Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus. A first access network device sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used for acquiring address information of a second access network device, and the second access network device satisfies a first condition; and the first access network device receives the address information of the second access network device from the first network element. In the embodiment, the first access network device can acquire from the first network element the address information of the access network device satisfying the first condition, that is to say, an operation and maintenance management network element can configure related information of the first network element in the first access network device to enable the first access network device to find the first network element, and there is no need to configure the address information of the access network device satisfying the first condition, thereby reducing workload and avoiding configuration errors in the address information of the access network device.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202410873961.7, filed on June 28, 2024, and entitled “A communication method and apparatus”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] In a wireless mobile communication system, an Xn interface is an interface between access network devices, and the Xn interface can be used to exchange control plane information between two access network devices, support terminal handover between wireless access network devices, support dual connectivity data transmission, and the like. One way to establish an Xn connection (the Xn connection refers to a connection of an Xn protocol layer) is as follows: first, a first access network device establishes a transport network layer (TNL) connection with a second access network device based on TNL information (such as an IP address and a port number) of the second access network device, and the TNL information of the second access network device is pre-configured in the first access network device. Then, the first access network device sends an Xn setup request to the second access network device, and the request includes related information of the first access network device; after receiving the Xn setup request, the second access network device sends an Xn setup response to the first access network device, and the response includes related information of the second access network device. At this point, the first access network device and the second access network device have established an Xn connection.

[0005] Currently, when deploying a new access network device, a network operation and maintenance personnel pre-configures TNL information of other access network devices with which the new access network device establishes an Xn connection in the new access network device, so that the new access network device can establish an Xn connection with the other access network devices based on the above-mentioned way of establishing an Xn connection.

[0006] Which access network devices an access network device establishes an Xn connection with is related to network planning. If a newly deployed access network device establishes an Xn connection with a large number of other access network devices, a large amount of TNL information needs to be configured in the newly deployed access network device, which is very tedious and may result in configuration errors. SUMMARY

[0007] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and device, which are used for determining other access network devices for establishing a communication connection with a certain access network device.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first access network device, or by other devices including the function of the first access network device, or by a chip system (which can also be replaced by a chip) or other functional modules, which can realize the function of the first access network device, for example, the chip system or the functional module is arranged in the first access network device. The method comprises the following steps: the first access network device sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to obtain address information of a second access network device, and the second access network device meets a first condition; the first access network device receives the address information of the second access network device from the first network element.

[0009] In the embodiment, the first access network device can obtain the address information of the access network device meeting the first condition from the first network element, that is, the operation and maintenance network element can configure the related information of the first network element in the first access network device, so that the first access network device can find the first network element, and the address information of the access network device meeting the first condition does not need to be configured, which can reduce the workload and avoid the configuration error of the address information of the access network device.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the first condition comprises one or more of the following: being located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device; supporting a first network slice, the first network slice being a network slice supported by the first access network device; belonging to a first proximity group, the first proximity group being a proximity group to which the first access network device belongs.

[0011] In the implementation, multiple conditions are set, the address information of the access network device meeting multiple conditions can be obtained, so as to establish a communication connection with the access network device, and the method can be applied to more business scenarios.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first access network device being located in the same and / or adjacent area comprises one or more of the following: being located in a first tracking area where the first access network device is located; being located in a tracking area adjacent to the first tracking area where the first access network device is located; being located in an area managed by an access and mobility management function network element (AMF) where the first access network device is located; being located in a first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located; being located in a radio access network notification area adjacent to the first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first message comprises information associated with the first condition.

[0014] In the implementation mode, the first access network device informs the first network element of the access network device selected to meet which condition or which conditions, and by carrying different information, the address information of the access network device meeting different conditions can be obtained, and the address information of the access network device is classified and obtained.

[0015] In a possible implementation mode, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first tracking area where the first access network device is located, and the first condition includes that the second access network device is located in the first tracking area and / or in a tracking area adjacent to the first tracking area.

[0016] In a possible implementation mode, the information associated with the first condition includes information of an AMF-managed area where the first access network device is located, and the first condition includes that the second access network device is located in the AMF-managed area.

[0017] In a possible implementation mode, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located, and the first condition includes that the second access network device is located in the first radio access network notification area and / or in a radio access network notification area adjacent to the first radio access network notification area.

[0018] In a possible implementation mode, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first network slice supported by the first access network device, and the first condition includes that the second access network device supports the first network slice.

[0019] In a possible implementation mode, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, and the first condition includes that the second access network device belongs to the first proximity group.

[0020] In a possible implementation mode, the information associated with the first condition includes access network device identification information, and the first condition is that the second access network device is for an access network device corresponding to the access network device identification information.

[0021] In a possible implementation mode, the information associated with the first condition includes first physical cell identification information, and the condition includes that a cell corresponding to the first physical cell identification information is contained in a serving cell of the second access network device.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first access network device can further receive at least one of the following information of the second access network device from the first network element: identification information, identification of a broadcasted public land mobile network (PLMN), tracking area code (TAC) of a tracking area where the second access network device is located, information of supported network slices, radio access technology (RAT) information corresponding to the TAC, identification of a radio access network notification area (RNA) where the second access network device is located, information of an area managed by an access management network element serving the second access network device, information of a serving cell, information of a neighboring cell, and identification of a neighboring group to which the second access network device belongs.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the first access network device can further receive a second physical cell identifier (PCI) from the terminal device, and send a second message to the first network element, where the second message includes the second PCI, and the second message is used to acquire address information of an access network device of a cell corresponding to the second PCI in a serving cell; and receive address information of a third access network device from the first network element, where the serving cell of the third access network device includes the cell corresponding to the second PCI.

[0024] In this implementation, the address information of the corresponding access network device is acquired through the PCI from the terminal device, and the access network device that generally meets the PCI condition is a neighboring access network device of the first access network device. The first access network device establishes a communication connection with the third access network device, which can facilitate the terminal device to perform switching between the first access network device and the third access network device.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first access network device sends a registration message to the first network element, where the registration message includes information of the first access network device, and the registration message is used to request the first network element to store the information of the first access network device.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the first access network device further sends one or more of the following to the first network element: identification information (for example, a global NG-RAN node ID), an identity of a broadcasted public land mobile network (PLMN), a tracking area code (TAC) of a tracking area in which the first access network device is located, information of supported network slices (for example, single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI)), radio access technology (RAT) information (for example, 4G or 5G) corresponding to the TAC, an identity of a radio access network notification area (RNA) in which the first access network device is located, information of an AMF region managed by an AMF serving the first access network device, information of a served cell, information of a neighboring cell, an identity of a neighbor cell group to which the first access network device belongs, an Xn-U interface address, an identity of a routing area in which the first access network device is located, and an identity of a location area in which the first access network device is located.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that, when the first condition is met, the first access network device is notified of changed information of the access network device that meets the first condition.

[0028] In this implementation, the first message can be regarded as a subscription message, and the first access network device subscribes to the first network element for information of the access network device that meets the first condition. When the information of the access network device that meets the first condition changes, the first network element timely notifies the first access network device, and the first access network device does not need to request to obtain the information again, signaling overheads can be saved, and the accuracy of the first access network device in obtaining the information of the access network device that meets the first condition can be improved.

[0029] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a first network element, or by another device including a function of the first network element, or by a chip system (or a chip) or another functional module, the chip system or the functional module being capable of implementing a function of the first network element, and the chip system or the functional module being, for example, arranged in the first network element. The first network element can be an NRF. The method includes: receiving, by the first network element, a first message from a first access network device, the first message being used to obtain address information of a second access network device that meets a first condition; and sending, by the first network element, the address information of the second access network device to the first access network device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first access network device can obtain the address information of the access network device satisfying the first condition from the first network element, that is, the operation and maintenance network element can configure the related information of the first network element in the first access network device, so that the first access network device can find the first network element, and the address information of the access network device satisfying the first condition does not need to be configured, which can reduce workload and avoid configuration error of the address information of the access network device.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the first condition includes one or more of the following: being located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device; supporting a first network slice, the first network slice being a network slice supported by the first access network device; belonging to a first proximity group, the first proximity group being a proximity group to which the first access network device belongs.

[0032] In this implementation, multiple conditions are set, and the address information of the access network device satisfying the multiple conditions can be obtained to establish a communication connection, which can be applied to more business scenarios.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the first condition includes one or more of the following: being located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device; supporting a first network slice, the first network slice being a network slice supported by the first access network device; belonging to a first proximity group, the first proximity group being a proximity group to which the first access network device belongs.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the first message includes information associated with the first condition.

