Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a related apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal is connected to a first network element by means of a first access network device, the first network element being responsible for access management of the terminal; the first access network device or the first network element sends first information to the terminal, the first information indicating whether the first network element supports dual connectivity of the terminal by means of two access network devices; and correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information, and sends second information to a second access network device when the first information indicates that the first network element supports dual connectivity of the terminal by means of the two access network devices, the second information indicating the first network element, so as to request to connect the second access network device to the first network element. The method provided by the present application can enable the terminal to be successfully registered to a network by means of the two access network devices in a dual 3GPP access mode.

Description

Communication method and related device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on November 30, 2023, with application number 202311626794.8 and application name “Communication Methods and Related Devices”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related devices. Background Art

[0003] A terminal can connect to the network through two different Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access network devices. This method is called dual 3GPP access. In dual 3GPP access mode, the terminal needs to connect to two radio access network (RAN) devices simultaneously, maintain radio resource control (RRC) connections with both RAN devices, and register with the network through both RAN devices.

[0004] However, when a terminal accesses the network using dual 3GPP, how the terminal registers with the network remains an unresolved issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and related apparatus, which can successfully register with a network through two access network devices when a terminal accesses in a dual 3GPP manner.

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides a communication method that can be applied to a communication device. For example, the communication device can be a terminal, or a component configured in the terminal (such as a chip, chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions, which is not limited by the present application. For ease of understanding and explanation, the following describes the method using a terminal as an example of a communication device.

[0007] Exemplarily, the method includes: connecting to a first network element through a first access network device; receiving first information sent by the first access network device or the first network element, the first information indicating whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0008] It can be understood that the terminal is a terminal that supports accessing the network in a dual 3GPP manner. The first network element is responsible for access management of the terminal.

[0009] Alternatively, the first information indicates whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, which can also be called: the first information indicates whether the first network element supports the terminal to connect to the first network element through two access network devices; or, the first information indicates whether the first network element supports the terminal to register to the first network element through two access network devices; or, the first information indicates whether the first network element supports the terminal to connect to the first network element through two access network devices; or, the first information indicates whether the first network element supports the terminal to connect to the first network element through two access network devices.

[0010] Optionally, when the first information indicates that the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, second information is sent to the second access network device, and the second information is used to indicate the first network element to request the second access network device to connect to the first network element.

[0011] Optionally, when the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, third information is sent to the second access network device, and the third information indicates that the second access network device cannot select the first network element.

[0012] The access types of the two access network devices are 3GPP access types, that is, the first information indicates whether the first network element supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two 3GPP access type access network devices. Furthermore, the RAT types of the two access network devices can be the same or different.

[0013] Based on this method, after the terminal is connected to the first network element through the first access network device, it can determine whether the first network element supports two access network devices to be connected to the first network element at the same time by receiving first information sent from the first access network device or the first network element, and if the first network element supports two access network devices to be connected to the first network element at the same time, send second information indicating the first network element to the second access network device to request the second access network device to connect to the first network element, or if the first network element does not support two access network devices to be connected to the first network element at the same time, send third information indicating that the second access network device cannot select the first network element to the second access network device to request the second access network device to connect to network elements other than the first network element. Therefore, the method provided in this application can successfully register with the network through two access network devices when the terminal accesses in a dual 3GPP manner.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the above-mentioned third information does not include the identifier of the first network element; or, the third information includes the identifier of the first network element and an indication of not selecting the first network element.

[0015] Based on this method, by sending the third information to the second access network device, the second access network device may choose not to connect to the first network element.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the first network element, where the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

[0017] It can be understood that the terminal being authorized to access the network through two access network devices means that the terminal is allowed to access the network using a dual 3GPP mode.

[0018] It can also be understood that when the terminal receives the fourth information indicating that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal determines that it can register to the network through the second access network device and sends the second information or the third information to the second access network device.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the sending of the second information to the second access network device includes: sending the second information to the second access network device according to the fourth information.

[0020] Exemplarily, when the first information indicates that the first network element supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices and the terminal is authorized to access the network through the two access network devices, the second information is sent to the second access network device.

[0021] In another possible implementation manner, the sending of the third information to the second access network device includes: sending the third information to the second access network device according to the fourth information.

[0022] Exemplarily, when the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices, and the terminal is authorized to access the network through the two access network devices, the third information is sent to the second access network device.

[0023] Optionally, the fourth information may also indicate that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices. In this case, the terminal does not need to send the second information and the third information.

[0024] Similarly, the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, which means that the terminal is not allowed to access the network using the dual 3GPP mode.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, before receiving the first information from the first network element, the method also includes: sending fifth information to the first access network device or the first network element, and the fifth information indicates that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices.

[0026] Alternatively, the fifth information indicates that the terminal desires to access the network through two access network devices.

[0027] The fifth information is sent to the first access network device to request the first access network device to select a first network element that supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0028] Sending the fifth information to the first network element can trigger the first network element to send the first information to the terminal. Furthermore, if the first network element supports dual connectivity through two access network devices, the first network element can, based on the fifth information, accept an N2 request sent by the terminal through the second access network device. The N2 request can be understood as a request from the access network device to connect to the first network element.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: receiving sixth information from the first network element, the sixth information indicating the radio access technology (RAT) of the two access network devices; and selecting the second access network device based on the sixth information.

[0030] It is understood that when the first network element supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices, the RAT type of the second access network device should be a RAT type supported by the first network element. Since the terminal is connected to the first network element through the first access network device, the RAT type of the first access network device is a RAT type supported by the first network element.

[0031] It is also understood that the sixth information and the first information may be sent simultaneously or separately. When the sixth information and the first information are sent simultaneously, the contents indicated by the first information and the sixth information may be carried in a registration accept message sent by the first network element to the terminal.

[0032] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method that can be applied to a communication device. The communication device can be, for example, a first network element, or a component configured in the first network element (such as a chip, a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element, which is not limited by the present application. For ease of understanding and explanation, the following describes the method using the first network element as an example of a communication device.

[0033] Exemplarily, the method includes: sending first information to the terminal, the first information indicating whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; when the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, receiving a registration request message sent from the terminal through the second access network device.

[0034] The first network element is responsible for access management of the terminal. In other words, the first network element is the network element to which the terminal is connected via the first access network device.

[0035] Based on this method, the first network element sends a first information to the terminal to indicate whether the first network element supports dual connection, so that the terminal that receives the first information can determine the first network element connected to the second access network device based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the terminal can successfully register to the network through the second access network device.

[0036] It can be understood that before sending the first information to the terminal, the terminal is connected to the first network element through the first access network device.

[0037] Optionally, before sending the first information to the terminal, the method further includes: receiving fifth information from the terminal through the first access network device, where the fifth information indicates that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices.

[0038] For the description of the fifth information, please refer to the description of the fifth information sent by the terminal to the first network element in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] Optionally, before sending the first information to the terminal, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from a policy control function (PCF) network element, where the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

[0040] The PCF may be replaced by unified data management (UDM), that is, the fourth information is received from the UDM.

[0041] Optionally, the sending the first information to the terminal includes: sending the first information to the terminal according to the fourth information.

