Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus, which are used for improving the acquisition efficiency of high-speed private network information of a neighboring cell. The method comprises: a first network element first acquiring from a second network element high-speed private network information of a neighboring cell, i.e., a first cell, of a cell for a first network device, and then sending the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, such that the first network device can automatically acquire the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cell of the cell for the first network device, without the need to manually configure, in the first network device, the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cell of the cell for the first network device, thereby improving the acquisition efficiency of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cell, and also improving the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cell.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410695635.1, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on May 30, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Beginning with 3GPP Release 17, technical specification 38.331 significantly enhances the cell broadcasting capabilities of network equipment in 5G New Radio (NR) networks. Specifically, this specification allows the transmission / broadcast of high-speed private network information for neighboring cells via SIB3, SIB4, and SIB5 in the system information block (SIB), such as co-frequency neighbor cell lists, inter-frequency neighbor cell lists, and enhanced universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) neighbor cell lists. This enhancement aims to optimize network performance, particularly in supporting cell reselection for high-speed mobile user equipment (MAU) in idle mode, enabling MAU to directly select and enter cells suitable for high-speed mobility based on high-speed private network information.

[0004] However, while this improvement facilitates cell reselection in 5G NR networks, the 3GPP 38.331 specification does not explicitly provide a specific method or procedure for network devices to obtain high-speed private network information from neighboring cells. Currently, this information is typically obtained through manual input, resulting in low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of acquiring high-speed private network information in neighboring areas.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a first network element. The executing entity of the method can be the first network element, a component or device applied to the first network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. The communication method includes: firstly, the first network element obtains high-speed private network information of the first cell from a second network element, indicating whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell; then, the first network element sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to a first network device covering neighboring cells of the first cell.

[0008] In the first aspect, the first network element first obtains the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells (such as the first cell) of the cell of the first network device from the second network element, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells, without the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of the cell of the first network device. This improves the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and also improves the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first network element is any of the following: a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, an operation support system device, or a second network device covering the first cell.

[0010] In this implementation, multiple implementation methods of the first network element are designed to provide the first network device with high-speed private network information of the first cell. This provides the first network device with high-speed private network information of the first cell with high flexibility and can be applied to various communication scenarios.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, and the first network element sends high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, including: the first network element sending a measurement report carrying the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device.

[0012] In this implementation, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is carried in the measurement report, and the transmission of the high-speed private network information of the first cell can be achieved without adding new signaling.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information from a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a first cell.

[0014] In this implementation, considering that the high-speed private network information received by the terminal may include not only the high-speed private network information of the first cell, but also that of other cells besides the first cell, sending both the high-speed private network information of other cells and the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device simultaneously would increase the computational load on the first network device to identify the high-speed private network information of the first cell. Therefore, the first network device can pre-send a first indication information indicating the first cell to the terminal. In this way, when the terminal sends a measurement report, it can determine that the high-speed private network information to be carried is from the first cell, without carrying information that would interfere with the network device's identification of the high-speed private network information of the first cell, thus reducing the computational load on the first network device.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first network element is a second network device covering the first cell. The first network element sends high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, including: the first network element sending XN interface signaling carrying the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. The XN interface signaling includes XN establishment request signaling, XN establishment response signaling, Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node configuration update signaling, or NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation signaling.

[0016] In this implementation, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is carried through the signaling of the XN interface between network devices, thereby realizing the transmission of the high-speed private network information of the first cell and improving the transmission efficiency of the high-speed private network information.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first network element is a first operation support system device. The first operation support system device is used to manage the second network device covering the first cell and the first network device. The first network element obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell, including: receiving the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network device.

[0018] In this implementation, when the first operation support system device is used to manage the second network device covering the first cell and the first network device, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is provided to the first network device through an operation support system device, which can efficiently provide the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, a first operation support system device is used to manage a first network device, and a second operation support system device is used to manage a second network device covering the first cell; the first network element obtains high-speed private network information of the first cell, including:

[0020] Receive high-speed private network information from the first cell of the second operation support system equipment.

[0021] In this implementation, multiple operation support system devices provide the first network device with high-speed private network information of the first cell, which can efficiently provide the first network device with high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0022] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method is applied to a first network device. The executing entity of the method can be the first network device, a component or device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the first network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. The communication method includes: the first network device receiving high-speed private network information from a first network element in a first cell, wherein the first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device or a second network device covering the first cell, and the high-speed private network information of the first cell is used to indicate whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell; and sending high-speed private network information of a second cell to a terminal in the serving cell of the first network device, wherein the second cell is a neighboring cell of the serving cell and is at least one of the cells in the first cell.

[0023] In the second aspect, the first network element first obtains the high-speed private network information of the first network device's neighboring cells from the second network element, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first network device to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells and send the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of the serving cell to the terminals in the serving cell of the first network device. This eliminates the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells in the first network device, thereby improving the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and improving the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, and the first network device receives high-speed private network information of the first cell from the first network element, including: the first network device receiving a measurement report carrying the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the first network element.

[0025] In this implementation, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is carried in the measurement report, and the transmission of the high-speed private network information of the first cell can be achieved without adding new signaling.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first network device sending first indication information to a first network element, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a first cell.

