Communication method and apparatus, and system

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, and a system, which relate to the technical field of communications, and prevent as much as possible the data transmission rate of a terminal device from tending towards zero when a first network device is deleted, and thus the communication performance can be improved. The method comprises: a second network device sending first indication information to a first network device, or the second network device receiving first indication information from the first network device; and sending first information to a terminal device. The first indication information is used for indicating that a first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to a first set of protocol stacks and a second set of protocol stacks, wherein the first set of protocol stacks corresponds to a first entity of the first network device, and the second set of protocol stacks corresponds to a second entity of the second network device, the first entity and the second entity being used for processing data of the first radio bearer; the first information is used for indicating that the first network device is deleted, and the first information is also used for indicating that the first radio bearer corresponds to the two sets of protocol stacks; and the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

Description

Communication method, device, and system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 31, 2024, with application number 202410146592.1 and application name “Communication Methods, Devices, and Systems,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to communication methods, devices, and systems. Background Art

[0003] In a communication system, a terminal device can transmit radio bearer data with a master node (MN) and / or a secondary node (SN) to improve the data transmission rate of the terminal device. The secondary node can be configured with a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) entity to process radio bearer data, such as encryption, integrity protection, sequence numbering, and packet sorting. The PDCP entity of the secondary node can be associated with the radio link control (RLC) entity of the master node and the RLC entity of the secondary node to implement radio bearer data replication or offloading, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of data transmission.

[0004] After the secondary station is deleted, the terminal device only communicates with the core network through the primary station. At this time, the PDCP entity corresponding to the wireless bearer needs to be on the primary station side. Therefore, the primary station needs to re-establish the PDCP entity associated with the wireless bearer and associate it with the underlying transmission resources of the primary station. Correspondingly, on the terminal device side, it is necessary to re-establish the PDCP entity (or reconfigure the parameters of the PDCP entity) and change the underlying transmission resources. At this time, the terminal device will suspend data processing and transmission of the corresponding wireless bearer, and cause the data transmission rate to approach zero, reducing communication performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus, and system, which can avoid the data transmission rate of a terminal device from approaching zero as much as possible when deleting a first network device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second network device" in this application can refer to the second network device itself, or a component in the second network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second network device. The method includes: the second network device sends a first indication message to the first network device; or the second network device receives the first indication message from the first network device; and sends the first information to the terminal device. The first indication message is used to indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process the data of the first radio bearer; the first information is used to indicate the deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first radio bearer corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

[0007] Based on this solution, on the one hand, when the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device, the first network device can determine that the first entity needs to continue processing the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack, so that the first network device does not immediately release the resources associated with the first entity; or, when the second network device receives the first indication information from the first network device, the second network device can continue to send the first wireless bearer data to the first entity before the second protocol stack is completed. On the other hand, the terminal device can configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer according to the first information, that is, the terminal device can process and transmit the data of the first wireless bearer through the first protocol stack when configuring the second protocol stack, which can avoid the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of data of the first wireless bearer as much as possible, thereby improving the performance of communication.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity; or, the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity.

[0009] Based on this possible implementation, the terminal device can establish a first functional unit to process the data of the first wireless bearer of the second entity; or, the terminal device can configure the first functional unit in the original entity to process the data of the first wireless bearer of the second entity, providing two feasible solutions for determining the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends second configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first bearer corresponding to the second protocol stack; the first bearer is associated with the first functional unit; or, the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer corresponding to the second network device and the second functional unit.

[0011] Optionally, the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer and the second functional unit corresponding to the second network device, and the second configuration information is also used to indicate the configuration association between the second bearer and the first functional unit.

[0012] Based on this possible implementation, the terminal device can establish a first bearer without changing the configuration of the original second bearer to transmit data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first functional unit; or, the terminal device can configure the original second bearer to transmit data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first functional unit, providing two feasible solutions for determining the bearer in the second protocol stack.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends third configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first set of protocol stacks; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; or, the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure a fourth bearer corresponding to the first set of protocol stacks; the fourth bearer is associated with the second functional unit; and the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0014] Based on this possible implementation, the third bearer can transmit the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the second functional unit, so as to avoid as much as possible the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of data of the first wireless bearer when the terminal device is configured with the second set of protocol stacks, thereby improving the communication performance.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the second network device receives third configuration information from the first network device.

[0016] Based on this possible implementation, a feasible solution is provided for the second network device to determine the third configuration information.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: first configuration information, second configuration information, or third configuration information.

[0018] Based on this possible implementation, a feasible solution is provided for transmitting the first configuration information, the second configuration information, and / or the third configuration information.

[0019] In one possible implementation, before sending the first indication information to the first network device, the second network device receives first capability information from the first network device; wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0020] The first capability information is also used to indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for any radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, before sending the first indication information to the first network device, the second network device sends a first request information to the first network device; wherein the first request information is used to request the first network device to support the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0022] Based on the above two possible implementations, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the second network device instructs the first network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, but the first network device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the second network device sending the first request information and then receiving the first capability information from the first network device, the second network device can directly receive the first capability information from the first network device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0023] In one possible implementation, before receiving the first indication information from the first network device, the second network device sends second capability information to the first network device; wherein the second capability information is used to indicate that the second network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0024] The second capability information is further used to indicate that the second network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for any radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second network device receives a second request message from the first network device; wherein the second request message is used to request the second network device to support the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0026] Based on the above two possible implementations, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device instructs the second network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, but the second network device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the second network device sending the second capability information to the first network device after receiving the second request information, the second network device can actively send the second capability information to the first network device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0027] In one possible implementation, before sending the first information to the terminal device, the second network device receives third capability information from the terminal device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports configuring the first radio bearer to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0028] The third capability information is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring any wireless bearer.

[0029] In one possible implementation, before sending the first information to the terminal device, the second network device sends a third request information to the terminal device; wherein the third request information is used to request the terminal device to support the ability to configure the first wireless bearer to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0030] Based on the above two possible implementations, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the second network device instructs the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, but the terminal device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the terminal device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the second network device sending the third request information and then receiving the third capability information from the terminal device, the second network device can directly receive the third capability information from the terminal device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the second network device sends the third capability information to the first network device.

[0032] Based on this possible implementation, the second network device can send the third capability information to the first network device after obtaining the third capability information of the terminal device, so that the first network device can determine whether the terminal supports the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer. This can avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device instructs the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, but the terminal device is not capable of configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, thereby reducing resource waste.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends second indication information to the first network device; or receives second indication information from the first network device; wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the configuration of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0034] A possible implementation is that when the second network device (or the first network device) does not configure the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, the second indication information is also used to indicate the reason for not configuring the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0035] Based on the above two possible implementations, the second network device can use the second indication information to enable the first network device to determine whether the second network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, and can also indicate the reason for the failure; or, the second network device can use the second indication information to determine whether the first network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, and can also determine the reason for the failure, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends third indication information to the first network device; or the second network device receives the third indication information from the first network device; and based on the third indication information, the first network device determines to release the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device. The third indication information is used to instruct the first network device to release the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device.

[0037] Based on this possible implementation, the second network device can determine that the first network device releases the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device. Furthermore, the second network device can associate the second entity with the fifth bearer without re-establishing the bearer, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends fourth indication information to the first network device; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0039] Based on this possible implementation, the first network device can determine that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer, and then release the resources associated with the terminal device.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends fifth indication information to the terminal device; wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate the release of the first protocol stack; or, the fifth indication information is used to indicate the release of the connection with the first network device.

[0041] Based on this possible implementation, the terminal device can determine to release the first set of protocol stacks or the connection with the first network device according to the fifth indication information, and then enable the terminal device to process and transmit the data of the first wireless bearer through the second protocol stack, providing a feasible solution for the second network device to instruct the terminal device to release the first set of protocol stacks.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the second network device receives sixth indication information from the first network device; wherein the sixth indication information is used to instruct the first network device to terminate transmission with the terminal device.

[0043] Based on the above possible implementation, the second network device may determine that the first network device terminates the transmission with the terminal device.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the second network device sends the fifth indication information to the terminal device according to the sixth indication information.

[0045] Based on this possible implementation, the second network device can send the fifth indication information to the terminal device after determining that the first network device terminates the transmission with the terminal device. This can avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device does not terminate the transmission with the terminal device, but the terminal device releases the connection with the first network device, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first entity is a packet data convergence layer protocol entity, and the second entity is a packet data convergence layer protocol entity; or, the first entity is a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol, and the second entity is a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol.

[0047] Based on this possible implementation, several feasible solutions are provided for the implementation of the first entity and the second entity.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the first information is located in a radio resource control (RRC) message.

[0049] Based on this possible implementation, the first information may be located in an RRC message, providing a feasible solution for transmission of the first information.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is located in the secondary station deletion request message; or, the first indication information is located in the secondary station deletion response message.

[0051] Based on this possible implementation, the first indication information may be sent separately or included in the secondary station deletion request message or the secondary station deletion response message, thereby providing two feasible solutions for transmitting the first indication information.

[0052] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, the "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions. The method includes: the terminal device receives first information from a second network device; according to the first information, configures a first protocol stack and a second protocol stack for a first radio bearer. The first information is used to indicate the deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first radio bearer corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

[0053] Based on this solution, the terminal device can configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer according to the first information, that is, the terminal device can process and transmit the data of the first wireless bearer through the first protocol stack when configuring the second protocol stack, which can avoid the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of data of the first wireless bearer as much as possible, thereby improving the performance of communication.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives first configuration information from the second network device; establishes a first functional unit based on the first configuration information; wherein the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the second entity is used to process data of the first wireless bearer.

[0055] Alternatively, the terminal device receives first configuration information from the second network device and configures the first functional unit according to the first configuration information. The first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, the first functional unit corresponding to the second entity of the second network device; the second entity is used to process data of the first radio bearer.

[0056] Based on this possible implementation, the terminal device can establish a first functional unit to process the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the second entity; or, the terminal device can configure the first functional unit in the original entity to process the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the second entity, providing two feasible solutions for determining the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives second configuration information from the second network device; establishes a first bearer based on the second configuration information; wherein the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish the first bearer in the second protocol stack; and the first bearer is associated with the first functional unit.

[0058] Alternatively, the terminal device receives second configuration information from a second network device; configures a second bearer based on the second configuration information; wherein the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer and the second functional unit corresponding to the second network device, and the second configuration information is also used to indicate the configuration association between the second bearer and the first functional unit; the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0059] Based on this possible implementation, the terminal device can establish a first bearer to transmit data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first functional unit without changing the configuration of the original second bearer; or, the terminal device can configure the original second bearer to transmit data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first functional unit, providing two feasible solutions for determining the bearer in the second protocol stack.

[0060] In one possible implementation, a terminal device receives third configuration information from a second network device and establishes a third bearer based on the third configuration information. The third configuration information instructs the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; and the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity. Alternatively, the terminal device receives third configuration information from the second network device and configures the third bearer based on the third configuration information. The third configuration information instructs the terminal device to configure a fourth bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; and the fourth bearer is associated with the second functional unit.

[0061] Based on this possible implementation, the third bearer can transmit the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the second functional unit, so as to avoid as much as possible the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of data of the first wireless bearer when the terminal device is configured with the second set of protocol stacks, thereby improving the communication performance.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: first configuration information, second configuration information, or third configuration information.

[0063] Based on this possible implementation, a feasible solution is provided for transmitting the first configuration information, the second configuration information, and / or the third configuration information.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends third capability information to the second network device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives third request information from the second network device; wherein the third request information is used to request the terminal device to support the ability of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack to configure the first radio bearer.

[0066] Based on this possible implementation, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the second network device instructs the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, but the terminal device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the terminal device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the terminal device sending the third capability information after the second network device sends the third request information, the terminal device can directly send the third capability information, which can reduce transmission overhead.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends third capability information to the first network device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0068] The third capability information is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring any wireless bearer.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the terminal device receives third request information from the first network device; wherein the third request information is used to request the terminal device to support the capability of configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0070] Based on this possible implementation, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device instructs the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, but the terminal device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the terminal device and the first network device; on the other hand, compared with the terminal device sending the third capability information after the first network device sends the third request information, the terminal device can directly send the third capability information, which can reduce transmission overhead.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives fifth indication information from the second network device; and based on the fifth indication information, releases the first protocol stack, or releases the connection with the first network device. The fifth indication information is used to instruct the release of the first protocol stack; or the fifth indication information is used to instruct the release of the connection with the first network device.

[0072] Based on this possible implementation, a feasible solution is provided for the second network device to instruct the terminal device to release the first protocol stack or the connection with the first network device.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends seventh indication information to the first network device; wherein the seventh indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to terminate transmission with the first network device.

[0074] Based on this possible implementation, the first network device can determine whether the terminal device has ended transmission, which can avoid as much as possible the situation where the terminal device has not ended transmission with the first network device and the first network device releases resources associated with the terminal device, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the first information is located in a radio resource control message.