[0042] Exemplarily, when the first network element has the ability to support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices and the terminal is authorized to access the network through the two access network devices, first information is sent to the terminal, and the first information indicates that the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0043] Exemplarily, when the first network element does not have the ability to support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, but the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, first information is sent to the terminal, and the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0044] Optionally, the fourth information may also indicate that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

[0045] Exemplarily, the sending of the first information to the terminal includes: sending the first information to the terminal according to the fourth information.

[0046] Exemplarily, when the first network element has the ability to support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices and the terminal is not authorized to access the network through the two access network devices, first information is sent to the terminal, and the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0047] Exemplarily, when the first network element does not have the ability to support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices and the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the first information is sent to the terminal or the first information is not sent, and the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0048] In summary, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the first information can be sent directly to the terminal or not sent. The first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0049] Based on this method, the first network element sends a first message to the terminal indicating whether the first network element supports two access network devices being connected to the first network element at the same time, so that the terminal receiving the first message can determine, based on the first message, whether it can connect to the first network element through the second access network device when accessing the network in a dual 3GPP manner. Thus, when the first network element supports two access network devices being connected to the first network element at the same time, the terminal can request the second access network device to connect to the first network element, or when the first network element does not support two access network devices being connected to the first network element at the same time, the terminal can request the second access network device to connect to a network element other than the first network element. Therefore, the method provided in this application can successfully register with the network through two access network devices when the terminal accesses the network in a dual 3GPP manner.

[0050] Optionally, the access types of the two access network devices are both 3GPP access types, that is, whether the first network element supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices with 3GPP access types.

[0051] For the description of the RAT type of the access network device, please refer to the description of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0052] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method that can be applied to a communication device. The communication device can be, for example, an access network device, or a component configured in the access network device (such as a chip, a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device, which is not limited by the present application. For ease of understanding and explanation, the following describes the method using the first access network device as an example of a communication device.

[0053] Exemplarily, the method includes: receiving fifth information from the terminal, the fifth information indicating that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices; based on the fifth information, connecting to the first network element; sending first information to the terminal, the first information indicating whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0054] The first network element is responsible for access management of the terminal. In other words, the first network element is the network element to which the terminal is connected via the first access network device.

[0055] For the description of the first information, please refer to the relevant description in the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0056] Based on this method, the first access network device selects the first network element based on the received fifth information and establishes a connection with the first network element. After establishing the connection with the first network element, the first access network device can indicate whether the first network element supports dual connections by sending the first information to the terminal, so that the terminal that receives the first information can determine the network element connected to the second access network device based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the terminal can successfully access the network through the second access network device.

[0057] Optionally, the connecting with the first network element based on the fifth information includes: connecting with the first network element based on the fifth information and a first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship indicates whether each of the plurality of first network elements supports dual connectivity, and the first mapping relationship may be pre-configured on the first access network device.

[0058] Optionally, the above-mentioned connection with the first network element based on the fifth information includes: sending seventh information to a network repository function (NRF) network element based on the fifth information, and the seventh information is used to request the NRF to select a first network element that supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; receiving an identifier of the first network element from the NRF; and connecting to the first network element based on the identifier of the first network element.

[0059] Optionally, when determining to connect to the first network element through the NRF, the method further includes: receiving first information from the NRF.

[0060] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth information sent from the first network element, the fourth information indicating that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

[0061] Optionally, the sending the first information to the terminal includes: sending the first information to the terminal according to the fourth information.

[0062] Exemplarily, when the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices and the terminal is authorized to access the network through the two access network devices, first information is sent to the terminal, and the first information indicates that the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0063] Exemplarily, when the first network element supports the terminal's dual connection capability through two access network devices, but the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, first information is sent to the terminal, and the first information indicates that the first network element does not support the terminal's dual connection through the two access network devices.

[0064] Optionally, the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices. At this time, the first access network device can directly send the first information to the terminal or not send the first information. The first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0065] For a more detailed description of the fourth information, please refer to the description of the second aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0066] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending the fifth information to the first network element, so that the first network element supporting dual connectivity accepts the N2 request sent by the terminal through the second access network device based on the fifth information.

[0067] Optionally, the access types of the two access network devices are both 3GPP access types.

[0068] Fourthly, the present application provides a communication method that can be applied to a communication device. The communication device can be, for example, an access network device, or a component configured in the access network device (such as a chip, a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device, which is not limited by the present application. For ease of understanding and explanation, the following describes the method using the second access network device as an example of a communication device.

[0069] Exemplarily, the method includes: receiving second information or third information from the terminal, the second information indicates a first network element, and the third information indicates that the second access network device cannot select the first network element; the terminal is connected to the first network element through the first access network device, and the first network element is responsible for access management of the terminal; based on the second information or the third information, determining the target network element; and sending registration information to the target network element.

[0070] Exemplarily, the target network element is the first network element; and determining the target network element based on the second information or the third information includes: determining that the target network element is the first network element based on the second information.

[0071] Exemplarily, the target network element is a network element other than the first network element that is responsible for access management of the terminal; the selecting the target network element based on the second information or the third information includes: based on the third information, determining that the network element other than the first network element that is responsible for access management of the terminal is the target network element.

[0072] Based on this method, the second access network device can determine the target AMF based on the second information or third information from the terminal, effectively avoiding the problem of the second access network device requesting to connect to the first network element when the first network element does not support dual connection, thereby failing to connect, and ensuring the success rate of the terminal registering to the network through two access network devices.

[0073] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for implementing the method in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation of any aspect. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement the corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method described in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation of any of the aspects.

[0075] The apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the method described in the above aspects may be implemented.

[0076] The apparatus may further include a communication interface, where the communication interface is used for the apparatus to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces.

[0077] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a chip system comprising at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation of any aspect, for example, receiving or processing the data and / or information involved in the above method.

[0078] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data, and the memory is located inside or outside the processor.

[0079] The chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0080] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to implement the method in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation of any aspect.

[0081] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute the method in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation of any aspect.

[0082] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communications system, comprising the aforementioned terminal, a first network element, a first access network device, and a second access network device. The terminal may be used to implement the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; the first network element may be used to implement the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof; the first access network device may be used to implement the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof; and the second access network device may be used to implement the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0083] It should be understood that the fifth to tenth aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solutions of the first to fourth aspects of the present application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation methods are similar and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG5 is another schematic flow chart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] 6 and 7 are schematic block diagrams of devices according to embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained:

[0091] First, in the embodiments of this application, prefixes such as "first" and "second" are used solely to distinguish and describe different items belonging to the same category, and do not constrain the order, size, or quantity of the items. For example, "first access network device" and "second access network device" are simply different devices, and do not restrict the number of devices or their priority. For another example, "second information" and "third information" are simply different pieces of information, and have no temporal, size, or priority relationship between them.

