Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a serving base station sends a first indication message, the first indication message being used for indicating that a cell does not allow an MSS terminal to access, or a frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow an MSS terminal to access. According to the method provided by the present application, when a frequency band corresponding to an FSS terminal is reused by an MSS terminal, in order to prevent the MSS from accessing the frequency band which does not allow the access, the serving base station serving the FSS terminal can send first indication information to the MSS terminal, wherein the first indication information can indicate that the cell or frequency band corresponding to the current serving base station does not allow the MSS terminal to access, and on the basis of the first indication information, the MSS terminal can refuse to access the cell, so that the problem in the prior art that when a frequency band corresponding to an FSS terminal is reused by an MSS terminal, the MSS terminal may access a frequency band that does not allow the access is solved.

Description

A communication method and a communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2023114224238, filed on October 28, 2023, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of information technology, there are more urgent demands for efficient, mobile, and diverse communication. Currently, satellites play an irreplaceable role in some important fields, such as space communication, aerospace communication, and military communication. Satellite communication is characterized by long communication distance, large coverage area, and flexible networking. Satellite services are divided into fixed satellite service (FSS) and mobile satellite service (MSS), which can provide services to both fixed terminals and various mobile terminals.

[0004] The two services, FSS and MSS, correspond to two different types of terminals (i.e., MSS terminals and FSS terminals) using different frequencies. To improve spectrum utilization, the FSS band can be reused for MSS terminals. However, MSS terminals can generally only access a portion of the band. Therefore, when reusing the FSS band, MSS terminals may access an unauthorized band, thus reducing the success rate of MSS terminals accessing the cell.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Revised according to Rule 91, 28.02.2025] This application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. In this method, the base station serving the FSS terminal sends a first indication message to the MSS terminal, indicating whether the MSS terminal can access the cell served by the base station, thereby preventing the MSS terminal from accessing an unsupported frequency band.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method provided in the first aspect can be executed by a serving base station or by a chip configured in the serving base station, and this application does not limit the execution of such method.

[0008] Specifically, the method includes: the serving base station sending a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access, or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access.

[0009] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] In the communication method provided in the first aspect, when the frequency band corresponding to the FSS terminal is reused by the MSS terminal, in order to prevent the MSS from accessing an unauthorized frequency band, the serving base station serving the FSS terminal can send a first indication message to the MSS terminal. The first indication message can indicate that the cell or frequency band corresponding to the current serving base station does not allow the MSS terminal to access. The MSS terminal can refuse to access the cell based on the first indication message, thereby solving the problem in the related art that when the frequency band corresponding to the FSS terminal is reused by the MSS terminal, the MSS terminal may access an unauthorized frequency band.

[0010] [According to Rule 91, amended 28.02.2025] Optionally, the MSS terminal is a mobile terminal in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), and the serving base station that sends the first indication message to the MSS terminal is a service base station serving an FSS terminal in the NTN.

[0011] [Corrected according to Rule 91, February 28, 2025] For example, taking the available frequency bands {A, B} of the FSS as an example, frequency band set A is dedicated to the FSS UE, and frequency band set B is reused for the MSS UE. Therefore, the FSS UE can access all frequency bands, while the MSS UE can only access some frequency points (i.e., frequency band set B, and cannot access frequency band set A). Therefore, the base station corresponding to frequency band A serving the FSS terminal and the base station corresponding to frequency band B serving the FSS terminal can send a first indication message to the MSS terminal. The first indication message indicates the frequency band of the currently serving cell and whether the MSS terminal is allowed to access the frequency band. For example, if the base station corresponding to frequency band A serving the FSS terminal sends a first indication message to the MSS terminal, the first indication message can indicate that the MSS terminal is not allowed to access, or it can indicate that the frequency band of the cell corresponding to the base station is A, and the MSS terminal is not allowed to access. Then, after the MSS receives the first indication message, it will not access the cell, thereby solving the problem that the MSS terminal may access an unauthorized frequency band.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first instruction message is carried in MIB or SIB1.

[0013] [According to Rule 91, Corrected 28.02.2025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the serving base station sending a second indication message, the second indication message being used to indicate other inter-frequency points and whether the inter-frequency points allow MSS terminals to access.

[0014] In this implementation, when the serving base station does not allow the MSS terminal to access, the serving base station can also indicate other different frequency points to the MSS terminal, and whether the MSS terminal is allowed to access the other different frequency points. The MSS terminal can perform measurements based on the indicated other different frequency points, instead of blindly selecting different frequencies during the cell reselection process, which results in a low success rate of cell access.

[0015] It should be noted that when the MSS terminal is in an idle state, the cell corresponding to the frequency point of the different frequency can be either the neighboring cell base station or the serving base station. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second message is carried in SIB4.

[0017] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The method provided in the second aspect can be executed by an MSS terminal or by a chip configured in the MSS terminal. This application does not limit the execution of this method.

[0018] [Corrected according to Rule 91, 28.02.2025] Specifically, the method includes: the MSS terminal receiving a first indication message, which indicates that the cell does not allow the MSS terminal to access, or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow the MSS terminal to access. The MSS terminal refuses to access the cell corresponding to the serving base station based on the first indication message.

[0019] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] In the communication method provided in the second aspect, when an MSS terminal reuses a frequency band used by an FSS terminal, in order to avoid accessing an unauthorized frequency band, the MSS terminal receives a first indication message sent by the FSS terminal. The first indication message can indicate that the cell or frequency band corresponding to the current serving base station does not allow the MSS terminal to access. The MSS terminal can refuse to access the cell based on the first indication message, thereby solving the problem in the related technology that when the frequency band corresponding to the FSS terminal is reused for the MSS terminal, the MSS terminal may access an unauthorized frequency band.

[0020] [According to Rule 91, amended 28.02.2025] Optionally, the MSS terminal is a mobile terminal in a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0021] [According to Rule 91, amended 28.02.2025] Optionally, after receiving the first instruction message, the MSS terminal may ignore the existing cellbar instruction in the MIB, or the existing cellBarredNTN.

[0022] [According to Rule 91, Correction 28.02.2025] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first instruction message is carried in SIB1 or MIB.

[0023] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the MSS terminal receiving a second indication message, the second indication message being used to indicate other inter-frequency points and whether the inter-frequency point allows the MSS terminal to access. The MSS terminal performs inter-frequency point measurement according to the second indication message.

[0024] In this implementation, the MSS terminal can perform measurements based on other indicated frequency points, instead of blindly selecting a different frequency during the cell reselection process, resulting in a low success rate of cell access.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the second instruction message is carried in SIB4.

[0026] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. The method provided in the third aspect can be executed by a serving base station or by a chip configured in the serving base station. This application does not limit the execution of the method.

[0027] Specifically, the method includes: the serving base station acquiring frequency point information and terminal device information from neighboring base stations. The frequency point information includes the frequency point and whether the frequency point is allowed for MSS terminal access. The terminal device information includes type information and service information, with the type information including MSS terminal and FSS terminal. The serving base station sends a measurement configuration to the terminal device based on the frequency point information from neighboring base stations and the terminal device information. The frequency points in this measurement configuration are the frequency points allowed for MSS terminal access.

[0028] The third aspect provides a communication method in which the serving base station can decide on the frequency points that the MSS terminal can access based on the frequency point information of neighboring base stations and the service information of the terminal device. Thus, the measurement frequency points in the measurement configuration sent by the serving base station to the MSS terminal are the frequency points that the MSS terminal is allowed to access, solving the problem in related technologies that the MSS terminal may access unsupported frequency points.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the serving base station obtains the frequency information of the neighboring base station by: receiving an Xn message sent by the neighboring base station, the message carrying the frequency information of the neighboring base station, the Xn message including either an Xn establishment message or an NG-RAN node configuration update message.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, obtaining the type information of the terminal device includes: receiving user assistance information sent by the terminal device, wherein the user assistance information indicates the type information of the terminal device.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, obtaining the type information of the terminal device includes: receiving capability reporting information of the terminal device, wherein the capability reporting information indicates the type information of the terminal device.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, obtaining the service information of the terminal device includes: obtaining subscription information sent by the Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the subscription information indicates the service information of the terminal device.

[0033] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. The method provided in the fourth aspect can be executed by a target base station or by a chip configured in the target base station. This application does not limit the execution of the method.

[0034] Specifically, the method includes: the target base station receiving a handover request sent by the source base station, the handover request carrying information about the terminal device, the terminal device information including type information and service information, the type information including MSS terminal and FSS terminal; the target base station determining whether to allow the MSS terminal to access based on the frequency point information of the current cell and the terminal device information; the target base station sending a handover request feedback message to the source base station, the handover request message including: allowing the MSS terminal to access or disallowing the MSS terminal to access.

[0035] The fourth aspect provides a communication method in which the target base station, upon receiving information about the terminal device carried by the source base station and the frequency information of the current cell, can determine whether the frequency information corresponding to the current cell allows the MSS terminal to access. If the MSS terminal is allowed to access, it sends feedback to the source base station that access is allowed; if the MSS terminal is not allowed to access, it sends feedback to the source base station that access is not allowed. This method can prevent the MSS terminal from accessing an unsupported frequency during cell handover.

