the reservation status of the unchanged first cell under the PLMN may not be carried.

[0127] For example, assume that a first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2. A first message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved. If the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 for the operator changes to not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 for the operator remains unchanged, the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device, where the third message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is not reserved.

[0128] Optionally, the third message carries the latest reservation status of the first cell in all PLMNs.

[0129] For example, assume that the first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2. The first message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved. If the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 for the operator changes to not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 for the operator does not change, then the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device, and the third message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved.

[0130] In a possible embodiment, the first message is one of the following messages: an X2 setup request message (X2 setup request) and an Xn setup request message (Xn setup request), and the third message is one of the following messages: an ENB configuration update message (ENB configuration update) and an NG-RAN node configuration update message (NG-RAN node configuration update).

[0131] Optionally, if the first message is an X2 setup request message, after receiving the first message, the second access network device may further send an X2 setup response message (X2 setup response) to the first access network device. The X2 setup response message may carry the operator-reserved status of the second cell at the PLMN granularity, where the second cell is a cell under the second access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device may receive the X2 setup response message. Based on this optional embodiment, the operator-reserved status of the cell may be exchanged between the first access network device and the second access network device, thereby facilitating both the first access network device and the second access network device to make reasonable communication decisions.

[0132] Optionally, if the first message is an Xn setup request message, after receiving the first message, the second access network device may also send an Xn setup response message (Xn setup response) to the first access network device. This Xn setup response message may carry the operator-reserved status of the second cell, with PLMN granularity, where the second cell is a cell under the second access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device may receive the Xn setup response message. Based on this optional embodiment, the operator-reserved status of the cell can be exchanged between the first access network device and the second access network device, thereby facilitating both the first access network device and the second access network device to make reasonable communication decisions.

[0133] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the third message may also be messages specified by other protocols of the X2 or Xn link.

[0134] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the third message may also be private messages of the X2 or Xn link, for example, ENB private configuration update and Xn private configuration update.

[0135] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the third message may also be messages of a private link.

[0136] It can be seen that based on the method described in FIG6 , when the reservation status of the cell of the first access network device with PLMN as the granularity for the operator changes, the second access network device can be dynamically notified, which is conducive to reducing manual maintenance.

[0137] Please refer to FIG. 7 , which is a flow chart of a method for transmitting a reservation state of an operator in a cell provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein:

[0138] 701. A network management device sends a first message to a second access network device. The first message carries a reservation status of a first cell with PLMN granularity as an operator. The first cell is a cell under the first access network device. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the first message.

[0139] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the first message, the second access network device may make a communication decision based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present application, the cell under the first access network device and the cell under the second access network device have a neighboring cell relationship.

[0141] In the embodiment of the present application, the first message may carry the status of some cells under the first access network device being reserved by the operator. Alternatively, the first message may carry the status of all cells under the first access network device being reserved by the operator.

[0142] In the embodiment of the present application, the reservation status of the first cell for the operator carried in the first message is based on the PLMN granularity, that is, the reservation status of the first cell for the operator is indicated for each of the first cell in different PLMNs.

[0143] For example, assuming that the first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2, the first message may carry the operator-reserved status of the first cell under PLMN1 and the operator-reserved status of the first cell under PLMN2. After receiving the first message, the second access network device may distinguish the operator-reserved status of the first cell under different PLMNs.

[0144] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell shutdown based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, coverage holes can be avoided.

[0145] For the relevant description of this possible embodiment, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to FIG2 , which will not be repeated here.

[0146] In a possible embodiment, the second access network device may further perform cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as granularity. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to handover the terminal to a suitable cell in a timely manner.

[0147] For the relevant description of this possible embodiment, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to FIG2 , which will not be repeated here.

[0148] Optionally, the second access network device performs cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity and the access control information of the terminal. In this way, a cell handover strategy can be made more accurately.

[0149] For the relevant description of this optional embodiment, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0150] In one possible embodiment, the second access network device may further determine whether to add a carrier of the first cell as a secondary component carrier (SCC) based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at a PLMN granularity. This possible embodiment facilitates ensuring that the added SCC complies with the operator's control policy.

[0151] For the relevant description of this possible embodiment, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to FIG2 , which will not be repeated here.