[0035] In this implementation, the first access network device informs the first network element of the access network device satisfying which condition or conditions, and by carrying different information, the address information of the access network device satisfying different conditions can be obtained, and the address information of the access network device is classified and obtained.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first tracking area in which the first access network device is located, and the first condition includes that the second access network device is located in the first tracking area and / or is located in a tracking area adjacent to the first tracking area.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the information associated with the first condition comprises information of an area managed by an AMF where the first access network device is located, and the first condition comprises that the second access network device is located in the area managed by the AMF.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the information associated with the first condition comprises information of a first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located, and the first condition comprises that the second access network device is located in the first radio access network notification area and / or in a radio access network notification area adjacent to the first radio access network notification area.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the information associated with the first condition comprises information of a first network slice supported by the first access network device, and the first condition comprises that the second access network device supports the first network slice.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the information associated with the first condition comprises information of a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, and the first condition comprises that the second access network device belongs to the first proximity group.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the information associated with the first condition comprises access network device identification information, and the first condition is that the second access network device is for an access network device corresponding to the access network device identification information.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the information associated with the first condition comprises first physical cell identification information, and the condition comprises that a cell corresponding to the first physical cell identification information is contained in a serving cell of the second access network device.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the first message comprises identification information of the first access network device, and the method further comprises: obtaining a first area where the first access network device is located according to the identification information of the first access network device; and obtaining address information of a second access network device located in the first area and / or in an area adjacent to the first area.

[0044] In this implementation, the first access network device does not need to inform the first network element of the access network device selected according to which condition or conditions, and the first network element or another core network element can determine the access network device selected according to which condition or conditions. In this way, the workload of the first access network device can be simplified, and signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the first area where the first access network device is located includes at least one of the following: a first tracking area where the first access network device is located; an area managed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element where the first access network device is located; and a first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the first message includes identification information of the first access network device, and the method further includes: obtaining a first network slice supported by the first access network device according to the identification information of the first access network device; and obtaining address information of a second access network device that supports the first network slice.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the first message includes identification information of the first access network device, and the method further includes: obtaining a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs according to the identification information of the first access network device; and obtaining address information of a second access network device that belongs to the first proximity group.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the first network element receives a registration message from the second access network device, and the registration message includes address information of the second access network device.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the first network element can further receive, from the second access network device, one or more of the following: identification information, identification of a public land mobile network (PLMN) that is broadcasted, a tracking area code (TAC) of a tracking area where the second access network device is located, information of a network slice that is supported, radio access technology (RAT) information corresponding to the TAC, identification of a radio access network notification area (RNA) where the second access network device is located, information of an area managed by an AMF that serves the second access network device, information of a serving cell, information of a neighboring cell, identification of a neighbor cell group to which the second access network device belongs, an Xn-U interface address, identification of a routing area where the second access network device is located, and identification of a location area where the second access network device is located.

[0050] The first network element can save the information of the second access network device.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the first network element can receive a registration message from the first access network device, and the registration message includes information of the first access network device.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the first network element can further receive one or more of the following from the first access network device: identification information, an identity of a public land mobile network (PLMN) broadcasted, a tracking area code (TAC) of a tracking area in which the first access network device is located, information of a network slice supported, radio access technology (RAT) information corresponding to the TAC, an identity of a radio access network notification area (RNA) in which the first access network device is located, information of an area managed by an AMF serving the first access network device, information of a serving cell, information of a neighboring cell, an identity of a neighbor cell group to which the first access network device belongs, an Xn-U interface address, an identity of a routing area in which the first access network device is located, and an identity of a location area in which the first access network device is located.

[0053] The first network element can store the information of the first access network device.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the first network element can send, to the second access network device, the information of the first access network device.

[0055] In this implementation, the second access network device satisfies a first condition corresponding to the first access network device, and the first access network device also satisfies a condition corresponding to the second access network device. After determining the second access network device, the first network element can send, to the second access network device, the information of the first access network device. The first network element enables the discovery of the access network devices to be mutual, and does not affect the timeliness of connection resumption of the terminal device.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the first network element receives a second message from the first access network device, the second message including a second PCI, and the second message being used to obtain address information of an access network device of a cell including a cell corresponding to the second PCI in a serving cell; and the first network element sends, to the first access network device, address information of a third access network device, the third access network device having a cell corresponding to the second PCI in a serving cell.

[0057] For example, the first network element determines the third access network device according to the information of the first access network device and the second PCI.

[0058] In this implementation, the address information of the corresponding access network device is obtained from the PCI of the terminal device, and the access network device that generally meets the PCI condition is a neighboring access network device of the first access network device. The first access network device establishes a communication connection with the third access network device, which can facilitate the terminal device to switch between the first access network device and the third access network device.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the first network element determines, according to the information of an area in the information of the first access network device, that an access network device of a serving cell in the area or an area adjacent to the area and including the second PCI is the third access network device.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the first message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that when the first condition meeting access network device changes, the changed information of the first condition meeting access network device is sent to the first access network device.

[0061] In this implementation, the first message can be regarded as a subscription message, and the first access network device subscribes to the first network element for information of the first condition meeting access network device. When the information of the first condition meeting access network device changes, the first network element timely informs the first access network device, and the first access network device does not need to request again to obtain the information, which can save signaling overhead and improve the accuracy of the first access network device in obtaining the information of the first condition meeting access network device.

[0062] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus can be the first access network device in any of the aspects above. The communication apparatus has the functions of the first access network device described above. The communication apparatus is, for example, a functional module in the first access network device, such as a baseband device or a chip system. Alternatively, the communication apparatus can be the first network element in any of the aspects above. The communication apparatus has the functions of the first network element described above. The communication apparatus is, for example, a functional module in the first network element, such as a baseband device or a chip system.

[0063] In an optional implementation, the communication apparatus includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device. In another optional implementation, the communication apparatus includes a processing unit (also referred to as a processing module) and a transceiver unit (also referred to as a transceiver module). The transceiver unit can implement a sending function and a receiving function. When the transceiver unit implements the sending function, it can be referred to as a sending unit (also referred to as a sending module). When the transceiver unit implements the receiving function, it can be referred to as a receiving unit (also referred to as a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is referred to as a transceiver unit and can implement the sending function and the receiving function. Alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit refers to these functional modules in general.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a storage unit (also referred to as a storage module), and the processing unit is configured to be coupled with the storage unit and execute programs or instructions in the storage unit, so that the communication apparatus can implement the functions of the first access network device in any of the aspects above or implement the functions of the first network element in any of the aspects above.

[0065] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises an interface circuit and a processor, and optionally a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the interface circuit. When the processor reads the computer program or instructions, the communication apparatus performs the method performed by the first access network device in the various aspects described above, or performs the method performed by the first network element in the various aspects described above. Exemplarily, the interface circuit is configured to receive a signal from another communication apparatus outside the communication apparatus and transmit the signal to the processor, or send a signal from the processor to another communication apparatus outside the communication apparatus, and the processor is configured to implement the method performed by the first access network device in the various aspects described above, or implement the method performed by the first network element in the various aspects described above, by means of logic circuit or execution of code instructions.

[0066] In a possible implementation form, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0067] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises a processor, and optionally a memory. The processor and the memory are coupled. The memory is configured to store a computer program or instructions. The processor is configured to execute part or all of the computer program or instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer program or instructions are executed, to implement the functions of the first access network device in the various aspects described above, or to implement the functions of the first network element in the various aspects described above.

[0068] In a possible implementation form, the apparatus can further comprise a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to transmit a signal processed by the processor, or receive a signal input to the processor. The transceiver can perform the transmitting action or the receiving action performed by the first access network device in the various aspects, or performed by the first network element in the various aspects.

[0069] In a possible implementation form, the processing unit in the third aspect can be implemented by the processor, the storage unit in the third aspect can be implemented by the memory, and the transceiving unit in the third aspect can be implemented by the transceiver.

[0070] In a possible implementation form, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which is configured to store a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, the method in the various aspects described above is implemented.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product including instructions, which when executed on a computer, cause the method of any of the aspects above to be implemented.

[0073] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, including the first access network device and the first network element of any of the aspects above. For example, the first access network device and the first network element can be implemented by the communication apparatus of the third aspect, or the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0074] FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c are respectively schematic diagrams of communication system architectures provided by embodiments of the present application;

[0075] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application for establishing an Xn connection based on automatic neighbor relation (ANR);

[0076] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a regional comparison provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The technical solutions of the present application can be applied to various wireless communication systems, which can include but are not limited to the 4th generation (4G) system (also known as the long term evolution (LTE) system), the 5th generation (5G) system (also known as the new radio (NR) system), or can also be applied to future mobile communication systems, etc., and the specific system is not limited.

[0084] In addition, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) scenarios, such as an NR-D2D scenario, or can be applied to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication scenarios, such as an NR-V2X scenario. For example, the technical solutions can be used in the fields of intelligent driving, auxiliary driving, or intelligent networked vehicles. For another example, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to factory manufacturing scenarios.

[0085] In addition, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) scenarios, such as an NR-D2D scenario, or can be applied to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication scenarios, such as an NR-V2X scenario. For example, the technical solutions can be used in the fields of intelligent driving, auxiliary driving, or intelligent networked vehicles. For another example, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to factory manufacturing scenarios.

