Communication methods, apparatus and device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are communication methods, an apparatus and a device. A communication method of the embodiments of the present application comprises: a terminal receives a first message sent by a first network side device of a n-th generation mobile communication network, the first message being used for at least one of the following: instructing to measure a cell of an (n-2)-th generation mobile communication network, and instructing to access the (n-2)-th generation mobile communication network, n being an integer greater than or equal to 6; and the terminal responds to the first message.

Description

Communication methods, devices and equipment

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410937092.X, filed in China on July 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a communication method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0004] In the initial deployment phase of some mobile communication networks, certain services (such as voice calls) may not be supported. For example, 6G mobile communication networks may not support voice calls in the initial deployment phase. In some related technologies, once a terminal connects to a mobile communication network, it often remains on that network, resulting in relatively poor terminal service performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and device that can solve the problem of poor terminal service performance.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0007] The terminal receives a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: instructing to measure a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, instructing to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0008] The terminal responds to the first message.

[0009] Secondly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0010] A first network-side device sends a first message to a terminal. The first network-side device is a network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating the measurement of a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0011] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0012] The first network-side device sends a handover request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following:

[0013] The second indication information is used to indicate switching to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0014] Cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0015] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, the method further comprising:

[0016] The second core network device sends a first context request to the third core network device. The first context request includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0017] The second core network device receives the context sent by the third core network device.

[0018] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0019] The fourth core network device receives a context creation request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0020] The fourth core network device sends the information allocated to the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the second core network device.

[0021] Sixthly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0022] The fourth core network device receives the third context request sent by the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0023] The fourth core network device sends the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first core network device.

[0024] Seventhly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0025] The first core network device receives a mobility update request sent by the terminal. The first core network device is the core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4.

[0026] The first core network device obtains the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network based on the mobility update request;

[0027] The first core network device creates a session for the terminal based on the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network and sends a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

[0028] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0029] The receiving module is configured to receive a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network, wherein the first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating measurement of a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0030] A processing module, used to respond to the first message.

[0031] Ninthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0032] The sending module is used to send a first message to the terminal. The first network-side device is a network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating the measurement of a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0033] Tenthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0034] The sending module is configured to send a handover request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following:

[0035] The second indication information is used to indicate switching to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0036] Cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0037] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0038] The sending module is configured to send a first context request to a third core network device. The first context request includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal to be acquired, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0039] A receiving module is used to receive the context sent by the third core network device.

[0040] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0041] The receiving module is configured to receive a context creation request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0042] The sending module is used to send the information allocated by the second network-side device of the n-2 generation mobile communication network to the second core network device for the terminal.

[0043] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0044] The receiving module is used to receive the third context request sent by the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0045] The sending module is used to send the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first core network device.

[0046] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0047] The receiving module is used to receive mobility update requests sent by the terminal. The core network equipment corresponding to the device is the core network equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4.

[0048] The processing module is configured to obtain the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal based on the mobility update request;

[0049] The sending module is used to create a session for the terminal based on the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and send a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

[0050] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device being configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the third aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the sixth aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the seventh aspect.

[0051] In a sixteenth aspect, a terminal is provided, the terminal including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the first aspect.

[0052] In a seventeenth aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network, the first message being configured to at least one of the following: instructing to measure a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, instructing to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; the processor is configured to respond to the first message.

[0053] In an eighteenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, the network-side device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the second aspect, or the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the third aspect.

[0054] In a nineteenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send a first message to a terminal, the first network-side device being a network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network, and the first message being used for at least one of the following: instructing to measure a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, instructing to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0055] In a twentieth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send a handover request to a second core network device of an nth generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following: second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a handover to an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; and cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0056] In a twenty-first aspect, a core network device is provided, the core network device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method as described in the fourth aspect, or the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method as described in the fifth aspect, or the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method as described in the sixth aspect, or the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method as described in the seventh aspect.