[0152] Optionally, the second access network device determines whether to add the carrier of the first cell as an SCC based on the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at the PLMN granularity and the access control information of the terminal. This enables a more accurate SCC addition strategy to be made.

[0153] For the relevant description of this optional embodiment, please refer to the description of the embodiment corresponding to Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0154] 702. When the reservation status of the first cell for the operator based on the PLMN granularity changes, the gateway device sends a second message to the second access network device. The second message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell for the operator based on the PLMN granularity. Accordingly, the second access network device may receive the second message.

[0155] That is, when the reservation status of the cell of the first access network device with PLMN as the granularity for the operator changes, the network management device can dynamically notify the second access network device.

[0156] For example, assume that a first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2. A first message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved. If the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 for the operator changes to not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 for the operator changes to not reserved, the network management device sends a second message to the second access network device, and the second message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is not reserved.

[0157] Optionally, the second message carries the reservation status of the changed first cell under the PLMN, and the reservation status of the unchanged first cell under the PLMN may not be carried.

[0158] For example, assume that a first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2. A first message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved. If the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 for the operator changes to not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 for the operator remains unchanged, the network management device sends a second message to the second access network device, where the second message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is not reserved.

[0159] Optionally, the second message carries the latest reservation status of the first cell in all PLMNs.

[0160] For example, assume that the first cell supports PLMN1 and PLMN2. The first message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved. If the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 for the operator changes to not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 for the operator does not change, the network management device sends a second message to the second access network device, and the second message carries information that the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN1 is not reserved, and the reservation status of the first cell under PLMN2 is reserved.

[0161] In one possible embodiment, when the reservation status of the first cell for the operator at the PLMN granularity changes, the first access network device sends a third message to the network management device. The third message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell for the operator at the PLMN granularity. Accordingly, the network management device may also receive the third message. After receiving the third message, the network management device sends a second message to the second access network device based on the third message.

[0162] Optionally, the third message carries the reservation status of the first cell under the PLMN that has changed, and the reservation status of the first cell under the PLMN that has not changed may not be carried. Optionally, the third message carries the latest reservation status of the first cell under all PLMNs.

[0163] In another possible embodiment, step 702 may not be performed.

[0164] In another possible embodiment, the second access network device may also proactively obtain the operator-reserved status of the first access network device's cell from the network management device based on its own needs, using PLMN granularity. For example, the second access network device may also send a fourth message to the network management device, requesting that the cell be operator-reserved. Accordingly, the network management device may receive the fourth message. After receiving the fourth message, the network management device sends the first message to the second access network device based on the fourth message.

[0165] 7 , when the reservation status of the cell of the first access network device with PLMN as the granularity changes, the network management device can dynamically notify the second access network device, which helps to reduce manual maintenance.

[0166] The present application provides a communication device that can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned first access network device or second access network device or network management device. The communication device can be the first access network device or the second access network device or the network management device. The communication device includes a module or unit that corresponds one-to-one to the method / operation / step / action performed by the first access network device or the second access network device or the network management device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The unit can be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. Please refer to Figure 8, which shows a structural diagram of a communication device 800 of an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 800 may include an interface unit 801 and a processing unit 802. Specifically, the processing unit 802 is used to process signaling and / or data, and the signaling and / or data may be data received by the interface unit 801, and the processed signaling and / or data may also be sent by the interface unit 801;

[0167] In one embodiment, when the communication device 800 is a second access network device, wherein:

[0168] The interface unit 801 is configured to receive a first message sent by a first access network device, where the first message carries a reservation status of a first cell of a public land mobile network (PLMN) as a granularity for an operator, where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device.

[0169] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 801 receives a first message sent by a first access network device, including:

[0170] The interface unit 801 receives a first message sent by a first access network device through an X2 / Xn link / private link.

[0171] In a possible embodiment, before the interface unit 801 receives the first message, the interface unit 801 may further send a second message to the first access network device, where the second message is used to request that the cell be in a reserved state of the operator.

[0172] In a possible embodiment, after the interface unit 801 receives the first message sent by the first access network device, the interface unit 801 may also receive a third message sent by the first access network device, which carries the updated reservation status of the first cell with PLMN as the granularity as the operator.