[0076] Based on this possible implementation, the first information may be located in an RRC message, providing a feasible solution for transmission of the first information.

[0077] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component in the first network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. The method includes: the first network device receives first indication information from the second network device; or the first network device sends first indication information to the second network device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the first wireless bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first wireless bearer.

[0078] Based on this solution, when the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device, it can implicitly indicate that the first network device supports not immediately releasing the resources associated with the first entity when the first network device is deleted; or, when the first network device receives the first indication information from the second network device, the first network device can determine not to immediately release the resources associated with the first entity, so that the first entity can continue to process the data of the first wireless bearer, and can avoid as much as possible the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of the data of the first wireless bearer, thereby improving the performance of communication.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends third configuration information to the second network device, wherein the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; and the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0080] Based on this possible implementation, the second network device can determine the third configuration information, providing a feasible solution for the second network device to determine the third configuration information.

[0081] In one possible implementation, before sending the first indication information to the second network device, the first network device sends the first capability information to the second network device; wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0082] The first capability information is also used to indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for any radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0083] In one possible implementation, before sending the first indication information to the second network device, the first network device receives a first request information from the second network device; wherein the first request information is used to request the first network device to support the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0084] Based on the above two possible implementations, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the second network device instructs the first network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, but the first network device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the first network device sending the first capability information after receiving the first request information from the second network device, the first network device can directly send the first capability information to the second network device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0085] In one possible implementation, before sending the first indication information to the second network device, the first network device receives second capability information from the second network device; wherein the second capability information is used to indicate that the second network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0086] The second capability information is further used to indicate that the second network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for any radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0087] In one possible implementation, before sending the first indication information to the second network device, the first network device sends a second request information to the second network device; wherein the second request information is used to request the second network device to support the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0088] Based on the above two possible implementations, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device instructs the second network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device, but the second network device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the first network device sending the second request information and then receiving the second capability information from the second network device, the first network device can directly receive the second capability information from the second network device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the first network device receives third capability information from the terminal device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0090] The third capability information is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring any wireless bearer.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends a third request message to the terminal device; wherein the third request message is used to request the terminal device to support the capability of configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0092] Based on the above two possible implementations, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device instructs the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, but the terminal device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the terminal device and the first network device; on the other hand, compared with the first network device sending the third request information and then receiving the third capability information from the terminal device, the first network device can directly receive the third capability information from the terminal device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0093] In a possible implementation, the first network device receives third capability information from the second network device.

[0094] Based on this possible implementation, the first network device can receive the third capability information from the second network device, providing another feasible solution for the first network device to obtain the third capability information.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the first network device receives second indication information from the second network device; or the first network device sends second indication information to the second network device; wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the configuration of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0096] One possible implementation is that when the second network device (or the first network device) does not configure the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, the second indication information is also used to indicate the reason for not configuring the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0097] Based on the above two possible implementations, the first network device can determine, through the second indication information, whether the second network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, and can also determine the cause of the failure; or, the first network device can instruct the second network device, through the second indication information, to determine whether the first network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, and can also indicate the cause of the failure, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the first network device receives third indication information from the second network device; based on the third indication information, the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device is released; or, the first network device sends third indication information to the second network device; wherein the third indication information is used to indicate the release of the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device.

[0099] Based on this possible implementation, the first network device can determine that the first network device releases the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device. Furthermore, the second network device does not need to establish a bearer associated with the second entity, and the second entity can be associated with the fifth bearer, which can improve resource utilization.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the first network device receives fourth indication information from the second network device; and according to the fourth indication information, sends indication information to the core network device to end downlink scheduling. The fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer;

[0101] Based on this possible implementation, the first network device may determine that the terminal device completes configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer, and may then release resources associated with the terminal device.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends seventh indication information to the second network device; wherein the seventh indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to terminate transmission with the first network device.

[0103] Based on this possible implementation, the second network device can determine the termination of transmission between the first network device and the terminal device according to the seventh indication information, and then send the fifth indication information to the terminal device. This can avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device does not terminate the transmission with the terminal device, but the terminal device releases the connection with the first network device, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the first entity is a packet data convergence layer protocol entity, and the second entity is a packet data convergence layer protocol entity; or, the first entity is a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol, and the second entity is a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol.

[0105] Based on this possible implementation, several feasible solutions are provided for the implementation of the first entity and the second entity.

[0106] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is located in the secondary station deletion request message; or, the first indication information is located in the secondary station deletion response message.

[0107] Based on this possible implementation, the first indication information may be sent separately or included in the secondary station deletion request message or the secondary station deletion response message, thereby providing two feasible solutions for transmitting the first indication information.

[0108] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method of the first aspect. The communication device may be the second network device of the first aspect, or a device or component included in the second network device, such as a chip.

[0109] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-mentioned method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0110] In some possible implementations, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module, respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions of the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions of the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Exemplarily, the transceiver module is used to send first indication information to the first network device; or receive first indication information from the first network device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first radio bearer; the transceiver module is also used to send first information to the terminal device; wherein the first information is used to indicate the deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first radio bearer corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

[0111] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the fourth aspect can also perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details. The beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be referred to the above-mentioned related content.

[0112] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method of the second aspect. The communication device may be the terminal device of the second aspect, or a device or component included in the terminal device, such as a chip.

[0113] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-mentioned method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0114] In some possible implementations, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module, respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Exemplarily, the transceiver module is used to receive first information from a second network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first radio bearer corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device; the processing module is used to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer according to the first information.

[0115] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the fifth aspect can also perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details. The beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be referred to the above-mentioned related content.

[0116] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method of the third aspect. The communication device may be the first network device of the third aspect, or a device or component included in the first network device, such as a chip.

[0117] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-mentioned method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0118] In some possible implementations, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module, respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Exemplarily, the transceiver module is used to receive first indication information from the second network device; or, to send first indication information to the second network device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first radio bearer.

[0119] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the sixth aspect can also perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details. The beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be referred to the above-mentioned related content.

[0120] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementations of any one of the aspects by executing computer instructions stored in a memory or through a logic circuit. The communication device may be the second network device in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a device or component included in the second network device, such as a chip; or the communication device may be the terminal device in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or a device or component included in the terminal device, such as a chip; or the communication device may be the first network device in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or a device or component included in the first network device.

[0121] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a memory for storing computer instructions and / or configuration files of logic circuits. Optionally, the memory is integrated with the processor, or the memory is independent of the processor.

[0122] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is configured to input and / or output signals; and the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the above aspects. The communication device may be the second network device in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a device or component included in the second network device, such as a chip; or the communication device may be the terminal device in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or a device or component included in the terminal device, such as a chip; or the communication device may be the first network device in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or a device or component included in the first network device, such as a chip.

[0123] In some possible implementations, the communication interface is an interface circuit for reading and writing computer instructions. For example, the interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions (computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, may be read directly from the memory, or may pass through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0124] In some possible implementations, the communication interface is used to communicate with a module outside the communication device.

[0125] In some possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, the chip system may include the chip, or may include the chip and other discrete devices.

[0126] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a logic circuit and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to input information and / or output information; the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in any of the above aspects, and process and / or generate output information based on the input information. The communication device can be the second network device in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or a device or component included in the second network device, such as a chip; or the communication device can be the terminal device in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or a device or component included in the terminal device, such as a chip; or the communication device can be the first network device in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or a device or component included in the first network device, such as a chip.

[0127] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a processor, the method described in any one of the above aspects is executed.

[0128] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which, when executed by a processor, enables the method described in any one of the above aspects to be executed.

[0129] It can be understood that when the communication device provided in any one of the fourth to ninth aspects is a chip, the above-mentioned sending action / function can be understood as output information, and the above-mentioned receiving action / function can be understood as input information.

[0130] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any implementation method in the fourth to eleventh aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or refer to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or refer to the technical effects brought about by the above-mentioned third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0131] In the twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the second network device described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, and the first network device described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0132] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a different dual connection scenario provided by the present application;

[0133] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of different radio bearer types provided by the present application;

[0134] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack and a control plane protocol stack provided by the present application;

[0135] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction for deleting an auxiliary station provided by the present application;

[0136] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of deleting an auxiliary station provided by the present application;

[0137] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a protocol stack for deleting a secondary station provided by the present application;

[0138] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a switching provided by the present application;

[0139] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a switching corresponding dual-active protocol stack provided by the present application;

[0140] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a data transmission rate provided by the present application;

[0141] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0142] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0143] FIG12 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0144] FIG13 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0145] FIG14 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0146] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of two protocol stacks provided by the present application;

[0147] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of two protocol stacks provided by the present application;

[0148] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of two protocol stacks provided by the present application;

[0149] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of two protocol stacks provided by the present application;

[0150] FIG19 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0151] FIG20 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0152] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of a second network device provided by the present application;

[0153] FIG22 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device provided by the present application;

[0154] FIG23 is a schematic structural diagram of a first network device provided by the present application;

[0155] FIG24 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0156] The following describes in detail the implementation of the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0157] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0158] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or plural.

[0159] In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0160] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0161] It will be understood that the “embodiment” mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It will be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiment of the present application.

[0162] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios as needed. Accordingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0163] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified and there is no logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following description of the embodiments of this application does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0164] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of the present application is first given as follows.

[0165] 1) Dual connectivity (DC) mode

[0166] Among them, the DC mode is the operating mode of the terminal device in the RRC connection state. The DC mode can be understood as the network device configuring a master cell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG) for the terminal device.

[0167] The master node (MN) may provide air interface resources for the terminal device through at least one cell, and the at least one cell may be referred to as an MCG.

[0168] Among them, the secondary node (SN) can provide air interface resources for the terminal equipment through at least one cell, and the at least one cell can be called an SCG.

[0169] Among them, the DC mode has the following possible combinations:

[0170] In the first combination, as shown in (a) in Figure 1 below, the core network can be an evolved packet core (EPC), the primary station can be a long term evolution (LTE) base station, and the secondary station can be a new radio (NR) base station. This combination can be called evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network and NR dual connectivity (evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network and NR DC, E-UTRA-NR DC).

[0171] Among them, there is an X2 interface between the LTE base station and the NR base station, with at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an S1 interface between the LTE base station and the EPC, with at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an S1-U interface between the NR base station and the EPC, which may have a user plane connection.

[0172] It is understandable that an LTE base station can provide air interface resources for a terminal device through at least one LTE cell, and the at least one LTE cell is called an MCG. Correspondingly, an NR base station can also provide air interface resources for a terminal device through at least one NR cell, and the at least one NR cell is called an SCG.

[0173] In the second combination, as shown in (b) of Figure 1 below, the core network can be a fifth generation core network (5GC), the primary station can be an LTE base station, and the secondary station can be an NR base station.

[0174] Among them, there is an Xn interface between the LTE base station and the NR base station, which has at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an NG interface between the LTE base station and the 5GC, which has at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an NG-U interface between the NR base station and the 5GC, which may have a user plane connection.

[0175] It is understandable that an LTE base station can provide air interface resources for a terminal device through at least one LTE cell, and the at least one LTE cell is called an MCG. Correspondingly, an NR base station can also provide air interface resources for a terminal device through at least one NR cell, and the at least one NR cell is called an SCG.

[0176] In the third combination, as shown in (c) in Figure 1 below, the core network can be 5GC, the primary station can be an NR base station, and the secondary station can be an LTE base station.

[0177] Among them, there is an Xn interface between the NR base station and the LTE base station, which has at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an NG interface between the NR base station and the 5GC, which has at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an NG-U interface between the LTE base station and the 5GC, that is, there can only be a user plane connection.

[0178] It is understandable that the NR base station can provide air interface resources for the terminal device through at least one NR cell, and the at least one NR cell is called MCG. Correspondingly, the LTE base station can also provide air interface resources for the terminal device through at least one LTE cell, and the at least one LTE cell is called SCG.

[0179] In the fourth combination, as shown in (d) in Figure 1 below, the core network can be 5GC, and the primary and secondary stations can be NR base stations.

[0180] Among them, the interface between the main station and the auxiliary station is the Xn interface, which has at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an NG interface between the main station and 5GC, which has at least a control plane connection and may also have a user plane connection; there is an NG-U interface between the auxiliary station and 5GC, which may have a user plane connection.

[0181] It is understandable that the primary station can provide air interface resources for the terminal device through at least one NR cell, and the at least one NR cell is called an MCG. Correspondingly, the secondary station can also provide air interface resources for the terminal device through at least one NR cell, and the at least one NR cell is called an SCG.

[0182] It can be understood that the second to fourth combinations can be referred to as multi-radio access technology DC (MR-DC).

[0183] 2) MR-DC Architecture

[0184] Among them, the MR-DC architecture can support the following multiple wireless bearer types: MCG bearer terminated at the primary station (i.e., MN terminated MCG bearer), SCG bearer terminated at the primary station (i.e., MN terminated SCG bearer), split bearer terminated at the primary station (i.e., MN terminated split bearer), MCG bearer terminated at the secondary station (i.e., SN terminated MCG bearer), SCG bearer terminated at the secondary station (i.e., SN terminated SCG bearer), split bearer terminated at the secondary station (i.e., SN terminated split bearer).