[0057] In a twenty-second aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send a first context request to a third core network device, the first context request including third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate obtaining the context of a terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; and a second core network device receives the context sent by the third core network device.

[0058] In a twenty-third aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a context creation request sent by a second core network device of an nth generation mobile communication network, the context creation request including at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; and to send to the second core network device information allocated by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network for the terminal.

[0059] In a twentieth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive a third context request sent by a first core network device of a (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; and to send the terminal context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal to the first core network device.

[0060] In a twenty-fifth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive a mobility update request sent by a terminal, the network-side device is a core network device of a (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4; the processor is used to obtain the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request; create a session of the terminal based on the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and send a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

[0061] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the sixth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the seventh aspect.

[0062] A twenty-seventh aspect provides a wireless communication system, comprising: a terminal, and at least one of a first network-side device, a second core network device, a fourth core network device, and a first core network device, wherein the terminal is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, the first network-side device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect, the first network-side device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect, the fourth core network device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the sixth aspect, and the first core network device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the seventh aspect.

[0063] In a twentieth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run a program or instructions to implement the method as described in the first aspect, or the method as described in the second aspect, or the method as described in the third aspect, or the method as described in the fourth aspect, or the method as described in the fifth aspect, or the method as described in the sixth aspect, or the method as described in the seventh aspect.

[0064] In a twenty-ninth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, the computer program / program product being stored in a storage medium, the computer program / program product being executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method as described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the second aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the third aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the fourth aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the fifth aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the sixth aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the seventh aspect.

[0065] In this embodiment, the terminal receives a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth-generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: instructing the measurement of a cell in the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, or instructing access to the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The terminal responds to the first message. Because the first message is used to instruct the measurement of a cell in the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network and to instruct access to the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, the terminal can support accessing or reverting from the nth-generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, thereby improving the terminal's service performance. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 3 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 12 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 13 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 14 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 15 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 16 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 17 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 18 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 19 is a structural diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 20 is a structural diagram of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 21 is a structural diagram of another network-side device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0087] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0088] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, "or" in this application indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, the scope of protection for "A or B" covers at least three scenarios: Scenario 1: including A but not B; Scenario 2: including B but not A; Scenario 3: including both A and B. In addition, the terms "A and / or B," "at least one of A and B," and "at least one of A or B" also cover at least the above three scenarios. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0089] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc., in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0090] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and the term NR is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0091] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, flight vehicle, vehicle user equipment (VUE), shipboard equipment, pedestrian user equipment (PUE), smart home (home devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game console, personal computer (PC), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among these, in-vehicle devices can also be referred to as in-vehicle terminals, in-vehicle controllers, in-vehicle modules, in-vehicle components, in-vehicle chips, or in-vehicle units, etc. Terminal 11 can be any of the aforementioned terminal devices, or it can be a chip within a terminal, such as a modem chip or a system-on-chip (SoC). It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this application embodiment. Network-side device 12 can include access network devices or core network devices, wherein access network devices can also be referred to as Radio Access Network (RAN) devices, radio access network functions, or radio access network units. Access network devices can include base stations, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access points (AS), or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) nodes, etc.The term "base station" can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), Next Generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), Access Point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Radio Base Station, Radio Transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Home Node B (HNB), Home Evolved Node B, Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the relevant field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The term "base station" is not limited to any specific technical terminology. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses a base station in an NR system as an example for description and does not limit the specific type of base station.

[0092] Core network equipment, also known as core network nodes, core network functions, or core network elements, includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), and Binding Support. The core network functions include: BSF (Block Network Function), Application Function (AF), Location Management Function (LMF), Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), and Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses core network equipment in the NR system as an example and does not limit the specific type of core network equipment. If the name of the core network equipment mentioned in this application embodiment changes in subsequent protocol versions (e.g., 6G), it will still be within the scope of protection of this application.