[0036] In one implementation of the fourth aspect, the target base station can obtain the type information of the terminal device by receiving user assistance information sent by the terminal device, which indicates the type information of the terminal device.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the target base station can obtain the type information of the terminal device by receiving capability reporting information from the terminal device, wherein the capability reporting information indicates the type information of the terminal device.

[0038] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the target base station can obtain the service information of the terminal device by acquiring subscription information sent by the Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the subscription information indicates the service information of the terminal device.

[0039] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, applied to a source base station. The method includes: the source base station sending a handover request message to at least one target base station, the handover request message carrying frequency query information, the frequency query information including: querying the frequency of the current cell corresponding to the target base station and whether the frequency allows MSS terminal access; receiving a handover request feedback message sent by at least one target base station, the handover request feedback message carrying frequency feedback information, the frequency feedback information including the frequency of the current cell corresponding to each of the at least one target base station and whether the frequency allows MSS terminal access; determining a target handover cell based on the at least one frequency feedback information and information of the terminal device, the frequency corresponding to the target handover cell supporting terminal device access.

[0040] The fifth aspect provides a communication method in which, after obtaining information from at least one target base station regarding the frequency of the current cell and whether the frequency allows MSS terminal access, the source base station determines a target handover cell from the at least one target base station based on the terminal device's information. The frequency corresponding to this target handover cell allows MSS terminal access. This method, based on the source base station's determination, can prevent the MSS terminal from accessing an unsupported frequency during cell handover.

[0041] In one implementation of the fifth aspect, the source base station can obtain the type information of the terminal device by receiving user assistance information sent by the terminal device, wherein the user assistance information indicates the type information of the terminal device.

[0042] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the source base station can obtain the type information of the terminal device by receiving capability reporting information from the terminal device, wherein the capability reporting information indicates the type information of the terminal device.

[0043] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the source base station can obtain the service information of the terminal device by acquiring subscription information sent by the Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the subscription information indicates the service information of the terminal device.

[0044] Sixthly, a communication method is provided, applied to a target base station. The method includes: receiving a handover request message sent by a source base station, the handover request message carrying frequency query information, the frequency query information including: querying the frequency of the current cell corresponding to the target base station and whether the frequency allows MSS terminal access; based on the handover request message, sending handover request feedback information to the source base station, the handover request feedback information carrying frequency feedback information, the frequency feedback information including the frequency of the current cell corresponding to at least one target base station and whether the frequency allows the MSS terminal access; the frequency feedback information is used by the source base station to determine a target handover cell, the frequency corresponding to the target handover cell supporting MSS terminal access.

[0045] The communication method provided in the sixth aspect allows the target base station to, upon receiving the frequency query information carried in the handover request message, return the current cell's frequency and whether the frequency allows MSS terminal access to the source base station. This enables the source base station to determine the target handover cell from at least one target base station based on the terminal device's service information and the frequency feedback information. The frequency corresponding to this target handover cell allows MSS terminal access. This method, based on the source base station's determination, prevents the MSS terminal from accessing an unsupported frequency during cell handover.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a serving base station and an MSS terminal, wherein the serving base station is configured to perform the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the MSS terminal is configured to perform the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0047] Eighthly, a communication system is provided, comprising a source base station and a target base station, wherein the source base station is configured to perform the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the target base station is configured to perform the method of the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0048] Ninthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising units for performing the steps of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the steps of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the steps of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the steps of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or the steps of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or the steps of the sixth aspect.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including at least one processor and a memory coupled together, the processor and the memory storing program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, perform a method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a method of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or a method of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or a method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or a method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, or a method of the sixth aspect.

[0050] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including at least one processor and interface circuitry, the at least one processor being configured to execute the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, or the method of the sixth aspect.

[0051] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the sixth aspect.

[0052] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed, performs the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the sixth aspect.

[0053] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device having the chip mounted to execute a method for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, or any possible implementation of the sixth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system architecture applicable to this application.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates a scenario diagram of mobility management in the connected state.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another example of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another example of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a schematic interaction diagram of another example of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 7 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a schematic block diagram of another example of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of another example of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 1100 provided in this application.

[0065] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, future 5th Generation (5G) system, or New Radio (NR), etc.

[0069] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system architecture applicable to this application. As shown in Figure 1, the system architecture includes a terminal device, an access network device, a management device, a gateway device, and a data network (DN). The terminal device in Figure 1 can be used to connect to the access network device deployed by the operator via a wireless air interface, and then connect to the data network via the gateway device. The access network device is mainly used to implement wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control, and mobility management. The management device is mainly used for device registration, security authentication, mobility management, and location management of the terminal device. The gateway device is mainly used to establish a channel with the terminal device and forward data packets between the terminal device and the external data network on this channel. The data network can correspond to various different service domains, such as IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), Internet, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and other operator service domains, and is mainly used to provide various data service services to the terminal device, which may include network devices such as servers (including servers providing multicast services), routers, and gateways. For terminals wishing to receive IP multicast service data packets, they need to request to join / leave the multicast IP address corresponding to a certain multicast service via a group management protocol in order to begin / end receiving the multicast service. The group management protocol for IP multicast is the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) in IPv4, and the corresponding protocol in IPv6 is the Multicast Listener Discovery Protocol (MLD). It should be noted that Figure 1 is only an exemplary architecture diagram. Besides the functional units shown in Figure 1, this network architecture may also include other functional units or network elements, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0070] When the communication network shown in Figure 1 is a 5G network, the aforementioned terminal device (also referred to as a terminal device) can be user equipment (UE), such as a mobile phone or computer, or a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, smartphone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, laptop computer, handheld communication device, handheld computing device, satellite wireless device, wireless modem card, set-top box (STB), customer premises equipment (CPE), and / or other devices used for communication on a wireless system. The aforementioned access network equipment can be access network (AN) / radio access network (RAN) equipment, a network composed of multiple 5G-AN / 5G-RAN nodes. These 5G-AN / 5G-RAN nodes can be: access points (APs), next-generation base stations (NR nodeBs, gNBs), gNBs in a separate form of central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU), transmission receive points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs), or some other type of access node. The aforementioned management equipment can include: unified data management (UDM) elements, access and mobility functions (AMF), session management functions (SMF), policy control functions (PCF), application functions (AF), etc.Gateway devices can include functional units such as User Plane Functions (UPFs). These units can operate independently or be combined to implement certain control functions. For example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can be combined as a management device to perform access control and mobility management functions such as terminal device access authentication, security encryption, and location registration; session management functions such as establishing, releasing, and modifying user plane transmission paths; and functions for analyzing slice-related data (such as congestion) and terminal device-related data. The UPF, as a gateway device, primarily performs functions such as routing and forwarding user plane data, including filtering data packets from terminal devices, data transmission / forwarding, rate control, and generating billing information. Furthermore, in 5G systems, to support the selective routing of service traffic to the data network, session management network elements can control the data path of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions. This allows multiple interfaces to exist simultaneously between a PDU session and the data network, meaning multiple session anchors can exist for the same PDU session. The user plane function (UPF) that terminates these interfaces is called the PDU session anchor (PSA) or anchor UPF. Each anchor of a PDU session can also provide a different entry point to the same DN.

[0071] In the 5G network shown in Figure 1, communication between functional units can be achieved through connections established via next-generation (NG) interfaces. For example, terminal devices establish air interface connections with RAN equipment through new radio (NR) interfaces for transmitting user plane data and control plane signaling; terminal devices can establish control plane signaling connections with AMF through NG interface 1 (N1); AN / RAN equipment, such as next-generation radio access base stations (NR... The NodeB (gNB) can establish a user plane data connection with the offloading point UPF through NG interface 3 (N3); the AN / RAN equipment can establish a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through NG interface 2 (N2); the anchor UPF can establish a control plane signaling connection with the SMF through NG interface 4 (N4); the anchor UPF can interact with the data network to exchange user plane data through NG interface 6 (N6); the AMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with the SMF through NG interface 11 (N11); the SMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with the PCF through NG interface 7 (N7); and the PCF can establish a connection with the AF through NG interface 5 (N5). It should be noted that the portion shown in Figure 1 is only an exemplary architecture diagram. Besides the functional units shown in the portion shown in Figure 1, this network architecture may also include other functional units or functional network elements, which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0072] When the communication network shown in Figure 1 is a 4G network, the terminal device can refer to the relevant description of the terminal device in Figure 1, which will not be repeated here; the access network equipment can be a base station (nodeB, NB), an evolved NodeB (eNB), a TRP, a TP, an AP, or some other access unit; the core network equipment can include: management equipment such as the mobility management entity (MME) and the policy and charging rules function (PCRF), as well as gateway equipment such as the serving gateway (SGW), the packet data network gateway (PGW), and the local gateway (LGW).

[0073] It should be understood that the interface names between network elements in this application are merely exemplary, and the interfaces between network elements may also have other names. This application does not limit the names of the interfaces.