[0173] In a possible embodiment, the first message is one of the following messages: an X2 establishment request message, an Xn establishment request message, and the third message is one of the following messages: an ENB configuration update message, and an NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0174] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 802 is configured to perform cell shutdown based on the reservation state of the first cell being operated by an operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0175] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 802 is configured to perform cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation state of the first cell being operated by the operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0176] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 802 is configured to determine whether to add a carrier of the first cell as a secondary component carrier (SCC) based on a reservation status of the first cell for an operator with a PLMN as a granularity.

[0177] In one embodiment, when the communication device 800 is a first access network device, wherein:

[0178] The interface unit 801 is configured to send a first message to the second access network device, where the first message carries the reservation status of the first cell as an operator with the public land mobile network PLMN as the granularity, and the first cell is a cell under the first access network device.

[0179] In a possible embodiment, the interface unit 801 sends a first message to the second access network device, including:

[0180] The interface unit 801 sends a first message to the second access network device through the X2 / Xn link / private link.

[0181] In a possible embodiment, before the interface unit 801 sends the first message to the second access network device, the interface unit 801 may also receive a second message sent by the second access network device, where the second message is used to request that the cell be in a reserved state of the operator.

[0182] In a possible embodiment, after the interface unit 801 sends the first message to the second access network device, it may also send a third message to the second access network device when the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity changes. The third message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0183] In a possible embodiment, the first message is one of the following messages: an X2 establishment request message, an Xn establishment request message, and the third message is one of the following messages: an ENB configuration update message, and an NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0184] In one embodiment, when the communication device 800 is a second access network device, wherein:

[0185] The interface unit 801 is configured to receive a first message sent by a network management device, where the first message carries a reservation status of a first cell for an operator with PLMN as granularity, where the first cell is a cell under a first access network device;

[0186] The interface unit 801 is further configured to receive a second message sent by the network management device, where the second message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell as an operator with the PLMN as the granularity.

[0187] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 802 is configured to perform cell shutdown based on the reservation state of the first cell being operated by an operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0188] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 802 is configured to perform cell handover for the terminal based on the reservation state of the first cell being operated by the operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0189] In a possible embodiment, the processing unit 802 is configured to determine whether to add a carrier of the first cell as a secondary component carrier (SCC) based on a reservation status of the first cell for an operator with a PLMN as a granularity.

[0190] In one embodiment, when the communication device 800 is a network management device, wherein:

[0191] The interface unit 801 is configured to send a first message to the second access network device, where the first message carries a reservation status of a first cell for an operator with PLMN as granularity, where the first cell is a cell under the first access network device;

[0192] The interface unit 801 is also used to send a second message to the second access network device when the reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity changes. The second message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell for the operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0193] In a possible embodiment, before sending the second message to the second access network device, the interface unit 801 is further used to receive a third message sent by the first access network device, where the third message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell as the operator with PLMN as the granularity.

[0194] FIG9 shows a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application, configured to implement the functions of the first access network device, the second access network device, or the network management device described above. The device may be a communication device or a device used in a communication device. The communication device may be the first access network device, the second access network device, or the network management device. The device used in the communication device may be a chip system or chip within the communication device. The chip system may consist of a chip alone or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0195] The communication device 900 includes at least one processor 910 for implementing the processing functions of the device (e.g., the first access network device or the second access network device or the network management device) in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The communication device 900 may also include a communication interface 920 for implementing the transceiver operation of the device (e.g., the first access network device or the second access network device or the network management device) in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module or other type of communication interface for communicating with other devices through a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 920 is used for the device in the communication device 900 to communicate with other devices. The processor 910 uses the communication interface 920 to send and receive data and is used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0196] The communication device 900 may also include at least one memory 930 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 930 is coupled to the processor 910. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 910 may operate in conjunction with the memory 930. The processor 910 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 930. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0197] The specific connection medium between the communication interface 920, processor 910, and memory 930 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In FIG9 , the embodiment of the present application shows that the memory 930, processor 910, and communication interface 920 are connected via a bus. The bus is represented by a bold line in FIG9 . The connection method between other components is only for schematic illustration and is not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, FIG9 only uses a bold line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0198] When the communication device 900 is specifically a device for a device (such as a first access network device or a second access network device or a network management device), for example, when the communication device 900 is specifically a chip or a chip system, the communication interface 920 may output or receive a baseband signal. When the communication device 900 is specifically a device (such as a first access network device or a second access network device or a network management device), the communication interface 920 may output or receive a radio frequency signal. In an embodiment of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0199] It should be noted that the above-mentioned communication interface 920 can be used to perform the functions of the above-mentioned interface unit 801, and the above-mentioned processor 910 can be used to perform the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 802, which will not be repeated here.