[0093] Optionally, the core network equipment can be implemented by one or more functional modules in a single device, or by multiple devices working together; this application does not specifically limit this. It is understood that the aforementioned functional modules can be network elements in hardware devices, software functional modules running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functional modules instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0094] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details a communication method, apparatus, and device provided in this application through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, it includes the following steps:

[0096] Step 201: The terminal receives a first message sent by the first network-side device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating the measurement of the cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0097] In some implementations, the aforementioned nth generation mobile communication network can be a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication network (hereinafter referred to as 6G network), and the aforementioned n-2th generation mobile communication network can be a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication network (hereinafter referred to as 4G network). There is no limitation on this. For example, the aforementioned nth generation mobile communication network can be a 7th generation (7G) mobile communication network (hereinafter referred to as 7G network), and the aforementioned n-2th generation mobile communication network can be a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication network (hereinafter referred to as 5G network).

[0098] The aforementioned first network-side device can be an access network device, such as a 6G base station.

[0099] The terminal receiving the first message sent by the first network-side device of the nth generation mobile communication network can be done after the terminal has accessed the nth generation mobile communication network. Alternatively, the terminal may receive the first message if the nth generation mobile communication network does not support multimedia services, or if the nth generation mobile communication network does not support falling back to the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network for multimedia services.

[0100] The aforementioned multimedia services can be services used to transmit multimedia information, such as services used to transmit voice, video and other data, such as voice calls, or IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services.

[0101] For example, taking 6G as an example, in the early stages of 6G deployment, the 6G network cannot support 6G voice over 6G (Vo6G) (or cannot directly make voice calls on 6G, or cannot directly transmit voice data on 6G). When the terminal has the corresponding needs, the first network-side device sends the aforementioned first message to the terminal; as another example, when the terminal establishes a multimedia session on 6G, the first network-side device sends the aforementioned first message to the terminal.

[0102] The aforementioned multimedia sessions are used to transmit multimedia services, such as IMS services.

[0103] In this embodiment, a multimedia session can also be called a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, such as a PDU session used to transmit IMS services, which will be referred to as an IMS PDU session; or a multimedia session can also be called a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection or a multimedia connection, etc. In this embodiment, the name of the multimedia session is not limited.

[0104] Step 202: The terminal responds to the first message.

[0105] The response to the first message mentioned above may include at least one of the following:

[0106] Measure the cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0107] Obtain the information allocated to the terminal by the network-side equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0108] Access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0109] In this embodiment, since the first message is used to indicate the cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network and to indicate access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the terminal can support accessing or reverting from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, thereby improving the service performance of the terminal.

[0110] It should be noted that accessing from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network can also be understood or replaced as reselecting or redirecting from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0111] For example, taking 6G as an example, in the early stages of 6G deployment, the 6G network cannot support Vo6G (or cannot directly make voice calls on 6G or directly transmit voice data on 6G), and the terminal responds to the above first message and falls back to the 4G network to make voice calls.

[0112] In addition, since it indicates the cell for measuring the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network and indicates access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, this avoids the terminal falling back from the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network and then from the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network again if the operator does not support multimedia services of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network or the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network does not support multimedia services. This avoids the terminal performing two fallbacks, thereby improving the terminal's service efficiency and saving the cost of terminal and network-side equipment.

[0113] For example, taking 6G as an example, in the early stages of 6G deployment, the 6G network cannot support Vo6G (or cannot make voice calls directly on 6G). If the operator also does not support Voice over New Radio (VoNR), this can prevent the terminal from falling back from 6G to 5G, and then from 5G back to 4G.

[0114] As an optional implementation, when the first message indicates that a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network is being measured, the terminal responds to the first message by including:

[0115] The terminal receives a second message, the second message including information configured for the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0116] The terminal accesses the second network-side device based on the information.

[0117] The aforementioned second network-side equipment can be access network equipment, such as a 4G base station.