[0074] The terminal device in this application embodiment can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. The terminal device can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, a terminal device in a future 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this to these categories.

[0075] The access network device in this application embodiment can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices and core network devices. The access network device can be a base station (BTS) in a Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the access network device can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, or network device in a future 5G network or an access network device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0076] Research on Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) technology has been introduced into 5G networks. NTN is a communication network that incorporates aircraft (aircraft / drones) or satellites as relay nodes or base stations. In NTN networks, because satellite equipment participates in the communication process, data needs to be transmitted to the satellite when the UE and the base station are sending data. Due to the long propagation distance, this results in significant propagation delay, causing the round-trip time (RTT) to reach tens to hundreds of milliseconds, while the RTT of traditional terrestrial communication networks is only a few milliseconds or less.

[0077] According to the standards of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), satellite services in communication systems are divided into two main categories: mobile satellite service (MSS) and fixed satellite service (FSS).

[0078] In this context, FSS specifically refers to a ground terminal with a fixed location, including a fixed point or several fixed points within a fixed area. For example, the feeder link in NTN: a geosynchronous orbit (GSO) satellite-gateway station; while MSS specifically refers to a mobile terminal, such as a mobile UE (User Equipment) or a non-Geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite-gateway station in NTN.

[0079] Correspondingly, the two services, FSS and MSS, correspond to two types of terminals (i.e., MSS terminals and FSS terminals) using different frequencies. For example, the S-band of R17 is the MSS band, and the Ka-band of R18 is the FSS band. In related technologies, interference management for FSS terminals can be achieved by having FSS terminals and MSS terminals use different frequency bands, thus avoiding interference with FSS communication. For example, assuming an FSS terminal in area A uses the FSS band, since it is bound to area A, interference management is only needed to prevent other UEs from using the FSS band in the designated area A (for example, other UEs can use the MSS band in the designated area A).

[0080] In related technologies, spectrum utilization can also be improved by reusing FSS frequency bands for MSS terminals. For example, within region A, the available FSS frequency bands include {A, B}, with band set A dedicated to FSS terminals. To improve spectrum utilization, when an MSS terminal moves to region A, band set B can be reused for the MSS terminal. Therefore, the FSS terminal can access all frequency bands, while the MSS terminal can only access a portion of the frequencies (i.e., band set B, and cannot access band set A).

[0081] In another related technology, for example, if the current area or cell is provided with FSS service by GSO satellites to FSS terminals using the Ka band, it can be assumed that the MSS terminal can use the Ka band in this area, or in other words, can access the current cell; however, if the current area or cell is provided with FSS service by NGSO satellites to FSS terminals using the Ka band, then the MSS terminal cannot use the Ka band in this area, or in other words, cannot access the current cell.

[0082] Therefore, since the types of terminals corresponding to FSS and MSS are different, in the current mobility management (e.g., during cell reselection or cell handover), it may cause MSS terminals to access cells on unlicensed frequency points.

[0083] In view of this, this application provides a communication method, which utilizes the base station to broadcast whether the current cell allows MSS terminal equipment to access during the cell reselection process of the terminal equipment, or determines whether MSS terminal equipment is allowed to access by measuring frequency points of different frequencies during the cell reselection process of the terminal equipment, or performs measurement configuration and handover management based on the service information of the terminal equipment and the frequency point information of neighboring cells during the handover process of the terminal equipment serving cell, so as to avoid the MSS terminal being switched to the cell corresponding to the unsupported frequency point.

[0084] Before introducing the communication method provided in this application, we will first give a detailed introduction to the concept of cell reselection or cell handover for terminal devices.

[0085] 1. Cell Reselection: After a terminal device successfully camps on a cell, if it does not perform any data services, it will be in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state. RRC idle state mobility management mainly refers to cell reselection. The following cell reselection-related content also applies to terminal devices in the RRC inactive state.

[0086] Generally, terminal devices in the RRC idle or inactive state will measure the signal quality of the serving cell and neighboring cells. If the signal quality of the serving cell is poor, while the signal quality of the neighboring cells is good, the terminal device will actively reselect a cell with higher priority or better signal quality as the serving cell. This process is generally called cell reselection. Cell reselection occurs in the terminal device and does not involve signaling interaction between the terminal device and the base station.

[0087] Specifically, the overall process of 5G cell reselection is basically the same as that of 2G, 3G, and 4G, namely the R / S criterion. The overall cell reselection process includes three stages: initiating neighbor cell measurement, reselection evaluation and decision, and cell reselection execution.

[0088] (1) Initiate Neighbor Cell Measurement: Determine whether to initiate neighbor cell measurement based on the measurement initiation conditions. After the initiation decision is made, the terminal device will measure the signal quality of the current serving cell and neighboring cells. The neighboring cells may be on the same frequency as the current cell or on a different frequency.

[0089] (2) Reselection assessment decision: The terminal device determines whether the neighboring cell signal meets the cell reselection criteria. If it does, the cell reselection is performed; otherwise, it remains in the current serving cell.

[0090] (3) Cell reselection execution: The terminal device performs cell reselection and starts receiving system messages for the new cell. If there are no access restrictions (such as the operator configuring some reserved cells or cells with access restrictions, and the terminal device cannot access such cells), the terminal device will camp on the new cell.

[0091] 2. Cell handover: RRC connection-state mobility management mainly refers to cell handover.

[0092] Specifically, the cell handover process includes the following steps:

[0093] (1) gNB determines whether to initiate the switching process.

[0094] The handover initiation decision mainly includes two factors: the handover function switch is turned on and the serving cell signal quality meets the conditions. It is generally determined by the A1 event (i.e., the serving cell signal quality is higher than a certain threshold) or the A2 event (i.e., the serving cell signal quality is lower than a certain threshold).

[0095] After the handover initiation decision is passed, the base station will select the handover process mode. This includes:

[0096] Measurement mode: The base station instructs the terminal device to measure and report the signal quality of the measurement object in terms of frequency points according to the measurement configuration information. The base station generates a target cell list based on the measurement report reported by the terminal device.

[0097] Blind mode: The base station does not instruct the terminal equipment to measure the signal quality of candidate target cells. Instead, it directly generates a list of target cells or target frequencies based on priority parameters. In blind mode, the risk of access failure is higher due to the uncertainty of the target cell signal quality. Generally, blind mode is not recommended and should only be used when a handover must be initiated as quickly as possible.

[0098] (2) The base station can transmit measurement configuration information to the terminal device through the RRC Reconfiguration message.

[0099] The measurement configuration information includes: measurement object, measurement gaps, report configuration, triggering parameters, and measurement ID. Specifically, the measurement object refers to the object being measured by the terminal device, including the synchronization signal block (SSB) and / or physical broadcast channel block (PBCH), SSB subcarrier spacing, SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC), whitelist, and blacklist. The measurement gap is the time period during which the terminal device moves from its current frequency to another frequency for measurement (for inter-frequency and inter-system measurements). The report configuration specifies the standard and format for triggering measurement report reporting. The triggering parameter is the strategy for triggering event reporting. The measurement ID combines the measurement object and report configuration into a set. Each measurement ID corresponds to one measurement object and one report configuration. Multiple measurement IDs may correspond to multiple measurement objects and the same report configuration, or they may correspond to one measurement object and multiple report configurations.

[0100] (3) The terminal equipment performs relevant measurements according to the measurement configuration and generates cell measurement results. Generally speaking, the terminal equipment measures multiple SSB beams of the cell and merges the beam-level measurement results to derive the cell quality.

[0101] (4) After the terminal device performs measurement based on the measurement configuration information issued by the base station, it evaluates the measurement reporting. If the measurement reporting conditions are met, the terminal device will fill in the measurement report and send it to the base station.

[0102] (5) The base station determines whether a suitable new serving cell exists based on the measurement report. If one exists, a handover is performed; otherwise, the base station waits for the next measurement report. The handover process mainly includes: first, determining the handover strategy, including handover and redirection. Handover refers to the process by which the base station changes the terminal device from the original serving cell to the target cell without initiating an RRC connection release, in order to ensure service continuity. Redirection refers to the process by which the base station directly initiates an RRC connection release to the terminal device and instructs the terminal device to select a cell for access at a specific frequency.

[0103] (6) The base station finds a suitable new serving cell and instructs the terminal device to perform a handover.

[0104] The following explanation, using the communication method shown in Figure 2, illustrates how the MSS UE avoids accessing unsupported frequency points during cell reselection. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method 200 provided in this embodiment. This method can be applied to the scenario shown in Figure 1 above, and of course, it can also be applied to other communication scenarios. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this application.

[0105] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the terminal device and the network device are used as examples to illustrate the various steps of method 200. As an example and not a limitation, the execution entities for the various steps of method 200 can also be chips applied to the terminal device and chips applied to the network device.

[0106] As shown in Figure 2, method 200 may include steps S210 to S240. The steps of method 200 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2.

[0107] S210. The serving base station sends a first indication message, which is used to indicate that the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access or the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access.