[0092] Second, the "sending" and "receiving" in the embodiments of the present application indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending the second information to the second access network device" can be understood as the destination end of the information is the second access network device, which can include direct sending through the air interface, and also include indirect sending through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receiving the sixth information from the first network element" can be understood as the source end of the sixth information is the first network element, which can include direct receiving from the first network element through the air interface, and also include indirect receiving from the first network element through the air interface from other units or modules. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0093] In other words, sending and receiving can be performed between devices, for example, between a terminal and a first network element; or it can be performed within a device, for example, sending or receiving between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within the device through a bus, wiring or interface.

[0094] It is understood that before information is sent from the source to the destination, it may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation. After receiving the information from the source, the destination may also perform corresponding processing, such as decoding and demodulation, to interpret the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0095] Third, in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship, but does not exclude the situation where the previous and next associated objects are in an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0096] Fourth, in the embodiments of the present application, "indication" may include direct indication and indirect indication, and may also include explicit indication and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain information (such as the indication information described below) is called information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated may also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein the other information has an association relationship with the information to be indicated; or only a part of the information to be indicated may be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information may be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (such as predefined by the protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. The present application does not limit the specific method of indication.

[0097] It can be understood that, for the sender of the indication information, the indication information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the indication information, the indication information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0098] Fifth, in the embodiments of the present application, descriptions such as "when...", "in the case of...", "if" and "if" all mean that the device (such as the terminal, the first AMF or the first access network device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. It is not a time limit, and it does not require the device (such as the terminal, the first AMF or the first access network device) to have a judgment action when implementing it, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0099] Sixth, the predefined in this application can be understood as: define, predefine, store, pre-store, pre-negotiate, pre-configure, solidify, or pre-burn.

[0100] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, sidelink (SL) communication system, world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system or new radio access technology (NR), satellite communication system, etc. Among them, the 5G mobile communication system can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking.

[0101] The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0102] Before introducing the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, a brief introduction is first given to the network elements involved in the present application.

[0103] 1. Access Network Equipment: In this application, access network refers to equipment with wireless transceiver capabilities, also known as radio access network (RAN) equipment. Access network equipment can provide wireless communication services and connect terminals to wireless networks. A radio access network equipment can be a node in a radio access network, referred to as a RAN node.

[0104] In one possible scenario, a RAN node may be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a home evolved NodeB (HNB), an access point (AP) for wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), a mobile switching center, a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system.

[0105] RAN nodes can also be devices that perform base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. RAN nodes can also be RAN nodes in non-terrestrial networks (NTN), that is, RAN nodes can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. RAN nodes can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, etc., or wireless controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or nodes in open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) scenarios.

[0106] Alternatively, the RAN node may be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or an onboard device. For example, the RAN node in V2X technology may be a road side unit (RSU). Of course, the RAN node may also be a node in the core network.

[0107] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0108] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may be referred to as Open CU (O-CU), DU may be referred to as Open DU (O-DU), CU-CP may be referred to as Open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP may be referred to as Open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU may be referred to as Open RU (O-RU).

[0109] Among them, any unit among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. That is, the access network device in this application can be a virtualized device or an access network function network element, for example, implemented by general hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or by dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. Among them, the general hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0110] 2. Terminal: The terminal in this application may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device.

[0111] A terminal can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminals may include: mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functions (such as laptops, PDAs, etc.), mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, drones, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication functions, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminals in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). terminals in network, PLMN, etc.

[0112] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for wearable devices that use wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. In a broad sense, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve full or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0113] Furthermore, terminals can also be terminals in IoT systems. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development. Its primary technical feature is connecting objects to the internet through communications, enabling intelligent networks that interconnect humans and machines, and objects and things. IoT technology, for example, utilizes narrowband (NB) technology to achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and power-saving terminals.

[0114] In addition, the terminal can also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, and gas stations. Its main functions include collecting data (partial terminals), receiving control information and downlink data from network devices, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to network devices.

[0115] The terminal in this application may also be a virtualized device, for example, implemented by general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or by dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. The general-purpose hardware may be a server, for example, a cloud server.

[0116] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the specific forms of the wireless access network device and the terminal.

[0117] The following is an introduction to the network elements of the core network:

[0118] 3. First network element: responsible for terminal access management or registration management. For example, this network element can be the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element in the 5G core network, or it can also be a network element defined in a future protocol for terminal access management or registration management.

[0119] Among them, the AMF in the 5G core network is mainly responsible for signaling processing, such as access control, mobility management, registration and deregistration functions.

[0120] 4. User plane function (UPF) network element: This element is responsible for forwarding and receiving user data from terminals. It receives user data from the data network and transmits it to the terminal via access network equipment. The UPF network element also receives user data from the terminal via access network equipment and forwards it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions provided by the UPF network element to the terminal are managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0121] 5. Session management function (SMF) network element: responsible for user plane function network element selection, Internet protocol (IP) address allocation, session establishment, modification and release, and service quality control.

[0122] 6. Application function (AF) network element: mainly supports interaction with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions and providing some third-party services to the network side through the policy control function network element.

[0123] 7. Policy control function (PCF) network element: responsible for policy control decisions, providing policy rules for control plane functions, and flow-based charging control functions.

[0124] 8. Unified data management (UDM) network element: Mainly responsible for the contract data management of terminals, including the storage and management of terminal identification, terminal access authorization, etc.

[0125] 9. Network repository function (NRF) network element: supports registration and discovery of network functions.

[0126] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG1 .

[0127] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the 5G network architecture may include three parts: a terminal part, a data network, and an operator network part.

[0128] The operator network may include one or more of the following network elements: authentication server function (AUSF) network element, network exposure function (NEF) network element, PCF network element, UDM network element, NRF network element, application function (AF) network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, AN network element, UPF network element, and network slice selection function (NSSF) network element. In the above-mentioned operator network, the part other than the radio access network part can be called the core network part.

[0129] In the network architecture shown in Figure 1, various network elements can communicate based on service-based interfaces. Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Nusf, Namf, and Npcf in Figure 1 are all service-based interfaces. It should be understood that the functions of some network elements can be referred to in the description of network elements above. For details, please refer to known technologies and will not be repeated here.

[0130] The access network device and the first network element may be connected via an N2 interface, that is, the N2 interface is an interface between the access network device and the first network element.

[0131] Currently, terminals in communication systems generally support network access through a single 3GPP access network device. With the development of communication technology, a type of terminal has emerged that supports network access through two different 3GPP access network devices. This type of network access method of the terminal is referred to in this application as dual-3GPP access. In the dual-3GPP access mode, this type of terminal needs to be connected to two RAN devices at the same time, maintain a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the two RAN devices, and register with the network through the two RAN devices. In other words, it needs to connect to the network through the two RAN devices; in other words, it needs to access the network through the two RAN devices.

[0132] Since current communication technologies only support terminals registering to the network through one 3GPP access network device, for terminals that support dual 3GPP access, how to successfully register to the network in the dual 3GPP access mode has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0133] The following takes the first network element as AMF as an example, and combines Figures 2 and 3 to introduce the communication scenario provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0134] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, an AMF supporting dual connections is deployed in the network (or, an AMF1 that supports the same terminal connecting to the same AMF through two access network devices is deployed in the network). If terminal 1 is a terminal that supports dual 3GPP access, terminal 1 can be connected to the AMF1 through access network device 1 and access network device 2. For example, terminal 1 is connected to AMF1 through the N2 interface through access network device 1, and terminal 1 is connected to AMF1 through the N2 interface through access network device 2.