[0118] The information configured for the terminal mentioned above may include radio resource information configured for the terminal, or other information used for service transmission, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0119] The aforementioned terminal accessing the second network-side device based on the information can be understood as the terminal accessing the second network-side device through a switching mechanism, specifically accessing the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network. Accessing the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network can also be understood as falling back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network. For example, taking 6G as an example, in the early stages of 6G deployment, the 6G network could not support Vo6G (or could not directly conduct voice calls on 6G), and the terminal fell back to 4G through a switching mechanism.

[0120] In this embodiment, access to the second network-side device can be achieved based on the above information, that is, access to the n-2nd generation mobile communication network can be achieved, thereby enabling service transmission based on the n-2nd generation mobile communication network, such as voice calls through the n-2nd generation mobile communication network, to improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0121] In some implementations, before receiving the second message, the terminal may also measure the cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network and send a measurement report to the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, thereby matching the information configured for the terminal by the second network-side device with the terminal's measurement report to improve the terminal's service performance.

[0122] In some implementations, the measurement report may not be sent, and the second message mentioned above may be received directly.

[0123] As an optional implementation, when the first message indicates access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the terminal responds to the first message by including:

[0124] The terminal sends a mobility update request to the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0125] The terminal receives a response to the mobility update request sent by the first core network device.

[0126] The aforementioned first core network equipment can be core network equipment such as MME or AMF.

[0127] The aforementioned mobility update request can be a Tracking Area Update (TAU) or a Mobility Register Update (MRU), etc., and there is no limitation on the type.

[0128] The response to the aforementioned mobility update request can be a TAU acceptance message or an MRU acceptance message, etc.

[0129] In this implementation, by initiating a mobility update, it is possible to access or fall back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network through redirection or reselection. This allows for service transmission based on the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, such as voice calls, thereby improving the terminal's service performance. For example, in the early stages of 6G deployment, the 6G network cannot support Vo6G (or cannot directly conduct voice calls on 6G), and the terminal falls back to 4G through redirection.

[0130] Optionally, the mobility update request includes at least one of the following:

[0131] The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0132] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network and selects the core network equipment (5G AMF) of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0133] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0134] The aforementioned first terminal identifier can be a globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI) or a permanent equipment identifier (PEI), etc.

[0135] The aforementioned second terminal identifier can be a terminal identifier such as GUTI or PEI.

[0136] The mapping obtained by the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network can be based on the mapping relationship between the first terminal identifier and the second terminal identifier. Specifically, it can be obtained by the terminal itself or by the network-side device and then sent to the terminal.

[0137] Since the aforementioned first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the terminal to the second terminal identifier in the nth generation mobile communication network, the network-side device can determine the information of the network-side device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the first terminal identifier, and request the terminal's context from the network-side device of the nth generation mobile communication network, so that the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network can send a mobility update request response to the terminal based on the context, thereby enabling the terminal to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0138] The aforementioned terminal moving from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network can mean that the terminal is reselected from the nth generation mobile communication network or switched to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0139] Since the aforementioned first indication information indicates that the terminal is moving from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network performs related operations to enable the terminal to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0140] Since the aforementioned first indication information indicates the selection of the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, the network-side equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network obtains the terminal's context based on the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, and responds to the terminal's mobility update request based on the context, so as to enable the terminal to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0141] For example: In step 5, the terminal's mobility update request carries the aforementioned first indication information and a first terminal identifier (e.g., GUTI-1). The first terminal identifier is a 4G GUTI obtained by the UE based on the second terminal identifier (e.g., 6G GUTI). The first core network device (e.g., MME) of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network determines to send a request to the core network device (e.g., 5G AMF) of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network based on the first indication information. The core network device (e.g., 5G AMF) of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network determines the address of the core network device (e.g., 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the first terminal identifier (e.g., GUTI-1) and sends a context request to the core network device (e.g., 6G AMF). The core network device (e.g., 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network then sends the terminal's context, such as PDN connection context, to the core network device (e.g., 5G AMF) of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The AMF sends this context to the first core network device (such as the MME) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network.

[0142] It should be noted that the above example is based on the premise that 6G AMF and MME cannot communicate directly and require 5G AMF relay.