[0185] Among them, the above-mentioned multiple wireless bearer types can be shown in Figure 2 below. MCG bearer refers to a wireless bearer that only involves MCG air interface resources, SCG bearer refers to a wireless bearer that only involves SCG air interface resources, and split bearer refers to a wireless bearer that involves MCG air interface resources and SCG air interface resources; the primary station termination refers to the PDCP entity on the primary station, and the secondary station termination refers to the PDCP entity on the secondary station.

[0186] For example, taking SN terminated split bearer as an example, the network device can send configuration information to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device can receive configuration information from the network device. The configuration information may include one or more of the following: identification information of the wireless bearer and PDCP configuration information, SCG configuration information, or MCG configuration information corresponding to the wireless bearer.

[0187] The PDCP configuration information may be determined by the secondary station, and the PDCP configuration information may be used to indicate a discard timer, a PDCP sequence length, a cell identifier associated with the radio bearer (used to associate SCG configuration and MCG configuration), and configurations related to encryption / integrity protection.

[0188] The SCG configuration information may be determined by the secondary station, the SCG configuration information may include the underlying RLC bearer configuration information of the secondary station, and the SCG configuration information may be used to configure the air interface resources of the radio bearer on the secondary station side.

[0189] Among them, the MCG configuration information can be determined by the master station, the MCG configuration information can include the underlying RLC bearer configuration information of the master station, and the MCG configuration information can be used to configure the air interface resources of the wireless bearer on the master station side.

[0190] It can be understood that the RLC entity corresponding to the MCG configuration information can be associated with the PDCP entity corresponding to the PDCP configuration information. At the same time, the RLC entity corresponding to the SCG configuration information can be associated with the PDCP entity corresponding to the PDCP configuration information.

[0191] It can be understood that radio bearer is a general term for a series of protocol entities and configurations allocated by network equipment to terminal equipment. It is a service provided by Layer 2 for transmitting radio bearer data between terminal equipment and network equipment, including a series of resources allocated to PDCP entity, RLC entity, media access control (MAC) entity and physical (PHY) layer entity. The user plane protocol stack and control plane protocol stack of the terminal device can be shown in Figure 3 below. (a) in Figure 3 is the user plane protocol stack of the terminal device and the network device. The user plane protocol stack includes a PHY layer entity, a MAC entity, an RLC entity, a PDCP entity, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) entity; (b) in Figure 3 is the control plane protocol stack. The control plane protocol stack of the terminal device includes a PHY layer entity, a MAC entity, an RLC entity, a PDCP entity, an RRC entity, and a network attached storage (NAS) entity. The control plane protocol stack of the network device includes a PHY layer entity, a MAC entity, an RLC entity, a PDCP entity, and an RRC entity. The control plane protocol stack of the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element may include a NAS entity.

[0192] Among them, the AMF network element has access and mobility management functions in the core network, performing registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management.

[0193] Optionally, radio bearers may be divided into data radio bearers (DRBs) (ie, used to carry data) and signaling radio bearers (SRBs) (ie, used to carry signaling messages).

[0194] It is understandable that in the protocol text, the radio bearer configuration usually includes the configuration of the PDCP layer and the SDAP layer, the protocol entity below the RLC layer can be called an RLC bearer, and the corresponding configuration is located in the RLC bearer configuration.

[0195] Among them, the RLC bearer configuration may include: logical channel identifier, radio bearer identifier associated with the RLC bearer, whether to re-establish identifier, RLC transmission mode (such as acknowledged mode (AM) or unacknowledged mode (UM)), and logical channel related configuration (such as logical channel priority, priority bit rate, etc.).

[0196] Based on the above description of the DC mode and MR-DC architecture, when a terminal device sends radio bearer data to a network device and requires a higher transmission rate for the radio bearer data, the network device can configure dual connectivity for the terminal device, specifically configuring an offload bearer. This means that transmission services are provided to the terminal device simultaneously via the MCG of the primary station and the SCG of the secondary station, thereby improving the data transmission rate. For example, in the existing DC mode, the terminal device is generally configured with an offload bearer with PDCP terminated at the secondary station.

[0197] 3) The process of deleting the auxiliary station

[0198] In the DC scenario, the primary station or the secondary station can trigger the deletion of the secondary station based on the measurement report of the terminal device. The process of triggering the deletion of the secondary station can be shown in Figure 4 below. Taking the MR-DC scenario as an example, the specific steps can be as follows:

[0199] S401. The primary station sends a secondary station release request message to the secondary station; correspondingly, the secondary station receives the secondary station release request message from the primary station.

[0200] The secondary station deletion request message is used to request the release of the secondary station.

[0201] S402: The secondary station sends a secondary station deletion response (acknowledgement) message to the primary station; correspondingly, the secondary station receives the secondary station deletion response message from the primary station.

[0202] The secondary station deletion response message is used to respond to the secondary station deletion request message.

[0203] It is understandable that when the secondary station receives the secondary station deletion request sent by the primary station, it will disconnect from the terminal device and then send a secondary station deletion response message to the primary station to indicate that it agrees to delete the secondary station.

[0204] S403. The master station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the master station.

[0205] Among them, the RRC reconfiguration message is used to instruct the terminal device to release the resources associated with the secondary station (such as air interface resources, etc., which can also be understood as SCG).

[0206] S404. The terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the master station; correspondingly, the master station receives the RRC reconfiguration complete message from the terminal device.

[0207] It is understandable that after receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, the terminal device will disconnect from the secondary station, and the RRC reconfiguration completion message may indicate to the terminal device that the release of resources associated with the secondary station is complete.

[0208] S405: The primary station sends Xn-U tunnel address information to the secondary station; correspondingly, the secondary station receives the Xn-U tunnel address information from the primary station.

[0209] The Xn-U tunnel address information is used to instruct the secondary station to perform data forwarding (ie, the secondary station can send data related to the terminal device and the core network device to the primary station).

[0210] It is understandable that S405 may also be located after S402.

[0211] S406: The auxiliary station forwards data.

[0212] Among them, the auxiliary station can send data related to the terminal device and core network equipment to the main station through the Xn-U tunnel.

[0213] S407: The master station updates the path between the master station and the core network device.

[0214] S408. The auxiliary station updates the path between the auxiliary station and the core network device.

[0215] Optionally, when the PDCP entity is in the secondary station and the RLC transmission mode is configured as acknowledged mode (AM) (i.e., higher reliability requirements for data transmission), the secondary station can also send a status transfer message to the primary station; correspondingly, the primary station receives the status transfer message from the secondary station.

[0216] The state transfer message is used to indicate the transmission status of the data on the radio bearer (such as the packet loss status of the data transmission on the uplink radio bearer).

[0217] It can be understood that the primary station can re-establish the PDCP entity according to the state transfer message so that the re-established PDCP entity meets the communication requirements.

[0218] It is understandable that the state transfer message may be located after S404 or after S406 without limitation.

[0219] Optionally, the secondary station may also indicate the data volume of the secondary station to the primary station, that is, the secondary station sends a secondary radio access technology (RAT) data usage report message to the primary station; correspondingly, the primary station receives the secondary RAT data usage report message from the secondary station.

[0220] The secondary RAT data usage report message is used to indicate the data amount of the secondary station.

[0221] It is understandable that the auxiliary RAT data usage report message may be located after S404 or after S406 without limitation.

[0222] Based on the process of deleting the auxiliary station shown in Figure 4 above, the scenario before deleting the auxiliary station can be as shown in (a) in Figure 5. The auxiliary station can be connected to the core network, and the terminal device can be connected to the auxiliary station and the main station (it can be understood that the auxiliary station and the main station provide air interface resources for the terminal device through one or more cells).

[0223] Among them, the protocol stack of the primary station, secondary station, and terminal device in (a) of Figure 5 can be as shown in (a) of Figure 6 below, where the PDCP entity of the secondary station is associated with the RLC entity of the primary station and is also associated with the RLC entity of the secondary station.

[0224] For example, when the core network device sends data to the terminal device, on the one hand, the data can pass through the PDCP entity of the secondary station through the RLC entity, MAC entity, and PHY layer entity of the primary station, and then to the terminal device; on the other hand, the data can pass through the PDCP entity of the secondary station through the RLC entity, MAC entity, and PHY layer entity of the secondary station, and then to the terminal device.

[0225] It is understandable that when a secondary station is deleted, the PDCP entity needs to be transferred from the secondary station to the primary station. At this time, the key of the PDCP entity will change, and the primary station needs to re-establish the PDCP entity to avoid key confusion. The scenario after the secondary station is deleted can be shown in (b) of Figure 5. The primary station can be connected to the core network, and the terminal device can be connected to the primary station (i.e., the terminal device is disconnected from the secondary station).

[0226] Among them, the protocol stack of the master station and the terminal device in (b) of Figure 5 can be shown as (b) in Figure 6 below. Compared with (a) in Figure 6, the protocol stack of the master station adds a PDCP entity and an SDAP entity, and the PDCP entity of the master station is associated with the RLC entity of the master station.

[0227] It is understandable that the master station may also re-establish the RLC entity (or change the underlying transmission resources) to prevent the data encrypted with the old key from being erroneously transmitted.

[0228] 4) Cell switching

[0229] Among them, the source base station can send a switching command to the terminal device; accordingly, the terminal device can establish a connection with the target cell according to the switching command, thereby realizing switching.

[0230] Among them, the target cell can be the cell corresponding to the source base station (that is, another cell different from the source cell), or it can be the cell corresponding to the target base station. For the sake of convenience, this application refers to the cell corresponding to the target base station as the target cell. Similarly, the cell corresponding to the source base station is referred to as the source cell.

[0231] Among them, in the basic switching process of 5G NR, after the terminal device receives the switching command, it will immediately disconnect from the source cell, resulting in the terminal device being unable to transmit data with any base station before establishing a connection with the target cell, resulting in a switching interruption delay of about tens of milliseconds.

[0232] To reduce terminal handover latency, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) proposed dual active protocol stack (DAPS) handover, as shown in Figure 7 below. During DAPS handover, the terminal device maintains a user plane connection with the source cell and continues data transmission with the source cell until a connection is established with the target cell and data transmission is started. DAPS handover requires the UE to be able to transmit data to both the source and target cells simultaneously within a short period of time.

[0233] For the terminal device, during the DAPS switching process, two activated protocol stacks can be configured inside the terminal device, one activated protocol stack is used for the transmission of user plane data of the target cell, and the other activated protocol stack is used for the transmission of user plane data of the source cell.

[0234] One possible implementation is shown in Figure 8 below. After receiving the switching command, the terminal device continues to maintain the connection with the protocol stack of the source base station (it can be understood that in the NR basic switching, the terminal device will release the protocol stack with the source base station after receiving the switching command) and establishes a connection with the protocol stack of the target base station according to the wireless resource configuration of the target base station in the switching command.

[0235] Based on the above description of DAPS switching and secondary station deletion, after the secondary station is deleted, the terminal device only communicates through the main station and the core network. At this time, the PDCP entity corresponding to the wireless bearer needs to be on the main station side. Therefore, the main station needs to re-establish the PDCP entity associated with the wireless bearer and associate it with the underlying transmission resources of the main station. Correspondingly, on the terminal device side, it is necessary to re-establish the PDCP entity (or reconfigure the parameters of the PDCP entity) and change the underlying transmission resources. At this time, the terminal device will suspend data processing and transmission of the corresponding wireless bearer, and cause the data transmission rate to approach zero, thereby reducing communication performance.

[0236] Exemplarily, the data transmission rate can be as shown in Figure 9 below. The data transmission rate before deleting the auxiliary station can be v1 (that is, the data transmission rate corresponding to the time period of 0-T1). When the auxiliary station is deleted (this period can be understood as T1-T2), when the terminal device and the main station configure the wireless bearer, the terminal device will suspend the data processing and transmission of the corresponding wireless bearer, and the data transmission rate will drop sharply from v1 to zero. After the terminal device and the main station complete the configuration of the wireless bearer, the data transmission rate begins to increase and stabilizes at v2 (that is, after time T2, the terminal device is only connected to the main station, and the data transmission rate is v2).

[0237] Therefore, the present application can avoid the data transmission rate from dropping as much as possible by configuring two sets of protocol stacks for the wireless bearer of the terminal device during the process of deleting the auxiliary station, thereby improving the communication performance.