[0135] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, no AMF supporting dual connections is deployed in the network (in other words, none of the AMFs deployed in the network support the same terminal connecting to the same AMF through two access network devices, or not all of the AMFs deployed in the network support the same terminal connecting to the same AMF through two access network devices). If terminal 1 is a terminal that supports dual 3GPP access, then terminal 1 can be connected to AMF1 through access network device 1 and connected to AMF2 through access network device 2. For example, terminal 1 is connected to AMF1 through the N2 interface via access network device 1, and terminal 1 is connected to AMF2 through the N2 interface via access network device 2.

[0136] Access network device 1 and access network device 2 in Figures 2 and 3 are both 3GPP access type access network devices, but access network device 1 and access network device 2 have different radio access technology (RAT) types. For example, the RAT type can be 5G NR, 5G NR satellite, or 6G RAT. 5G NR satellites can be further divided into low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary earth orbit (GEO).

[0137] It can be understood that the RAT types of access network device 1 and access network device 2 in Figure 2 are both RAT types supported by AMF 1; the RAT type of access network device 1 in Figure 3 is the RAT type supported by AMF 1, and the RAT type of access network device 2 is the RAT type supported by AMF 2. In other words, the RAT type of the access network device connected to the AMF through the N2 interface belongs to the RAT type supported by the AMF.

[0138] It can be understood that the access network device 1 and the access network device 2 in FIG. 2 belong to the same public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0139] It is also understood that in Figure 3, access network device 1 and access network device 2 belong to the same PLMN or different PLMNs. In the case of the same PLMN, AMF1 and AMF2 also belong to that PLMN. In the case of different PLMNs, for example, access network device 1 and AMF1 belong to PLMN#1, and access network device 2 and AMF2 belong to PLMN#2.

[0140] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, there are two different scenarios when a terminal accesses the network via dual 3GPP. Specifically, the terminal can connect to two different first network elements via two access network devices, or it can connect to the same first network element via two access network devices. Therefore, for terminals that are allowed dual 3GPP access, it is necessary to clearly specify whether they are registering with the same first network element or different first network elements.

[0141] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and related apparatus. In this method, a terminal that is allowed to access via dual 3GPP mode, after connecting to a first network element through a first access network device, can simultaneously connect to the first network element through a second access network device if the first network element supports dual connectivity, or can simultaneously connect to other network elements responsible for terminal access management other than the first network element through a second access network device if the first network element does not support dual connectivity. Therefore, the method provided by this application can enable the terminal to clearly determine whether it is registered to the same first network element or different first network elements through two access network devices.

[0142] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5. The method provided by the present application can be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 1, and can also be applied to the application scenarios shown in Figures 2 or 3, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0143] In the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 and 5, the method is illustrated from the perspective of communication device interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the method. For example, the terminal in Figures 4 and 5 can be replaced by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal to implement the method, or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions; the access network device in Figures 4 and 5 can be replaced by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the access network device to implement the method, or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the access network device functions; the first network element in Figures 4 and 5 can be replaced by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first network element to implement the method, or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the first network element functions.

[0144] It should be understood that the first network element may also be called other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0145] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 400 may include steps S401 to S406. Each step shown in the method 400 is described in detail below.

[0146] S401: A terminal is connected to a first network element #1 via a first access network device. Alternatively, the terminal is registered with the first network element #1 via the first access network device. Alternatively, the terminal is connected to the first network element #1 via the first access network device.

[0147] The first network element #1 in this application refers to the first network element to which the terminal is connected through the first access network device.

[0148] In this application, the three expressions "register to the first network element", "access to the first network element", and "connect to the first network element" may appear alternately. Those skilled in the art can understand that the meanings expressed by these three expressions are the same.

[0149] The terminal in this application is a terminal that can access the network through a dual 3GPP mode.

[0150] Specifically, the terminal sends a registration request message to the first network element through the first access network device, and the first network element sends a registration accept message to the terminal through the first access network device.

[0151] S402: The first network element #1 sends first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates whether the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the first network element #1.

[0152] Dual connectivity in this application refers to a terminal connecting to the same first network element through two access network devices, or a terminal accessing the same PLMN through two access network devices. In a dual connectivity scenario, the terminal accesses the same first network element through two access network devices, and the first network element maintains two N2 connections with the two access network devices (or wireless access network devices) for the same terminal.

[0153] Alternatively, the first information indicates whether the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity for the terminal via two access network devices. This can also be referred to as: the first information indicates whether the first network element #1 supports the terminal accessing the first network element #1 via two access network devices; or the first information indicates whether the first network element #1 supports the terminal registering with the first network element #1 via two access network devices; or the first information indicates whether the first network element #1 supports the terminal connecting to the first network element #1 via two access network devices; or the first information indicates whether the network where the first network element #1 is located supports dual connectivity for the terminal via two access network devices. For example, the first information may be dual steer support information.

[0154] The first information may be generated by the first network element #1 and sent to the terminal via the first access network device. That is, the first network element #1 sends the first information to the terminal via the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first information and sends it to the terminal.

[0155] In Example 1, the first information may be sent by first network element #1 based on its own capabilities; alternatively, the first information may be sent by first network element #1 based on its own capabilities and information indicating whether the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices. The process of first network element #1 sending the first information is described in detail below and is not described in detail here.

[0156] It should be noted that the capability of the first network element is used to describe the characteristics of the first network element itself, which refers to whether the first network element deployed in the network has the ability to support dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices. The capability of the first network element can be pre-configured.

[0157] In a second example, the first information may be sent by the first network element #1 based on the capabilities of the network in which it is located. The first network element #1 and the first access network device belong to the same PLMN. For example, the first access network device belongs to PLMN #1, and the first network element #1 also belongs to PLMN #1. PLMN #1 is the network in which the first network element #1 is located.

[0158] The above S402 may be replaced by: the first network element #1 sends first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates whether the network where the first network element #1 is located (ie, PLMN #1) supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0159] Optionally, in S402, if the first information indicates that the first network element #1 supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; or when the first information indicates that the network where the first network element #1 is located (i.e., PLMN#1) supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, the terminal can continue to execute S403.

[0160] At this time, the first access network device and the second access network device belong to the same PLMN.

[0161] Optionally, in S402, if the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, or when the first information indicates that the network where the first network element #1 is located (i.e., PLMN#1) does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, the terminal can continue to execute S404.

[0162] At this time, the first access network device and the second access network device may belong to the same PLMN or different PLMNs.

[0163] If the first access network device and the second access network device belong to different PLMNs (for example, the first access network device belongs to PLMN#1 and the second access network device belongs to PLMN#2), the terminal can initiate registration with PLMN#2. In this way, even if the terminal learns that PLMN#1 does not support dual connectivity, it can still access PLMN#1 through one access network device (for example, the first access network device) and then access PLMN#2 through another access network device (for example, the second access network device). This allows the terminal to access PLMN#1 using dual 3GPP mode, effectively avoiding the need to access PLMN#1 through two access network devices.