[0143] The aforementioned third terminal identifier can be a terminal identifier such as GUTI or PEI.

[0144] Because of the inclusion of the aforementioned third terminal identifier, the network-side equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network can determine the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network based on the third terminal identifier, so as to obtain the terminal's context through the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, and send a response to the mobility update request to the terminal based on the context, so as to enable the terminal to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0145] For example: If a terminal includes a third terminal identifier (such as GUTI-2) in its mobility update request, the first core network device (such as MME) of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network determines the core network device (such as 5G AMF) of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network based on the third terminal identifier (such as GUTI-2). The third terminal identifier (such as GUTI-2) can be the 5G GUTI assigned to the terminal by the core network device (such as 5G AMF) of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, i.e., the aforementioned GUTI-2.

[0146] During the registration or mobility update process of a terminal in 6G, the core network equipment of the nth generation mobile communication network (such as 6G AMF) sends a request message to the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network (such as 5G AMF). This request message is used to request the allocation of a third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI) for the terminal, and the request message contains a second terminal identifier (6G GUTI).

[0147] The core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network (such as 5G AMF) sends the third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI) to the core network equipment of the nth generation mobile communication network (such as 6G AMF), and saves the correspondence between the second terminal identifier (6G GUTI) and the third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI).

[0148] The core network equipment of the nth generation mobile communication network (such as 6G AMF) provides the terminal with a third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI) in the registration or mobility update response message;

[0149] When the first core network device (such as MME) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network requests the terminal context from the core network device (such as 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network, it carries a third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI). The core network device (such as 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network obtains the second terminal identifier (6G GUTI) based on the stored correspondence and the third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI), and determines the core network device (such as 6G AMF) of the n generation mobile communication network based on the second terminal identifier (6G GUTI). It then sends a context request to the core network device (such as 6G AMF) of the n generation mobile communication network. The core network device (such as 6G AMF) of the n generation mobile communication network then sends the terminal context, such as PDN connection context, to the core network device (such as 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network. The core network device (such as 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network then sends this context to the first core network device (such as MME) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network.

[0150] It should be noted that the above example is based on the premise that 6G AMF and MME cannot communicate directly and require 5G AMF relay.

[0151] For example, the terminal's mobility update request in step 5 includes a first terminal identifier (such as GUTI-1) and a third terminal identifier (such as GUTI-2).

[0152] The method for obtaining the third terminal identifier (such as GUTI-2) is as follows:

[0153] During the registration or mobility update process of a terminal in 6G, the core network equipment of the nth generation mobile communication network (such as 6GAMF) sends a request message to the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network (such as 5G AMF). This request message is used to request the allocation of a third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI, i.e. GUTI-2 mentioned above) for the terminal.

[0154] The core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network (such as 5G AMF) sends a third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI) to the core network equipment of the nth generation mobile communication network (such as 6G AMF);

[0155] The core network equipment of the nth generation mobile communication network (such as 6G AMF) provides the terminal with a third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI) in the registration or mobility update response message;

[0156] The first core network device (e.g., MME) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network determines the core network device (e.g., 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network based on the third terminal identifier. The core network device (e.g., 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network (e.g., 5G AMF) determines the core network device (e.g., 6G AMF) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network (e.g., 6G AMF) based on the first terminal identifier (e.g., GUTI-1) sent by the first core network device (e.g., MME) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network (e.g., 6G AMF). The core network device (e.g., 6G AMF) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network (e.g., 6G AMF) then sends the terminal's context, such as PDN connection context, to the core network device (e.g., 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network (e.g., 5G AMF). The core network device (e.g., 5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network (e.g., 5G AMF) then sends this context to the first core network device (e.g., MME) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network.

[0157] It should be noted that the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network (such as 5G AMF) here can be a dedicated network element, specifically used for the interaction (interworking) between the nth generation mobile communication network and the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0158] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0159] The terminal sends a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network-side device (6G base station), and the measurement report includes cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0160] The cell information mentioned above may include the target network-side device identifier (target eNB ID) and the target tracking area identity (TAI), i.e., target TAI.