[0108] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] In this embodiment of the application, the serving base station can indicate whether the current cell allows MSS terminal access or whether the frequency point corresponding to the cell allows MSS terminal access through the first indication message.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the first indication message directly indicates that the current cell allows MSS terminal access or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell allows MSS terminal access. It should be understood that the frequency band of the cell that the MSS terminal can access is the frequency band that allows MSS terminal access.

[0110] In another possible implementation, the first indication message can also directly indicate that the current cell does not allow MSS terminals to access or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access.

[0111] Specifically, the serving base station broadcasts a first indication message, which includes the indication "Mobile NTN AccessAllowed" to indicate whether the frequency points supported by the cell corresponding to the serving base station, or whether the frequency points corresponding to the current cell, allow MSS UE access.

[0112] It should be noted that a frequency band refers to a range of frequencies, such as 2515MHz-2675MHz for mobile operators; a frequency is a point within a frequency band, such as 2610MHz; bandwidth is a small portion of a frequency band, and it is the segment of frequency actually used in communication; a frequency point is a number, which can be understood as the ID of the bandwidth segment of frequency. Therefore, the frequency points supported by the cell corresponding to the serving base station mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be understood as the ID of the segment of frequency actually used by the cell corresponding to the serving base station in communication.

[0113] [Correction based on Rule 91, February 28, 2025] It should also be noted that the first instruction message can be carried in a system message. A system message refers to system configuration and access information broadcast by the wireless network to the terminal device through the broadcast channel (BCCH). The content of the system message is divided into multiple system information blocks (SIBs), which contain specific information required by the terminal device to perform cell selection, reselection, handover and other processes.

[0114] Specifically, the system message consists of one master information block (MIB) and several SIB messages. The MIB is broadcast periodically on the PBCH and contains basic physical layer information about the cell required for cell access prohibition and further reception of system information. SIB1 is broadcast periodically on the PDSCH or sent in a dedicated manner to UEs in the RRC_CONNECTED state, and contains information required for initial access and scheduling information for other system information blocks.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the serving base station can broadcast a MIB containing an indication of Mobile NTN AccessAllowed, indicating whether the cell corresponding to the serving base station allows MSS UE access, or whether the frequency point corresponding to the current cell allows MSS UE access.

[0116] In another possible implementation, the serving base station can broadcast SIB1, which includes an indication of Mobile NTN AccessAllowed, indicating whether the cell corresponding to the serving base station allows MSS UE access, or whether the frequency point corresponding to the current cell allows MSS UE access.

[0117] For example, the FSS terminal can use frequency bands {A, B}. Frequency band set A is dedicated to the FSS UE, and frequency band set B is reused for the MSS UE. Therefore, the FSS UE can access all frequency bands, while the MSS UE can only access some frequency points (i.e., frequency band set B, and cannot access frequency band set A). Therefore, when the frequency point of the cell corresponding to the serving base station is frequency band B, it can indicate that the current cell allows the MSS UE to access by broadcasting MIB or broadcasting SIB1, or broadcasting MIB or broadcasting SIB1 to announce that the frequency point of the current cell is frequency band B and that the MSS UE is allowed to access.

[0118] Alternatively, when the frequency of the cell corresponding to the serving base station is frequency band A, the current cell can be broadcast MIB or SIB1 to indicate that MSS UE access is not allowed, or the current cell can be broadcast MIB or SIB1 to indicate that the frequency of the cell is frequency band B and MSS UE access is not allowed.

[0119] For example, suppose the MSS terminal has available frequency bands {C,D}, frequency band set C is dedicated to the MSS UE, and frequency band set D is reused for the FSS UE. Therefore, the MSS UE can access all frequency bands, while the FSS UE can only access some frequency points (i.e., frequency band set D, and cannot access frequency band set C). Similarly, the access management of the FSS UE can be implemented by referring to the above method.

[0120] [Correction 28.02.2025 based on Rule 91] In some other embodiments, the first indication message is carried in the MIB, and by setting the indication value of cellBarred in the MIB to barred, it indicates that the MSS terminal should not access the network. Alternatively, the first indication message is carried in SIB1, and by setting the indication value of cellBarredNTN in SIB1 to barred, it indicates that the MSS terminal should not access the network.

[0121] [Revised according to Rule 91, 28.02.2025] Furthermore, the serving base station can also carry third indication information in the MIB, which indicates that the FSS terminal can access the base station for frequency reselection, or the third indication information indicates that the FSS terminal can ignore the indication in the first indication message that the MSS terminal is not allowed to access the base station, that is, the FSS terminal can always access the serving base station for frequency reselection.

[0122] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] Alternatively, the serving base station may also carry a third indication information on SIB1, which indicates that the FSS terminal can access for frequency reselection, or the third indication information indicates that the FSS terminal can ignore the indication in the first indication message that the MSS terminal is not allowed to access, and indicates that the FSS terminal always allows access for frequency reselection.

[0123] For example, if the current area or cell is served by NGSO satellites for FSS terminals, using the Ka band, the serving base station can send a MIB to the MSS terminal, indicating that the MSS terminal is not allowed to access by setting the cellBarred indicator value in the MIB to "barred," or send an SIB1 to the MSS terminal, indicating that the MSS terminal is not allowed to access by setting the cellBarredNTN indicator value in the SIB1 to "barred." This prevents the MSS from accessing an unauthorized frequency band.

[0124] Furthermore, the MIB sent by the serving base station can also instruct the FSS terminal to always access the serving base station for frequency reselection, or the MIB can instruct the FSS terminal to ignore the instruction that the MSS terminal is not allowed to access the serving base station, and instruct the FSS terminal to always access the serving base station for frequency reselection.

[0125] S220. The terminal device receives the first indication message sent by the serving base station and determines whether it can access the cell corresponding to the current serving base station.

[0126] It should be noted that this terminal device is an MSS terminal used in NTN.

[0127] The terminal device receives a first indication message sent by the serving base station. The first indication message may indicate that the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access.

[0128] Optionally, the MSS terminal may ignore existing cellbar indications in the MIB, or existing cellBarredNTN indications.

[0129] In one possible implementation, when the terminal device receives the MIB broadcast by the serving base station and adds a value of True for the Mobile NTN AccessAllowed indicator to the MIB, it indicates that the cell corresponding to the serving base station allows the MSS UE to access. Otherwise, if there is no Mobile NTN AccessAllowed indicator or the value of the Mobile NTN AccessAllowed indicator is False, it indicates that the terminal device cannot access the cell corresponding to the serving base station.

[0130] In another possible implementation, when the terminal device receives SIB1 broadcast by the serving base station and adds a value of True for the Mobile NTN AccessAllowed indication to SIB1, it indicates that the cell corresponding to the serving base station allows the MSS UE to access. Otherwise, if there is no Mobile NTN AccessAllowed indication or the value of the Mobile NTN AccessAllowed indication is False, it indicates that the terminal device cannot access the cell corresponding to the serving base station.

[0131] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] S230, the serving base station sends a second indication message to the terminal device, the second indication message being used to indicate other frequency bands and whether the frequency bands allow the MSS terminal to access.

[0132] [Revised according to Rule 91, 28.02.2025] In some embodiments, the second indication message is carried in SIB4, and the serving base station may broadcast SIB4 to the terminal device. SIB4 contains inter-frequency points (including frequency-general cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters).

[0133] It should be noted that "same frequency" means that the cell where the terminal device is currently located and the target cell to be measured are on the same carrier frequency (center frequency). "Different frequency" means that the cell where the terminal device is currently located and the target cell are not on the same carrier frequency, or on the same carrier frequency, but the subcarrier spacing of the measured signals is different.

[0134] In this embodiment, a different frequency point can be understood as a frequency point that is different from the frequency point of the current cell. The cell corresponding to the frequency point can be the cell corresponding to the neighboring base station or the cell corresponding to the serving base station. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0135] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] In some other embodiments, the second indication message sent by the serving base station to the MSS terminal is a same-frequency reselection indication, for example, by setting the indication value of intraFreqReselection to notallowed, the MSS terminal is instructed to perform inter-frequency reselection.

[0136] S240, The terminal equipment obtains other different frequency points and performs different frequency measurements.

[0137] When the serving base station sends inter-frequency points to the terminal device via broadcast SIB4, the terminal device can read the system messages carried in SIB4, obtain other inter-frequency points, and perform measurements.

[0138] It should be noted that inter-frequency measurement refers to measurement performed on a downlink carrier frequency different from that of the serving cell. The measured indicators include: Reference Singular Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Singular Received Quantum (RSRQ).

[0139] RSRP is defined as the linear average of the power contribution of resource particles carrying the cell-specific reference signal within the measured bandwidth under consideration. RSRQ refers to the signal-to-noise ratio and interference level of the current channel quality. It is related not only to the power of the RE carrying RS, but also to the power of the RE carrying user data, as well as interference from neighboring cells. Therefore, RSRP changes with network load and interference; the greater the network load and the greater the interference, the smaller the RSRQ measurement value.

[0140] When the cell corresponding to the serving base station allows MSS UE access, the terminal device can determine whether it can access the cell based on the inter-frequency measurement results.