[0164] It can be understood that the first information in the present application can be carried in a registration accept message, or the first information can be replaced by a registration accept message. The registration receive message can also include: a globally unique temporary UE identifier (5G globally unique temporary identifier, 5G-GUTI) in the 5G system, the 5G-GUTI includes a globally unique first network element ID and a 5G-temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI) (abbreviated as: 5G-TMSI); wherein, the GUAMI identifies the first network element assigned to the terminal, the GUAMI can be composed of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC) and a first network element identifier, the first network element identifier can be composed of a first network element area ID, a first network element set ID and a first network element pointer, and the 5G-TMSI is a terminal that uniquely identifies the terminal within the first network element. It should be understood that the 5G-GUTI in the registration accept message includes the identifier of the first network element.

[0165] Optionally, the method 400 further includes: S403, the terminal sends second information to the second access network device, where the second information indicates the first network element #1, requesting the second access network device to connect to the first network element #1. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second information and, based on the second information, sends a registration request message to the first network element #1.

[0166] Exemplarily, the second information includes an identifier of the first network element #1. For example, the second information includes a 5G-GUTI, and the 5G-GUTI includes the identifier of the first network element #1.

[0167] It is understood that the second information in the present application can be carried in an access network message (AN message), or the second information can be replaced by an AN message. Optionally, the AN message can also include a registration request message.

[0168] That is, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity, the terminal can be connected to the first network element #1 simultaneously through the first access network device and the second access network.

[0169] The first access network device and the second access network device are both 3GPP access type access network devices. Furthermore, the first access network device and the second access network device have different RAT types, but both belong to the RAT type supported by the first network element #1.

[0170] Optionally, the method 400 further includes: S404, the terminal sending third information to the second access network device, the third information indicating that the second access network device cannot select the first network element #1. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the third information from the terminal and, based on the third information, sends a registration request message to other first network elements except the first network element #1.

[0171] Exemplarily, the third information includes an identifier of the first network element #1 and an indication that the first network element #1 is not selected. For example, the third information does not include the identifier of the first network element #1; or the third information does not include the 5G-GUTI; or the third information includes the 5G-GUTI and the 5G-GUTI does not include the identifier of the first network element #1; or the third information includes the 5G-GUTI and the 5G-GUTI includes the identifiers of other first network elements (first network elements other than the first network element #1).

[0172] It is understood that the third information in this application can be carried in an AN message, or the third information can be replaced by an AN message. Optionally, the AN message can also include a registration request message. The AN message can be an RRC message.

[0173] Exemplarily, when the third information is replaced with an AN message, the identifier of the first network element #1 may not be included in the AN message to prevent the second access network device from selecting the first network element #1 for connection. Specifically, after the second access network device receives the third information, the second access network device does not select the first network element #1 and sends a registration request message to other first network elements (first network elements other than the first network element #1).

[0174] For example, when the third information includes 5G-GUTI, or 5G-GUTI includes the identifiers of other first network elements, the second access network device selects other first network elements included in 5G-GUTI and sends a registration request message to other first network elements (first network elements other than first network element #1).

[0175] In summary, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support dual connectivity, the terminal can be connected to the first network element #1 simultaneously through the first access network device and the second access network device. When the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support dual connectivity, the terminal can be connected to the first network element #1 through the first access network device and connected to other first network elements other than the first network element #1 through the second access network device.

[0176] The first access network device and the second access network device are both 3GPP access type access network devices. Furthermore, the RAT types of the first access network device and the second access network device may be the same or different.

[0177] In an embodiment of the present application, after a terminal is connected to a first network element #1 through a first access network device, the terminal can determine whether the first network element #1 supports the terminal to be connected to the first network element #1 simultaneously through two access network devices by receiving first information sent from the first network element #1. If the first network element #1 supports the terminal to be connected to the first network element #1 simultaneously through two access network devices, the terminal can send second information indicating the first network element #1 to the second access network device to request the second access network device to connect to the first network element #1. Alternatively, if the first network element does not support the terminal to be connected to the first network element #1 simultaneously through two access network devices, the terminal can send third information indicating that the second access network device cannot select the first network element #1 to the second access network device to request the second access network device to connect to other first network elements except the first network element #1. Therefore, the method provided by the present application can successfully connect to the network through two access network devices when the terminal accesses in a dual 3GPP manner.

[0178] Optionally, before S402, the method 400 further includes: S405, the terminal sends fifth information to the first network element #1 through the first access network device, the fifth information indicating that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices. Correspondingly, the first network element #1 receives the fifth information from the terminal.

[0179] In other words, the fifth information indicates that the terminal desires to access the network through two access network devices. For example, the fifth information may be dual steer support information.

[0180] It can be understood that the fifth information can trigger the first network element #1 to send the first information to the terminal (i.e., the first network element #1 sends the first information to the terminal upon receiving the fifth information). At the same time, if the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity, the first network element #1 can also accept the N2 request sent by the terminal through the second access network device based on the fifth information. The N2 request can be understood as a request from the access network device to connect to the first network element.

[0181] It can also be understood that the fifth information in this application can be carried in the registration request message.

[0182] Optionally, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices, the method 400 further includes: the terminal sending the fifth information to the second access network device.

[0183] Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the fifth information and sends the fifth information to the first network element, so that the first network element #1 accepts the N2 request sent by the terminal through the second access network device based on the fifth information.

[0184] Optionally, before S402, the method 400 further includes: S406, the PCF or UDM sends fourth information to the first network element #1, the fourth information indicating whether the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices. Correspondingly, the first network element #1 receives the fourth information.

[0185] It is understood that if the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, it means that the terminal is allowed to access the network using a dual 3GPP mode; if the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, it means that the terminal is not allowed to access the network using a dual 3GPP mode. For example, the fourth information may be dual steer authorized information.

[0186] Optionally, the first network element #1 receives policy information of the terminal from the PCF, where the policy information includes an indication of whether the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices. Alternatively, the first network element #1 receives subscription information of the terminal from the UDM, where the subscription information includes an indication of whether the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

[0187] Example 1: When the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the first network element #1 may send the first information to the terminal or not send the first information based on the fourth information.

[0188] In other words, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, regardless of whether the first network element #1 has the ability to support dual connection or not, the first network element #1 does not need to send the first information (that is, S402 may not be executed), or the first network element #1 sends the first information to the terminal, and the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support the first information of the dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0189] It should be understood that when the terminal does not receive the first information, the terminal believes that the first network element #1 does not support the dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, or the network where the first network element is located does not support the dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0190] Example 2: When the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the first network element #1 may send the first information to the terminal based on the fourth information and its own capabilities (or the capabilities of the network).

[0191] For example, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices and the first network element has the capability to support dual connectivity, the first network element #1 sends first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates that the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity for the terminal through the two access network devices. Alternatively, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices and the network where the first network element is located has the capability to support dual connectivity, the first network element sends first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates that the network where the first network element is located supports dual connectivity for the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0192] For another example, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices and the first network element #1 does not have the capability to support dual connectivity, the first network element #1 sends first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connectivity for the terminal through the two access network devices. Alternatively, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices and the network where the first network element #1 is located does not have the capability to support dual connectivity, the first network element #1 sends first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates that the network where the first network element is located does not support dual connectivity for the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0193] It should be noted that when S405 is executed, S406 may not be executed; or, when S406 is executed, S405 may not be executed (in this case, the first information sent by the first network element may be triggered by the fourth information); or, both S405 and S406 are executed.