[0086] For example, FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of a 5G communication system architecture to which the present application can be applied. Specifically, FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-based architecture. For example, FIG. 1b is another schematic diagram of a 5G communication system architecture to which the present application can be applied. Specifically, FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of a 5G architecture based on a point-to-point architecture. The main difference between FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b is that the interfaces between the network elements in FIG. 1a are service-based interfaces, and the interfaces between the network elements in FIG. 1b are point-to-point interfaces.

[0087] The 5G network architecture shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b can include a terminal device part, an access network part, and a core network part. Optionally, it also includes a data network (DN) and an application function (AF) network element part. The terminal accesses the core network through the access network, and the core network communicates with the DN or the AF. The functions of some network elements are briefly introduced below.

[0088] A terminal device, which can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), is a device with wireless transceiver function, which can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on water surface (such as ships, etc.); can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.). The terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical treatment, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc.

[0089] The (R)AN device in the present application is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The (R)AN device is also referred to as an access network device. The RAN device in the present application includes, but is not limited to, a next generation base station (g nodeB, gNB) in 5G, an evolved node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolved nodeB, or a home node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a mobile switching center, and the like. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may be different. For example, in a 5th generation (5G) system, it is referred to as a RAN or a gNB (5G NodeB); in an LTE system, it is referred to as an evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB); in a 3rd generation (3G) system, it is referred to as a node B (Node B), and the like.

[0090] The data network DN can deploy various services and provide data and / or voice services for terminal devices. For example, the DN is a private network of a certain intelligent factory, sensors installed in the workshop of the intelligent factory can be terminal devices, and the DN deploys sensors and a control server, and the control server can provide services for the sensors. The sensors can communicate with the control server, obtain instructions from the control server, and transmit collected sensor data to the control server according to the instructions, and the like. For another example, the DN is an internal office network of a certain company, and the mobile phones or computers of employees of the company can be terminal devices, and the mobile phones or computers of the employees can access information and data resources on the internal office network of the company.

[0091] An application network element, mainly supports interaction with a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) core network to provide services, such as affecting data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing some services of third parties to the network side. In a 5G communication system, the application network element can be an application function (AF) network element. In future communication systems, the application network element can still be an AF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0092] The core network part can include one or more of the following network elements:

[0093] An access management network element (also referred to as a mobility management network element) is a control plane network element provided by an operator network, responsible for access control and mobility management of terminal devices accessing the operator network, such as including mobile state management, allocation of user temporary identity, authentication and user functions. In a 5G communication system, the access management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access management network element can still be an AMF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0094] A session management network element is mainly responsible for session management in a mobile network, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions such as allocating IP addresses for users, selecting user plane network elements providing message forwarding functions, etc. In a 5G communication system, the session management network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element can still be an SMF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0095] A user plane network element is responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in a terminal device. It can receive user data from a data network and transmit it to a terminal device through an access network device; the user plane network element can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions provided by the user plane network element for the terminal device are managed and controlled by the SMF network element. In a 5G communication system, the user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0096] Data management network element, used for generating authentication credentials, user identity processing (such as storing and managing user permanent identity, etc.), access control and subscription data management, etc. In the 5G communication system, the data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In the future communication system, the unified data management can still be a UDM network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0097] Data storage network element, responsible for storing structured data information, including subscription information, policy information, and network data or service data with standard format definition. In the 5G communication system, the data storage network element can be a unified data repository (UDR). In the future communication system, the network exposure function network element can still be a UDR network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0098] Policy control network element, mainly supporting to provide a unified policy framework to control network behavior, providing policy rules to control layer network functions, and being responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decision. In the 4G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In the 5G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In the future communication system, the policy control network element can still be a PCF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0099] Network storage network element, which can be used to provide network element discovery function, and provide network element information corresponding to network element type based on the request of other network elements. The NRF also provides network element management services, such as network element registration, update, deregistration, and network element state subscription and push, etc. In the 5G communication system, the network storage network element can be a network repository function (NRF) network element. In the future communication system, the network storage network element can still be a NRF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0100] Network exposure function network element, which can be used to provide services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network function devices to the outside safely. In the 5G communication system, the network exposure function network element can be a network exposure function (NEF) network element. In the future communication system, the network exposure function network element can still be a NEF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0101] The network slice selection function network element can be used to select a suitable network slice for the service of the terminal. In the 5G communication system, the network slice selection network element can be a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element. In the future communication system, the network exposure function network element can still be the NSSF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0102] The network data analysis function network element can collect data from various network functions (NFs), such as policy control network elements, session management network elements, user plane network elements, access management network elements, and application function network elements (through network capability exposure function network elements), and perform analysis and prediction. In the 5G communication system, the network data analysis network element can be a network data analytics function (NWDAF). In the future communication system, the network data analysis function network element can still be the NWDAF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0103] It can be understood that the above network elements or functions can be network elements in hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). In one possible implementation, the above network elements or functions can be implemented by one device, or can be implemented by multiple devices together, or can be a functional module in a device, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0104] For example, FIG. 1c is another communication system architecture that the present application can be applied to, which is different from FIG. 1a in that the interface between the RAN and the network elements of the core network is a service interface. Under such an architecture, the RAN can register with the NRF in the core network as a network function (NF); other NFs in the network can discover the RAN through the service interface of the NRF. After the interface between the RAN and the core network is serviced, the AMF can no longer be the centralized point of signaling, and the RAN node can directly communicate with the network elements in the core network.

[0105] In a wireless mobile communication system, an Xn connection can be established between two access network devices to exchange control plane information between the two access network devices, to enable terminal devices to switch between wireless access network devices, to transmit dual connectivity data, etc. The Xn connection introduced here can be regarded as a connection of the Xn protocol layer (such as an application layer), and before the Xn connection is established, a transport network layer (TNL) connection needs to be established.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 2, a communication method flowchart for establishing Xn connection based on auto neighbor relation (ANR) is introduced.

[0107] Step 201: The terminal device sends, to a first access network device serving the terminal device, a physical cell identifier (PCI) searched by the terminal device.

[0108] For example, the cell serving the terminal device is cell A, and the searched PCI is that of neighboring cell B, which is a cell of a second access network device.

[0109] Step 202: The first access network device determines, based on the PCI of cell B, that cell B is an unknown new neighboring cell, and instructs the terminal device to measure a cell global identifier (CGI) of cell B.

[0110] Step 203: The terminal device receives, according to the instruction in step 202, system information block type 1 (SIB1) information of cell B from a broadcast control channel (BCCH) of cell B, and determines the CGI of cell B from the SIB1 information.

[0111] Step 204: The terminal device sends, to the first access network device, the CGI of cell B, and the first access network device receives the CGI of cell B accordingly.

[0112] Step 205: The first access network device determines, based on the CGI of cell B, an identity of the second access network device serving cell B.

[0113] Step 206: The first access network device sends, to an AMF, an uplink RAN configuration transfer message (UPLINK RAN CONFIGURATION TRANSFER), which includes the identity of the first access network device, the identity of the second access network device, TNL information of the first access network device, and the like.

[0114] Step 207: The AMF determines, according to the identity of the second access network device, the second access network device, and sends, to the second access network device, a downlink RAN configuration transfer message (DOWNLINK RAN CONFIGURATION TRANSFER), which includes the identity and TNL information of the first access network device.

[0115] Optionally, step 208: the second access network device sends, to the first access network device through the AMF, an identifier and TNL information of the second access network device.

[0116] Step 209: the first access network device and the second access network device establish a TNL connection based on the TNL information.

[0117] Step 210: the first access network device and the second access network device establish an Xn connection.

[0118] For example, after establishing the transport layer connection, the first access network device sends an Xn setup request (Xn Setup Request) to the second access network device, and the request includes relevant information of the first access network device; after receiving the Xn setup request, the second access network device sends an Xn setup response (Xn Setup Response) to the first access network device, and the response includes relevant information of the second access network device. At this point, the first access network device and the second access network device have established an Xn connection.

[0119] The method introduced in FIG. 2 can only find access network devices that are directly adjacent in space, but the access network devices that need to establish an Xn connection are not necessarily directly adjacent. Based on this, the present application proposes multiple communication modes for determining, for a certain access network device, other access network devices that establish a communication connection with the access network device.

[0120] In the following, some terms or concepts in the embodiments of the present application are explained and described to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0121] 1) The access network device that establishes a communication connection with the first access network device can be replaced by: the access network device that needs the first access network device to establish a communication connection, the access network device that can establish a communication connection with the first access network device, the access network device that is allowed to establish a communication connection with the first access network device, the access network device that is reachable by the first access network device, the access network device that supports a function requirement for establishing a communication connection with the first access network device (the function refers to a function that needs to rely on the Xn interface, such as supporting the terminal RRC_INACTIVE state, supporting dual-connection data transmission, supporting Xn handover, etc.). In one possible scenario, a terminal device can be handed over from a first access network device to a second access network device, the first access network device can be referred to as a source access network device (S-RAN), and the second access network device can be referred to as a target access network device (T-RAN).

[0122] 2) Interaction between the access network device and the first network element:

[0123] The first network element can be an NRF network element, or other network element capable of obtaining and storing relevant information (e.g., including address information) of the access network device. For example, this approach can be applicable to the communication system shown in FIG. 1c.