[0238] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present application provides a communication method, which includes: a second network device sends a first indication message to a first network device; or the second network device receives the first indication message from the first network device; and sends a first message to a terminal device. The first indication message is used to indicate that a first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to two sets of protocol stacks; the first set of protocol stacks corresponds to a first entity of the first network device, and the second set of protocol stacks corresponds to a second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first radio bearer; the first message is used to indicate the deletion of the first network device, and the first message is also used to indicate that the first radio bearer corresponds to two sets of protocol stacks; and the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

[0239] In an embodiment of the present application, on the one hand, when the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device, the first network device can determine that the first entity needs to continue processing the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack, thereby preventing the first network device from immediately releasing the resources associated with the first entity; or, when the second network device receives the first indication information from the first network device, the second network device can continue to send the first wireless bearer data to the first entity before the second protocol stack is completed. On the other hand, the terminal device can configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer according to the first information, that is, the terminal device can process and transmit the data of the first wireless bearer through the first protocol stack when configuring the second protocol stack, which can avoid the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of the data of the first wireless bearer as much as possible, thereby improving the performance of communication.

[0240] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be used in various communication systems, which may be 3GPP communication systems, such as fourth generation (4G), LTE, 5G, NR, or a hybrid network of LTE and 5G, or a non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, or a mobile communication system evolved after 5G such as the sixth generation (6G), a vehicle to everything (V2X) system, or a device to device (D2D) communication system, a machine to machine (M2M) communication system, the Internet of Things (IoT), a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), other next-generation communication systems, a perception and communication integrated system, a satellite communication system, etc. The communication system may also be a non-3GPP communication system, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) system such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), without limitation.

[0241] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to DC scenarios, that is, the terminal device can establish a connection with two network devices.

[0242] For example, as shown in Figure 10, a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided by the present application is provided. The communication system may include at least one terminal device, at least two network devices (including at least one primary station (i.e., a second network device) and at least one secondary station (i.e., a first network device)), and at least one core network device.

[0243] Among them, the communication system can complete certain functions, such as synchronization, channel estimation, or perception.

[0244] Among them, the terminal device in Figure 10, unless otherwise specified, can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or it can also be a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0245] The network device in FIG10 , unless otherwise specified, may refer to the network device itself, a component within the network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that implements all or part of the network device's functions. The network device may be a network device or a terminal device, without limitation.

[0246] Among them, the core network device in Figure 10, unless otherwise specified, can refer to the core network device itself, or a component in the core network device (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or it can be a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the core network device.

[0247] Among them, the terminal device in the embodiment of the present application can be located within the beam / cell coverage of the network device, and the network device can provide communication services for the terminal device.

[0248] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application may be a device with wireless transceiver functions or a chip or chip system that can be set in the device, which can allow a user to access the network and is a device for providing voice and / or data connectivity to the user. The terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), subscriber unit (subscriber unit), terminal (terminal), mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT).

[0249] Optionally, the terminal device in the embodiment of the present application may be a user-side device for implementing wireless communication functions, such as a terminal or a chip that can be used in a terminal. The terminal may be a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a terminal unit, a terminal station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a wireless communication device, a terminal agent, or a terminal device in a 5G network or a public land mobile network (PL master station) evolved after 5G. The access terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a drone, a robot, a smart point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE) or a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. Alternatively, the terminal may be a terminal with communication functionality in IoT, such as a terminal in V2X (e.g., a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) device), a terminal in D2D communication, or a terminal in M2M communication. The terminal may be mobile or fixed.

[0250] The network device in the embodiments of the present application can be any device deployed in an access network that can communicate wirelessly with a terminal device, or a chip or chip system that can be provided in the above-mentioned device, or a logical node or a logical module or a function implemented in software, and can be used to implement wireless physical control functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control, and mobility management functions. Specifically, the network device can be a device that supports wired access or a device that supports wireless access.

[0251] Optionally, the network device in the embodiment of the present application is a device that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. The network device may be a node in a radio access network (RAN), or may be a base station, which may be referred to as a radio access network node (or device).

[0252] For example, the network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB) or e-NodeB in an LTE system or an enhanced LTE (LTE-advanced, LTE-A) system, such as a traditional macro eNB and a micro eNB in ​​a heterogeneous network scenario. Alternatively, it may include a next-generation node B (gNB) in an NR system. Alternatively, it may include a transmission reception point (TRP), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a baseband pool (BBU pool), or a Wi-Fi access point (AP). Alternatively, it may include a base station in an NTN, which may be deployed on an aircraft or a satellite. In the NTN, the network device may function as a Layer 1 (L1) relay, a base station, or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. Alternatively, the network device may be a device that implements a base station function in IoT, such as a device that implements a base station function in drone communications, V2X, D2D, or machine to machine (M2M).

[0253] A network device may also be a module or unit that implements some of the functions of a base station. For example, a network device may 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 may be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may 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).

[0254] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, the network device may be a network device or a module of a network device in an open radio access network (open RAN, ORAN) system. In the ORAN system, CU may also be referred to as open (open, O)-CU, DU may also be referred to as O-DU, CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and RU may also be referred to as O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0255] Optionally, the base station in the embodiment of the present application may include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points, home base stations, TRPs, transmitting points (TPs), or mobile switching centers, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0256] The core network's main functions are to provide user connections, user management, and business carrying. It can serve as a bearer network to provide an interface to external networks.

[0257] Among them, the core network device in the embodiment of the present application can be a core network device in EPC, a core network device in 5GC, a core network device in 6G core network, or a core network device in the next generation core network, without restriction.

[0258] Exemplarily, the core network device may be a network exposure function (NEF) network element, an AMF network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element, etc.

[0259] Among them, the NEF network element is located between the core network and the external third-party application function body, and is responsible for managing all external applications that open network data to the outside world. If you want to access the internal data of the core network, you need to go through the NEF network element.

[0260] Among them, the UPF network element is mainly responsible for the routing and forwarding related functions of 5GC user plane data packets.

[0261] It should be noted that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0262] In specific implementation, each terminal device, network device, and core network device shown in Figure 10 may adopt the structure shown in Figure 11, or include the components shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 110 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 110 may be a terminal device or a chip or system-on-chip in a terminal device; it may also be a network device or a chip or system-on-chip in a network device; it may also be a core network device or a chip or system-on-chip in a core network device.

[0263] As shown in FIG11 , the communication device 110 includes one or more processors 1101. Furthermore, the communication device 110 may also include a communication bus 1102 and at least one communication interface ( FIG11 is merely exemplary, illustrating the communication device 110 including a communication interface 1104 and one processor 1101). Optionally, the communication device 110 may also include a memory 1103.

[0264] Processor 1101 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application, or a processing core for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions). The processor can be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor.

[0265] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 1101 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG11 .

[0266] Communication bus 1102 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, for example. Such a bus may be classified as an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, or the like. For ease of illustration, FIG11 shows only one thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or type of bus. Communication bus 1102 is used to connect the various components of communication device 110, enabling communication and interaction between the various components.

[0267] The communication interface 1104 may be a transceiver module for communicating with other devices or a communication network, such as Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), or a wireless local area network (WLAN). For example, the communication interface 1104 may be a device such as a transceiver or a transceiver. Alternatively, the communication interface 1104 may be a transceiver circuit within the processor 1101 for implementing signal input and output to the processor.

[0268] The memory 1103 may be a device having a storage function. For example, it may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via the communication bus 1102. The memory may also be integrated with the processor.

[0269] Exemplarily, the memory 1103 is used to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solution of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 1101. The processor 1101 is used to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1103, thereby implementing the method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0270] Alternatively, optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the processor 1101 may also perform processing-related functions in the method provided in the following embodiments of the present application, and the communication interface 1104 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0271] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0272] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 110 may further include an output device 1105 and an input device 1106. The output device 1105 communicates with the processor 1101 and can display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 1105 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. The input device 1106 communicates with the processor 1101 and can receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 1106 can be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device.

[0273] It should be noted that the composition structure shown in Figure 11 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 11, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0274] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device, the network device, and the core network device can perform some or all of the steps in the embodiment of the present application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiment of the present application can also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the various steps can be performed in a different order than those presented in the embodiment of the present application, and it is possible that not all operations in the embodiment of the present application need to be performed.

[0275] As shown in Figure 12, it is an interaction diagram of a communication method provided by the present application. The communication method is illustrated by taking the interaction between the second network device, the terminal device, and the first network device as an example. Of course, the subject that executes the action of the second network device in the method can also be a device / module in the second network device, such as a chip, a processor, a processing unit, etc. in the second network device; the subject that executes the action of the terminal device in the method can also be a device / module in the terminal device, such as a chip, a processor, a processing unit, etc. in the terminal device; the subject that executes the action of the first network device in the method can also be a device / module in the first network device, such as a chip, a processor, a processing unit, etc. in the first network device, and the embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations on this. In the embodiment of the present application, the steps executed by a single execution subject (for example, the second network device, the terminal device, or the first network device) can also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, and these execution subjects can be logically and / or physically separated. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 12, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0276] S1201. The second network device sends first indication information to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the first indication information from the second network device.

[0277] The first indication information in S1201 is used to indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0278] It can be understood that the first indication information only indicates that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to at least two protocol stacks (such as the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack), and does not indicate the relevant configuration information of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0279] It is understandable that the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack corresponding to the first radio bearer may be at least two protocol stacks corresponding to the first radio bearer (such as two protocol stacks corresponding to the first radio bearer), and there is no limitation on the data of the specific protocol stacks.

[0280] In one example, taking the first indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it can indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack (which can be understood as establishing a new protocol stack while keeping the original protocol stack for data transmission); when the bit value is 0, it can indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the second protocol stack (which can be understood as releasing the original protocol stack while establishing a new protocol stack). Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it can indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; when the bit value is 1, it can indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the second protocol stack.

[0281] In another example, when the second network device does not send the first indication information, the first network device directly releases the resources associated with the terminal device. For example, taking the first indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it can indicate that the first wireless bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; or, when the bit value is 0, it can indicate that the first wireless bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0282] It can be understood that the first network device can be a secondary station, and the second network device can be a primary station.

[0283] Exemplarily, before sending the first indication information, the protocol stack of the second network device may include a PHY layer entity, a MAC entity, and an RLC entity; the protocol stack of the first network device may include a PHY layer entity, a MAC entity, an RLC entity, a PDCP entity, and an SDAP entity; the PDCP entity of the first network device may be associated with the RLC entity of the first network device and the RLC entity of the second network device; for example, when the terminal device sends data of the first wireless bearer to the core network, the data of the first wireless bearer may reach the PDCP entity of the first network device through the RLC entity of the first network device and the RLC entity of the second network device; further, the data of the first wireless bearer may reach the core network through the PDCP entity of the first network device.

[0284] The first protocol stack in S1201 corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to the second entity of the second network device.

[0285] The first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first radio bearer.

[0286] Optionally, the first entity may be a packet data convergence layer protocol entity of the first network device (such as a first PDCP entity), or the first entity may be a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol of the first network device, or the first entity may be an entity of the first network device having a packet data convergence layer protocol function, without limitation.

[0287] Optionally, the second entity may be a packet data convergence layer protocol entity of the second network device (such as a second PDCP entity), or the second entity may be a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol of the second network device, or the second entity may be an entity of the second network device having a packet data convergence layer protocol function, without limitation.

[0288] Optionally, after receiving the first indication information, the first network device may configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, or may not configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device. The second network device may determine whether the first network device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device through the second indication information.

[0289] Specifically, the first network device sends the second indication information to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the second indication information from the first network device.

[0290] The second indication information is used to indicate the configuration of associating the first radio bearer of the terminal device with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0291] In one example, taking the second indication information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device configures the first radio bearer of the terminal device to be associated with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first radio bearer of the terminal device is not configured to be associated with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device configures the first radio bearer of the terminal device to be associated with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device does not configure the first radio bearer of the terminal device to be associated with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0292] In another example, when the first network device does not send the second indication information, the second network device may default to the first network device configuring the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to be associated with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack. For example, taking the second indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device does not configure the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to be associated with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; or, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device does not configure the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to be associated with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0293] Furthermore, when the first network device does not configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the reason for not configuring the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0294] It can be understood that the first network device can instruct the second network device through the second indication information to determine whether the first network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, and can also indicate the reason for the failure, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device.

[0295] It can be understood that the first indication information can be sent by the second network device or the first network device.

[0296] Specifically, the first network device sends first indication information to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the first indication information from the first network device.

[0297] The first indication information may refer to the above description of the first indication information, which will not be elaborated here.

[0298] Optionally, after receiving the first indication information, the second network device may configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, or may not configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device. The second indication information may be used to enable the first network device to determine whether the second network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0299] Specifically, the second network device sends the second indication information to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the second indication information from the second network device.

[0300] The second indication information is used to indicate the configuration of associating the first radio bearer of the terminal device with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0301] Furthermore, when the second network device does not configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the reason for not configuring the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0302] It can be understood that the second network device can use the second indication information to enable the first network device to determine whether the second network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, and can also indicate the reason for the failure, thereby improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device.

[0303] Optionally, the first indication information may also indicate identification information of the first radio bearer.

[0304] Exemplarily, the identification information of the first radio bearer may be a radio bearer number or a radio bearer index, such as 1, 2, 3, . . .