[0027] In this implementation, considering that the high-speed private network information received by the terminal may include not only the high-speed private network information of the first cell, but also that of other cells besides the first cell, sending both the high-speed private network information of other cells and the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device simultaneously would increase the computational load on the first network device to identify the high-speed private network information of the first cell. Therefore, the first network device can pre-send a first indication information indicating the first cell to the terminal. In this way, when the terminal sends a measurement report, it can determine that the high-speed private network information to be carried is from the first cell, without carrying information that would interfere with the network device's identification of the high-speed private network information of the first cell, thus reducing the computational load on the first network device.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first network element is a second network device. The first network device receives high-speed private network information of the first cell from the first network element, including: the first network device receiving signaling from the first network element via an XN interface carrying high-speed private network information of the first cell, wherein the signaling via the XN interface includes XN establishment request signaling, XN establishment response signaling, Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node configuration update signaling, or NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation signaling.

[0029] In this implementation, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is carried through the signaling of the XN interface, thus realizing the transmission of the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0030] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method described in any of the first to second aspects. For example, the communication device may be a first network element in the first aspect, or a device included in the first network element, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device may be a first network device in the second aspect, or a device included in the first network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0031] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0032] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module, also called a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0033] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0034] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the aspects. For example, the communication device may be a first network element in the first aspect, or a device included in the first network element, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be a first network device in the second aspect, or a device included in the first network device, such as a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0035] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the aspects. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or the memory may exist independently of the processor; for example, the memory and the processor are two separate modules. The memory may be located outside or within the communication device.

[0036] The communication device is used to implement the method described in any of the first or second aspects. For example, the communication device can be a first network element in the first aspect, or a device included in the first network element, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device can be a first network device in the second aspect, or a device included in the first network device, such as a chip or chip system. When the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0037] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in either aspect.

[0038] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in either aspect.

[0039] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the aspects.

[0040] It is understandable that when the communication device provided by any of the third to fifth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0041] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through eight can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through two, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] Ninthly, a communication system is provided, the communication system including the first network element and the first network device described in the preceding aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a high-speed private network cell reselection scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a scenario where high-speed private network information of neighboring cells is manually entered according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0060] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, some terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0061] High Speed ​​Dedicated Network (HSDN) is a dedicated network designed specifically for high-speed mobile user equipment (UE) (also known as a terminal). Compared to a public network, HSDN offers stronger coverage and reduces the number of cell handovers and cell reselections for UEs in continuous high-speed mobility, thereby providing better service to users.

[0062] For example, in high-speed mobile scenarios such as riding high-speed trains (HST), network operators deploy HSDN along railway lines to ensure that mobile user equipment can obtain stable, high-quality network services. In HSDN, access is typically limited to high-speed mobile user equipment, while other non-high-speed mobile user equipment may reside on the public network. HSDN is designed and optimized to cope with network challenges in high-speed mobile environments, such as signal attenuation and frequent cell handover. Through enhanced network coverage and optimized network management, HSDN can provide users with more stable and faster network connections.

[0063] In this application, cells can be classified into HSDN cells and non-HSDN cells based on whether they support HSDN. An HSDN cell can refer to a cell specifically designed for high-speed mobile scenarios. These cells typically feature high bandwidth, low latency, optimized handover performance, and specific coverage areas, aiming to provide a better communication experience for user equipment moving at high speeds. Furthermore, cells can be classified into neighboring cells and serving cells based on their service relationship with the UE. The serving cell is the cell currently connected to by the UE, providing communication services to the UE. Neighboring cells are other cells adjacent to the serving cell; the UE can hand over to a neighboring cell during movement to maintain communication connectivity. When a cell is both a neighboring cell and an HSDN cell, it can be called an HSDN neighboring cell.

[0064] In HSDN, the neighboring cells of a serving cell can be divided into HSDN neighboring cells and non-HSDN neighboring cells.

[0065] HSDN neighbor cells refer to adjacent cells that belong to the same high-speed private network as the serving cell. These neighbor cells typically have similar characteristics to the serving cell, such as the same frequency band, bandwidth, and network configuration. Handover between HSDN neighbor cells is usually to maintain the continuity and stability of high-speed data transmission, thereby providing a better user experience.

[0066] Non-HSDN neighbor cells refer to adjacent cells that do not belong to the same high-speed private network as the serving cell. These neighbor cells may belong to other networks or different frequency bands. The existence of non-HSDN neighbor cells is to ensure that users can switch to other available networks to maintain communication continuity when outside the coverage area of ​​the high-speed private network or when network congestion occurs.

[0067] The LTE X2 interface (X2 interface for short) is an interface used for interconnection between base stations (evolved Node Bs, eNBs) in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. Its main functions include: (1) Supporting inter-eNB communication: The X2 interface enables communication between eNBs, supports the exchange of signaling information and the forwarding of Protocol Data Units (PDUs). (2) Mobility management: In the LTE access system, the X2 interface supports the mobility of user equipment (UE) in active mode, including context passing from the source eNB to the target eNB, control of the user plane tunnel, and handover cancellation. (3) Load management and inter-cell interference coordination: The X2 interface also supports load management, allowing eNBs to indicate overload and service load status to each other, as well as inter-cell interference coordination, including uplink interference load management. (4) Integrated management and error handling: The X2 interface also has integrated management and error handling functions, such as error indication and tracking functions.