[0124] In an example, the access network device (e.g., the first access network device) can interact with the first network element based on a service-based interface (i.e., by invoking a service operation).

[0125] For example, the first access network device sends, to the first network element based on the service-based interface, a first message, relevant information of the first access network device, etc.

[0126] For example, the second access network device sends, to the first network element based on the service-based interface, relevant information of the second access network device.

[0127] For example, the first network element sends, to the first access network device, relevant information of the second access network device.

[0128] For example, the first network element sends, to the second access network device, relevant information of the first access network device.

[0129] In another example, the first access network device and the first network element can interact through forwarding by other network elements. For example, the first network element is an NRF, and the other network element is an AMF. For example, this approach can be applicable to the communication systems shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b.

[0130] 3) The establishment of the communication connection between the two access network devices can be replaced by: the establishment of an Xn connection, or the establishment of an Xn-C connection, or the establishment of a control plane connection. The Xn connection or the Xn-C connection can also be replaced by other names, but the role of the communication connection can still be at least one of the roles of the Xn connection or the Xn-C connection. For example, the roles include but are not limited to at least one of the following: used for the exchange of control plane information between the two access network devices, used for the handover of a terminal device between wireless access network devices, and used for dual connectivity data transmission.

[0131] The communication connection between the access network devices can be a communication connection established based on a service-based interface, or a communication connection established based on a point-to-point interface.

[0132] 4) The proximity group can be replaced by a proximity zone, a group of access network devices.

[0133] The roles of the proximity group include but are not limited to: used for determining the access network devices to establish a communication connection. For example, the access network devices belonging to the same proximity group can establish a communication connection with each other.

[0134] One or more access network devices can be included in one proximity group. The multiple access network devices in one proximity group can be directly adjacent in space or not adjacent in space.

[0135] One access network device can belong to one or more proximity groups, and the identifier of multiple proximity groups can be configured in one access network device.

[0136] 5), each area:

[0137] A tracking area (TA) is a RAN node or cell level configuration, one tracking area includes one or more cells, and one cell can only belong to one tracking area. The tracking area identity (TAI) includes: mobile country code (MCC), mobile network code (MNC) and tracking area code (TAC). The tracking area list (TA list) is a list of a group of TAI.

[0138] The RAN notification area (RNA) is an area smaller than the tracking area TA, and the RNA identifier includes: cell identifier and / or RAN area ID. When the UE enters the RRC_INACTIVE state, the first access network device informs the UE of an RNA and retains the context of the UE. When the UE moves within the RNA, it does not need to perform mobility registration update; when the UE resumes the connected state within the RNA, the second access network device can obtain the context information of the UE from the first access network device through the Xn interface.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 3, a comparison diagram of a tracking area TA, a radio access network notification area RNA and a cell is introduced.

[0140] In order to better introduce the embodiments of the present application, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below in combination with the drawings. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the steps represented by dashed lines in the corresponding drawings of each embodiment of the present application are optional steps.

[0141] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, including the following steps:

[0142] Step 401: The first access network device sends a first message to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the first access network device.

[0143] The first message is used to obtain address information of the second access network device or used to obtain related information of the second access network device. The second access network device can be understood as an access network device that establishes a communication connection with the first access network device, or an access network device that meets certain conditions. Since the first access network device requests to obtain, the conditions are related to the information of the first access network device, for example, the information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following: a region where the first access network device is located, a network slice supported by the first access network device, a proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, and a neighboring cell of the first access network device. For ease of description, the conditions related to the first access network device are referred to as first conditions.

[0144] Optionally, the first access network device can generate the first message before sending the first message to the first network element.

[0145] Step 402: The first network element sends address information of the second access network device to the first access network device; correspondingly, the first access network device receives the address information of the second access network device.

[0146] The number of the second access network devices can be one or multiple. The address information is used to establish a communication connection between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0147] The address information of the second access network device can be informed by the second access network device to the first network element, or can be obtained by the first network element from other network elements. In one possible implementation, the first access network device can send a registration message to the first network element, and the registration message includes address information of the first access network device.

[0148] Under the architecture of FIG. 1c, the RAN can register as a network function (NF) to the NRF in the core network. When applied to the first access network device, the first access network device can register to the NRF, and when registering, the first access network device informs the NRF of address information of the first access network device. When applied to the second access network device, the second access network device can register to the NRF, and when registering, the second access network device informs the NRF of address information of the second access network device.

[0149] Optionally, step 403: The first access network device establishes a communication connection with the second access network device based on the address information of the second access network device.

[0150] In an example, the address information of the second access network device is transport network layer (TNL) information of the second access network device, such as an IP address and a port number. A possible implementation of step 403 is that the first access network device establishes a TNL connection with the second access network device based on the TNL information of the second access network device. Then, the first access network device sends an Xn setup request to the second access network device, and the request includes relevant information of the first access network device. After receiving the Xn setup request, the second access network device sends an Xn setup response to the first access network device, and the response includes relevant information of the second access network device. In this way, the first access network device and the second access network device establish a communication connection. This example can be applied to a scenario in which an interface between the first access network device and the second access network device is a point-to-point interface.

[0151] In another example, the address information of the second access network device is an IP address and / or a domain name of the second access network device. A possible implementation of step 403 is that the first access network device sends a request message for establishing a communication connection to the second access network device based on the address information of the second access network device, and the second access network device sends a setup response to the first access network device after receiving the request message. In this way, the first access network device and the second access network device establish a communication connection. Optionally, in the process of establishing the communication connection, other steps can be included in addition to the two steps. This example can be applied to a scenario in which an interface between the first access network device and the second access network device is a service-based interface.

[0152] In this embodiment, the first access network device can obtain the address information of the access network device satisfying the first condition from the first network element, that is, the operation and maintenance network element can configure relevant information of the first network element in the first access network device, so that the first access network device can find the first network element, and there is no need to configure the address information of the access network device satisfying the first condition, which can reduce workload and avoid configuration errors of the address information of the access network device.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the first condition includes but is not limited to a condition about a region, a condition about a network slice, a condition about a proximity group, a condition about identification information of an access network device, and a condition about a PCI. The first condition includes one or more of the following conditions (the numbers in the following conditions are only for convenient description, and the numbers do not represent the sequence and priority of the conditions):

[0154] 1. The first access network device and the second access network device are located in the same and / or adjacent region.

[0155] 2. Support a first network slice, the first network slice being a network slice supported by the first access network device; the first network slice can be one or multiple.

[0156] 3. Belong to a first proximity group, the first proximity group being a proximity group to which the first access network device belongs; the first proximity group can be one or multiple.

[0157] 4. An access network device corresponding to the access network device identification information.

[0158] 5. An access network device containing a cell corresponding to a first PCI in a serving cell, the first PCI can be one or multiple. The first PCI can be sent by a terminal device to the first access network device or pre-configured in the first access network device.

[0159] For condition 1 (located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device), specifically includes but is not limited to one or more of the following:

[0160] Located in a first tracking area where the first access network device is located;

[0161] Located in a second tracking area adjacent to the first tracking area where the first access network device is located;

[0162] Located in an AMF management area where the first access network device is located; the AMF is an AMF serving the first access network device.

[0163] Located in a first radio access network notification area (RNA) where the first access network device is located;

[0164] Located in a second RNA adjacent to the first RNA where the first access network device is located;

[0165] Located in a first location area where the first access network device is located;

[0166] Located in a second location area adjacent to the first location area where the first access network device is located;

[0167] Located in a first routing area where the first access network device is located;

[0168] Located in a second routing area adjacent to the first routing area where the first access network device is located.

[0169] In this implementation, multiple conditions are set, the address information of the access network device meeting multiple conditions can be obtained, so as to establish a communication connection with it, which can be applied to more business scenarios.

[0170] In a possible implementation, after step 401 (the first network element receives the first message), before step 402 (the first network element sends the address information of the second access network device to the first access network device), the first network element selects the second access network device meeting the first condition based on the first condition, and determines the address information of the second access network device.

[0171] There are various ways for the first network element to obtain the first condition (the numbers in the following ways are only for convenient description, and the numbers do not represent the sequence and priority of the ways) :

[0172] Way 1: The first access network device can be preconfigured with information associated with the first condition, and the first access network device indicates the information associated with the first condition to the first network element, so that the first network element obtains the first condition from the first access network device. For example, the first access network device can carry the information associated with the first condition in the first message of step 401, or can carry the information associated with the first condition in other messages different from the first message. The information associated with the first condition includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: information of an area where the first access network device is located, information of a supported first network slice, information of a first proximity group where the first access network device is located, identification information of the access network device, and information of the first PCI. The area information is, for example, information of a tracking area, information of an AMF-managed area, information of an RNA, information of a location area, information of a routing area, and the like.

[0173] In this implementation, the first access network device informs the first network element of the access network device meeting which condition or conditions, and by carrying different information, the address information of the access network device meeting different conditions can be obtained, thereby realizing classified obtaining of the address information of the access network device.