[0305] For example, taking the identification information of the first wireless bearer as two bits as an example, when the bit value is 00, it can indicate that the first wireless bearer is numbered 0, and the first wireless bearer numbered 0 corresponds to the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks; when the bit value is 01, it can indicate that the first wireless bearer is numbered 1, and the first wireless bearer numbered 1 corresponds to the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks; when the bit value is 10, it can indicate that the first wireless bearer is numbered 2, and the first wireless bearer numbered 2 corresponds to the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks; when the bit value is 11, it can indicate that the first wireless bearer is numbered 3, and the first wireless bearer numbered 3 corresponds to the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks.

[0306] Optionally, the second network device may pre-configure an NG-U tunnel. Further, the second network device may send data of the first wireless bearer to the core network device through the NG-U tunnel.

[0307] S1202. The second network device sends first information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the second network device.

[0308] The first information is used to indicate deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first radio bearer corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0309] The terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

[0310] Among them, deleting the first network device can be understood as the first network device disconnecting from the second network device and the terminal device, or, deleting the first network device can be understood as the terminal device disconnecting from the first network device and the second network device disconnecting from the first network device, or, deleting the first network device can also be understood as the first network device not participating in the communication between the terminal device and the core network.

[0311] In a possible embodiment, taking the first information as two bits (the first bit indicates deletion of the first network device, and the second bit indicates that the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer) as an example, when the bit value is 11, it may indicate deletion of the first network device, and the terminal device may configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer; when the bit value is 10, it may indicate deletion of the first network device, and the terminal device may not configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer; when the bit value is 01, it may indicate that the first network device is not deleted, and the terminal device may configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer; when the bit value is 00, it may indicate that the first network device is not deleted, and the terminal device may not configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer.

[0312] Optionally, the first information may be located in an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message), or may be transmitted separately without limitation.

[0313] Optionally, the second network device may also instruct the terminal device to configure relevant configuration information of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0314] The configuration information may be one or more of the following: first configuration information, second configuration information, or third configuration information.

[0315] 1) First configuration information

[0316] In which, the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity; or, the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity.

[0317] It is understandable that when the first configuration information instructs the terminal device to establish the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may exist, and the first functional unit and the second functional unit are two different entities.

[0318] The first functional unit (or the second functional unit) may be a packet data convergence layer protocol entity, or the first functional unit (or the second functional unit) may be an entity having a packet data convergence layer protocol function.

[0319] Alternatively, when the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may exist, and the first functional unit and the second functional unit are located in the same entity.

[0320] The first functional unit (or the second functional unit) may be a functional unit of a packet data convergence layer protocol functional entity, or the first functional unit (or the second functional unit) may be a set of configurations of a packet data convergence layer protocol entity.

[0321] It can be understood that the first functional unit can be used to process data of the first radio bearer corresponding to the second entity, and the second functional unit can be used to process data of the first radio bearer corresponding to the first entity.

[0322] It is understandable that the first configuration information can be transmitted separately or carried in the first information without limitation.

[0323] Specifically, the second network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first configuration information from the second network device.

[0324] Optionally, the first finger configuration information may also indicate identification information of the first radio bearer.

[0325] The identification information of the first radio bearer may refer to the description of the identification information of the first radio bearer in S1201 above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0326] 2) Second configuration information

[0327] Among them, the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish the first bearer in the second protocol stack; the first bearer is associated with the first functional unit; or, the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer and the second functional unit corresponding to the second network device; or, the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer and the second functional unit corresponding to the second network device, and at the same time instruct to configure the association between the second bearer and the first functional unit.

[0328] The second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0329] The first bearer (or the second bearer) may be a radio resource control entity (such as an RLC entity) of a terminal device, or an entity of a terminal device with a radio resource control function, without limitation.

[0330] The first bearer may be understood as a newly established entity of the terminal device, and the second bearer may be understood as an existing entity of the terminal device.

[0331] It can be understood that when the second configuration information instructs the terminal device to establish the first bearer corresponding to the second protocol stack, the first bearer can be associated with the first functional unit (the first bearer can be understood as the bottom layer of the first functional unit, that is, the first bearer can transmit the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first functional unit), and at this time the second bearer can be associated with the second functional unit (the second bearer can be understood as the bottom layer of the second functional unit, that is, the second bearer can transmit the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the second functional unit).

[0332] The second configuration information may be transmitted separately or carried in the first information without limitation.

[0333] Specifically, the second network device sends the second configuration information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second configuration information from the second network device.

[0334] 3) Third configuration information

[0335] Among them, the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first set of protocol stacks; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; or, the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure a fourth bearer corresponding to the first set of protocol stacks; the fourth bearer is associated with the second functional unit.

[0336] The second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0337] It can be understood that the fourth bearer is the bearer corresponding to the original first protocol stack of the terminal device, and the third bearer is the bearer corresponding to the newly created first protocol stack of the terminal device.

[0338] The third bearer or the fourth bearer may be a radio resource control entity (such as an RLC entity) of the terminal device, or an entity of the terminal device with a radio resource control function, without limitation.

[0339] The third bearer or the fourth bearer may be understood as the bottom layer of the second functional unit, that is, the third bearer or the fourth bearer may transmit data of the first radio bearer corresponding to the second functional unit.

[0340] It is understandable that by establishing a third bearer, the terminal device can avoid as much as possible the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmitting data of the first wireless bearer when the terminal device configures the second protocol stack, thereby improving communication performance.

[0341] The third configuration information may be transmitted separately or carried in the first information without limitation.

[0342] Specifically, the second network device sends the third configuration information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third configuration information from the second network device.

[0343] S1203: The terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack according to the first information.

[0344] It can be understood that the terminal device can configure a first set of protocol stacks and a second set of protocol stacks for the first wireless bearer, the first set of protocol stacks is used to transmit and process data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first entity, and the second set of protocol stacks is used to transmit and process data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the second entity.

[0345] For example, during downlink data transmission, the terminal device can receive downlink data from the bottom layers of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack (the downlink data corresponding to the bottom layer of the first protocol stack can be called first data, and the downlink data corresponding to the bottom layer of the first protocol stack can be called second data). Furthermore, the first functional unit can encrypt and secure the first data, and the second functional unit can encrypt and secure the second data.

[0346] Based on the communication method shown in Figure 12, on the one hand, when the first network device sends the first indication information to the second network device, the first network device can determine that the first entity needs to continue processing the data of the first wireless bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack, so that the first network device does not immediately release the resources associated with the first entity; or, when the second network device receives the first indication information from the first network device, the second network device can continue to send the first wireless bearer data to the first entity before the second protocol stack is completed. On the other hand, the terminal device can configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer according to the first information, that is, the terminal device can process and transmit the data of the first wireless bearer through the first protocol stack when configuring the second protocol stack, which can avoid the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of the data of the first wireless bearer as much as possible, thereby improving the performance of communication.

[0347] Based on S1201, optionally, the second network device may newly establish a sixth bearer to associate the sixth bearer with the second entity; or, the second network device may configure a fifth bearer (an existing bearer) to associate the fifth bearer with the second entity, without limitation.

[0348] The second network device may determine the bearer associated with the second entity according to the instruction information of the first network device, or may determine the bearer associated with the second entity by itself.

[0349] In a possible implementation, the second network device may determine the bearer associated with the second entity according to an instruction of the first network device.

[0350] Specifically, the first network device sends the third indication information to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the third indication information from the first network device.

[0351] The third indication information is used to indicate the release of the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device.

[0352] In one example, taking the third indication information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device releases the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device does not release the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device releases the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device does not release the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer.

[0353] In another example, when the first network device does not send the third indication information to the second network device, the second network device may assume that the first network device does not release the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer. For example, taking the third indication information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device releases the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer; or when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device releases the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer.

[0354] It can be understood that the third indication information may also indicate a radio bearer type, that is, the third indication information may indicate that the first entity of the first network device is associated with a bearer (such as an RLC entity) of the first network device.

[0355] Furthermore, the second network device can determine whether the first network device releases the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer based on the third indication information. When the first network device releases the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer, the second network device can configure the fifth bearer to associate the fifth bearer with the second entity; when the first network device does not release the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer, the second network device can establish the sixth bearer to associate the sixth bearer with the second entity.

[0356] In another possible implementation, the second network device may determine the bearer associated with the second entity.

[0357] Specifically, the second network device sends the third indication information to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the third indication information from the second network device.

[0358] The third indication information may refer to the above description of the third indication information, which will not be elaborated here.

[0359] It can be understood that when the second network device determines to configure the fifth bearer, the second network device can instruct the first network device to release the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer through the third indication information; when the second network device determines to establish the sixth bearer, the second network device can instruct the first network device not to release the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer through the third indication information.

[0360] Based on the above description of the third indication information, the second network device and the first network device can determine, based on the third indication information, that the first network device releases the association relationship between the first entity and the fifth bearer. Furthermore, the second network device does not need to re-establish the sixth bearer, thereby associating the second entity with the fifth bearer, aligning the first network device and the second network device, and improving resource utilization.

[0361] Based on the communication method shown in Figure 12, the second network device may determine whether to send the first indication information based on whether the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device and / or whether the terminal device supports the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer. The specific steps for the second network device to obtain the capability information of the first network device or the terminal device may be as shown in Figure 13 below:

[0362] S1301. A first network device sends first capability information to a second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first capability information from the first network device.

[0363] The first capability information is used to indicate that the first network device supports configuring a first protocol stack and a second protocol stack for a first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0364] It can be understood that the first capability information can indicate that the first network device supports configuring at least two protocol stacks for any wireless bearer of the terminal device, that is, for any wireless bearer of the terminal device, the first network device supports configuring at least two protocol stacks (the at least two protocol stacks can be understood as the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, or each of the at least two protocol stacks can be understood as any protocol stack).

[0365] In one example, taking the first capability information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device does not support configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device does not support configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0366] In another example, when the first network device does not send the first capability information, the second network device may assume that the first network device does not support configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device. For example, taking the first capability information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device; or when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0367] It is understandable that the first network device may actively send the first capability information to the second network device, or may send the first capability information after the second network device requests it.

[0368] S1301a. The second network device sends a first request message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first request message from the second network device.

[0369] The first request information is used to request the first network device to support the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0370] Based on S1301 and S1301a, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the second network device instructs the first network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, but the first network device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the second network device sending the first request information and then receiving the first capability information from the first network device, the second network device can directly receive the first capability information from the first network device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0371] S1302. The terminal device sends third capability information to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the third capability information from the terminal device.

[0372] The third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0373] It can be understood that the third capability information can indicate that the terminal device supports configuring at least two protocol stacks for any wireless bearer, that is, the terminal device can support configuring at least two protocol stacks for any bearer (the at least two protocol stacks can be understood as the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, or each of the at least two protocol stacks can be understood as any protocol stack).

[0374] In one example, taking the third capability information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device does not support configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device does not support configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0375] In another example, when the terminal device does not send the third capability information, the second network device may assume that the terminal device does not support the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer. For example, taking the third capability information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer; or when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0376] It is understandable that the terminal device may actively send the third capability information to the second network device, or may send the third capability information after the second network device requests it.

[0377] S1302a. The second network device sends third request information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third request information from the second network device.

[0378] The third request information is used to request the terminal device to support the capability of configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0379] Based on S1302 and S1302a, on the one hand, the situation in which the second network device instructs the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, but the terminal device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer can be avoided as much as possible, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the terminal device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the second network device sending the third request information and then receiving the third capability information from the terminal device, the second network device can directly receive the third capability information from the terminal device, which can reduce transmission overhead.

[0380] It is understandable that the order of the above S1301 and S1302 is not specific.

[0381] Based on the communication method shown in FIG. 13 , the second network device may determine to send the first indication information to the first network device according to the first capability information and / or the third capability information.

[0382] Based on the communication method shown in Figure 12, the first network device can determine whether to send the first indication information according to whether the second network device supports the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device (and / or whether the terminal device supports the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer). The specific steps for the first network device to obtain the capability information of the second network device or the terminal device can be shown in Figure 14 below:

[0383] S1401. The second network device sends second capability information to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second capability information from the second network device.

[0384] The second capability information is used to indicate that the second network device supports configuring a first protocol stack and a second protocol stack for a first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0385] It can be understood that the second capability information can indicate that the second network device supports configuring at least two protocol stacks for any wireless bearer of the terminal device, that is, for any wireless bearer of the terminal device, the second network device supports configuring at least two protocol stacks (the at least two protocol stacks can be understood as the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack, or each of the at least two protocol stacks can be understood as any protocol stack).

[0386] In one example, taking the second capability information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the second network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the second network device does not support configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the second network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the second network device does not support configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0387] In another example, when the second network device does not send the third capability information, the first network device may assume that the second network device does not support configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device. For example, taking the second capability information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the second network device supports configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the second network device supports configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0388] It is understandable that the second network device may actively send the second capability information to the first network device, or may send the second capability information after the first network device requests it.

[0389] S1401a. The first network device sends a second request message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the second request message from the first network device.