[0068] The 5G RAN Xn interface (Xn interface for short) is an interface used for interconnection between Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) nodes in 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems. Similar to the LTE X2 interface, the Xn interface also supports the following functions: (1) Intercommunication between NG-RAN nodes: The Xn interface supports the exchange of signaling messages and the forwarding of protocol data packets between NG-RAN nodes. (2) Service continuity: Through the cooperation of the Xn interface, service continuity, such as handover functions, can be provided between NG-RAN nodes. (3) Load sharing management and energy saving: The Xn interface also supports load sharing management, allowing resource sharing status to be indicated to other sites, and reducing energy consumption through battery activation / deactivation indications. (4) Other functions: In addition, the Xn interface also supports additional functions such as UE context management, message transmission, user data transmission, auxiliary information functions, fast retransmission, and flow control.

[0069] The Uu interface is the radio interface between user equipment and the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN), which supports the transmission of user data and the management of radio resources.

[0070] Operations Support Systems (OSS) equipment is an essential support platform for the operation and implementation of telecommunications services. OSS is an integrated, information-resource-sharing support system for telecommunications operators, primarily composed of network management, system management, billing, sales, accounting, and customer service components, all organically integrated through a unified information bus. The OSS includes an operations and maintenance center and a network management center. It is responsible for the inspection and management of the entire network's communication quality and operation, recording and collecting various data related to network operation. It provides connections between all devices within the network and performs monitoring and control functions for each device.

[0071] Automatic neighbor relationship (ANR) is a mechanism for automatically managing neighbor relationships in wireless communication networks. In wireless communication systems such as LTE, neighbor relationships are crucial for mobile users' handover and roaming between different base stations. Traditional methods of configuring neighbor relationships rely on manual configuration on OSS (Service OSS) devices, but this becomes inefficient and error-prone as network scale and complexity increase. In scenarios employing automatic neighbor relationships, newly discovered neighbor cells can be automatically added without manual configuration on the OSS device. This is achieved through algorithms and the automatic detection function of network devices; when the network detects new potential neighbor cells, it automatically establishes neighbor relationships according to certain rules and conditions.

[0072] Starting with 3GPP Release 17, TS 38.331 introduced significant updates to 5G New Radio (NR) networks, particularly in supporting cell reselection for high-speed mobile user equipment (or high-speed UEs). This release explicitly specifies the ability to transmit / broadcast HSDN co-frequency neighbor cell lists, HSDN inter-frequency neighbor cell lists, and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (HSDN E-UTRA) neighbor cell lists via System Information Blocks (SIB3, SIB4, and SIB5). This update significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of cell reselection for idle-state high-speed UEs in 5G NR networks.

[0073] In high-speed mobile scenarios, such as high-speed rail or highways, UEs need to frequently perform cell reselection to maintain a stable network connection. Traditional neighbor cell lists may not contain HSDN cell information specifically designed for high-speed mobile use, and cannot fully meet the needs of high-speed UEs. Therefore, starting with Release 17, 3GPP TS 38.331 introduced the concept of HSDN neighbor cell lists and specified how to broadcast these HSDN neighbor cell lists in SIB3, SIB4, and SIB5. The HSDN neighbor cell lists in each system information block are described below:

[0074] The HSDN co-frequency neighbor cell list in SIB3 contains information on HSDN neighbor cells with the same frequency configuration as the current cell. When a UE detects an increase in its speed and needs to enter the HSDN network, it can quickly obtain available co-frequency HSDN neighbor cells by parsing SIB3.

[0075] The HSDN inter-frequency neighbor cell list in SIB4: Information about HSDN neighbor cells configured with different frequencies is included in SIB4. This allows the UE to switch to HSDN cells of other frequencies when needed to obtain better network connectivity.

[0076] HSDN E-UTRA Neighbor Cell List in SIB5: Information about HSDN neighbor cells that support E-UTRA (LTE) networks is broadcast in SIB5. This provides UEs that support both 5G NR and LTE networks with the possibility of seamless handover.

[0077] By introducing an HSDN neighbor cell list, 5G NR networks can significantly optimize the cell reselection process for high-speed UEs in idle state. When a UE detects an increase in its speed, it can immediately begin scanning and resolving the HSDN neighbor cell lists in SIB3, SIB4, and SIB5. Once a suitable HSDN neighbor cell is found, the UE can initiate a cell reselection process to enter the HSDN neighbor cell and obtain a more stable and higher-quality network connection.

[0078] For example, as shown in Figure 1, in a high-speed private network cell reselection scenario, UE1 is located within the coverage area of ​​cell 1 of base station A. When UE1 detects an increase in its speed, it starts scanning and parsing the HSDN neighbor cell lists in SIB3, SIB4 and SIB5 broadcast by base station A. It finds that the neighbor cells of cell 1 include cell 2 of base station B and cell 3 of base station C. Cell 2 is a non-HSDN cell and cell 3 is an HSDN cell. Then UE1 can initiate a cell reselection process for cell 3.