[0141] It should also be noted that when the cell corresponding to the serving base station does not allow MSS UE access, the terminal device can still obtain system messages and perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0142] It should be understood that in related technologies, if the cell corresponding to the serving base station does not allow MSS UE access, the terminal device cannot read the system messages carried in SIB4 sent by the serving base station. Therefore, the MSS UE can only blindly select an inter-frequency and perform inter-frequency measurement for cell reselection. This method will lead to a higher risk of access failure.

[0143] In this embodiment of the application, even if the cell corresponding to the serving base station does not allow the MSS UE to access and the MSS UE cannot camp on the current cell, the terminal device can still choose to read the system messages carried in SIB4, obtain other inter-frequency points, perform inter-frequency measurements, and reselect the cell, thereby improving the success rate of the MSS UE accessing the cell.

[0144] The above method 200 addresses the scenario of mobility management in idle state by using the serving base station to broadcast system messages, enabling the terminal device to obtain information on whether the current cell supports MSS UE access. This avoids the terminal device switching to an unsupported frequency point during cell reselection. Furthermore, when the MSS UE cannot access the cell, it can also read the inter-frequency points broadcast by the system messages to measure the frequency points of other inter-frequency neighboring cells, and finally obtain a cell that can be accessed, thereby improving the success rate of MSS UE accessing the cell.

[0145] The following section, using the communication methods shown in Figures 3-6, explains how an MSS UE can avoid accessing unsupported frequency points in mobility management scenarios. Figure 3 illustrates a connected mobility management scenario. As shown in Figure 3, during the use of a terminal device, the user's location may change. When the terminal device moves to the edge of the serving cell (e.g., the terminal device moves to an area where the signals of the serving cell and neighboring cell 1 overlap), it needs to switch to the neighboring cell in a timely manner to obtain continuous mobile network service. In this scenario, how the terminal device can avoid being switched to a cell corresponding to an unsupported frequency point is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0146] Based on this, this application also provides another communication method. In a connected mobility management scenario, the serving base station can perform measurement configuration and handover management based on the terminal device's service information and neighboring cell frequency information. This avoids the MSS terminal being switched to a cell corresponding to an unsupported frequency, thus preventing it from obtaining the corresponding network services.

[0147] The following describes another example of a communication method provided in this application embodiment, taking Figure 4 as an example. Figure 4 shows a schematic interactive diagram of another example of a communication method 400 provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the method 400 includes S410 to S440.

[0148] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the terminal device and the network device are used as examples to illustrate the various steps of method 400. As an example and not a limitation, the execution entities for the various steps of method 400 can also be chips applied to the terminal device and chips applied to the network device.

[0149] S410: The serving base station obtains the frequency information of neighboring base stations and whether to allow MSS UE access.

[0150] It should be understood that when an MSS UE moves to a neighboring base station, in order to ensure network service for the MSS UE during the move and thus prevent the MSS UE from being switched to a cell corresponding to an unsupported frequency, the serving base station can obtain the frequency information of the neighboring base station and whether that frequency supports MSS terminal access.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the serving base station can obtain frequency information of neighboring base stations and whether MSS UE access is allowed based on pre-configured Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM).

[0152] It should be understood that OAM pre-configuration of a base station refers to the configuration performed on the base station before its installation and configuration are completed. This configuration process includes configuring the base station hardware and software, as well as configuring the OAM protocol. For example, base station radio access parameters, such as access point, frequency band, and password.

[0153] In another possible implementation, the serving base station can establish a connection with a neighboring base station. Through an Xn connection message, the neighboring base station sends frequency information and information on whether MSS UE access is permitted to the serving base station.

[0154] In another possible implementation, when the serving base station and the neighboring base station establish a connection, the neighboring base station sends frequency point information and information on whether MSS UE access is allowed to the serving base station through NG-RAN node configuration update messages.

[0155] S420: The terminal device sends an RRC connection request to the serving base station and connects to the serving base station.

[0156] When the terminal device is in an idle state, it can send an RRC connection request to the serving base station to access the serving base station.

[0157] Specifically, the terminal device can send an RRC Setup Request to the serving base station to establish a connection with the base station. The serving base station sends an RRC Setup message to the terminal device to complete the RRC setup process. After the terminal device and the serving base station have established a connection, the terminal device can send an RRC Setup Complete message to the serving base station to indicate that the terminal device has successfully accessed the serving base station.

[0158] S430. The terminal device reports its information to the serving base station. This information includes service information and type information, including MSS UE or FSS UE.

[0159] It should be understood that, since MSS terminals and FSS terminals use different frequencies, the serving base station needs to determine the type of terminal equipment before determining whether the UE can successfully hand over to a neighboring base station.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the terminal device may report User Assistance Information (UAI) to the serving base station. The UAI carries information about the type of UE. For example, in this embodiment, the UE is an MSS UE.

[0161] In another possible implementation, the serving base station can send a UE Information Request to the terminal device, requesting the terminal device to report its capabilities. After receiving the UE Information Request, the terminal device reports a UE Information Response message to the serving base station. This message may carry UE type information. For example, in this embodiment, the UE is an MSS UE.

[0162] In another possible implementation, after the terminal device and the serving base station establish an RRC connection, the AMF sends subscription information to the serving base station, and the serving base station can obtain the service information of the terminal device based on the subscription information.

[0163] For example, the AMF sends an Initial context set up request message to the serving base station to initiate the initial context setup process. This message carries the UE's subscription information, and the serving base station can obtain the UE's service information based on the received subscription information.

[0164] It should be understood that the AMF (Active State Function) is a control plane network function provided by the operator's network, responsible for access control and mobility management of terminal devices accessing the operator's network. This includes functions such as mobility state management, assigning temporary user identities, authenticating and authorizing users, etc. Therefore, the AMF can obtain the UE's subscription information with a particular operator.

[0165] In another possible implementation, during the handover process from the source base station to the target base station, the source base station sends a Handover Request message to the current serving base station through the Xn interface. The Handover Request message carries the UE's service information. For example, in this embodiment, the UE is an MSS UE.

[0166] Alternatively, during the handover process from the source base station to the target base station, the source base station sends a retrieve UE context request message to the serving base station. This retrieve UE context request message carries the UE's service information. For example, in this embodiment of the application, the UE is an MSS UE.

[0167] S440: The serving base station sends a measurement configuration to the terminal device based on the terminal device's information and the frequency point information of neighboring base stations. The frequency point of this measurement configuration is the frequency point that the MSS UE is allowed to access.

[0168] After obtaining the service information of the terminal device and the frequency information of the neighboring base stations, the serving base station sends a measurement configuration to the terminal device based on the service information of the terminal device and the frequency information of the neighboring base stations. The frequency point corresponding to the measurement configuration is the frequency point that the MSS UE is allowed to access.

[0169] For example, assume that the frequency bands accessible to the MSS UE are frequency band set B. The serving base station obtains that the frequency band of neighboring base station 1 is frequency band B, and frequency band B allows the MSS UE to access. The frequency band of neighboring base station 2 is frequency band C, and frequency band C does not allow the MSS UE to access. At the same time, the serving base station obtains that the terminal device to be handed over is the MSS terminal. Then, the serving base station sends a measurement configuration to the terminal device. In the measurement configuration, the channel quality of the cell corresponding to neighboring base station 1 is measured and reported in units of frequency band B. Finally, the serving base station generates a target cell list based on the measurement report reported by the terminal device.

[0170] In method 400, after the serving base station obtains the terminal device information, the frequency point of the neighboring base station, and whether the MSS UE is allowed to access the frequency point, it sends a measurement configuration to the terminal device based on the terminal device information, the frequency point of the neighboring base station, and whether the MSS UE is allowed to access the frequency point. This enables the terminal device to perform channel quality measurement based on the accessible frequency point, thereby avoiding the terminal device being unable to perform channel quality measurement when switching to an unsupported frequency point during the handover process.

[0171] In the above method 400, after the serving base station obtains the frequency type of the neighboring base station, it sends the measurement configuration to the terminal device, thereby avoiding the terminal device from switching to an unsupported frequency during the reselection process. This application embodiment also provides another communication method 500. In this method, the serving base station does not know the frequency type of the neighboring base station. When the serving base station initiates a cell handover request, the target base station to be handed over determines whether the terminal device can access the cell. If the frequency point corresponding to the target base station does not allow access, it sends a rejection. This method can prevent the terminal device from switching to an unsupported frequency during the handover process and thus being unable to perform channel quality measurement.

[0172] The following describes another example of a communication method provided in this application embodiment, taking Figure 5 as an example. Figure 5 shows a schematic interactive diagram of another example of a communication method 500 provided in this application embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the method 500 includes S510 to S550.

[0173] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the terminal device and the network device are used as examples to illustrate the various steps of method 500. As an example and not a limitation, the execution entities for the various steps of method 500 can also be chips applied to the terminal device and chips applied to the network device.

[0174] S510: The terminal equipment performs measurements according to the measurement configuration and reports the measurement results.

[0175] In mobility management scenarios where the terminal device is connected, when the terminal device needs to perform cell handover, the source base station sends measurement configuration to the terminal device, the terminal device measures the channel quality of the target cell, and then reports the measurement report.