[0390] The second request information is used to request the second network device to support the ability to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0391] Based on S1401 and S1401a, on the one hand, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device instructs the second network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, but the second network device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the first network device and the second network device; on the other hand, compared with the first network device sending the second request information and then receiving the second capability information from the second network device, the first network device can directly receive the second capability information from the second network device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0392] S1402: The second network device sends third capability information to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the third capability information from the second network device.

[0393] The third capability information may refer to the description of the third capability information in S1302 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0394] The method for the second network device to obtain the information about the third capability may refer to the above S1302a and S1302, which will not be described in detail here.

[0395] It is understandable that the first network device can receive the third capability information from the second network device, which provides another feasible solution for the first network device to obtain the third capability information.

[0396] It is understandable that the order of S1401 and S1402 is not important.

[0397] Different from S1402, the second network device may also directly obtain the third capability information from the terminal device:

[0398] S1403. The terminal device sends third capability information to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the third capability information from the terminal device.

[0399] It is understandable that the terminal device may actively send the third capability information to the first network device, or may send the third capability information after the first network device requests it.

[0400] S1403a. The first network device sends a third request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third request message from the first network device.

[0401] It is understandable that the order of S1401 and S1403 is not important.

[0402] Based on S1402, S1403, and S1403a, on the one hand, the situation in which the first network device instructs the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, but the terminal device is unable to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer can be avoided as much as possible, thereby reducing resource waste and improving the efficiency of information interaction between the terminal device and the first network device; on the other hand, compared with the first network device sending the third request information and then receiving the third capability information from the terminal device, the first network device can directly receive the third capability information from the terminal device, thereby reducing transmission overhead.

[0403] Based on the communication method shown in FIG. 14 , the first network device may determine to send the first indication information to the second network device according to the second capability information and / or the third capability information.

[0404] Based on the description of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer on the terminal device in the communication method shown in Figures 12 to 14 above, the present application proposes three possible implementations.

[0405] Among them, before the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the protocol stack of the second network device may include a second RLC entity (that is, the fifth bearer), a second MAC entity, and a second PHY layer entity, and the protocol stack of the first network device may include a first SDAP entity, a first PDCP entity (that is, the first entity), a first RLC entity, a first MAC entity, and a first PHY layer entity, and the first PDCP entity is associated with the second RLC entity.

[0406] In a first possible implementation, the second network device may instruct the terminal device to establish the first functional unit and the first bearer, and the first functional unit and the first bearer are associated. This application proposes two possible embodiments:

[0407] In a possible embodiment, before the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the first protocol stack of the terminal device can be as shown in (a) of Figure 15 below, and the data of the first wireless bearer can pass through the second RLC entity and the first RLC entity to reach the first PDCP entity, and then can be sent to the core network through the first PDCP entity; when the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the protocol stack of the first network device, the protocol stack of the second network device, and the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device can be as shown in (b) of Figure 15 below.

[0408] Among them, the first protocol stack of the terminal device is the protocol stack outside the dotted box in the terminal device, and the second protocol stack of the terminal device is the protocol stack within the dotted box in the terminal device. The second protocol stack may include a fourth PDCP entity (i.e., the first functional unit) and a sixth RLC entity (i.e., the first bearer), and the fourth PDCP entity is associated with the sixth RLC entity.

[0409] The second network device establishes a second PDCP entity and simultaneously establishes a fifth RLC entity (ie, the sixth bearer), and the second PDCP entity is associated with the fifth RLC entity; in addition, the second RLC entity is still associated with the first PDCP entity.

[0410] The protocol stack configuration of the first network device remains unchanged, and the first PDCP entity is still associated with the first RLC entity and the second RLC entity.

[0411] It is understandable that when the terminal device is configured with the second protocol stack, the data of the first radio bearer can continue to pass through the second RLC entity and the first RLC entity to reach the first PDCP entity.

[0412] In another possible embodiment, before the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the first protocol stack of the terminal device can be as shown in (a) of Figure 16 below, and the data of the first wireless bearer only passes through the second RLC entity to reach the first PDCP entity, and can then be sent to the core network through the first PDCP entity; when the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the protocol stack of the first network device, the protocol stack of the second network device, and the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device can be as shown in (b) of Figure 16 below.

[0413] Among them, the first protocol stack of the terminal device is the protocol stack outside the dotted box in the terminal device, and the second protocol stack of the terminal device is the protocol stack within the dotted box in the terminal device. The second protocol stack may include a fourth PDCP entity (i.e., the first functional unit) and a sixth RLC entity (i.e., the first bearer), and the fourth PDCP entity is associated with the sixth RLC entity.

[0414] The second network device establishes a second PDCP entity and simultaneously establishes a fifth RLC entity (ie, the sixth bearer), and the second PDCP entity is associated with the fifth RLC entity; in addition, the second RLC entity is still associated with the first PDCP entity.

[0415] The protocol stack configuration of the first network device remains unchanged, and the first PDCP entity is still associated with the second RLC entity.

[0416] It is understandable that when the terminal device is configured with the second protocol stack, the data of the first radio bearer can continue to pass through the second RLC entity and reach the first PDCP entity.

[0417] In a second possible implementation, the second network device may instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit and the second bearer, and the first functional unit and the second bearer are associated.

[0418] In a possible embodiment, before the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the first protocol stack of the terminal device can be as shown in (a) of Figure 17 below, and the data of the first wireless bearer can pass through the second RLC entity and the first RLC entity to reach the first PDCP entity, and then can be sent to the core network through the first PDCP entity; when the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the protocol stack of the first network device, the protocol stack of the second network device, and the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device can be as shown in (b) of Figure 17 below.

[0419] Among them, the first protocol stack of the terminal device may include the second functional unit and the fourth RLC entity in the third PDCP entity, and the second protocol stack of the terminal device may include the first functional unit and the third RLC entity (ie, the second bearer) in the third PDCP entity.

[0420] The second network device establishes a second PDCP entity and configures a second RLC entity (ie, the fifth bearer) at the same time. At this time, the second RLC entity releases the association with the first PDCP entity and then associates with the second PDCP entity.

[0421] The first network device releases the association between the first PDCP entity and the second RLC entity, and the first PDCP entity is associated with the first RLC entity.

[0422] It is understandable that when the terminal device is configured with the second protocol stack, the data of the first radio bearer can continue to pass through the first RLC entity and reach the first PDCP entity.

[0423] In a third possible implementation, the second network device may instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit and the second bearer, and establish a third bearer, wherein the second bearer is associated with the first functional unit, and the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit.

[0424] In a possible embodiment, before the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the first protocol stack of the terminal device can be as shown in (a) of Figure 18 below, and the data of the first wireless bearer only passes through the second RLC entity to reach the first PDCP entity, and can then be sent to the core network through the first PDCP entity; when the terminal device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the protocol stack of the first network device, the protocol stack of the second network device, and the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device can be as shown in (b) of Figure 18 below.

[0425] Among them, the first protocol stack of the terminal device may include the second functional unit and the fourth RLC entity in the third PDCP entity (that is, the third bearer), and the second protocol stack of the terminal device may include the first functional unit and the third RLC entity in the third PDCP entity (that is, the second bearer).

[0426] The second network device establishes a second PDCP entity and configures a second RLC entity (ie, the fifth bearer) at the same time. At this time, the second RLC entity releases the association with the first PDCP entity and then associates with the second PDCP entity.

[0427] The first network device releases the association between the first PDCP entity and the second RLC entity, and configures the first RLC entity so that the first PDCP entity is associated with the first RLC entity.

[0428] It is understandable that when the terminal device is configured with the second protocol stack, the data of the first radio bearer can pass through the first RLC entity and reach the first PDCP entity.

[0429] Based on the communication method shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 18 , optionally, the first indication information may be located in the secondary station deletion request message, or the first indication information may be located in the secondary station deletion response message.

[0430] Among them, the first network device can send an auxiliary station deletion request message to the second network device, and further, the second network device can send an auxiliary station deletion response message to the first network device), or the second network device can send an auxiliary station deletion request message to the first network device, and further, the first network device can send an auxiliary station deletion response message to the second network device.

[0431] The communication methods shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 18 can be applied to the process of deleting a secondary station. For example, the first network device can be a secondary station, and the second network device can be a primary station. This application proposes two possible designs:

[0432] In a first possible design, the second network device may send a secondary station deletion request to the first network device. The specific steps for deleting the secondary station may be shown in FIG19 below:

[0433] S1901. The second network device sends a secondary station deletion request message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the secondary station deletion request message from the second network device.

[0434] S1902. The first network device sends a secondary station deletion response message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the secondary station deletion response message from the first network device.

[0435] Based on S1901 and S1902, the first indication information may be located in the secondary station deletion request message or the secondary station deletion response message.

[0436] Among them, when the first indication information is located in the auxiliary station deletion request message, the second network device can instruct the first network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device when deleting the first network device; in addition, the auxiliary station deletion response message may include the second indication information, and the second network device can further determine whether the first network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack based on the second indication information.

[0437] Specifically, the first indication information and the second indication information may refer to the description of the first indication information and the second indication information in S1201, which will not be described in detail here.

[0438] It is understandable that, before S1901, the second network device may obtain the first capability information of the first network device and / or the third capability information of the terminal device.

[0439] Among them, the second network device can obtain the first capability information / or the third capability information by referring to the content shown in Figure 13 above, which is not repeated here.

[0440] Among them, when the first indication information is located in the auxiliary station deletion response message, the first network device can instruct the second network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device when deleting the first network device; in addition, the second network device can also send a second indication information to the first network device (the second indication information can be sent after S1902), and the first network device can further determine whether the second network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack based on the second indication information.

[0441] Specifically, the second indication information may refer to the description of the second indication information in S1201, which will not be described in detail here.

[0442] It is understandable that the first network device may obtain the second capability information of the second network device and / or the third capability information of the terminal device before 1902 .

[0443] Specifically, the first network device may obtain the second capability information and / or the third capability information by referring to the content shown in FIG. 14 , which will not be elaborated here.

[0444] To facilitate subsequent understanding, in the communication method shown in FIG19 , the first indication information is uniformly located in the secondary station deletion request message.

[0445] Optionally, the second network device can send Xn-U tunnel address information to the first network device. Accordingly, the first network device can receive the Xn-U tunnel address information from the second network device and forward data through the Xn-U tunnel corresponding to the Xn-U tunnel address information (e.g., the first network device can send data from the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to the second network device, or the first network device can send data from the AMF network element to the second network device).

[0446] S1903. The second network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device; accordingly, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the second network device.

[0447] The RRC reconfiguration message includes first information. The first information can refer to the description of the first information in S1202 and will not be repeated here.

[0448] Optionally, the RRC reconfiguration message may include one or more of the following: first configuration information, second configuration information, or third configuration information; or, the first information may include one or more of the following: first configuration information, second configuration information, or third configuration information, without limitation.

[0449] It is understandable that the terminal device can configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer according to the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0450] Among them, before completing the second set of protocol stacks for the first wireless bearer, the terminal device can submit the uplink data of the first wireless bearer to the second functional unit (or, the terminal device can process the uplink data of the first wireless bearer through the second functional unit); after completing the second set of protocol stacks for the first wireless bearer, the terminal device can submit the downlink data of the first wireless bearer to the first functional unit (or, the terminal device can process the downlink data of the first wireless bearer through the first functional unit).

[0451] S1904. The terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the RRC reconfiguration completion message from the terminal device.

[0452] The RRC reconfiguration complete message is used to respond to the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0453] S1905. The second network device sends fourth indication information to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the fourth indication information from the second network device.

[0454] The fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0455] In one example, taking the fourth indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device has not completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device has not completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0456] In another example, when the terminal device does not send the fourth indication information, the second network device may assume that the terminal device has not completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer. For example, taking the fourth indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer; or when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device has completed the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0457] Optionally, the fourth indication information can be transmitted separately or carried in the RRC reconfiguration completion message without limitation.

[0458] Based on the contents shown in S1901-S1905 above, optionally, for the first network device to send uplink data to the AMF network element, the first network device may send uplink data to the AMF network element after S1902, and stop sending uplink data to the AMF network element after receiving the fourth indication information; or, the first network device may also stop sending uplink data to the AMF network element after S1902, and send a status transfer message to the second network device and perform data forwarding.

[0459] Furthermore, the second network device can deduplicate and reorder the state transfer message and forwarding data, and deliver them to the UPF network element through the AMF network element.

[0460] Based on the contents shown in S1901-S1905 above, optionally, for the terminal device to send data of the first wireless bearer to the first network device, the first network device may continue uplink scheduling after S1902 (the terminal device may still have cached data packets), that is, receive the first wireless bearer from the terminal device and end the uplink scheduling after S1905; or, the first network device may end the uplink scheduling when it receives the seventh indication information from the terminal device.

[0461] Among them, the seventh indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to terminate the transmission with the first network device.