[0079] As introduced in the background section, the 3GPP 38.331 specification does not explicitly provide a specific method or procedure for obtaining high-speed private network information of neighboring cells. Currently, this information is generally obtained through manual input. Figure 2 illustrates a scenario of manually inputting high-speed private network information of neighboring cells. As shown in Figure 2, maintenance personnel input the high-speed private network information of the cells of the base stations managed by the OSS device into the OSS device. The OSS device then sends the high-speed private network information of all neighboring cells of the cell to the base stations it manages. The base stations then broadcast the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of the cell within the cell via system messages. For example, the OSS device sends the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of cell 1 of base station A (e.g., cell 2 of base station B) to base station A. Base station A then broadcasts the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of cell 1 (e.g., cell 2 of base station B) within cell 1 via system messages. Terminals located in cell 1 (e.g., UE1) receive this high-speed private network information and can perform cell reselection based on it.

[0080] When acquiring high-speed private network information for neighboring cells is done manually, the HSDN information of all neighboring cells in the cell relies primarily on manual configuration on the OSS device. This traditional method is not only cumbersome in terms of configuration tasks but also has limited flexibility in application scenarios. Especially when Automatic Neighbor Relationship (ANR) is in effect, newly discovered neighboring cells do not need to be manually added through the OSS device but can be automatically integrated. However, in ANR scenarios, the automatic acquisition of HSDN information for newly discovered neighboring cells may not be timely. This is because HSDN information configuration typically depends on the OSS device, while ANR primarily focuses on the automatic establishment of neighboring cell relationships and does not involve specific service parameter configurations. Therefore, when ANR is in effect, it may be necessary to acquire the HSDN information of newly discovered neighboring cells through other methods (such as manual configuration). Acquiring HSDN information is inefficient and it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of the HSDN information.

[0081] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method in which a first network element first obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell's neighboring cells from a second network element, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells without requiring manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device, thereby improving the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and improving the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0082] The method provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, future communication systems, or systems integrating multiple communication systems. The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems where neighboring HSDN information is broadcast to terminals; this application is not limited to any particular application. 5G can also be referred to as New Radio (NR).

[0084] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to various communication scenarios, such as one or more of the following communication scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), machine type communication (MTC), massive machine type communications (mMTC), device to device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), and Internet of Things (IoT).

[0085] The communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described below using the communication system shown in Figure 3 as an example.

[0086] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication system may include:

[0087] The first network element 310, the second network element 320, and the first network device 330.

[0088] The first network element 310 is used to obtain high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network element 320. The neighboring cells of the cell of the first network device 330 are the first cell. The high-speed private network information is used to indicate whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell. The first network element 310 can be any of the following network elements: the terminal covered by the cell of the first network device 330, the operation support system device (or OSS device), or the second network device covering the first cell.

[0089] The second network element 320 is used to send the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network element 310. The second network element 320 can be any of the following network elements: a second network device covering the first cell, or an operation support system device.

[0090] The first network element 310 is also used to send high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device 330.

[0091] The first network device 330 is used to receive high-speed private network information of the first cell sent by the first network device 330.

[0092] Taking the first network element 310 as any of the following: a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device 330, an operation support system device (or OSS device), or a second network device covering the first cell, this application also provides the communication system shown in FIG4. FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG4, the communication system may include: network device A, network device B, and a terminal. Among them, the terminal is located in cell 1 of network device A, and cell 2 of network device B is a neighboring cell of cell 1.

[0093] Optionally, the communication system may also include operation support system equipment (or OSS equipment).

[0094] In the communication system shown in Figure 4, the roles of network device A and network device B can be interchanged according to the actual configuration. Specifically, network device A can act as the first network device 330 in Figure 3, while network device B acts as the second network device covering the first cell. In this case, the first network element 310 can be a terminal, an operation support system device, or network device B. Conversely, network device B can also act as the first network device 330, while network device A covers the first cell as the second network device. For ease of explanation, this application uses network device A as the first network device 330 and network device B as the second network device covering the first cell as an example for illustration.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, when the first network element 310 is a terminal, the second network element 320 can be network device B. At this time, the high-speed private network information is provided by the terminal to network device A in the first cell (cell 2).

[0096] As shown in Figure 6, when the first network element 310 is network device B, since network device B itself stores the high-speed private network information of the first cell, network device B simultaneously assumes the roles of the first network element 310 and the second network element 320. Network device B provides itself with the high-speed private network information of the first cell. At this time, the high-speed private network information of the first cell (cell 2) is provided by network device B to network device A.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, when the first network element 310 is an operation support system device, and the first OSS device manages both network device A and network device B, the second network element 320 can be network device B. In this case, the first OSS device provides high-speed private network information to network device A in the first cell (cell 2).

[0098] As shown in Figure 8, similar to the scenario in Figure 7, the high-speed private network information for the first cell is provided to network device A by the first OSS device. When the first OSS device manages network device A and the second OSS device manages network device B, the second OSS device first receives the high-speed private network information for the first cell from network device B and then sends it to the first OSS device. The first OSS device then sends the received high-speed private network information for the first cell to network device A. In this case, the first OSS device assumes the role of the first network element 310, and the second OSS device assumes the role of the second network element 320. Alternatively, in another possible understanding, the role of the second network element 320 can be understood as network device B, with the second OSS device acting as a relay node, forwarding the high-speed private network information for the first cell to the first OSS device.

[0099] It should be understood that Figures 4-8 are merely exemplary framework diagrams, and the number of nodes, cells, and terminal states included are unlimited. In addition to the functional nodes shown in the diagrams, other nodes may be included, such as core network devices, gateway devices, application servers, etc., without limitation. Network devices communicate with core network devices via wired or wireless means, such as through next-generation (NG) interfaces.