[0176] In this embodiment of the application, since the source base station does not know the frequency information of the neighboring base stations, the frequency points configured in the measurement configuration sent by the source base station to the terminal device include both the frequency points that allow MSS UE access and the frequency points that do not allow MSS UE access.

[0177] It should be understood that the measurement results mainly include: measurement identifier (through which the network can obtain the measurement object ID and reporting configuration ID corresponding to this report, the measurement event threshold triggered by the event, the purpose of periodic triggering, etc. using its own stored measurement configuration), serving cell measurement results (including cell ID, cell measurement results such as RSRP, measurement results of reference signals (such as measurement results for a single SSB), etc.), and neighboring cell measurement results (including cell ID, the trigger quantity corresponding to the cell, etc.).

[0178] S520: The source base station makes a handover decision based on the measurement results and sends a handover request to the target base station, which carries information about the terminal device.

[0179] It should be understood that cell handover strategies generally include cell handover and redirection. Handover refers to the process of changing a terminal device from its original serving cell to a target cell without the source base station initiating an RRC connection release, in order to ensure service continuity. Redirection refers to the process where the base station directly initiates an RRC connection release to the terminal device and instructs the terminal device to select a cell for access at a specific frequency. Generally, handover is preferred as the handover strategy. The terminal device will only choose the redirection handover strategy when it does not support handover or cannot handover in time.

[0180] In some embodiments of this application, a handover strategy can be used. After the source base station selects and determines the target cell based on the measurement results, it sends a handover request to the target base station. The target cell can be the cell with the strongest signal (RSRP / RSRQ) selected by the source base station based on the measurement results.

[0181] In other embodiments, the terminal device may also perform switching based on redirection measurements. This application does not specifically limit the switching strategy.

[0182] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the MSS UE can successfully access the supported frequency points, when the source base station sends a handover request to the target base station without knowing the frequency point corresponding to the target base station or whether the frequency point allows the MSS UE to access, the source base station can carry the terminal device information, and the target base station can determine whether the MSS UE can access.

[0183] In some possible implementations, the method by which the source base station obtains information about the terminal device can be referred to the description of step S430, and will not be repeated here.

[0184] It should be noted that the target base station in step S520 includes at least one, that is, the source base station sends a handover request message to at least one target base station, and each handover request message carries the information of the terminal device.

[0185] S530: The target base station determines whether to allow the MSS UE to access based on the handover request.

[0186] In this embodiment of the application, the target base station can determine whether to allow the terminal device to access the network based on the frequency point corresponding to the current cell and the type of terminal device carried in the handover request.

[0187] For example, suppose the MSS UE can access frequency point B. If the target base station's corresponding cell is on frequency point A, and the type of terminal device carried in the handover request is MSS UE, and the MSS UE cannot access frequency point A, then the target base station will not allow the terminal device to access.

[0188] For example, if the target base station corresponds to a cell with frequency point B, and the type of terminal device carried in the handover request is MSS UE, and the MSS UE can access frequency point B, then the target base station will allow the terminal device to access.

[0189] S540, The target base station sends a handover request feedback message to the source base station, which carries an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0190] S550: The source base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device to trigger the handover.

[0191] It should be noted that when at least one target base station sends a handover request feedback message to the source base station, the source base station can determine the final target base station for handover based on multiple target base stations, and then the source base station sends the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the final target base station to the terminal device.

[0192] In method 500, during the handover process from the source base station to the target base station, the target base station can obtain the terminal device's information and then determine whether the terminal device can access the current cell based on the frequency information of the cell currently corresponding to the target base station. If access is not possible, the target base station sends a rejection message to the source base station; if access is possible, it sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the source base station so that the terminal device can successfully handover to the target base station. In this method, the target base station can make a decision on whether to allow the terminal device to access based on the terminal device's information and the frequency information of the cell currently corresponding to it, thereby avoiding the terminal device switching to an unsupported frequency during the handover process.

[0193] In the above method 500, the target base station can make a decision on whether to allow the terminal device to access based on the service information of the terminal device and the frequency information of the corresponding cell. This application embodiment also provides another communication method 600, in which multiple target base stations can feed back the frequency information of the corresponding cell to the source base station. The source base station can make a decision based on the service information of the terminal device and the frequency information of the corresponding cell of the target base station, thereby determining whether the terminal device can switch to a supported frequency after handover.

[0194] The following describes another example of a communication method provided by the present application, taking Figure 6 as an example. Figure 6 shows a schematic interactive diagram of another example of a communication method 600 provided by the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the method 600 includes steps S610 to S650.

[0195] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the terminal device and the network device are used as examples to illustrate the various steps of method 600. As an example and not a limitation, the execution entities for the various steps of method 600 can also be chips applied to the terminal device and chips applied to the network device.

[0196] S610: The terminal equipment performs measurements according to the measurement configuration and reports the measurement results.

[0197] The description of step S610 can be found in the description of step S510 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0198] S620: The source base station makes a handover decision based on the measurement results and sends a handover request to multiple target base stations to be handed over. The handover request carries information about the query frequency type.

[0199] In this embodiment of the application, in order to prevent the terminal device from switching to an unsupported frequency point during the handover process from the source base station to the target base station, the source base station can send a handover request message based on the multiple target base stations to be handed over determined in the measurement results. This message carries information on querying the frequency point type, thereby obtaining the frequency point type of the multiple target base stations to be handed over, and whether the frequency point supports the access of the MSS UE.

[0200] S630: Multiple target base stations to be handed over send handover request feedback messages to the source base station. The message carries the frequency type, whether the frequency type supports MSS UE access, and RRC reconfiguration messages.

[0201] Based on the handover request message sent by the source base station, multiple target base stations awaiting handover report back to the source base station the frequency types supported by the corresponding cell and whether the frequency type supports MSS UE access.

[0202] In one possible implementation, multiple target base stations to be handed over can send a Handover request acknowledgement message to the source base station to report the frequency type supported by the corresponding cell and whether the frequency type supports the access of the MSS UE.

[0203] S640: The source base station determines the target handover cell based on the frequency type fed back by multiple target base stations to be handed over and the information of the terminal equipment.

[0204] To ensure that the terminal device can successfully access the supported frequency points, before the terminal device switches from the source base station to the target base station, the source base station can determine the target cell for the switch based on the frequency point types fed back by multiple target base stations to be switched and the type of the terminal device.

[0205] It should be noted that the method by which the source base station obtains information about the terminal device can be found in the description of step S430, and will not be repeated here.

[0206] S650: The source base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message for the target handover cell to the terminal device to trigger the handover.

[0207] In method 600, during the handover process from the source base station to the target base station, the source base station obtains the frequency point type and terminal device type fed back by multiple target base stations to be handed over. Then, based on the frequency point type fed back by multiple target base stations to be handed over and the information of the terminal device, it determines the target cell that the terminal device can hand over to. Then, the source base station sends a handover request to the target cell that can hand over to the target base station so that the terminal device can successfully hand over to the target base station. In this method, the source base station can determine the target cell that can hand over to based on the service information of the terminal device and the frequency point information of the cell currently corresponding to the multiple target base stations to be handed over, thereby avoiding the terminal device from handing over to an unsupported frequency point during the handover process.

[0208] It should be understood that the methods, situations, categories, and classifications of embodiments in this application are for the convenience of description only and should not constitute a special limitation. Various methods, categories, situations, and features in embodiments can be combined without contradiction.

[0209] It should also be understood that the above description is only intended to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Based on the examples given above, those skilled in the art can obviously make various equivalent modifications or changes. For example, some steps in methods 300 and 400 may be unnecessary, or new steps may be added. Alternatively, any combination of two or more of the above embodiments may be used. Such modifications, changes, or combinations also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0210] It should also be understood that the above description of the embodiments of this application focuses on highlighting the differences between the various embodiments. Any similarities or differences not mentioned can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0211] It should also be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0212] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "pre-setting" or "pre-defining" can be achieved by pre-saving the corresponding code, table or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices), and this application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0213] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0214] The foregoing section has detailed examples of the communication methods provided in this application. It is understood that the authentication service function, terminal device, and unified data management, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0215] The communication device provided in this application will be described below.

[0216] For example, FIG7 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 700 may correspond to the serving base station, source base station and target base station described in the various embodiments of methods 200 to 600 above, or may be applied in a chip or component of the serving base station, source base station and target base station. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 700 is used to execute the various actions or processing procedures performed by the serving base station, source base station and target base station described in the various embodiments of methods 200 to 400 above.

[0217] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes a transceiver unit 710 and a processing unit 720. The transceiver unit 710 is used to perform specific signal transmission and reception under the drive of the processing unit 720.

[0218] In some embodiments:

[0219] The transceiver unit 710 is used to send a first indication message, which indicates that the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access, or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access.