[0161] In this embodiment, by sending the aforementioned measurement report to the first network-side device, the first network-side device can send the aforementioned first message to the terminal based on the measurement report, instructing the terminal to access the n-2nd generation mobile communication network, thereby enabling the terminal to access the n-2nd generation mobile communication network and improving the terminal's service performance.

[0162] As an optional implementation, the first message mentioned above is a redirection message.

[0163] In this way, the terminal can access or fall back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network by means of the above redirection message, so as to avoid introducing new processes and reduce the complexity of the terminal.

[0164] In some implementations, the first message mentioned above may also be a configuration message or a reconfiguration message, etc., and there is no specific limitation on this.

[0165] In this embodiment, the terminal receives a first message sent by a first network-side device (6G base station) of an nth-generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating measurement of a cell in the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, or indicating access to the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The terminal responds to the first message. Because the first message indicates measurement of a cell in the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network and indicates access to the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, the terminal can support accessing or reverting from the nth-generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th-generation mobile communication network, thereby improving the terminal's service performance.

[0166] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, it includes the following steps:

[0167] Step 301: The first network-side device sends a first message to the terminal. The first network-side device is a network-side device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating the measurement of the cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0168] The aforementioned first network-side device can be an access network device, such as a 6G base station.

[0169] The first message mentioned above is described in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In this embodiment, by sending a first message to the terminal, the terminal is enabled to support accessing or reverting from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, thereby improving the service performance of the terminal.

[0171] Optionally, the first network-side device sending the first message to the terminal includes:

[0172] Under a first condition, the first network-side device sends a first message to the terminal, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0173] The nth generation mobile communication network does not support multimedia services;

[0174] The nth generation mobile communication network does not support falling back to the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network for multimedia services.

[0175] For example, 6G networks do not support Vo6G, and 6G networks do not support falling back to 5G networks.

[0176] In this embodiment, sending the first message under the first condition can enable the terminal to access or fall back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network under the first condition, thereby improving the service performance of the terminal.

[0177] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0178] The first network-side device receives a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the terminal, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0179] The measurement report mentioned above is described in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] In this embodiment, after receiving the measurement report, the first network-side device determines the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network based on the measurement report, and then performs relevant operations to allow the terminal to access or return to the cell corresponding to the cell information, so as to improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0181] Optionally, the first message is a redirection message.

[0182] The aforementioned redirection message is described in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0183] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the first network-side device corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIG2. For the specific implementation, please refer to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in FIG2. In order to avoid repeated description, this embodiment will not be repeated.

[0184] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, it includes the following steps:

[0185] Step 401: The first network-side device sends a handover request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following:

[0186] The second indication information is used to indicate switching to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0187] Cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0188] The aforementioned first network-side device can be an access network device, such as a 6G base station.

[0189] The aforementioned second core network equipment can be an AMF, such as a 6G AMF.

[0190] When the cell information of the aforementioned (n-2)th generation mobile communication network is included, the handover request can be indicated by the cell information to switch to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, that is, the aforementioned second indication information may not be included.

[0191] Without including the cell information of the aforementioned (n-2) generation mobile communication network, handover can be performed based on pre-configured cell information, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0192] In this embodiment, by sending the aforementioned handover request to the second core network device, the second core network device performs the relevant operations for the terminal to switch to the n-2 generation mobile communication network, thereby enabling the terminal to access or fall back to the n-2 generation mobile communication network and improve the terminal's service performance.

[0193] Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0194] The first network-side device receives a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the terminal, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0195] The first network-side device receives information from the second core network device, which is sent by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, that is allocated to the terminal.