[0100] The network device (e.g., the first network device and the second network device) is mainly used to implement at least one of the following functions: terminal resource scheduling, wireless resource management, and wireless resource control. Specifically, the network device may include any node among a base station, a wireless access point, a transmission receive point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), and some other access node. In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the function of the network device may be the network device itself; it may also be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are described using the example of a network device as the device used to implement the function of the network device.

[0101] Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT), etc. Specifically, a terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a smart home, or an in-vehicle terminal, etc. In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the functions of the terminal equipment can be a terminal or a device that can support the terminal in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. The following describes the method provided in the embodiments of this application, taking the terminal as an example of the device used to implement the functions of the terminal equipment.

[0102] Instructions for operating the support system devices can be found in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0103] In conjunction with the communication system described above, this application embodiment provides a communication method in which a first network element first obtains the high-speed private network information of the high-speed private network of the first cell from the second network element, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its cell's neighboring cells, eliminating the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its cell's neighboring cells in the first network device. This improves the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and also improves the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0104] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, the method may include the following steps:

[0105] S910: The first network element obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network element.

[0106] As described in Figures 4-8 above, the communication system can be categorized as follows: The first network element can be any of the following: a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, an operation support system device, or a second network device covering the first cell. The second network element can be any of the following: a second network device covering the first cell, or an operation support system device. The neighboring cells of the cell (which may be called the serving cell) of the first network device are the first cell, and this first cell is a cell of the second network device. High-speed private network information is used to indicate whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell. For example, the high-speed private network information can be one bit, where 1 indicates that the first cell is a high-speed private network cell, and 0 indicates that the first cell is not a high-speed private network cell.

[0107] It's easy to understand that a neighborhood cell typically consists of multiple neighborhood cells, and the first neighborhood cell can include multiple neighborhood cells; in other words, the first neighborhood cell can be understood as a set of neighborhood cells. The second network device covering the first neighborhood cell can also be multiple network devices, without restriction.

[0108] Based on the description of the communication system in Figures 5-8 above, the method by which the first network element obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network element will differ in different communication systems. After introducing step S930, several possible methods for the first network element to obtain the high-speed private network information of the first cell will be described, but will not be detailed here.

[0109] In S920, the first network element sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the first network element.

[0110] S930, the first network device sends high-speed private network information of the second cell to the terminal in the serving cell of the first network device, and correspondingly, the terminal in the serving cell of the first network device receives the high-speed private network information of the second cell from the first network device.

[0111] In this configuration, the second cell is a neighboring cell of the serving cell, and the second cell is at least one of the first cells. The first network device can broadcast the high-speed private network information of the second cell corresponding to the serving cell in the system information of each serving cell. For example, the high-speed private network information of the second cell can be broadcast using a neighboring cell list from at least one piece of system information, where the system information can be SIB3, SIB4, and / or SIB5.

[0112] In one implementation, the neighboring cells of the serving cell can be one or more cells. That is, the second cell can include one or more cells; in other words, the second cell can be understood as a set of cells. The second network device covering the second cell can also be multiple network devices, without limitation.

[0113] For example, assuming the serving cell's neighboring cells include cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3, then the second cell includes cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3. The first network device will then send high-speed private network information for cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3 to terminals within the serving cell.

[0114] Once the terminal receives the high-speed private network information from the second cell, it can perform mobility management based on it, such as reselection.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first network element first obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell's neighboring cells from the second network element, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells, eliminating the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device. This improves the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and also improves the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0116] As mentioned above, the following section, in conjunction with Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13, introduces several possible ways for the first network element to obtain high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0117] In one embodiment, the communication method provided in this application is applied to the communication system shown in FIG5, where the first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, and the second network element is a second network device, as shown in FIG10. Then S910 may include:

[0118] S101, the second network device sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the terminal, and correspondingly, the terminal receives the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network device.

[0119] The second network device can broadcast the high-speed private network information of the first cell in the system information. For example, the high-speed private network information of the first cell can be broadcast via SIB1.

[0120] In this scenario, the S920 may include:

[0121] S102, the terminal sends a measurement report to the first network device, and the first network device receives the measurement report from the terminal.

[0122] The terminal can send a measurement report to the first network device via the Uu interface. This measurement report carries the high-speed private network information of the first cell. For example, the high-speed private network information of the first cell can be carried in the CGI-INFO field and / or the CGI-InfoEUTRA field of the measurement report.

[0123] Optionally, prior to S102, the method may further include:

[0124] S103, the first network device sends a first instruction message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the first instruction message from the first network device accordingly.

[0125] In this case, considering that the high-speed private network information received by the terminal may include not only the high-speed private network information of the first cell, but also that of other cells, sending both the high-speed private network information of other cells and the first cell simultaneously to the first network device would increase the computational load on the first network device for identifying the high-speed private network information of the first cell. Therefore, the first network device can pre-send a first indication message to the terminal indicating the first cell. In this way, when the terminal sends a measurement report, it can determine that the high-speed private network information to be carried is from the first cell, without carrying information that would interfere with the network device's identification of the first cell's high-speed private network information, thus reducing the computational load on the first network device.

[0126] For example, the first indication information could be the cell ID of the first cell, etc.