[0220] [Correction 28.02.2025 based on Rule 91] The communication device provided in this application, when the frequency band corresponding to the FSS terminal is reused by the MSS terminal, in order to prevent the MSS from accessing an unauthorized frequency band, the serving base station serving the FSS terminal can send a first indication message to the MSS terminal. The first indication message can indicate that the cell or frequency band corresponding to the current serving base station does not allow the MSS terminal to access. The MSS terminal can refuse to access the cell based on the first indication message, thereby solving the problem in the related technology that when the frequency band corresponding to the FSS terminal is reused by the MSS terminal, the MSS terminal may access an unauthorized frequency band.

[0221] It should be noted that this communication device corresponds to a serving base station or a chip or component used in a serving base station.

[0222] In other embodiments:

[0223] The transceiver unit 710 is used to acquire frequency point information of neighboring base stations and terminal equipment information. The frequency point information includes: frequency point and whether the frequency point allows MSS terminal access. The terminal equipment information includes terminal equipment type information and terminal equipment service information. The type information includes MSS terminal and FSS terminal.

[0224] The processing unit 720 is configured to send a measurement configuration to the terminal device based on the frequency point information of the neighboring base station and the information of the terminal device, wherein the frequency point in the measurement configuration is the frequency point that the MSS terminal is allowed to access.

[0225] The communication device provided in this application can determine the frequency points that an MSS terminal can access based on the frequency point information of neighboring base stations and the information of the terminal device. This ensures that the measurement frequency points in the measurement configuration sent by the serving base station to the MSS terminal are the frequency points that the MSS terminal is allowed to access, thus solving the problem in related technologies that the MSS terminal may access unsupported frequency points.

[0226] It should be noted that this communication device corresponds to a serving base station or a chip or component used in a serving base station.

[0227] In some other embodiments:

[0228] The transceiver unit 710 is used to receive a handover request sent by the source base station. The handover request carries service information of the terminal device, including MSS terminal and FSS terminal.

[0229] The processing unit 720 is used to determine whether to allow the MSS terminal to access the network based on the frequency information of the current cell and the information of the terminal device.

[0230] The transceiver unit 710 is also configured to send a handover request feedback message to the source base station, the handover request feedback message including: allowing the MSS terminal to access or disallowing the MSS terminal to access.

[0231] The communication device provided in this application, upon receiving the service information of the terminal device carried by the source base station and the frequency information of the current cell, can determine whether the frequency information corresponding to the current cell allows the MSS terminal to access. If the MSS terminal is allowed to access, it sends a feedback to the source base station that access is allowed; if the MSS terminal is not allowed to access, it sends a feedback to the source base station that access is not allowed. This method can prevent the MSS terminal from accessing an unsupported frequency during cell handover.

[0232] It should be noted that the communication device corresponds to the target base station or a chip or component used in the target base station.

[0233] In some other embodiments:

[0234] The transceiver unit 710 is used to send a handover request message to at least one target base station. The handover request message carries frequency point query information, which includes: querying the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to the target base station and whether the frequency point allows MSS terminal access.

[0235] The transceiver unit 710 is further configured to receive a handover request feedback message sent by the at least one target base station. The handover request feedback message carries frequency point feedback information, which includes the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to the at least one target base station and whether the frequency point allows the MSS terminal to access.

[0236] The processing unit 720 is used to determine a target handover cell based on at least one frequency point feedback information and information of the terminal device, wherein the frequency point corresponding to the target handover cell supports the access of the MSS terminal.

[0237] The communication apparatus provided in this application, after obtaining information from at least one target base station regarding the frequency of the current cell and whether the frequency allows MSS terminal access, determines a target handover cell from the at least one target base station based on the service information of the terminal device. The frequency corresponding to the target handover cell allows MSS terminal access. This method, based on the determination of the source base station, can prevent the MSS terminal from accessing an unsupported frequency during cell handover.

[0238] It should be noted that this communication device corresponds to the source base station or a chip or component used in the source base station.

[0239] In some other embodiments:

[0240] The transceiver unit 710 is used to receive a handover request message sent by the source base station. The handover request message carries frequency point query information, which includes: querying the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to the target base station and whether the frequency point allows MSS terminal access.

[0241] The transceiver unit 710 is further configured to send handover request feedback information to the source base station based on the handover request message. The handover request feedback information carries frequency point feedback information, which includes the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to at least one target base station and whether the frequency point allows the MSS terminal to access.

[0242] The frequency feedback information is used by the source base station to determine the target handover cell, and the frequency corresponding to the target handover cell supports the access of the terminal device.

[0243] The communication device provided in this application, upon receiving frequency query information carried in a handover request message, can feed back the current cell's frequency and whether the frequency allows MSS terminal access to the source base station. This allows the source base station to determine a target handover cell from at least one target base station based on the terminal device's service information and frequency feedback information. The frequency corresponding to this target handover cell is allowed for MSS terminal access. The source base station-based determination in this method prevents the MSS terminal from accessing an unsupported frequency during cell handover.

[0244] It should be noted that the communication device corresponds to the target base station or a chip or component used in the target base station.

[0245] It should be understood that the specific processes by which each unit in the communication device 700 performs the corresponding steps described above are described in the preceding text in conjunction with methods 200 to 600 and the relevant embodiments in Figures 2 and 6, regarding the serving base station, source base station, and target base station. For example, the transceiver unit 710 can perform the receiving and transmitting steps involved in the above method embodiments, while the processing unit 720 can perform steps other than receiving and transmitting. Various specific processes are as described in the method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0246] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 710 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit may be a memory. The processing unit 720 may be implemented by a processor. Figure 8 shows a schematic block diagram of another example of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 may include a processor 810, a memory 820, and a transceiver 830.

[0247] The communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 or the communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 can implement the steps performed by the serving base station, the source base station, and the target base station in the various embodiments of methods 200 to 600 described above. Similar descriptions can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding methods described above. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0248] It should also be understood that the communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 or the communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 can be a serving base station, a source base station, and a target base station.

[0249] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 900 may correspond to the terminal device described in methods 200 to 600 above, or it may be a chip or component applied to a terminal device. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 900 is used to execute the various actions or processing procedures performed by the terminal device in methods 200 to 600 above.

[0250] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 may include a transceiver unit 910 and a processing unit 920. The transceiver unit 910 is used to perform specific signal transmission and reception under the drive of the processing unit 920.

[0251] In some embodiments:

[0252] [Correction 28.02.2025 according to Rule 91] Transceiver unit 910 is used to receive a first indication message, which indicates that the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access, or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow MSS terminals to access.

[0253] [According to Rule 91, Correction 28.02.2025] Processing unit 920 is used to reject access to the cell corresponding to the serving base station based on the first indication message.

[0254] [Correction 28.02.2025 based on Rule 91] In the communication device provided in this application, when the MSS terminal reuses a frequency band used by the FSS terminal, in order to avoid accessing an unauthorized frequency band, the MSS terminal receives a first indication message sent by the FSS terminal. The first indication message can indicate that the cell or frequency band corresponding to the current serving base station does not allow the MSS terminal to access. The MSS terminal can refuse to access the cell based on the first indication message, thereby solving the problem in the related technology that when the frequency band corresponding to the FSS terminal is reused for the MSS terminal, the MSS terminal may access an unauthorized frequency band.

[0255] It should be noted that this communication device corresponds to an MSS terminal used in NTN or a chip or component used in an MSS terminal used in NTN.

[0256] It should be understood that the specific process by which each unit in the communication device 900 performs the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the preceding description of the terminal device in conjunction with the relevant embodiments of methods 200 to 600. For example, the transceiver unit 910 can perform the steps involving receiving and sending in the above method embodiments, while the processing unit 920 can perform steps other than processing and receiving / sending. Various specific processing methods are as described in the method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0257] Optionally, the transceiver unit 910 may include a receiving unit (module) and a sending unit (module) for performing the steps of receiving and sending information by the terminal device in the various embodiments of methods 200 to 600 described above.

[0258] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 910 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit may be a memory. The processing unit 920 may be implemented by a processor. Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of another example of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory 1020, and a transceiver 1030.

[0259] The communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 or the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can implement the steps performed by the terminal device in the embodiments of methods 200 to 600 described above. Similar descriptions can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding methods described above. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0260] It should also be understood that the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 or the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can be a terminal device.

[0261] It should also be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, and its function can be called and executed by a processing element within the device. Here, the processing element can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0262] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0263] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 1100 provided in this application, which can be used to implement the functions of the MSS terminal in the above-described methods. The communication device 900 or communication device 1000 can be configured in the terminal device 1100. Alternatively, the communication device 900 or communication device 1000 itself can be the terminal device 1100. In other words, the terminal device 1100 can perform the actions performed by the MSS terminal in methods 200 to 600. Optionally, for ease of explanation, Figure 11 only shows the main components of the terminal device. As shown in Figure 11, the terminal device 1100 includes a processor, memory, control circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices.

[0264] The processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and data, control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process the data within those programs. For example, it supports the terminal device in performing the actions described in the embodiments of the transmission precoding matrix instruction method. The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data, such as the codebook described in the embodiments above. The control circuit is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The control circuit and antenna together can also be called a transceiver, primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0265] When the terminal device is powered on, the processor can read the software program from the storage unit, interpret and execute the software program's instructions, and process the software program's data. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward as electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data.