[0174] Way 2: The first network element can determine the information associated with the first condition according to the identification of the first access network device in the first message, without the first access network device informing the first network element of the information of the first condition in the first message.

[0175] For example, the first network element can be preconfigured with policy information for selecting the access network device, or obtain the policy information from other network elements. The policy information includes but is not limited to one or more conditions such as a condition of area information, a condition of a network slice, a condition of a proximity group, and the like.

[0176] The condition of the area information can indicate that the selected access network device and the requested access network device are located in the same and / or adjacent area, and the area can be a tracking area, an AMF-managed area, an RNA, a location area, a routing area, and the like.

[0177] The condition of the network slice can indicate that the selected access network device and the requested access network device support the same network slice.

[0178] The condition of the proximity group can indicate that the selected access network device and the requested access network device belong to the same proximity group.

[0179] In the example of FIG. 4, the selected access network device is the second access network device, and the requested access network device is the first access network device. In addition, it should be noted that the policy information for selecting the access network device can not be configured only for the first access network device, but can be applicable to all or most access network devices.

[0180] The first network element can determine the relevant information of the first access network device based on the identifier of the first access network device in the first message, and determine the first condition based on the policy information and the information in the relevant information of the first access network device that matches the policy information.

[0181] For example, the policy information includes that the selected access network device and the requested access network device are located in the same and / or adjacent area, and the information in the relevant information of the first access network device that matches the policy information includes the information of the area where the first access network device is located. Then the first condition includes: 1. located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device.

[0182] For example, the policy information includes that the selected access network device and the requested access network device support the same network slice, and the information in the relevant information of the first access network device that matches the policy information includes the information of the first network slice supported by the first access network device. Then the first condition includes: 2. support the first network slice.

[0183] For example, the policy information includes that the selected access network device and the requested access network device belong to the same proximity group, and the information in the relevant information of the first access network device that matches the policy information includes the information of the first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs. Then the first condition includes: 3. belong to the first proximity group.

[0184] Method 3: The first network element can obtain the first condition from other network elements.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 5, taking the first access network device informing the first network element of the first condition as an example, a flowchart of a communication method is introduced, including the following steps:

[0186] Step 501: The first access network device sends the relevant information of the first access network device to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the relevant information from the first access network device.

[0187] Optionally, the first access network device sends a registration request message (the registration request message in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a registration message) to the first network element, and the registration request message includes the related information of the first access network device.

[0188] The related information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following, but is not limited to: address information, identification information (such as a global NG-RAN node ID), an identity of a broadcasted public land mobile network (PLMN), a tracking area code (TAC) of a tracking area in which the first access network device is located, information of a supported network slice (such as single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI)), radio access technology (RAT) information (such as 4G and 5G) corresponding to the TAC, an identity of a radio access network notification area (RNA) in which the first access network device is located, information of an AMF region managed by an AMF serving the first access network device, information of a served cell, information of a neighboring cell, an identity of a neighbor cell group to which the first access network device belongs, an Xn-U interface address, an identity of a routing area in which the first access network device is located, and an identity of a location area in which the first access network device is located.

[0189] The related information of the first access network device can be sent to the first network element in one message or in multiple messages. For example, the registration request message includes the address information and the identification information of the first access network device, and after the registration request message, the first access network device can send one or more of the related information to the first network element based on a request of the first network element or actively.

[0190] The first network element can save the related information of the first access network device.

[0191] In step 502, the second access network device sends the related information of the second access network device to the first network element, and the first network element receives the related information of the second access network device.

[0192] Optionally, the second access network device sends a registration request message to the first network element, and the registration request message includes the related information of the second access network device.

[0193] The related information of the second access network device includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: address information, identification information (for example, a global NG-RAN node ID), an identity of a broadcasted public land mobile network (PLMN), a tracking area code (TAC) of a tracking area in which the second access network device is located, information of a supported network slice (for example, single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI)), radio access technology (RAT) information (for example, 4G or 5G) corresponding to the TAC, an identity of a radio access network notification area (RNA) in which the second access network device is located, information of an AMF region managed by an AMF serving the second access network device, information of a served cell, information of a neighboring cell, an identity of a neighbor cell group to which the second access network device belongs, an Xn-U interface address, an identity of a routing area in which the second access network device is located, and an identity of a location area in which the second access network device is located.

[0194] The related information of the second access network device can be sent to the first network element in one message or in multiple messages. For example, the address information and the identification information of the second access network device are included in a registration request message, and after the registration request message, the second access network device can send one or more pieces of additional related information to the first network element based on a request of the first network element or actively.

[0195] The first network element can save the related information of the second access network device.

[0196] The order of steps 501 and 502 is not limited. In addition to the first access network device and the second access network device, other access network devices can also register with the first network element and inform the first network element of their related information.

[0197] Step 503: The first access network device sends a first message to the first network element, and the first network element receives the first message accordingly.

[0198] The first message includes identification information of the first access network device and information of a first condition association. The information of the first condition association includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: information of a region, information of a network slice, information of a proximity group, identification information of an access network device, and PCI information.

[0199] The information of the area includes, but is not limited to, any one of the following: information of a first tracking area in which the first access network device is located, information of a tracking area adjacent to the first tracking area in which the first access network device is located, information of an area managed by an AMF in which the first access network device is located, information of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) in which the first access network device is located, information of an RNA adjacent to the first RNA in which the first access network device is located, information of a first location area in which the first access network device is located, information of a second location area adjacent to the first location area in which the first access network device is located, information of a first routing area in which the first access network device is located, information of a second routing area adjacent to the first routing area in which the first access network device is located, or information of other areas preconfigured in the first access network device, the other areas being of a type of tracking area, area managed by an AMF, RNA, location area, routing area, etc.

[0200] The information of the network slice can include, but is not limited to, information of a first network slice supported by the first access network device, and can also be information of other network slices preconfigured in the first access network device. The first network slice can be one or multiple.

[0201] The information of the proximity group can include, but is not limited to, information of a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, and can also be information of other proximity groups preconfigured in the first access network device. The first proximity group can be one or multiple.

[0202] Optionally, the first message further includes a network element type, the network element type being an access network device. The information element of the network element type can indicate which type of device to be acquired, for example, an access network device, or a core network device, or a terminal device, etc.

[0203] The first message can be a discovery request message.

[0204] Step 504: The first network element determines a second access network device based on the information of the first condition association.

[0205] For example, when the information of the first condition association includes information of an area, the first condition is used to indicate that an access network device located in the area is acquired, and / or an access network device located in an area adjacent to the area is acquired.

[0206] For example, when the information of the first condition association includes information of a first tracking area in which the first access network device is located, the first condition can indicate that an access network device located in the first tracking area is acquired, and / or an access network device located in a tracking area adjacent to the first tracking area is acquired. Then the second access network device includes an access network device located in the first tracking area, and / or an access network device located in an adjacent tracking area of the first tracking area.

[0207] For example, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first access network notification area in which the first access network device is located, and the first condition can indicate to acquire an access network device located in the first access network notification area and / or an access network device located in a neighboring access network notification area of the first access network notification area. Then the second access network device includes an access network device located in the first access network notification area, and / or an access network device located in a neighboring access network notification area of the first access network notification area.

[0208] For example, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first access network notification area in which the first access network device is located, and the first condition can indicate to acquire an access network device located in the first access network notification area and / or an access network device located in a neighboring access network notification area of the first access network notification area. Then the second access network device includes an access network device located in the first access network notification area, and / or an access network device located in a neighboring access network notification area of the first access network notification area.

[0209] For example, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first network slice supported by the first access network device, and the first condition can indicate to acquire an access network device supporting the first network slice. Then the second access network device includes an access network device supporting the first network slice.

[0210] For example, the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, and the first condition can indicate to acquire an access network device belonging to the first proximity group. Then the second access network device includes an access network device belonging to the first proximity group.

[0211] For example, the information associated with the first condition includes access network device identification information, and the first condition can indicate to acquire an access network device corresponding to the access network device identification information. Then the second access network device includes an access network device corresponding to the identification information of the access network device in the first condition.

[0212] For example, the information associated with the first condition includes first physical cell identification information, and the first condition can indicate to acquire an access network device in a serving cell which includes a cell corresponding to the first physical cell identification information. Then the second access network device includes an access network device which includes the cell corresponding to the first physical cell identification information.

[0213] For example, when the information associated with the first condition includes information of a first tracking area in which the first access network device is located and information of a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, the first condition can be used to indicate to acquire an access network device belonging to the first proximity group and located in the first tracking area. Then the second access network device belongs to the first proximity group and is located in the first tracking area. That is, if the first condition includes multiple conditions, the second access network device satisfies the multiple conditions.

[0214] For another example, when the information associated with the first condition comprises information of a first tracking area in which the first access network device is located and information of a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, the first condition can indicate that the access network device to be acquired belongs to the first proximity group or is located in the first tracking area. The access network device belonging to the first proximity group and the access network device located in the first tracking area both satisfy the condition. Then, the second access network device belongs to the first proximity group or is located in the first tracking area. That is, if the first condition comprises multiple conditions, the second access network device satisfies any one of the conditions.