[0200] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and the terminal chip receives information from other network elements; or, the terminal chip sends information to other network elements.

[0201] When the communication device is a chip used in an access network device, the access network device chip implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiment. The access network device chip receives information from other network elements; or the access network device chip sends information to other network elements.

[0202] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0203] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in an access network device or a terminal. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a terminal or access network device.

[0204] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted via the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a tape; it may also be an optical medium, such as a DVD; it may also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk (SSD).

[0205] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0206] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

[0207] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer execution instructions. When the computer execution instructions are executed, the method executed by the first access network device or the second access network device or the network management device in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0208] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method performed by the first access network device or the second access network device or the network management device in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0209] The present application also provides a communication system comprising a first access network device and a second access network device, or comprising the second access network device and a network management device. The first access network device is configured to execute the method executed by the first access network device in the aforementioned method embodiment. The second access network device is configured to execute the method executed by the second access network device in the aforementioned method embodiment. The network management device is configured to execute the method executed by the network management device in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0210] It should be noted that for the aforementioned method embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that this application is not limited by the order of the actions described, because according to this application, certain steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required by this application.

[0211] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can refer to each other. The descriptions of each embodiment have their own focus. For parts not described in detail in a particular embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the convenience and brevity of description, for example, the functions and execution steps of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can refer to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The various method embodiments and the various device embodiments can also refer to, be combined with, or quote each other.

[0212] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting a reservation status of a cell for an operator, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second access network device receives a first message sent by the first access network device, where the first message carries a reservation status of a first cell with a public land mobile network PLMN as the granularity as an operator, and the first cell is a cell under the first access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second access network device receiving a first message sent by the first access network device includes: The second access network device receives the first message sent by the first access network device through the X2 / Xn link / private link.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Before the second access network device receives the first message, the method further includes: The second access network device sends a second message to the first access network device, where the second message is used to request that the cell be in a reserved state of the operator.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: After the second access network device receives the first message sent by the first access network device, the method further includes: The second access network device receives a third message sent by the first access network device, where the third message carries an updated reservation status of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first message is one of the following messages: an X2 establishment request message, an Xn establishment request message, and the third message is one of the following messages: an evolved base station ENB configuration update message, a next generation access network NG-RAN node configuration update message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The second access network device shuts down the cell based on the reserved state of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The second access network device performs cell switching for the terminal based on the reserved state of the first cell as an operator with PLMN as the granularity.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The second access network device determines whether to add a carrier of the first cell as a secondary component carrier SCC based on a reservation status of the first cell for an operator with PLMN as a granularity.

9. A method for transmitting a reservation status of a cell for an operator, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device, where the first message carries a reservation status of a first cell with a public land mobile network PLMN as a granularity as an operator, and the first cell is a cell under the first access network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first access network device sending a first message to the second access network device includes: The first access network device sends a first message to the second access network device through an X2 / Xn link / private link.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: Before the first access network device sends the first message to the second access network device, the method further includes: The first access network device receives a second message sent by the second access network device, where the second message is used to request that the cell be in a reserved state of the operator.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: After the first access network device sends the first message to the second access network device, the method further includes: When the reservation status of the first cell with PLMN as the granularity for the operator changes, the first access network device sends a third message to the second access network device, and the third message carries the updated reservation status of the first cell with PLMN as the granularity for the operator.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first message is one of the following messages: an X2 establishment request message, an Xn establishment request message, and the third message is one of the following messages: an evolved base station ENB configuration update message, a next generation access network NG-RAN node configuration update message.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory are coupled, and the processor is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the processor is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

16. A chip, characterized in that: The invention comprises a processor and an interface, wherein the processor and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to receive or output signals, and the processor is used to execute code instructions so that the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 9 to 13 is executed.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when called by the computer, enable the computer to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or enable the computer to execute the method described in any one of claims 9 to 13.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 9 to 13 is executed.

19. A communication system, characterized in that: It comprises a first access network device and a second access network device, wherein the second access network device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the first access network device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 13.

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