[0194] For example, when both S405 and S406 are executed, the first network element #1 may continue to receive the fourth information after receiving the fifth information, and send the first information to the terminal or not based on the fourth information and the capabilities of the first network element #1. For a description of sending the first information and whether to send the first information, refer to the description in S406 and will not be repeated here.

[0195] Optionally, after S406, the method 400 further includes: the first network element #1 sending fourth information to the terminal via the first access network device. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the fourth information from the first network element #1 and determines whether it can access the network via the second access network device based on the fourth information.

[0196] Exemplarily, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal determines that it can access the network through the second access network device. That is, the terminal may continue to execute S403 or S404.

[0197] Further, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, and the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal can continue to execute S403; or, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, but the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal can continue to execute S404.

[0198] Exemplarily, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal determines that it cannot access the network through the second access network device. That is, the terminal cannot continue to perform S403 and S404.

[0199] Optionally, before S403, the method 400 further includes: the first network element #1 sending sixth information to the terminal, the sixth information indicating the RAT types of the two access network devices. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the sixth information from the first network element #1 and selects the second access network device based on the sixth information.

[0200] Based on this method, after the terminal is connected to the first network element #1 through the first access network device, it can select a second access network device whose RAT type is the RAT type indicated by the sixth information based on the sixth information, thereby improving the success rate of the terminal accessing the same first network element through two access network devices.

[0201] For example, the RAT types of the two access network devices indicated by the sixth information are 5G NR and 6G RAT. If the terminal is connected to the first network element through the first access network device of the 5G NR type, then the RAT type of the second access network device selected by the terminal based on the sixth information should be 6G RAT. In this way, the terminal can continue to connect to the first network element through the second access network device.

[0202] It is understood that, since in S401, the terminal is connected to the first network element #1 through the first access network device, the RAT type of the first access network device belongs to the RAT type supported by the first network element. The RAT type of the first access network device and the RAT type of the second access network device may be the same or different.

[0203] It should be noted that the access types of the first access network device and the second access network device are both 3GPP access types, that is, the first network element supports the terminal to connect to the first network element simultaneously through two access network devices of the 3GPP access type.

[0204] Figure 5 is another schematic flow chart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 500 may include steps S501 to S506. Each step shown in the method 500 is described in detail below.

[0205] S501: A terminal sends fifth information to a first access network device, indicating that the terminal supports network access through two access network devices, requesting the first access network device to select a first network element that supports dual connectivity. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the fifth information from the terminal.

[0206] In other words, the fifth information indicates that the terminal desires to access the network through two access network devices. For example, the fifth information may be dual steer support information.

[0207] The fifth information may be carried in a registration request message, or in an AN message. Optionally, the AN message may further include a registration request message. That is, the AN message includes the registration request message and an indication that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices.

[0208] The access type of the above-mentioned first access network device is a 3GPP access type.

[0209] S502: The terminal is connected to the first network element #1 via the first access network device. In other words, the terminal is registered with the first network element #1 via the first access network device. Alternatively, the terminal is connected to the first network element #1 via the first access network device.

[0210] The terminal connecting to the first network element #1 through the first access network device may include: the first access network device connecting to the first network element based on the fifth information. The first access network device may connect to the first network element through an N2 interface, and the first network element is the first network element to which the terminal is registered through the first access network device.

[0211] In example one, the first access network device may select the first network element #1 based on the fifth information and connect to the first network element #1.

[0212] Optionally, the first access network device is configured with information indicating whether multiple first network elements support dual connectivity. Therefore, the first access network device can, based on the fifth information, select a first network element that supports dual connectivity as much as possible. If the first access network device is configured with information indicating that the first network element supports dual connectivity, the first access network device can, based on the fifth information, select a first network element that supports dual connectivity, i.e., the first network element supports dual connectivity. If the first access network device is not configured with information indicating that the first network element supports dual connectivity, the first access network device may, based on the fifth information, not select a first network element that supports dual connectivity, i.e., the first network element does not support dual connectivity.

[0213] Example 2: The first access network device connects to the first network element #1 based on the fifth information, which may include the following steps 1 to 3:

[0214] Step 1: After receiving the fifth information, the first access network device sends the seventh information to the NRF, where the seventh information is used to request the NRF to select a first network element that indicates a dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0215] Exemplarily, the seventh information may be a network element discovery request message or the seventh information may be carried in a network element discovery request message, which includes that the network function network element type is a first network element and the requirement is "supporting dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices." In this way, the NRF selects the first network element that supports dual connectivity and returns the identifier of the selected first network element to the access network device. If the NRF cannot select the first network element that supports dual connectivity, it also indicates to the access network device that the selected first network element does not support dual connectivity.

[0216] When each first network element registers with the NRF, the first network element sends information to the NRF that "supports dual connectivity of a terminal through two access network devices." The NRF then stores the information indicating that the first network element supports dual connectivity of the terminal through the two access network devices. The information "supports dual connectivity of a terminal through two access network devices" may be dual steer support information.

[0217] For the first access network device, if no information is received indicating that the selected first network element does not support dual connection, the first access network device can be connected to the first network element identified by the first network element identifier, and it can be determined that the connected first network element identifier supports dual connection; if information is received indicating that the selected first network element does not support dual connection, the first access network device can be connected to the first network element identified by the first network element identifier, and it can be determined that the connected first network element identifier does not support dual connection.

[0218] Step 2: The NRF sends the identifier of the first network element #1 to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the identifier of the first network element #1 from the NRF.

[0219] Step 3: The first access network device connects to the first network element #1 based on the identifier of the first network element #1.

[0220] In the above examples 1 and 2, the connection between the first access network device and the first network element #1 can be achieved by sending an N2 request to the first network element #1. For example, the first access network device sends the N2 request to the first network element #1, and the N2 request includes a registration request message. The first network element #1 receives the N2 request and sends an N2 request acceptance message to the first access network device. In this way, the first access network device establishes a connection with the first network element #1.

[0221] If the fifth information is carried in the N2 request or registration request message, the fifth information can be sent to the first network element #1 during the connection process between the first access network device and the first network element #1.

[0222] Optionally, if the fifth information is not carried in the N2 request or registration request message, after S502, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device sending the fifth information to the first network element #1, so that if the first network element supports dual connectivity, the first network element accepts the N2 request sent by the terminal through the second access network device based on the fifth information.

[0223] S503: The first access network device sends first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates whether the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the first access network device.

[0224] The first information is generated by the first access network device and sent to the terminal. Alternatively, the first information is generated by the NRF, and the NRF sends the generated first information to the terminal via the first access network device.

[0225] Alternatively, the first information indicates whether the network where the first network element #1 is located supports dual connectivity of the terminal through two access network devices. For example, the first information may be dual steer support information.