[0215] After the second access network device is determined, the information associated with the second access network device can be further determined.

[0216] Step 505: The first network element sends the information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device, and correspondingly, the first access network device receives the information associated with the second access network device.

[0217] In a possible example, the first network element can send the other information associated with the second access network device (for example, one or more pieces of information associated with the second access network device except the address information in the information associated with the second access network device introduced in step 502) to the first access network device at the same time when the address information of the second access network device is sent to the first access network device, or the first network element can first send the address information of the second access network device to the first access network device, and then send the other information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device in other messages.

[0218] In a possible example, the first network element sends the address information of the second access network device to the first access network device, and the second access network device sends the other information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device. For example, the second access network device sends the other information associated with the second access network device to the first access network device in the process of establishing a communication connection between the first access network device and the second access network device, and / or after the communication connection is established.

[0219] The information associated with the second access network device can be carried in a discovery response message.

[0220] Optionally, step 506: The first access network device establishes a communication connection with the second access network device based on the address information of the second access network device.

[0221] Optionally, step 507: The first network element sends the information associated with the first access network device to the second access network device, and correspondingly, the second access network device receives the information associated with the first access network device.

[0222] In a possible example, the first network element can send the address information of the first access network device to the second access network device, and send other related information of the first access network device to the second access network device at the same time (the other related information is, for example, one or more pieces of related information of the first access network device other than the address information in the related information of the first access network device introduced in step 501); or the first network element can first send the address information of the first access network device to the second access network device, and then send the other related information of the first access network device to the second access network device in another message.

[0223] In a possible example, the first network element sends the address information of the first access network device to the second access network device, and the first access network device sends the other related information of the first access network device to the second access network device. For example, the first access network device can send the other related information of the first access network device to the second access network device in the process of establishing a communication connection with the second access network device, and / or after the communication connection is established.

[0224] The sequence of step 505 and step 507 is not limited, and the sequence of step 506 and step 507 is not limited.

[0225] After step 505, the first access network device knows the address information of the second access network device, but the second access network device does not know the existence of the first access network device. For example, the first access network device is a newly deployed access network device, and the second access network device is an already deployed access network device. The second access network device and the first network element can perform a process similar to steps 503, 504 and 505, and the second access network device can obtain the related information of the first access network device. Because the second access network device satisfies the first condition corresponding to the first access network device, the first access network device also satisfies the condition corresponding to the second access network device. The first network element can send the related information of the first access network device to the second access network device after determining the second access network device.

[0226] In one scenario, the terminal device enters the RRC_INACTIVE state after accessing the first access network device, and the first access network device sends the first RNA in which the first access network device is located to the terminal device. The terminal device moves in the first RNA, and if the second access network device is located in the first RNA, the terminal device can send an RRC resume message to the second access network device, where the RRC resume message includes the identifier of the first access network device, and the RRC resume message is used to request to enter the RRC_CONNECTED state. After receiving the RRC resume message, the second access network device needs to request the context of the terminal device from the first access network device, so as to make the terminal device enter the RRC_CONNECTED state. However, the second access network device has not found the first access network device, does not know the address information of the first access network device, and cannot send a message to the first access network device.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the second access network device sends a message (for example, a discovery request message) to the first network element, where the message is used to obtain the address information of the first access network device, and the message includes the identifier of the first access network device. After receiving the message, the first network element sends the address information of the first access network device to the second access network device; and the second access network device can request the context of the terminal device from the first access network device based on the address information of the second access network device. This implementation is simple in logic, but in the process of terminal device connection recovery, the second access network device requests the address information of the first access network device from the first network element, which affects the timeliness of terminal device connection recovery.

[0228] In another possible implementation, after the first network element determines the second access network device (that is, step 504), the first network element sends the address information of the first access network device to the second access network device (that is, step 507). In this way, the discovery of the access network devices is mutual, and the timeliness of terminal device connection recovery is not affected.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 6, taking an example in which the first access network device does not inform the first network element of the first condition, a flowchart of a communication method is introduced, including the following steps:

[0230] Optionally, in step 600, the policy information for selecting the access network device is preconfigured in the first network element.

[0231] The policy information includes the condition for selecting the access network device, for example, the condition includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a condition of area information, a condition of network slice, a condition of proximity group, and the like.

[0232] The condition of area information can indicate that the selected access network device and the requested access network device are located in the same and / or adjacent area, where the area can be a tracking area, an AMF-managed area, an RNA, a location area, a routing area, and the like.

[0233] The condition of the network slice can indicate that the selected access network device supports the same network slice as the requested access network device.

[0234] The condition of the proximity group can indicate that the selected access network device belongs to the same proximity group as the requested access network device.

[0235] Other specific details about the policy information can refer to the description of the second way of obtaining the first condition by the first network element described above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0236] Step 601: The first access network device sends the related information of the first access network device to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the related information from the first access network device.

[0237] Step 602: The second access network device sends the related information of the second access network device to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the related information of the second access network device.

[0238] Steps 601 and 602 can refer to steps 501 and 502, and will not be repeated here.

[0239] Step 603: The first access network device sends a first message to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message.

[0240] The first message includes the identification information of the first access network device. Optionally, the first message also includes a network element type, which is an access network device. The network element type can indicate which type of device to obtain, such as an access network device, or a core network device, or a terminal device, etc.

[0241] The first message can not include the information associated with the first condition.

[0242] Step 604: The first network element determines the information associated with the first condition based on the identification information of the first access network device, and determines the second access network device based on the information associated with the first condition.

[0243] For example, the first network element can determine the information associated with the first condition based on the identification information of the first access network device and the policy information contained in the first message of step 603.

[0244] For example, the first network element can determine the related information of the first access network device (such as the related information sent by the first access network device to the first network element in step 601) based on the identification information of the first access network device contained in the first message of step 603, and find the information matched with the policy information from the related information of the first access network device, that is, obtain the information associated with the first condition.

[0245] For example, the policy information includes that the selected access network device and the requested access network device are located in the same and / or adjacent area, and the information in the related information of the first access network device that matches the policy information (i.e., the information associated with the first condition) includes the information of the area where the first access network device is located. Then, the first condition includes that the first access network device is located in the same and / or adjacent area.

[0246] A possible implementation is that the first network element acquires, according to the identification information of the first access network device, a first area where the first access network device is located, and acquires address information of a second access network device located in the first area and / or in an area adjacent to the first area. The first area where the first access network device is located includes at least one of the following: a first tracking area where the first access network device is located; an area managed by an access and mobility management function network element (AMF) where the first access network device is located; and a first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located.

[0247] For example, the policy information includes that the selected access network device and the requested access network device support the same network slice, and the information in the related information of the first access network device that matches the policy information (i.e., the information associated with the first condition) includes the information of a first network slice supported by the first access network device. Then, the first condition includes that the first network slice is supported.

[0248] A possible implementation is that the first network element acquires, according to the identification information of the first access network device, a first network slice supported by the first access network device, and acquires address information of a second access network device that supports the first network slice.

[0249] For example, the policy information includes that the selected access network device and the requested access network device belong to the same proximity group, and the information in the related information of the first access network device that matches the policy information (i.e., the information associated with the first condition) includes the information of a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs. Then, the first condition includes that the first proximity group is belonged to.

[0250] A possible implementation is that the first network element acquires, according to the identification information of the first access network device, a first proximity group to which the first access network device belongs, and acquires address information of a second access network device that belongs to the first proximity group.

[0251] More details about the information associated with the first condition can be referred to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here.

[0252] When the information associated with the first condition is determined, the first network element can determine the second access network device based on the information associated with the first condition, which can be referred to as the description in step 504, and will not be repeated here.

[0253] Step 605: The first network element sends the relevant information of the second access network device to the first access network device, and correspondingly, the first access network device receives the relevant information of the second access network device.

[0254] Optionally, step 606: The first access network device establishes a communication connection with the second access network device based on the address information of the second access network device.

[0255] Optionally, step 607: The first network element sends the relevant information of the first access network device to the second access network device, and correspondingly, the second access network device receives the relevant information of the first access network device.

[0256] Step 605 can refer to step 505, step 606 can refer to step 506, and step 607 can refer to step 507, which will not be repeated here.

[0257] In one scenario, the terminal device accesses the first access network device, and the terminal device sends the second PCI to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second PCI, and the first access network device can request the first network element to obtain the address information / related information of the third access network device, which refers to the access network device that contains the cell indicated by the second PCI in the serving cell. For example, the first access network device sends a second message to the first network element, and the second message includes the second PCI. The second message is used to obtain the address information / related information of the access network device that contains the cell indicated by the second PCI in the serving cell. The second message can be a discovery request message.

[0258] After the first network element receives the second message, the first network element can determine the third access network device that contains the cell indicated by the second PCI in the serving cell, and then determine the relevant information of the third access network device. The first network element sends the relevant information of the third access network device to the first access network device.