[0196] The measurement report mentioned above is described in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] The information allocated to the terminal described above is given in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0198] In this embodiment, after receiving the measurement report, the first network-side device determines the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network based on the measurement report, and then performs relevant operations to allow the terminal to access or return to the cell corresponding to the cell information, so as to improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0199] In this embodiment, since the information allocated to the terminal by the network-side device of the aforementioned n-2 generation mobile communication network is obtained, the information can be provided to the terminal so that the terminal can access or revert to the n-2 generation mobile communication network, thereby improving the service performance of the terminal.

[0200] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the first network-side device corresponding to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3. In order to avoid repeated descriptions, this embodiment will not be repeated.

[0201] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, it includes the following steps:

[0202] Step 501: The second core network device sends a first context request to the third core network device. The first context request includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal to be obtained, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0203] It should be noted that the first context request is used by the second core network device to request the context of the terminal from the third core network device. In this embodiment of the application, the name of each context request is not limited, that is, it can also be other names. For example, each context request can be called a request or request message that acts on the context of the requesting terminal.

[0204] Step 502: The second core network device receives the context sent by the third core network device.

[0205] Among them, the aforementioned second core network equipment is the core network equipment in the nth generation mobile communication network, such as 6G AMF.

[0206] The aforementioned third core network equipment is a co-located core network equipment for multiple mobile communication networks, such as a co-located SMF, or 6GSMF+5G SMF+PGW-C, which is a network element co-located for 6G, 5G, and 4G. In the case of 6G+5G, it can be replaced by 6GSMF+5G SMF; in the case of 6G+4G, it can be replaced by 6G SMF+PGW-C. 6G UPF+5G UPF+PGW-U is a network element co-located for 6G, 5G, and 4G. In the case of 6G+5G, it can be replaced by 6G UPF+5G UPF; in the case of 6G+4G, it can be replaced by 6G UPF+PGW-U.

[0207] The aforementioned third core network device has pre-acquired or stored the aforementioned context, or the third core network device can create the aforementioned context.

[0208] The aforementioned context can be a PDN connection context, a UE context, or a PDU session context, etc.

[0209] In this embodiment, since the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network is obtained, the terminal can access or fall back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network. For example, the context can be sent to the core network equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network so that the core network equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network can provide services to the terminal based on the context, thereby improving the terminal's service performance.

[0210] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0211] The second core network device receives a handover request sent by the first network-side device. The second core network device is the core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The handover request includes at least one of the following: second indication information, which is used to indicate handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0212] The second core network device sends the information allocated by the network side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network side device.

[0213] The switching request and the information allocated to the terminal are described in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0214] By sending the information allocated to the terminal by the network-side equipment of the aforementioned (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the terminal can access or fall back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network based on the information, thereby improving the terminal's service performance.

[0215] In some implementations, the second core network device may also send information allocated to the terminal to the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0216] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0217] The second core network device sends a context creation request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate the handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0218] The second core network device receives information allocated to the terminal by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0219] The information allocated to the terminal mentioned above is described in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] By acquiring the information allocated to the terminal by the network-side equipment of the aforementioned (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the terminal can access or fall back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network based on this information, thereby improving the terminal's service performance.

[0221] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0222] The second core network device receives a second context request sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0223] The second core network device sends the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0224] The context described above is given in the corresponding description of the implementation method above, and will not be repeated here.

[0225] In this embodiment, since the fourth core network device (5G AMF) of the n-1 generation mobile communication network sends the context of the n-2 generation mobile communication network of the terminal, the fourth core network device of the n-1 generation mobile communication network can send the aforementioned context to the core network device of the n-2 generation mobile communication network, thereby enabling the core network device of the n-2 generation mobile communication network to provide services to the terminal based on the context, so as to improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0226] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the second core network device corresponding to the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. In order to avoid repeated descriptions, this embodiment will not be repeated.

[0227] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, it includes the following steps:

[0228] Step 601: The fourth core network device receives a context creation request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate the handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0229] Step 602: The fourth core network device sends the information allocated to the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the second core network device.

[0230] The aforementioned fourth core network equipment refers to the core network equipment in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, such as 5G AMF or 6G AMF.