[0226] Optionally, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 supports dual connectivity through the terminal via two access network devices, the method 500 further includes: S504: the terminal sends second information to the second access network device, where the second information indicates the first network element #1. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the second information from the terminal.

[0227] For the description of S504, please refer to the relevant description in the previous S403, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] Optionally, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support dual connectivity through the terminal via two access network devices, the method 500 further includes: S505: the terminal sends third information to the second access network device, the third information indicating that the second access network device cannot select the first network element #1. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the third information.

[0229] For the description of S505, please refer to the relevant description in the previous S404, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] In an embodiment of the present application, a terminal sends information to a first access network device indicating that the terminal supports network access through two access network devices, requesting the first access network device to select a first network element that supports two access network devices being connected to the same first network element simultaneously. After the first access network device establishes a connection with the first network element #1, the first access network device indicates through first information whether the selected first network element #1 supports simultaneous connection with two access network devices, so that the terminal that receives the first information can determine, based on the first information, whether it can connect to the first network element #1 through the second access network device or to another first network element. Therefore, the method provided in the present application can successfully connect to the network through two access network devices when the terminal accesses in a dual 3GPP manner.

[0231] Optionally, the method 500 further includes: S506, the PCF or UDM sends fourth information to the first network element #1, where the fourth information indicates whether the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the fourth information.

[0232] It can also be understood that when the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal can access the network using the dual 3GPP mode; when the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal cannot access the network using the dual 3GPP mode.

[0233] Optionally, the first network element #1 receives policy information of the terminal from the PCF, where the policy information includes an indication of whether the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices. Alternatively, the first network element #1 receives subscription information of the terminal from the UDM, where the subscription information includes an indication of whether the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

[0234] It should be noted that S506 may be executed before S503 or after S503.

[0235] In a first possible implementation, S506 is executed before S503. After receiving the fourth information, the first network element #1 may send the fourth information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the fourth information and sends the first information based on the fourth information.

[0236] Example 1: When the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device may send the first information to the terminal or not send the first information based on the fourth information.

[0237] In other words, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, regardless of whether the first network element to which the first access network device is connected has the ability to support dual connection or not, the first access network device does not need to send the first information (that is, S503 may not be executed), or the first access network device sends the first information to the terminal, and the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support the first information of the dual connection of the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0238] It should be understood that when the terminal does not receive the first information, the terminal understands that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, or the network where the first network element is located does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0239] Example 2: When the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the first access network device may send the first information to the terminal based on the fourth information and the capability of the first network element itself.

[0240] For example, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices and the first network element #1 has the ability to support dual connections, the first access network device sends a first information to the terminal, which indicates that the first network element does not support dual connections of the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0241] For another example, when the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices and the first network element #1 does not have the ability to support dual connections, the first access network device sends a first information to the terminal, which indicates that the first network element does not support dual connections of the terminal through the two access network devices.

[0242] In a second possible implementation, S506 is performed after S503. After receiving the fourth information, first network element #1 sends the fourth information to the terminal via the first access network device. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the fourth information from first network element #1 and, based on the fourth information, determines whether it can access the network via the second access network device.

[0243] Example 1: When the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal determines that it can access the network through the second access network device. That is, the terminal may continue to execute S504 or S505.

[0244] Further, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, and the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal can continue to execute S504; or, when the first information indicates that the first network element #1 does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, but the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal can continue to execute S505.

[0245] Example 2: When the fourth information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access the network through two access network devices, the terminal determines that it cannot access the network through the second access network device. That is, the terminal cannot continue to execute S504 and S505.

[0246] Optionally, when the first access network device selects the first network element #1 through the NRF, after S506, the method 500 further includes: the first network element #1 sending fourth information to the NRF. Correspondingly, the NRF receives the fourth information from the first network element #1 and, based on the fourth information, sends the first information to the terminal through the first access network device.

[0247] Optionally, before S504, the method 500 further includes: the first network element #1 sending sixth information to the terminal, the sixth information indicating the RAT types of the two access network devices. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the sixth information from the first network element #1 and selects the second access network device based on the sixth information.

[0248] For the description of the sixth information, please refer to the description in the above method 400 and will not be repeated here.

[0249] Similar to the above, the access types of the first access network device and the second access network device are both 3GPP access types. When the first access network device and the second access network device are both connected to the first network element, the RAT type of the first access network device and the RAT type of the second access network device are both RAT types supported by the first network element.

[0250] The above methods 400 and 500 are implemented independently. That is, for a terminal supporting dual 3GPP access, it can be determined based on method 400 or method 500 whether to connect to the same first network element or to different first network elements through two access network devices.

[0251] The method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail above, and the device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 6 and 7.

[0252] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of possible devices provided by embodiments of the present application. These devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal, first network element, first access network device, or second access network device in the above method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0253] FIG6 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the apparatus 600 includes a transceiver module 610 and a processing module 620 .

[0254] One possible design is that the apparatus 600 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 .

[0255] Exemplarily, the processing module 620 is used to: connect to a first network element through a first access network device, the first network element being responsible for access management of the terminal; the transceiver module 610 is used to: receive first information from the first access network device or the first network element, the first information being used to indicate whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; and, when the first information indicates that the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, send second information to the second access network device, the second information being used to indicate the first network element to request the second access network device to connect to the first network element.

[0256] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is also used to: when the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, send third information to the second access network device, and the third information indicates that the second access network device cannot select the first network element.

[0257] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is also used to: receive fourth information from the first network element, the fourth information indicating that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices; the processing module 620 is also used to: send second information to the second access network device based on the fourth information.

[0258] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: send fifth information to the first access network device, where the fifth information indicates that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices.

[0259] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further used to: receive sixth information from the first network element, the sixth information indicating the radio access technology RAT type of the two access network devices; the processing module 620 is further used to: select the second access network device based on the sixth information.

[0260] A more detailed description of the transceiver module 610 and the processing module 620 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 , and is not repeated here.

[0261] Another possible design is that the device 600 is used to implement the function of the first network element in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5 above.

[0262] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 610 is used to: send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; and receive a registration request message from the second access network device, the registration request message being sent by the terminal when the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0263] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: receive fifth information from the terminal through the first access network device, where the fifth information indicates that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices.

[0264] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: receive fourth information from a policy control function PCF, where the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

[0265] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: send the fourth information to the terminal.

[0266] A more detailed description of the transceiver module 610 and the processing module 620 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 , and is not repeated here.

[0267] Another possible design is that the apparatus 600 is used to implement the function of the first access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 .

[0268] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 610 is used to: receive fifth information from the terminal, the fifth information indicating that the terminal supports access to the network through two access network devices; the processing module 620 is used to: connect to the first network element based on the fifth information; the transceiver module 610 is also used to: send first information to the terminal, the first information indicating whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

[0269] Optionally, the processing module 620 is also used to: send seventh information to the network storage function NRF network element based on the fifth information, and the seventh information is used to request the NRF to select a first network element that supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; the transceiver module 610 is also used to: receive the identifier of the first network element from the NRF; the processing module 620 is also used to: connect to the first network element based on the identifier of the first network element.

[0270] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: receive the first information from the NRF.