[0259] The following describes the process in detail as shown in FIG. 7.

[0260] Step 701: The first access network device sends the relevant information of the first access network device to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the relevant information from the first access network device.

[0261] Step 701 can refer to step 501, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] Step 702: The third access network device sends the related information of the third access network device to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the related information of the third access network device.

[0263] The process in which the third access network device sends the related information of the third access network device to the first network element can refer to steps 501 and 502 in FIG. 5, which will not be described in detail here. The related information of the third access network device is similar to the related information of the first access network device and the related information of the second access network device described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0264] Step 703: The terminal device accesses the first access network device, and the terminal device sends the second PCI to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second PCI from the terminal device.

[0265] Step 704: The first access network device sends the identification information of the first access network device and the second PCI to the first network element.

[0266] The first access network device can request the first network element to obtain the address information / related information of the third access network device, where the third access network device refers to an access network device serving a cell containing the cell indicated by the second PCI.

[0267] Step 705: The first network element determines the third access network device serving the cell containing the cell indicated by the second PCI.

[0268] The first network element further determines the related information of the third access network device.

[0269] Optionally, the first network element can determine the third access network device based on the related information of the first access network device and the second PCI. A possible implementation manner is that according to the information of the area (for example, a tracking area, an area managed by an AMF, an RNA, etc.) in the related information of the first access network device, the first network element determines that an access network device serving a cell in the area and / or an area adjacent to the area and including the second PCI is the third access network device. Because the PCI cannot uniquely identify the access network device, it is necessary to find an access network device supporting the PCI near the first access network device. This manner of determining the access network device based on the PCI can also be applied to other embodiments of the present application.

[0270] The first network element can find other related information of the first access network device, for example, information of an area, based on the identification information of the first access network device in step 704.

[0271] Step 706: The first network element sends the related information of the third access network device to the first access network device.

[0272] Optionally, step 707: the first access network device establishes a communication connection with the third access network device based on the address information of the third access network device.

[0273] Optionally, step 708: the first network element sends the related information of the first access network device to the third access network device.

[0274] The technical details of steps 706 to 708 can refer to steps 505 to 507, which are not repeated here.

[0275] The order of the process of obtaining the related information of the access network device based on the second PCI (for example, FIG. 7) and the process of obtaining the related information of the access network device based on the first condition (for example, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) is not limited. If the first access network device has obtained the information of the serving cell of the second access network device, the first access network device can determine whether the obtained information of the serving cell of the second access network device includes the second PCI, and if not, request the related information of the third access network device from the first network element (i.e., perform step 704). It can also be that the first access network device does not make this determination and directly requests the related information of the third access network device from the first network element.

[0276] After receiving the second message, the first network element can determine whether the information of the serving cell of the second access network device sent to the first access network device includes the second PCI, and if not, send the related information of the third access network device to the first access network device (i.e., perform step 706). It can also be that the first network element does not make this determination and directly sends the related information of the third access network device to the first access network device.

[0277] In this implementation, the address information of the corresponding access network device is obtained from the PCI from the terminal device, and the access network device that generally meets the PCI condition is the neighboring access network device of the first access network device. The first access network device establishes a communication connection with the third access network device, which can facilitate the terminal device to switch between the first access network device and the third access network device. In addition, compared with the example of FIG. 2, since the UE does not need to be instructed to measure the identity of the access network device of the neighboring cell, air interface signaling can also be saved.

[0278] In a possible implementation, the first message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that when the access network device that meets the first condition changes, the changed information is sent to the first access network device. The first message can be regarded as a subscription message.

[0279] After the first network element sends the address information / related information of the second access network device to the first access network device (i.e., step 402, step 505, step 605), the first network element determines that the fourth access network device satisfies the first condition, and the first network element can send the related information of the fourth access network device to the first access network device. Optionally, the fourth access network device is a newly deployed access network device at or after the first network element sends the address information / related information of the second access network device to the first access network device (i.e., step 402, step 504, step 605).

[0280] After the first network element sends the address information / related information of the second access network device to the first access network device (i.e., step 402, step 504, step 605), the first network element determines that the fifth access network device no longer satisfies the first condition, and the fifth access network device belongs to the second access network device. At this time, the first network element can send indication information to the first access network device, and the indication information is used to indicate that the fifth access network device cannot establish a communication connection with the first access network device or the fifth access network device does not satisfy the first condition. The indication information includes identification information and / or address information of the fifth access network device. Optionally, the fifth access network device is a demolished access network device at or after the first network element sends the address information / related information of the second access network device to the first access network device (i.e., step 402, step 504, step 605).

[0281] After the first network element sends the address information / related information of the second access network device to the first access network device (i.e., step 402, step 504, step 605), the first network element determines that the related information of one or more second access network devices changes, and at this time, the first network element can send indication information to the first access network device, and the indication information is used to indicate the changed information of the second access network device.

[0282] In this implementation, the first message can be regarded as a subscription message, and the first access network device subscribes to the information of the access network device satisfying the first condition from the first network element. When the information of the access network device satisfying the first condition changes, the first network element timely informs the first access network device, and the first access network device does not need to request again, which can save signaling overhead and improve the accuracy of the first access network device obtaining the information of the access network device satisfying the first condition.

[0283] In a possible implementation of the present application, the Xn interface (mainly Xn-C interface) between the radio access networks can be a point-to-point interface, or can be replaced by a service interface.

[0284] The access network device can send the indication information of the service capability of the interface between the access network devices to the first network element when sending the related information to the first network element (for example, sending the related information when registering, or sending the related information after registration), which can indicate that the access network device supports the service interface between the access network devices, or does not support the service interface between the access network devices, or supports the service interface between the access network devices and the point-to-point interface between the access network devices. Wherein, the interface between the access network devices supporting the service can also support the point-to-point interface between the access network devices by default; or the interface between the access network devices supporting the service does not mean that the point-to-point interface between the access network devices is also supported.

[0285] The indication information can show the indication of the service capability of the interface between the access network devices. For example, the indication information occupies 1 bit, or 2 bits, or more bits to indicate.

[0286] The indication information can implicitly indicate the service capability of the interface between the access network devices. For example, the access network device sends the TNL information of the access network device to the first network element, which indicates that the access network device does not support the service interface between the access network devices; if the access network device does not send the TNL information of the access network device to the first network element, it indicates that the access network device supports the service interface between the access network devices. For another example, the access network device sends the Xn address / domain name of the access network device to the first network element, which indicates that the access network device supports the service interface between the access network devices.

[0287] The first network element can determine whether the access network device supports the Xn interface service based on the indication information. Further optionally, if the access network device supports the Xn interface service, when sending the information of the searched access network device to the access network device, not only the address information, but also a lot of related information other than the address information introduced above will be sent. If the access network device does not support the Xn interface service, only the address information of the searched access network device can be sent to the access network device, and no other related information or only a small part of other related information, such as identification information, is sent.

[0288] In this example, the configuration of the Xn interface between access network devices can be simplified by Xn interface serviceization, reducing the risk of missing configuration. Unlike other types of NFs in the network, access network devices have parameters related to fine-grained geographical locations (such as the range of a "cell" served by an access network device is much smaller than the range of a "tracking area" served by a network element such as AMF / SMF). When an access network device discovers other access network devices (which can be understood as access network devices that need / can establish an Xn interface in the prior art), how to determine the parameters in the discovery request, and how the NRF should retrieve the corresponding target access network device, are the problems to be solved in this case.

[0289] The components included in the "access network device" in this application may vary with the deployment architecture of the access network device. For example, if the CU in the access network device is deployed in a cloud form, the CU will no longer be associated with fine-grained geographical locations, and therefore the "access network device" no longer includes the CU. The "access network device" concerned in this application can be in the form of distributed deployment in the prior art, and the access network device needs to configure regional parameter information such as TA, RAN Area, etc.

[0290] It can be understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the access network device and the first network element include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing various functions. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and method steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0291] FIGS. 8 and 9 are structural schematic diagrams of possible communication apparatuses provided by embodiments of this application. These communication apparatuses can be used to implement the functions of the access network device or the first network element in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects possessed by the above method embodiments.

[0292] As shown in FIG. 8, the communication apparatus 800 includes a processing unit 810 and a transceiver unit 820.

[0293] For example, the communication apparatus 800 is used to implement the functions of the access network device (such as the first access network device, or the second access network device, or the third access network device) and the first network element in the above method embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. The transceiver unit 820 can perform the receiving actions and the sending actions performed by the access network device and the first network element in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 810 can perform other actions in addition to the sending actions and the receiving actions performed by the access network device and the first network element in the above method embodiments.

[0294] Exemplarily, when the communication apparatus 800 is used to implement the function of the first access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the transceiver unit 820 is configured to send the first message and receive the address information of the second access network device. The processing unit 810 is configured to establish a communication connection with the second access network device based on the address information of the second access network device.