[0127] In this embodiment, the terminal covered by the cell of the first network device first obtains the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of the cell of the first network device from the second network device, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells, without the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device. This improves the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and also improves the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0128] In another embodiment, the communication method provided in this application is applied to the communication system shown in FIG6, wherein the second network device simultaneously assumes the roles of the first network element and the second network element, as shown in FIG11, S910 may include:

[0129] S111, the second network device calls the high-speed private network information of the first cell stored in the second network device.

[0130] In one possible interpretation, the second network device calls the high-speed private network information of the first cell stored in the second network device, which can also be replaced by: the second network device reads the high-speed private network information of the first cell stored in the second network device.

[0131] The second network device can store the high-speed private network information of the cell (e.g., the first cell). For example, the second network device can obtain the high-speed private network information of the cell from the system information broadcast by the core network device or other network devices.

[0132] In this scenario, the S920 may include:

[0133] S112, the second network device sends signaling for the XN interface to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the signaling for the XN interface from the second network device.

[0134] The signaling on the XN interface carries the high-speed private network information of the first cell. 5G network devices can transmit this information between each other via the XN interface. For example, the signaling on the XN interface can be an XN setup request, an XN setup response, an NG-RAN node configuration update, or an NG-RAN node configuration update acknowledge.

[0135] As an alternative, in LTE networks, the signaling of the XN interface can be replaced with the signaling of the X2 interface, and achieve the same function as the signaling of the XN interface. For example, the signaling of the X2 interface can be X2 setup request signaling, X2 setup response signaling, eNodeB configuration update signaling, or eNodeB configuration update acknowledge signaling.

[0136] Optionally, when the high-speed private network information of the first cell is updated, the method may further include:

[0137] S113, the second network device sends signaling for the XN interface to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the signaling for the XN interface from the second network device.

[0138] The signaling on the XN interface carries the updated high-speed private network information of the first cell. Similarly, the signaling on the XN interface can also be replaced with the signaling on the X2 interface, which will not be elaborated further.

[0139] Upon receiving the updated high-speed private network information of the first cell, the first network device can send the high-speed private network information of the second cell to the terminal in the serving cell of the first network device based on the updated high-speed private network information of the first cell. The specific implementation can be referred to the description of step S930, which will not be repeated here.

[0140] In this embodiment, the second network device first calls the high-speed private network information of the first cell stored in the second network device, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, so that the first network device can automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells, without the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device, thereby improving the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and improving the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0141] In another embodiment, the communication method provided in this application is applied to the communication system shown in FIG7. The first network element is an operation support system device, and the operation support system device manages both the first network device and the second network device. The second network element is the second network device. As shown in FIG12, S910 may include:

[0142] S121, the second network device sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the operation support system device, and correspondingly, the operation support system device receives the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network device.

[0143] Among these methods, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is obtained by operating the support system equipment.

[0144] In this scenario, the S920 may include:

[0145] S122, the operation support system sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the operation support system.

[0146] In this embodiment, the operation support system first obtains the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of the cell of the first network device from the second network device, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells, eliminating the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device. This improves the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and also improves the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0147] In another embodiment, the first network element is an operation support system device, and the operation support system device manages both the first network device and the second network device, as shown in Figure 13. In the communication system shown in Figure 8, the first OSS device manages network device A, and the second OSS device manages network device B. The first OSS device assumes the role of the first network element, and the second OSS device assumes the role of the second network element. Then S910 may include:

[0148] S131, the second network device sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the second OSS device, and correspondingly, the second OSS device receives the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network device.

[0149] The second network device can carry the high-speed private network information of the first cell through messages between it and the second OSS device.

[0150] S132, the second OSS device sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first OSS device, and correspondingly, the first OSS device receives the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second OSS device.

[0151] Among them, the first OSS device and the second OSS device forward high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0152] In this scenario, the S920 may include:

[0153] S133, the first OSS device sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the first OSS device.

[0154] In this embodiment, the operation support system of the second network device first obtains the high-speed private network information of the first network device's neighboring cells from the second network device, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the OSS of the first network device. The OSS of the first network device sends the high-speed private information of the first cell to the first network device, so that the first network device can automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells from its corresponding OSS, without the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device. This improves the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and also improves the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0155] Based on the above description, it is clear that this application, starting from how to automatically configure the HSDN information of neighboring cells of a network device, designs a method in which the first network element obtains the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of the first network device's cell, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells, eliminating the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device, thus improving the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and improving the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0156] The above mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. It is understood that each node, such as the first network element, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to execute each function in order to achieve the above functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the method of the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or software-driven manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0157] This application embodiment can divide the first network element into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0158] In specific implementations, each network element shown in this application, such as the first network element, can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 14 or include the components shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. When the communication device has the function of the first network element described in the embodiment of this application, the communication device can be the first network element or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the first network element. When the communication device has the function of the first network device described in the embodiment of this application, the communication device can be the first network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the first network device.

[0159] As shown in Figure 14, the communication device may include a processor 901, a communication line 902, a transceiver 903, and a memory 904. The processor 901, memory 904, and transceiver 903 are connected via the communication line 902. In one example, the processor 901 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 14.

[0160] As an alternative implementation, the communication device may include multiple processors, for example, in addition to processor 901 in FIG14, it may also include processor 907.

[0161] The processor 901 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 901 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules.