[0271] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further used to: receive fourth information sent from the first network element, the fourth information indicating that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices; the processing module 620 is further used to: send first information to the terminal based on the fourth information.

[0272] Optionally, the transceiver module 610 is further used to: send the fifth information to the first network element.

[0273] A more detailed description of the transceiver module 610 and the processing module 620 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 , and is not repeated here.

[0274] Another possible design is that the apparatus 600 is used to implement the functions of the second access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 .

[0275] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 610 is used to: receive second information or third information from the terminal, the second information indicates the first network element, and the third information indicates that the second access network device cannot select the first network element; the processing module 620 is used to: the terminal is connected to the first network element through the first access network device, and the first network element is responsible for the access management of the terminal; based on the second information or the third information, determine the target network element; the transceiver module 610 is also used to: send a registration request message to the target network element.

[0276] Optionally, the target network element is the first network element; the processing module 620 is further used to: determine, based on the second information, that the target network element is the first network element.

[0277] Optionally, the target AMF is a network element other than the first network element that is responsible for access management of the terminal; the processing module 620 is also used to: based on the third information, determine that the network element other than the first network element that is responsible for access management of the terminal is the target network element.

[0278] It should be noted that device 600 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, device 600 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. This may depend on whether the above-mentioned solution executed by device 600 includes both sending and receiving actions. It is understood that because device 600 has communication functionality, it can also be referred to as a communication device.

[0279] FIG7 is another schematic block diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG7 , apparatus 700 includes one or more processors 710. The processor 710 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control an apparatus (e.g., a terminal, a first network element, a first access network device, a second access network device, or a chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0280] Optionally, in one design, the processor 710 may include a program (also referred to as code or instructions), which may be executed on the processor 710 to cause the apparatus 700 to perform the method performed by the terminal, the first network element, the first access network device, or the second access network device in the above method embodiments. In another possible design, the apparatus 700 includes a circuit (not shown in FIG. 7 ), which is configured to implement the functions of the terminal, the first network element, the first access network device, or the second access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0281] Exemplarily, the processor 710 can be used to execute computer programs or instructions in the memory to implement the steps performed by the terminal, the first network element, the first access network device or the second access network device in the method embodiment shown in any one of the embodiments shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4.

[0282] Optionally, the device 700 may include one or more memories 720 on which programs (sometimes also referred to as codes or instructions) are stored. The programs can be run on the processor 710, so that the device 700 executes the method executed by the terminal, the first network element, the first access network device or the second access network device in the above embodiments.

[0283] Optionally, the processor 710 and / or the memory 720 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module, which is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module may be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module may include a wireless intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0284] Optionally, data may be stored in the processor 710 and / or the memory 720. The processor and memory may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0285] Optionally, the apparatus 700 may further include a communication interface 730. The processor 710 may also be sometimes referred to as a processing unit, and controls the apparatus (e.g., a terminal, a first network element, a first access network device, or a second access network device). The communication interface 730 may also be sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, and is used to implement the transceiver function of the apparatus.

[0286] Optionally, the apparatus 700 further includes a communication interface 730. The processor 710 and the communication interface 730 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 730 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0287] It is understandable that, since the device 700 has a communication function, it can also be called a communication device.

[0288] When apparatus 700 is used to implement the method of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 , processor 710 is used to perform the functions of the aforementioned processing unit, and communication interface 730 is used to perform the functions of the aforementioned transceiver module. Whether communication interface 730 is used for sending or receiving can be determined by whether it is used to perform a sending action or a receiving action in the solution implemented by apparatus 700.

[0289] It is understood that when the apparatus 700 is a terminal, a first network element, a first access network device, or a second access network device, the communication interface 730 may be a transceiver, specifically including a transmitter and a receiver, where the transmitter is used to send signals and the receiver is used to receive signals. When the apparatus 700 is a chip applied to a terminal, a first network element, a first access network device, or a second access network device, the communication interface 730 may be an input / output circuit, where the input circuit may be used for receiving and the output interface may be used for sending.

[0290] It should be noted that the above method embodiments can be applied to or implemented by a processor. The processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or by software instructions.

[0291] The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0292] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium well-known in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0293] The memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0294] The present application also provides a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which implements the functions of the above-mentioned method embodiment when executed by a computer.

[0295] The present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which implements the functions of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0296] The methods provided in the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic disk), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0297] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example 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 performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel 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.

[0298] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0299] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0300] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0301] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0302] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0303] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal, the method comprises: Connecting to a first network element through a first access network device, the first network element being responsible for access management of the terminal; Receiving first information of the first access network device or the first network element, where the first information is used to indicate whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; When the first information indicates that the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, second information is sent to the second access network device, where the second information is used to indicate the first network element to request the second access network device to connect to the first network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the first information indicates that the first network element does not support dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices, third information is sent to the second access network device, and the third information indicates that the second access network device cannot select the first network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The third information does not include the identifier of the first network element; or, The third information includes an identifier of the first network element and an indication of not selecting the first network element.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving fourth information from the first network element, the fourth information indicating that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices; The sending the second information to the second access network device includes: According to the fourth information, the second information is sent to the second access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Before receiving the first information of the first access network device or the first network element, the method further includes: Send fifth information to the first access network device, where the fifth information indicates that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The access types of the two access network devices are both 3rd Generation Partnership Project access types.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving sixth information from the first network element, where the sixth information indicates radio access technology types of the two access network devices; Based on the sixth information, the second access network device is selected.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first network element, the first network element is responsible for terminal access management, the method includes: Sending first information to the terminal, where the first information is used to indicate whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; A registration request message is received from a second access network device, where the registration request message is sent by the terminal when the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Fifth information is received from the terminal through the first access network device, where the fifth information indicates that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Fourth information is received from a policy control function network element, where the fourth information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fourth information is sent to the terminal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that The access types of the two access network devices are both 3rd Generation Partnership Project access types.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first access network device, the method includes: receiving fifth information from the terminal, wherein the fifth information indicates that the terminal supports accessing the network through two access network devices; Connecting with the first network element based on the fifth information; Sending first information to the terminal, where the first information indicates whether the first network element supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The connecting with the first network element based on the fifth information includes: Based on the fifth information, sending seventh information to the network storage function network element, wherein the seventh information is used to request the network storage function network element to select a first network element that supports dual connection of the terminal through two access network devices; Receiving an identifier of the first network element from the network storage function network element; Based on the identifier of the first network element, connect to the first network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive the first information from the network storage function network element.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving fourth information from the first network element, the fourth information indicating that the terminal is authorized to access the network through two access network devices; The sending the first information to the terminal includes: The first information is sent to the terminal according to the fourth information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send the fifth information to the first network element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that The access types of the two access network devices are both 3rd Generation Partnership Project access types.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising means for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor configured to cause the communication device to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 by executing a computer program and / or a logic circuit.

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that The system also includes a memory for storing a computer program and / or a configuration file of the logic circuit.

22. The device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that A communication interface is also included for inputting and / or outputting signals.

23. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is performed.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that The invention comprises a computer program, and when the computer program is run, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is performed.

25. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a terminal, a first network element, and a second access network device, wherein the terminal is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the first network element is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12, and the first access network device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18.

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