[0295] Exemplarily, when the communication apparatus 800 is used to implement the function of the first network element in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the transceiver unit 820 is configured to receive the first message and send the address information of the second access network device. The processing unit 810 is configured to process the first message and determine the address information of the second access network device.

[0296] The above processing unit 810 and transceiver unit 820 can be directly understood by referring to the related description in the method embodiments shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, and thus no further description is given here. The processing unit 810 can be implemented by a processor, and the transceiver unit 820 can be implemented by a transceiver.

[0297] As shown in FIG. 9, the communication apparatus 900 includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled with each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication apparatus 900 can further include a memory 930, which is configured to store instructions executed by the processor 910, or store input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or store data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 920 can also be understood as a part of the processor 910, and thus the communication apparatus 900 includes the processor 910.

[0298] When the communication apparatus 900 is used to implement the above method shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, the processor 910 is configured to implement the function of the above processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is configured to implement the function of the above transceiver unit 820.

[0299] When the above communication apparatus is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal device chip implements the function of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. The terminal device chip receives information from a network device, which can be understood as that the information is first received by other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the terminal device, and then sent to the terminal device chip by the modules. The terminal device chip sends information to the network device, which can be understood as that the information is first sent to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the terminal device, and then sent to the network device by the modules.

[0300] When the communication device is a chip applied to a network device, the network device chip implements the functions of the network device in the method embodiments. The network device chip receives information from a terminal device, which can be understood as the information being received by other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the network device first, and then being sent to the network device chip by the modules. The network device chip sends information to the terminal device, which can be understood as the information being sent to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the network device first, and then being sent to the terminal device by the modules. The network device module here can be a baseband chip of the network device, or a DU or other module. The DU here can be a DU under the O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) architecture.

[0301] In this application, entity A sending information to entity B can be A sending directly to B, or A sending indirectly to B through other entities. Similarly, entity B receiving information from entity A can be entity B receiving the information sent by entity A directly, or entity B receiving the information sent by entity A indirectly through other entities. The entities A and B here can be network devices or terminal devices, or modules inside a network device or modules inside a terminal device. The sending and receiving of information can be information interaction between a network device and a terminal device, or information interaction between two network devices, such as information interaction between a CU and a DU; or information interaction between different modules in one device, such as information interaction between a terminal device chip and other modules of the terminal device, or information interaction between a network device chip and other modules of the network device.

[0302] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), and can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor.

[0303] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, which can make a computer execute the communication method when executed by the computer. In other words, the computer program includes instructions for implementing the communication.

[0304] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, comprising computer program codes, which, when running on a computer, enable the computer to perform the communication method provided above.

[0305] The embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, comprising: an access network device and a first network element performing the communication method; or a first access network device and a second access network device performing the communication method; or a first access network device and a third access network device performing the communication method.

[0306] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be realized by means of hardware, or by means of a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) (also known as a read-only optical disc), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, so that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or a terminal.

[0307] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments are performed. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a first control plane network element, user equipment or other programmable apparatus. The computer programs or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer programs or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through a wired or wireless manner. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center and the like integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be a magnetic medium, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape; an optical medium, for example, a digital video disc; and a semiconductor medium, for example, a solid state disk. The computer-readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or can include both volatile and non-volatile storage media.

[0308] In various embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0309] In the embodiments of the present application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, means "singular noun or plural noun", that is, "one or more". "At least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the following cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents that the associated objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means A or B. "At least one of the following" or "one or more of the following" and the like means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b and (or) c, or one or more of a, b and (or) c, means a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. Each of a, b and c can be single or multiple.

[0310] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish a plurality of objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, time sequence, priority, or importance of the plurality of objects. Moreover, such names do not represent the difference in the content, the sending / receiving end, the sending order, the size, the application scenario, the priority, or the importance, and the like included in the two pieces of information. In addition, the numbering of the steps in each embodiment introduced in the present application is only for distinguishing different steps, and is not used to limit the order between the steps.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a first access network device or a chip used in the first access network device, including: Send a first message to the first network element, the first message being used to obtain the address information of the second access network device, the second access network device satisfying the first condition; Receive address information from the second access network device of the first network element.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first condition includes one or more of the following: Located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device; or Supports a first network slice, which is a network slice supported by the first access network device; or It belongs to the first neighboring group, which is the neighboring group to which the first access network device belongs.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The area located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device includes one or more of the following: Located in the first tracking area where the first access network device is located; or The tracking area located adjacent to the first tracking area where the first access network device is located; or Located in the area managed by the access and mobility management function network element where the first access network device is located; or Located in the notification area of ​​the first wireless access network where the first access network device is located; or The radio access network notification area is located adjacent to the first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first message includes information associated with the first condition.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The information associated with the first condition includes information about the first tracking area where the first access network device is located, and the first condition includes the second access network device being located in the first tracking area and / or in a tracking area adjacent to the first tracking area.

6. The method according to any one of claims 4-5, characterized in that, The information associated with the first condition includes information about the area managed by the access and mobility management function network element where the first access network device is located, and the first condition includes that the second access network device is located in the area managed by the access and mobility management function network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The information associated with the first condition includes information about the first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located. The first condition includes the second access network device being located in the first radio access network notification area and / or in a radio access network notification area adjacent to the first radio access network notification area.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The information associated with the first condition includes information about the first network slice supported by the first access network device, and the first condition includes information about the second access network device supporting the first network slice.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The information associated with the first condition includes information about the first neighboring group to which the first access network device belongs, and the first condition includes information about the second access network device belonging to the first neighboring group.

10. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The information associated with the first condition includes access network device identification information, and the first condition is that the second access network device is the access network device corresponding to the access network device identification information.

11. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The information associated with the first condition includes the first physical cell identifier information, and the condition includes that the serving cell of the second access network device contains the cell corresponding to the first physical cell identifier information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, Also includes: The device receives at least one of the following information from the first network element: identification information, the identifier of the broadcast public land mobile network, the tracking area code of the tracking area it is in, the information of the supported network slices, the radio access technology information corresponding to the tracking area code of the tracking area it is in, the identifier of the radio access network notification area it is in, the information of the area managed by the access management network element serving the second access network device, the information of the serving cell, the information of the neighboring cells, and the identifier of the neighboring group it belongs to.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive the second physical cell identifier from the terminal device; Send a second message to the first network element. The second message includes the second physical cell identifier. The second message is used to obtain the address information of the access network device that contains the cell corresponding to the second physical cell identifier in the serving cell. The address information of the third access network device is received from the first network element, wherein the serving cell of the third access network device includes the cell corresponding to the second physical cell identifier.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, Also includes: A registration message is sent to the first network element. The registration message includes information about the first access network device. The registration message is used to request the first network element to store the information about the first access network device.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by the first network element or a chip used in the first network element, including: Receive a first message from a first access network device, the first message being used to obtain the address information of a second access network device, the second access network device satisfying a first condition; Send the address information of the second access network device to the first access network device.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first condition includes one or more of the following: Located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device; or Supports a first network slice, which is a network slice supported by the first access network device; or It belongs to the first neighboring group, which is the neighboring group to which the first access network device belongs.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The area located in the same and / or adjacent area as the first access network device includes one or more of the following: Located in the first tracking area where the first access network device is located; or The tracking area located adjacent to the first tracking area where the first access network device is located; or Located in the area managed by the access and mobility management function network element where the first access network device is located; or Located in the notification area of ​​the first wireless access network where the first access network device is located; or The radio access network notification area is located adjacent to the first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, characterized in that, The first message includes information associated with the first condition.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, characterized in that, The first message includes the identification information of the first access network device, and the method further includes: Based on the identification information of the first access network device, the first area where the first access network device is located is obtained; Obtain the address information of a second access network device located within the first area and / or within an area adjacent to the first area.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The first area where the first access network device is located includes at least one of the following: The first tracking area where the first access network device is located; the area managed by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) element where the first access network device is located; the first radio access network notification area where the first access network device is located.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15-20, characterized in that, The first message includes the identification information of the first access network device, and the method further includes: Based on the identification information of the first access network device, obtain the first network slice supported by the first access network device; Obtain the address information of the second access network device that supports the first network slice.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15-21, characterized in that, The first message includes the identification information of the first access network device, and the method further includes: Based on the identification information of the first access network device, the first neighboring group to which the first access network device belongs is obtained; Obtain the address information of the second access network device belonging to the first neighboring group.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15-22, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive a registration message from the second access network device, the registration message including the address information of the second access network device; And / or, Receive a registration message from the first access network device, the registration message including information about the first access network device.

24. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, Also includes: Send the information of the first access network device to the second access network device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15-24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, which is coupled to a memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The processor is configured to execute some or all of the computer programs or instructions in the memory, and when the some or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 15-24.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Including processor and memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The processor is configured to execute some or all of the computer programs or instructions in the memory, and when the some or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 15-24.

28. A chip system, characterized in that, Includes a processor and interface circuitry, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The processor is configured to execute some or all of the computer programs or instructions in the memory, and when the some or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 15-24.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15-24.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-14 to be implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 15-24 to be implemented.

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