[0162] Communication line 902 is used to transmit information between the components included in the communication device.

[0163] Transceiver 903 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. These other communication networks can be Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Transceiver 903 can be an interface circuit, pins, RF module, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0164] Furthermore, the communication device may also include a memory 904. The memory 904 is used to store instructions. These instructions may be computer programs.

[0165] The memory 904 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and / or instructions; it can also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and / or instructions; it can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices. Optical disc storage includes compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, or Blu-ray discs, etc.

[0166] It should be noted that the memory 904 can exist independently of the processor 901 or can be integrated with the processor 901. The memory 904 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 904 can be located inside or outside the communication device, without limitation. When the processor 901 executes the instructions stored in the memory 904, it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0167] As an optional implementation, the communication device also includes an output device 905 and an input device 906. For example, the input device 906 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 905 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0168] It should be noted that the communication device can be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a web server, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal, an embedded device, a chip system, or a device with a similar structure to that shown in Figure 14. Furthermore, the composition shown in Figure 14 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 14, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0169] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0170] Figure 15 shows a structural diagram of a communication device 150 applied to a first network element. Each module in the device shown in Figure 15 performs the functions corresponding to the steps in Figures 9-13 and achieves the corresponding technical effects. The beneficial effects of each module performing the steps can be referred to the descriptions of the corresponding steps in Figures 9-13, and will not be repeated here. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. This communication device can be a first network element or a chip or system-on-a-chip within the first network element. For example, the communication device includes:

[0171] The acquisition module 1501 is used to acquire the high-speed private network information of the first cell, which is used to indicate whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell.

[0172] The transceiver module 1502 is used to send high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device covering the neighboring cells of the first cell.

[0173] In this embodiment, the first network element first obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell's neighboring cells from the second network element, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells, eliminating the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells in the first network device. This improves the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and also improves the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0174] In one embodiment, the first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, and the transceiver module 1502 is specifically used to send a measurement report to the first network device, the measurement report carrying the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0175] In this embodiment, the high-speed private network information of the first cell can be transmitted by carrying the measurement report, without the need to add new signaling.

[0176] In one embodiment, the transceiver module 1502 is further configured to receive first indication information from a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a first cell.

[0177] In this embodiment, considering that the high-speed private network information received by the terminal may include not only the high-speed private network information of the first cell, but also the high-speed private network information of other cells besides the first cell, sending the high-speed private network information of other cells and the high-speed private network information of the first cell simultaneously to the first network device would increase the computational load on the first network device to identify the high-speed private network information of the first cell. Therefore, the first network device can send a first indication information indicating the first cell to the terminal in advance. In this way, when the terminal sends a measurement report, it can determine that the high-speed private network information to be carried is from the first cell, without carrying information that would interfere with the network device's identification of the high-speed private network information of the first cell, thus reducing the computational load on the first network device.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first network element is a second network device covering the first cell. The transceiver module 1502 is specifically used to send XN interface signaling to the first network device. The XN interface signaling carries high-speed private network information of the first cell. The XN interface signaling includes XN establishment request signaling, XN establishment response signaling, Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node configuration update signaling, or NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation signaling.

[0179] In this embodiment, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is carried by the signaling of the XN interface, thereby realizing the transmission of the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first network element is a first operation support system device, which is used to manage the second network device covering the first cell and the first network device. The acquisition module 1501 is specifically used to receive high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network device.

[0181] In this embodiment, when the first operation support system device is used to manage the second network device covering the first cell and the first network device, the high-speed private network information of the first cell can be provided to the first network device through an operation support system device, which can efficiently provide the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device.

[0182] In one embodiment, a first operation support system device is used to manage a first network device, and a second operation support system device is used to manage a second network device covering a first cell; the acquisition module 1501 is specifically used to receive high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second operation support system device.

[0183] In this embodiment, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is provided to the first network device through multiple operation support system devices, which can efficiently provide the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device.

[0184] Figure 16 shows a structural diagram of a communication device 160, which is applied to a first network device. Each module in the device shown in Figure 16 performs the functions corresponding to the steps in Figures 9-13 and achieves the corresponding technical effects. The beneficial effects of each module performing the steps can be referred to the descriptions of the corresponding steps in Figures 9-13, and will not be repeated here. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. This communication device can be a first network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in the first network device. For example, the communication device includes:

[0185] The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive high-speed private network information from a first cell of a first network element, wherein the first network element is a terminal covered by a cell of a first network device or a second network device covering the first cell, and the high-speed private network information is used to indicate whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell; and to send high-speed private network information of a second cell to a terminal in the serving cell of the first network device, wherein the second cell is a neighboring cell of the serving cell and at least one cell in the first cell.

[0186] In this embodiment, the first network element first obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell's neighboring cells from the second network element, and then sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device. This enables the first network device to automatically obtain the high-speed private network information of its neighboring cells and send the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells of the serving cell to the terminals in the serving cell of the first network device. This eliminates the need for manual configuration of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells in the first network device, improving the efficiency of obtaining the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells and improving the accuracy of the high-speed private network information of the neighboring cells.

[0187] In one embodiment, the first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, and the transceiver module 1601 is used to receive a measurement report from the first network element, the measurement report carrying the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0188] In this embodiment, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is carried in the measurement report, and the transmission of the high-speed private network information of the first cell can be achieved without adding new signaling.