[0462] In one example, taking the seventh indication information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device terminates transmission with the first network device; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device does not terminate transmission with the first network device. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device terminates transmission with the first network device; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device does not terminate transmission with the first network device.

[0463] In another example, when the terminal device does not send the seventh indication information to the first network device, the first network device may assume that the terminal device has not terminated the transmission with the first network device. For example, taking the seventh indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the terminal device has terminated the transmission with the first network device; or, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the terminal device has terminated the transmission with the first network device.

[0464] Based on the contents shown in S1901-S1905 above, optionally, for the first network device to send data of the first radio bearer to the terminal device, the first network device may end the downlink scheduling after S1902; or, the first network device may end the downlink scheduling after S1905.

[0465] S1906: The first network device triggers a path update process.

[0466] Alternatively, the second network device triggers a path update process.

[0467] It can be understood that the UPF network element can release the downlink (or uplink) NG-U tunnel with the first network device in the path update process, and at the same time enable the downlink (or uplink) NG-U tunnel with the second network device to realize data transmission between the second network device and the UPF.

[0468] It can be understood that before the UPF network element releases the downlink (or uplink) UG-N tunnel with the first network device, the UPF network element can send end identification information to the first network device through the AMF network element to instruct the UPF network element to end the transmission with the first network device.

[0469] It can be understood that if the terminal device fails to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer, the downlink (or uplink) NG-U tunnel between the UPF network element and the first network device is restored.

[0470] S1907. The second network device sends fifth indication information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth indication information from the second network device.

[0471] The fifth indication information is used to instruct to release the first protocol stack.

[0472] Furthermore, the terminal device may release the first protocol stack according to the fifth indication information.

[0473] Alternatively, the fifth indication information is used to instruct to release the connection with the first network device.

[0474] Furthermore, the terminal device may release the connection with the first network device according to the fifth indication information.

[0475] In one example, taking the fifth indication information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, the terminal device may release the first protocol stack; when the bit value is 0, the terminal device may not release the first protocol stack. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, the terminal device may release the first protocol stack; when the bit value is 1, the terminal device may not release the first protocol stack.

[0476] In another example, when the second network device does not send the fifth indication information, the terminal device can determine not to release the first set of protocol stacks. For example, taking the fifth indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, the terminal device can release the first set of protocol stacks; or, when the bit value is 0, the terminal device can release the first set of protocol stacks.

[0477] This application proposes two possible implementations based on the terminal device releasing the first protocol stack:

[0478] In a first possible embodiment, when the terminal device establishes the first functional unit and the first bearer (that is, the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device can be as shown in (b) in Figure 15 and (c) in Figure 16), the terminal device can release the first protocol stack, that is, the second protocol stack of the terminal device can be as shown in (c) in Figure 15 and (c) in Figure 16.

[0479] In a second possible embodiment, when the terminal device newly configures the second functional unit and the second bearer (that is, the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device can be as shown in (b) in Figure 17 and (c) in Figure 18), the terminal device can release the connection with the first network device, then the second protocol stack of the terminal device can be as shown in (c) in Figure 17 and (c) in Figure 18.

[0480] Optionally, the first network device may send sixth indication information to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device may receive the sixth indication information from the first network device.

[0481] The sixth indication information is used to instruct the first network device to terminate data transmission with the terminal device.

[0482] In one example, taking the sixth indication information as one bit, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device terminates data transmission with the terminal device; when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device does not terminate data transmission with the terminal device. Alternatively, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device terminates data transmission with the terminal device; when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device does not terminate data transmission with the terminal device.

[0483] In another example, when the first network device does not send the sixth indication information to the second network device, the second network device may assume that the first network device has not terminated data transmission with the terminal device. For example, taking the sixth indication information as one bit as an example, when the bit value is 1, it may indicate that the first network device terminates data transmission with the terminal device; or, when the bit value is 0, it may indicate that the first network device terminates data transmission with the terminal device.

[0484] It can be understood that the sixth indication information may also indicate the type of data transmission termination by the first network device.

[0485] Exemplarily, taking the sixth indication information as two bits as an example, when the bit value is 00, it may indicate that the first network device terminates the transmission of downlink data with the terminal device; when the bit value is 01, it may indicate that the first network device terminates the uplink scheduling (that is, the terminal device does not send uplink data to the first network device); when the bit value is 10, it may indicate that the first network device terminates the transmission of the first wireless bearer data with the terminal device (that is, the first network device only terminates the transmission of data associated with the first wireless bearer, but can transmit other wireless bearer data with the terminal device).

[0486] It can be understood that, after receiving the sixth indication information from the first network device, the second network device may send the fifth indication information to the first network device.

[0487] It can be understood that the second network device can send the fifth indication information to the terminal device after determining that the first network device terminates the transmission with the terminal device, so as to avoid as much as possible the situation where the first network device does not terminate the transmission with the terminal device, but the terminal device releases the connection with the first network device, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0488] Alternatively, the second network device may send fifth indication information to the first network device after receiving the state transfer message from the first network device.

[0489] The state transfer message may refer to the description of the state transfer message in FIG. 4 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0490] Based on the communication method shown in Figure 19 above, the second network device can instruct the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer in the process of deleting the auxiliary station. The terminal device can process and transmit the data of the first wireless bearer through the first protocol stack when configuring the second protocol stack, which can avoid the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of data of the first wireless bearer as much as possible, thereby improving the communication performance; further, the second network device can instruct the terminal device to release the first protocol stack in the auxiliary station deletion process, providing a feasible solution for configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0491] In a second possible design, the first network device may send a secondary station deletion request to the second network device. The specific steps of deleting the secondary station may be shown in FIG20 below:

[0492] S2001. A first network device sends a secondary station deletion request message to a second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the secondary station deletion request message from the first network device.

[0493] Exemplarily, the secondary station deletion request message may include identification information of the first network device, identification information of the second network device, identification information of the terminal device, indication information of the protocol data unit (PDU) session resources that the first network device needs to release, reason information for the first network device to release the resources, RRC configuration message of the first network device, etc.

[0494] S2002. The second network device sends a secondary station deletion response message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the secondary station deletion response message from the second network device.

[0495] Based on S2001 and S2002, the first indication information may be located in the secondary station deletion request message or the secondary station deletion response message.

[0496] Among them, when the first indication information is located in the auxiliary station deletion request message, the first network device can instruct the second network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device when deleting the first network device; in addition, the auxiliary station deletion response message may include the second indication information, and the first network device can further determine whether the second network device configures the first wireless bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack based on the second indication information.

[0497] Specifically, the first indication information and the second indication information may refer to the description of the first indication information and the second indication information in S1201, which will not be described in detail here.

[0498] It is understandable that, before S2001, the first network device may obtain the second capability information of the second network device and / or the third capability information of the terminal device.

[0499] Among them, the first network device can specifically refer to the content shown in Figure 15 above for obtaining the second capability information and / or the third capability information, which will not be described here in detail.

[0500] Among them, when the first indication information is located in the secondary station deletion response message, the second network device can instruct the first network device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device when deleting the first network device; in addition, the first network device can also send a second indication information to the second network device (the second indication information can be sent after S2002), and the second network device can further determine whether the first network device configures the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer of the terminal device based on the second indication information.

[0501] Specifically, the second indication information may refer to the description of the second indication information in S1201, which will not be described in detail here.

[0502] It is understandable that, before S2002 , the second network device may obtain the first capability information of the first network device and the third capability information of the terminal device.

[0503] The second network device may obtain the first capability information / or the third capability information by referring to the contents shown in FIG14 , which will not be described in detail here. To facilitate subsequent understanding, in the method shown in FIG20 , the first indication information is uniformly located in the secondary station deletion response message.

[0504] S2003. The second network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device; accordingly, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the second network device.

[0505] Among them, S2003 is similar to the above-mentioned S1903 and will not be described in detail here.

[0506] S2004. The terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the RRC reconfiguration completion message from the terminal device.

[0507] Among them, S2004 is similar to the above-mentioned S1904 and will not be described in detail here.

[0508] S2005. The second network device sends fourth indication information to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the fourth indication information from the second network device.

[0509] Among them, S2005 is similar to the above-mentioned S1905 and will not be described in detail here.

[0510] S2006: The first network device triggers a path update process.

[0511] Alternatively, the second network device triggers a path update process.

[0512] Among them, S2006 is similar to the above-mentioned S1906 and will not be described in detail here.

[0513] S2007. The second network device sends fifth indication information to the terminal device; and the terminal device correspondingly receives the fifth indication information from the second network device.

[0514] Among them, S2007 is similar to the above-mentioned S1907 and will not be described in detail here.

[0515] Based on the communication method shown in Figure 20 above, the first network device can instruct the terminal device to configure the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first wireless bearer in the process of deleting the auxiliary station. The terminal device can process and transmit the data of the first wireless bearer through the first protocol stack when configuring the second protocol stack, which can avoid the situation where the terminal device suspends processing and transmission of data of the first wireless bearer as much as possible, thereby improving the communication performance; further, the second network device can instruct the terminal device to release the first protocol stack in the auxiliary station deletion process, providing a feasible solution for configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first wireless bearer of the terminal device.

[0516] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions of the different embodiments provided in this application are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0517] It is understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the execution subject may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application may also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the various steps may be performed in a different order than those presented in the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible that not all operations in the embodiments of the present application need to be performed.

[0518] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by this application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. Accordingly, this application also provides a communication device, which is used to implement the various methods described above. The communication device can be the second network device in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above second network device, or a component that can be used for the second network device; or the communication device can be the terminal device in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above terminal device, or a component that can be used for the terminal device; or the communication device can be the first network device in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above first network device, or a component that can be used for the first network device.

[0519] It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware 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 to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0520] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0521] In one implementation scenario, taking the communication device as the second network device in the above method embodiment as an example, FIG21 shows a schematic structural diagram of a second network device 210. The second network device 210 includes a processing module 2101 and a transceiver module 2102.

[0522] In some embodiments, the second network device 210 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 21 ) for storing program instructions and data.

[0523] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2102, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement a transmitting and / or receiving function. The transceiver module 2102 may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0524] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2102 may include a receiving module and a sending module, which are respectively used to execute the receiving and sending steps performed by the second network device in the above method embodiment, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 2101 may be used to execute the processing steps (such as determination, generation, etc.) performed by the second network device in the above method embodiment, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0525] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 2102 sends a first indication message to the first network device; or receives a first indication message from the first network device; wherein the first indication message is used to indicate that the first wireless bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first wireless bearer; the transceiver module 2102 is also used to send a first message to the terminal device; wherein the first information is used to indicate the deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first wireless bearer corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

[0526] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is also used to send first configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity; or, the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity.

[0527] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further used to send second configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first bearer in the second protocol stack; the first bearer is associated with the first functional unit; or, the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association relationship between the second bearer and the second functional unit corresponding to the second network device, and the second configuration information is further used to indicate the configuration of the association between the second bearer and the first functional unit; the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0528] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is also used to send third configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first set of protocol stacks; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; or, the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure a fourth bearer corresponding to the first set of protocol stacks; the fourth bearer is associated with the second functional unit; and the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0529] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to receive third configuration information from the first network device.

[0530] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further used to receive first capability information from the first network device; wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0531] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further used to send second capability information to the first network device; wherein the second capability information is used to indicate that the second network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0532] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to receive third capability information from the terminal device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0533] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to send third capability information to the first network device.

[0534] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to send second indication information to the first network device. Alternatively, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to receive second indication information from the first network device; the second indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to associate the first radio bearer with the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

[0535] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to send third indication information to the first network device; or the transceiver module 2102 is configured to receive third indication information from the first network device; wherein the third indication information is configured to indicate the release of the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device. The processing module 2101 is configured to determine, based on the third indication information, that the first network device releases the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device.

[0536] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to send fourth indication information to the first network device; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

[0537] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to send fifth indication information to the terminal device; wherein the fifth indication information is configured to indicate the release of the first protocol stack; or, the fifth indication information is configured to indicate the release of the connection with the first network device.

[0538] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to receive sixth indication information from the first network device; wherein the sixth indication information is configured to instruct the first network device to terminate transmission with the terminal device.

[0539] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 2102 is further configured to send fifth indication information to the terminal device according to the sixth indication information.

[0540] In one possible implementation, the first entity is a packet data convergence layer protocol entity, and the second entity is a packet data convergence layer protocol entity; or, the first entity is a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol, and the second entity is a functional unit of the packet data convergence layer protocol.

[0541] In the present application, the second network device 210 is presented in the form of functional modules divided in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to a specific application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0542] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the second network device 210 may take the form of the communication device 110 shown in FIG. 11 .

[0543] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing module 2101 in FIG21 can be implemented by the processor 1101 in the communication device 110 shown in FIG11 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1103. The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 2102 in FIG21 can be implemented by the communication interface 1104 in the communication device 110 shown in FIG11.