[0266] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, Figure 11 only shows one memory and processor. In actual terminal devices, multiple processors and memories may exist. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not impose such limitations.

[0267] For example, a processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is mainly used for controlling the entire terminal device, executing software programs, and processing the data in the software programs. The processor in Figure 11 integrates the functions of a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and a terminal device may include multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in a storage unit as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0268] For example, in this embodiment, the antenna and control circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver unit 1101 of the terminal device 1100, and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing unit 1102 of the terminal device 1100. As shown in FIG11, the terminal device 1100 includes the transceiver unit 1101 and the processing unit 1102. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver device, transceiver apparatus, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit 1101 used to implement the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit 1101 used to implement the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit, that is, the transceiver unit 1101 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. For example, the receiving unit can also be referred to as a receiver, receiver circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0269] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a network device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application, which can be used to implement the functions of the serving base station, source base station, and target base station in the above method. The network device 1200 includes one or more radio frequency (RF) units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 1201 and one or more baseband units (BBUs) (also referred to as digital units, DUs) 1202. The RRU 1201 can be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, etc., and may include at least one antenna 12011 and an RF unit 12012. The RRU 1201 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals and converting RF signals to baseband signals, for example, for sending signaling messages to terminal devices as described in the above embodiments. The BBU 1202 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station. The RRU 1201 and BBU 1202 can be physically arranged together or physically separated, i.e., a distributed base station.

[0270] The BBU1202 is the control center of the base station, also known as the processing unit. It is primarily used to perform baseband processing functions, such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, and spread spectrum. For example, the BBU (processing unit) 1202 can be used to control the base station to execute the network device operation procedures described in the above method embodiments.

[0271] In one example, the BBU1202 can be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can collectively support a single access standard wireless access network (such as an LTE system or a 5G system), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards. The BBU1202 also includes a memory 12021 and a processor 12022. The memory 12021 is used to store necessary instructions and data. For example, the memory 12021 stores the codebook as described in the above embodiments. The processor 12022 is used to control the base station to perform necessary actions, such as controlling the base station to execute the operation procedures related to the network device in the above method embodiments. The memory 12021 and processor 12022 can serve one or more single boards. That is, each single board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each single board can also have necessary circuitry.

[0272] In one possible implementation, with the development of system-on-chip (SoC) technology, all or part of the functions of parts 1202 and 1201 can be implemented by SoC technology, for example, by a base station function chip. This base station function chip integrates a processor, memory, antenna interface, and other devices. The program for base station-related functions is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the program to implement the relevant functions of the base station. Optionally, the base station function chip can also read external memory to implement the relevant functions of the base station.

[0273] It should also be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, and its function can be called and executed by a processing element within the device. Here, the processing element can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements. In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0274] This application also provides a chip system, as shown in FIG13, which includes at least one processor 1310 and at least one interface circuit 1320. The processor 1310 and the interface circuit 1320 can be interconnected via lines. For example, the interface circuit 1320 can be used to receive signals from other devices (e.g., the memory of terminal device 1100). As another example, the interface circuit 1320 can be used to send signals to other devices (e.g., the processor 1310). Exemplarily, the interface circuit 1320 can read instructions stored in the memory and send the instructions to the processor 1310. When the instructions are executed by the processor 1310, the terminal device can perform the various steps executed by the terminal device in the above embodiments. Of course, the chip system may also include other discrete devices, which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0275] This application also provides a communication system, which includes: the network device (e.g., a serving base station) and terminal device (e.g., an MSS terminal) provided in the above method embodiments.

[0276] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer program code, the computer program including instructions for executing any of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application. The readable medium may be a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0277] This application also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause the serving base station, the source base station, the target base station, and the terminal device to perform operations corresponding to those described in the above method.

[0278] This application also provides a chip located in a communication device. The chip includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, pins, or circuitry. The processing unit can execute computer instructions to cause the communication device to perform any of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0279] Optionally, the computer instructions are stored in a storage unit.

[0280] Optionally, the storage unit can be an internal storage unit within the chip, such as a register or cache. Alternatively, it can be an external storage unit located within the terminal, such as a ROM or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access RAM. The processor mentioned above can be a CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of a program for transmitting the aforementioned feedback information. The processing unit and the storage unit can be decoupled and located on different physical devices, connected via wired or wireless means to implement their respective functions, thereby supporting the system chip in implementing the various functions described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory can also be coupled to the same device.

[0281] In this embodiment, the terminal device, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product or chip are all used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0282] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be RAM, which is used as an external cache. RAM has various types, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0283] In this application, various objects such as messages / information / devices / network elements / systems / apparatus / actions / operations / processes / concepts may be named. It is understood that these specific names do not constitute a limitation on the relevant objects. The names may be changed depending on the scenario, context, or usage habits. The understanding of the technical meaning of the technical terms in this application should be mainly determined from their functions and technical effects embodied / performed in the technical solution.

[0284] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0285] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0286] The methods in the embodiments of this application can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted through the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server integrating one or more available media.

[0287] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0288] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0289] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0290] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0291] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0292] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a serving base station, and the method includes: Send a first indication message, which indicates that the cell does not allow the MSS terminal to access, or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow the MSS terminal to access.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MSS terminal is a mobile terminal in a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first indication message is carried in the main information block MIB or the system information block SIB1.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message, which is used to indicate other different frequency points and whether the different frequency points allow the MSS terminal to access.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second instruction message is carried in SIB4.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an MSS terminal, and the method includes: Receive a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that the cell does not allow the MSS terminal to access, or that the frequency band corresponding to the cell does not allow the MSS terminal to access; Access to the cell is denied based on the first indication message.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The MSS terminal is a mobile terminal in a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first indication message is carried in SIB1 or MIB.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the sent second indication message, which is used to indicate other different frequency points and whether the different frequency points allow the MSS terminal to access; Perform inter-frequency point measurement according to the second instruction message.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second instruction message is carried in SIB4.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a serving base station, and the method includes: The frequency point information of neighboring base stations and terminal equipment information are obtained. The frequency point information includes the frequency point and whether the frequency point allows MSS terminals to access. The terminal equipment information includes type information and service information. The type information includes MSS terminals and FSS terminals. Based on the frequency information of the neighboring base station and the information of the terminal device, a measurement configuration is sent to the terminal device, wherein the frequency points in the measurement configuration are the frequency points that the MSS terminal is allowed to access.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The acquisition of frequency point information of neighboring base stations includes: The system receives an Xn message sent by the neighboring base station. The Xn message carries the frequency point information and includes either an Xn establishment message or an NG-RAN node configuration update message.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the type information of the terminal device includes: The terminal device receives user assistance information, which indicates the type of the terminal device.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the type information of the terminal device includes: Receive capability reporting information from the terminal device, wherein the capability reporting information indicates the type information of the terminal device.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the service information of the terminal device includes: Obtain subscription information sent by the Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the subscription information indicates the service information of the terminal device.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a target base station, and the method includes: The system receives a handover request sent by the source base station. The handover request carries information about the terminal device, including type information and service information. The type information includes MSS terminals and FSS terminals. Based on the frequency information of the current cell and the information of the terminal device, determine whether to allow the MSS terminal to access; A handover request feedback message is sent to the source base station, the handover request feedback message including: allowing the MSS terminal to access or disallowing the MSS terminal to access.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a source base station, and the method includes: A handover request message is sent to at least one target base station. The handover request message carries frequency point query information, which includes: querying the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to the target base station and whether the frequency point allows MSS terminal access. The system receives a handover request feedback message sent by the at least one target base station. The handover request feedback message carries frequency point feedback information, which includes the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to the at least one target base station and whether the frequency point allows the MSS terminal to access the network. The target handover cell is determined based on feedback information from at least one frequency point and information from the terminal device. The frequency point corresponding to the target handover cell supports access by the MSS terminal. The information of the terminal device includes type information and service information. The type information includes MSS terminal and FSS terminal.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a target base station, and the method includes: The system receives a handover request message sent by the source base station. The handover request message carries frequency point query information, which includes: querying the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to the target base station and whether the frequency point allows MSS terminal access. Based on the handover request message, handover request feedback information is sent to the source base station. The handover request feedback information carries frequency point feedback information, which includes the frequency point of the current cell corresponding to at least one target base station and whether the frequency point allows the MSS terminal to access. The frequency feedback information is used by the source base station to determine the target handover cell, and the frequency corresponding to the target handover cell supports terminal device access.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to at least one memory: The at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions in the at least one memory to cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 to be executed, or to cause the method of any one of claims 6 to 10 to be executed, or to cause the method of any one of claims 11 to 15 to be executed, or to cause the method of claim 16 to be executed, or to cause the method of claim 17 to be executed, or to cause the method of claim 18 to be executed.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 15, or the method as described in claim 16, or the method as described in claim 17, or the method as described in claim 18.

21. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 15, or the method as described in claim 16, or the method as described in claim 17, or the method as described in claim 18.

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