[0189] In one embodiment, the transceiver module 1601 is used to send first indication information to a first network element, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a first cell.

[0190] In this embodiment, considering that the high-speed private network information received by the terminal may include not only the high-speed private network information of the first cell, but also the high-speed private network information of other cells besides the first cell, sending the high-speed private network information of other cells and the high-speed private network information of the first cell simultaneously to the first network device would increase the computational load on the first network device to identify the high-speed private network information of the first cell. Therefore, the first network device can send a first indication information indicating the first cell to the terminal in advance. In this way, when the terminal sends a measurement report, it can determine that the high-speed private network information to be carried is from the first cell, without carrying information that would interfere with the network device's identification of the high-speed private network information of the first cell, thus reducing the computational load on the first network device.

[0191] In one embodiment, the first network element is a second network device, and the transceiver module 1601 is used to receive signaling from the XN interface of the first network element. The signaling from the XN interface carries high-speed private network information of the first cell. The signaling from the XN interface includes XN establishment request signaling, XN establishment response signaling, Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node configuration update signaling, or NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation signaling.

[0192] In this embodiment, the high-speed private network information of the first cell is carried through the signaling of the XN interface, thus illustrating the transmission of the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

[0193] This application embodiment also provides a structural diagram of a communication system. This communication system is a corresponding communication system for a high-speed private network information transmission scenario in a neighboring area. The communication system may include: a first network element and a first network device. The first network element may have the functions of the aforementioned communication device 150, and the first network device may have the functions of the aforementioned communication device 160.

[0194] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be a terminal device of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as an internal storage unit including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end, such as a hard disk or memory of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal device. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal device. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0195] This application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions to instruct related hardware (such as computers, processors, network devices, and terminals). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium.

[0196] This application also provides a chip system. The chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, without limitation. The chip system includes a processor and a transceiver. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by this chip system, such as the chip system being used to implement the functions performed by the first network element or the first network device in the above method embodiments.

[0197] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. When the chip system is running, the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip system to perform the functions of the first network element or the first network device in the above method embodiments.

[0198] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0199] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store instructions and / or data.

[0200] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0201] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. For example, B can be determined based on A. It should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. Furthermore, the term "connection" in the embodiments of this application refers to various connection methods, such as direct or indirect connections, to achieve communication between devices; the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0202] Unless otherwise specified, the term "transmission" in the embodiments of this application refers to bidirectional transmission, encompassing the actions of sending and / or receiving. Specifically, "transmission" in the embodiments of this application includes sending data, receiving data, or both sending and receiving data. In other words, data transmission here includes uplink and / or downlink data transmission. Data may include channels and / or signals; uplink data transmission refers to uplink channel and / or uplink signal transmission, and downlink data transmission refers to downlink channel and / or downlink signal transmission. The terms "network" and "system" in the embodiments of this application refer to the same concept; a communication system is a communication network.

[0203] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0204] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0205] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0206] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device, such as a microcontroller, chip, or processor, to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0207] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first network element obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell from the second network element, wherein the high-speed private network information is used to indicate whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell; The first network element sends the high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, wherein the neighboring cells of the cell of the first network device are the first cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network element is any of the following: a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device, an operation support system device, or a second network device covering the first cell.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device. The first network element sends high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, including: The first network element sends a measurement report to the first network device, and the measurement report carries the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first indication information from a first network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the first cell.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first network element is a second network device covering the first cell. The first network element sends high-speed private network information of the first cell to the first network device, including: The first network element sends signaling for the XN interface to the first network device, and the signaling for the XN interface carries the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The signaling of the XN interface includes XN establishment request signaling, XN establishment response signaling, Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node configuration update signaling, or NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation signaling.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first network element is a first operation support system device. This first operation support system device manages the second network device covering the first cell and the first network device. The first network element obtains high-speed private network information for the first cell, including: Receive high-speed private network information from the first cell of the second network device.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first operation support system device is used to manage the first network device, and the second operation support system device is used to manage the second network device covering the first cell; The first network element obtains the high-speed private network information of the first cell, including: Receive high-speed private network information from the first cell of the second operation support system device.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first network device receives high-speed private network information from the first network element in the first cell, wherein the first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device or a second network device covering the first cell, and the high-speed private network information is used to indicate whether the first cell is a high-speed private network cell. Send high-speed private network information of a second cell to terminals within the serving cell of the first network device. The second cell is a neighboring cell of the serving cell and is at least one of the first cells.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first network element is a terminal covered by the cell of the first network device. The first network device receives high-speed private network information from the first network element in the first cell, including: The first network device receives a measurement report from the first network element, the measurement report carrying the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends a first indication message to the first network element, wherein the first indication message is used to indicate the first cell.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first network element is the second network device, and the first network device receives high-speed private network information from the first cell of the first network element, including: The first network device receives signaling from the XN interface of the first network element, and the signaling from the XN interface carries the high-speed private network information of the first cell.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The signaling of the XN interface includes XN establishment request signaling, XN establishment response signaling, Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) node configuration update signaling, or NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation signaling.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-8; or, it includes a module that performs the method as described in any one of claims 9-13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being configured to support the communication device in performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes: a first network element and a first network device, wherein the first network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the first network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-13.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer program instructions that cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first network device is configured to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 9-13.

Images