[0544] In some embodiments, when the second network device 210 in Figure 21 is a chip or a chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2102 can be implemented through the input and output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 2101 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0545] Since the second network device 210 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0546] In another implementation scenario, taking the communication device as the terminal device in the above method embodiment as an example, FIG22 shows a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device 220. The terminal device 220 includes a processing module 2201 and a transceiver module 2202.

[0547] In some embodiments, the terminal device 220 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 22 ) for storing program instructions and data.

[0548] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2202, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement a transmitting and / or receiving function. The transceiver module 2202 may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0549] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2202 may include a receiving module and a sending module, which are respectively used to execute the receiving and sending steps performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 2201 may be used to execute the processing steps (such as determination, generation, etc.) performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0550] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 2202 is used to receive first information from the second network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate the deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first wireless bearer corresponds to the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device; the processing module 2201 is used to configure the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks of the first wireless bearer according to the first information.

[0551] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to receive first configuration information from a second network device; wherein the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to a second entity of the second network device; the second entity is used to process data of the first radio bearer; and the processing module 2201 is further configured to establish the first functional unit based on the first configuration information. Alternatively, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to receive first configuration information from a second network device; wherein the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the second entity is used to process data of the first radio bearer; and the processing module 2201 is further configured to configure the first functional unit based on the first configuration information.

[0552] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to receive second configuration information from a second network device; the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first bearer in the second protocol stack; the first bearer is associated with the first functional unit; and the processing module 2201 is further configured to establish the first bearer based on the second configuration information. Alternatively, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to receive second configuration information from a second network device; the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer and the second functional unit corresponding to the second network device, and the second configuration information is further configured to indicate configuration of an association between the second bearer and the first functional unit; the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity; and the processing module 2201 is further configured to configure the second bearer based on the second configuration information.

[0553] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to receive third configuration information from the second network device; the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity; and the processing module 2201 is further configured to establish the third bearer based on the third configuration information. Alternatively, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to receive third configuration information from the second network device; the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure a fourth bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the fourth bearer is associated with the second functional unit; and the processing module 2201 is further configured to configure the third bearer based on the third configuration information.

[0554] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to send third capability information to the second network device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0555] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to send third capability information to the first network device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0556] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2202 is further used to receive a fifth indication message from the second network device; wherein the fifth indication message is used to indicate the release of the first set of protocol stacks; or, the fifth indication message is used to indicate the release of the connection with the first network device; the processing module 2201 is further used to release the first set of protocol stacks, or, to release the connection with the first network device, according to the fifth indication message.

[0557] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 2202 is further configured to send seventh indication information to the first network device; wherein the seventh indication information is configured to instruct the terminal device to terminate transmission with the first network device.

[0558] In this application, the terminal device 220 is presented in the form of various functional modules divided in an integrated manner. The "module" here can refer to a specific application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0559] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the terminal device 220 may take the form of the communication device 110 shown in FIG. 11 .

[0560] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing module 2201 in FIG22 can be implemented by the processor 1101 in the communication device 110 shown in FIG11 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1103. The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 2202 in FIG22 can be implemented by the communication interface 1104 in the communication device 110 shown in FIG11.

[0561] In some embodiments, when the terminal device 220 in Figure 22 is a chip or a chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2202 can be implemented through the input and output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 2201 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0562] Since the terminal device 220 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0563] In another implementation scenario, taking the communication device as the first network device in the above method embodiment as an example, FIG23 shows a schematic structural diagram of a first network device 230. The first network device 230 includes a processing module 2301 and a transceiver module 2302.

[0564] In some embodiments, the first network device 230 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 23 ) for storing program instructions and data.

[0565] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2302, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement a transmitting and / or receiving function. The transceiver module 2302 may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0566] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2302 may include a receiving module and a sending module, which are respectively used to execute the receiving and sending steps performed by the first network device in the above method embodiment, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 2301 may be used to execute the processing steps (such as determination, generation, etc.) performed by the first network device in the above method embodiment, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0567] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 2302 is used to receive first indication information from the second network device; or, to send first indication information to the second network device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the first wireless bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks; the first set of protocol stacks corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second set of protocol stacks corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first wireless bearer.

[0568] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2302 is also used to send third configuration information to the second network device; wherein the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first set of protocol stacks; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; and the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

[0569] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2302 is further used to send first capability information to the second network device; wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the first network device supports configuring the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for the first radio bearer of the terminal device.

[0570] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2302 is further configured to receive third capability information from the second network device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

[0571] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2302 is further configured to receive second indication information from the second network device. Alternatively, the transceiver module 2302 is further configured to send second indication information to the second network device; wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the configuration of the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack with the second protocol stack.

[0572] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2302 is further configured to receive third indication information from the second network device; and the processing module 2301 is configured to release the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device based on the third indication information. Alternatively, the processing module 2301 may send the third indication information to the second network device; wherein the third indication information is used to instruct the release of the association between the first entity and the fifth bearer in the second network device.

[0573] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2302 is further used to receive a fourth indication message from the second network device; wherein the fourth indication message is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the configuration of the first wireless bearer associating the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the processing module 2301 is further used to send an indication message of ending downlink scheduling to the core network device according to the fourth indication message.

[0574] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 2302 is further used to receive a seventh indication message from the terminal device; wherein the seventh indication message is used to instruct the terminal device to terminate transmission with the first network device; and the processing module 2301 is further used to end uplink scheduling according to the seventh indication message.

[0575] In the present application, the first network device 230 is presented in the form of functional modules divided in an integrated manner. Here, "module" can refer to a specific application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0576] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the first network device 230 may take the form of the communication apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 11 .

[0577] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing module 2301 in FIG23 can be implemented by the processor 1101 in the communication device 110 shown in FIG11 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1103. The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 2302 in FIG23 can be implemented by the communication interface 1104 in the communication device 110 shown in FIG11.

[0578] In some embodiments, when the first network device 230 in Figure 23 is a chip or a chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2302 can be implemented through the input and output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 2301 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0579] Since the first network device 230 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0580] As a possible product form, the second network device, terminal device, and first network device described in the embodiments of the present application can also be implemented using the following: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0581] As another possible product form, the second network device, terminal device, and first network device described in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to Figure 24, which is a structural diagram of a communication device 240 provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the communication device 240 includes a processor 2401 and a transceiver 2402. The communication device 240 can be a second network device, or a chip or module therein; or, the communication device 240 can be a terminal device, or a chip or module therein; or, the communication device 240 can be a first network device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 24 only shows the main components of the communication device 240. In addition to the processor 2401 and the transceiver 2402, the communication device can further include a memory 2403. Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor.

[0582] Optionally, processor 2401 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. Memory 2403 is primarily used to store software programs and data. Transceiver 2402 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0583] Optionally, the processor 2401, the transceiver 2402, and the memory 2403 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0584] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 2401 can read the software program in the memory 2403, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 2401 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 2401. The processor 2401 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0585] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely arranged independent of the communication device.

[0586] In some embodiments, the present application also provides a communication device including a processor configured to implement the method in any of the above method embodiments. The communication device may be the second network device, the terminal device, or the first network device in the above method embodiments.

[0587] As a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, and the processor may invoke the instructions in the computer program stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute any of the above-described method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be located in the communication device.

[0588] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, and the interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions (computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, may be read directly from the memory, or may pass through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0589] As another possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, where the communication interface is used to communicate with a module outside the communication device.

[0590] It can be understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0591] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0592] The present application also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0593] It is understood that the systems, devices, and methods described in this application may also be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. 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. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interface, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0594] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the objectives of this embodiment as needed.

[0595] 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.

[0596] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes (or functions) described in the embodiments of the present application are implemented. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can 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 can 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 can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more media that can be integrated. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state drive (SSD)). In the embodiment of the present application, the computer may include the aforementioned device.

[0597] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, in the process of implementing the claimed application, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes to the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple situations. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Certain measures are recorded in different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending first indication information to the first network device; Alternatively, first indication information is received from a first network device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that a first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to a first protocol stack and a second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to a first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to a second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first radio bearer; Sending first information to the terminal device; wherein the first information is used to indicate deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first wireless bearer corresponds to the first set of protocol stacks and the second set of protocol stacks; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending first configuration information to the terminal device; The first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity; or The first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure a first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, where the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending second configuration information to the terminal device; The second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a first bearer corresponding to the second protocol stack; the first bearer is associated with the first functional unit; or The second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer and the second functional unit, the second bearer corresponds to the second network device, and the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association between the second bearer and the second functional unit. The second configuration information is further used to indicate configuration of associating the second bearer with the first functional unit, and the second bearer corresponds to the second network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending third configuration information to the terminal device; wherein the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish a third bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; or, the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure a fourth bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the fourth bearer is associated with the second functional unit; The second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive third capability information from the terminal device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending second indication information to the first network device; or receiving second indication information from the first network device; The second indication information is used to indicate the configuration of the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send fourth indication information to the first network device; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send fifth indication information to the terminal device; wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate the release of the first protocol stack; or, the fifth indication information is used to indicate the release of the connection with the first network device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive sixth indication information from the first network device; wherein the sixth indication information is used to instruct the first network device to terminate data transmission with the terminal device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that According to the sixth indication information, the fifth indication information is sent to the terminal device.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receiving first information from a second network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate deletion of the first network device, and the first information is further used to indicate that the first radio bearer corresponds to a first protocol stack and a second protocol stack; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device; The first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer are configured according to the first information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive first configuration information from the second network device; establish a first functional unit according to the first configuration information; wherein the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the second entity is used to process data of the first radio bearer; or, Receive first configuration information from the second network device, and configure a first functional unit according to the first configuration information; wherein the first configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure the first functional unit corresponding to the second protocol stack, and the first functional unit corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the second entity is used to process data of the first wireless bearer.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving second configuration information from the second network device; establishing a first bearer according to the second configuration information; wherein the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish the first bearer corresponding to the second protocol stack; the first bearer is associated with the first functional unit; or, Receive second configuration information from the second network device, and configure a second bearer according to the second configuration information; wherein the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the association relationship between the second bearer and the second functional unit corresponding to the second network device, and the second configuration information is also used to indicate the configuration of the second bearer and the first functional unit; the second functional unit corresponds to the first entity, and the first entity is used to process data of the first wireless bearer.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving third configuration information from the second network device; establishing a third bearer according to the third configuration information; wherein the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish the third bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the third bearer is associated with the second functional unit; or, receiving third configuration information from the second network device; configuring a third bearer according to the third configuration information; wherein the third configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to configure a fourth bearer corresponding to the first protocol stack; the fourth bearer is associated with the second functional unit; The second functional unit corresponds to the first entity.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send third capability information to the second network device; wherein the third capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack for configuring the first radio bearer.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving fifth indication information from the second network device; wherein the fifth indication information is used to instruct the release of the first protocol stack; or the fifth indication information is used to instruct the release of the connection with the first network device; According to the fifth indication information, the first protocol stack is released, or the connection with the first network device is released.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send seventh indication information to the first network device; wherein the seventh indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to terminate transmission with the first network device.

19. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving first indication information from a second network device; Alternatively, sending the first indication information to the second network device; Among them, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first wireless bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to the first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to the second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first wireless bearer.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The method further comprises, receiving second indication information from the second network device; or sending second indication information to the second network device; The second indication information is used to indicate the configuration of the first radio bearer of the terminal device to associate the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive fourth indication information from the second network device; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the configuration of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack of the first radio bearer; According to the fourth indication information, indication information for ending downlink scheduling is sent to the core network device.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive seventh indication information from the terminal device; wherein the seventh indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to terminate transmission with the first network device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send sixth indication information to the second network device, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct the first network device to terminate data transmission with the terminal device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: include: a transceiver module, configured to send first indication information to the first network device; Alternatively, first indication information is received from a first network device; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that a first radio bearer of the terminal device corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the first protocol stack corresponds to a first entity of the first network device, and the second protocol stack corresponds to a second entity of the second network device; the first entity and the second entity are used to process data of the first radio bearer; The transceiver module is also used to send first information to the terminal device; wherein the first information is used to indicate the deletion of the first network device, and the first information is also used to indicate that the first wireless bearer corresponds to the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack; the terminal device communicates with the first network device and the second network device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a processor; the processor is used to run a computer program or instruction, or to use a logic circuit to enable the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to enable the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 12 to 18, or to enable the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 19 to 23.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs, which, when executed on a computer, enable the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or enable the communication device to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or enable the communication device to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 19 to 23.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer instructions; when part or all of the computer instructions are executed, the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is executed, or the communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 18 is executed, or the communication method according to any one of claims 19 to 23 is executed.

28. A chip, characterized in that: include: a memory for storing computer program instructions; A processor for executing the computer program instructions so that the communication device including the chip performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or so that the communication device including the chip performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 12 to 18, or so that the communication device including the chip performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 19 to 23.

29. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a second network device, a terminal device, and a first network device; wherein the second network device is used to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1-11, the terminal device is used to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 12-18, and the first network device is used to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 19-23.

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