[0231] The above context is explained in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0232] The cell information and the information allocated to the terminal are described in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] In this embodiment, by sending the information allocated to the terminal by the second network-side device of the n-2 generation mobile communication network to the second core network device, the second core network device can provide the aforementioned information to the terminal or the network-side device of the n-2 generation mobile communication network, so that the terminal can access or fall back to the n-2 generation mobile communication network based on the information, thereby improving the service performance of the terminal.

[0234] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0235] The fourth core network device selects the first core network device of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network according to the context creation request, and sends a relocation request to the first core network device. The relocation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and the cell information of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network.

[0236] The fourth core network device receives the information sent by the first core network device.

[0237] The aforementioned first core network equipment can be an MME.

[0238] The above information refers to the information allocated to the terminal by the network-side equipment (such as a 4G base station) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network.

[0239] In this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the information allocated to the terminal by the network-side equipment (such as a 4G base station) of the n-2 generation mobile communication network through a migration request.

[0240] It should be noted that in some implementations, the information allocated to the terminal by the network-side device of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network (such as a 4G base station) can also be obtained through other means, such as the network-side device of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network (such as a 4G base station) actively sending the information allocated to the terminal to the fourth core network device.

[0241] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the fourth core network device corresponding to the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. To avoid repetition, this embodiment will not be described again.

[0242] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, it includes the following steps:

[0243] Step 701: The fourth core network device receives the third context request sent by the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0244] Step 702: The fourth core network device sends the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first core network device.

[0245] The aforementioned fourth core network equipment can be the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, such as 5G AMF.

[0246] The above context is explained in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0247] In this embodiment, by providing the aforementioned context to the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network provides services to the terminal based on this context, thereby improving the service performance of the terminal.

[0248] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0249] The fourth core network device sends a second context request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal.

[0250] The fourth core network device receives the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the second core network device.

[0251] In this implementation, the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network can be obtained through a second context request.

[0252] In some implementations, the fourth core network device may also request the context of the n-2 generation mobile communication network from the third core network device (such as a co-located SMF).

[0253] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0254] The fourth core network device determines the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the first terminal identifier sent by the first core network device; wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network; or

[0255] The fourth core network device determines the second terminal identifier based on the third terminal identifier sent by the first core network device, and determines the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the second terminal identifier. The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, and the fourth core network device obtains the correspondence between the second terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier. The second terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0256] The first terminal identifier, the second terminal identifier, and the third terminal identifier mentioned above are described in the corresponding description of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] In this implementation, multiple methods can be used to determine the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, and then the context of the terminal can be obtained from the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0258] For example, the fourth core network device (such as a 5G AMF) determines the address of the second core network device (such as a 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the first terminal identifier (such as GUTI-1), and sends a context request to the second core network device (such as a 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network. The second core network device (such as a 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network then sends the terminal's context, such as a PDN connection context, to the fourth core network device (such as a 5G AMF). The fourth core network device (such as a 5G AMF) then sends this context to the first core network device (such as an MME) of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0259] For example, the fourth core network device (such as 5G AMF) obtains the second terminal identifier (6G GUTI) based on the stored correspondence and the third terminal identifier (such as 5G GUTI), and determines the second core network device (such as 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the second terminal identifier (6G GUTI). It then sends a context request to the second core network device (such as 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network. The second core network device (such as 6G AMF) of the nth generation mobile communication network then sends the terminal's context, such as PDN connection context, to the fourth core network device (such as 5G AMF). The fourth core network device (such as 5G AMF) then sends this context to the first core network device (such as MME) of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0260] Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0261] The fourth core network device obtains a request message for allocating the third terminal identifier to the terminal, and allocates the third terminal identifier to the terminal;

[0262] The fourth core network device receives a fourth context request sent by the first core network device, the fourth context request including at least one of the following:

[0263] The first terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier.

[0264] The request message for assigning the third terminal identifier to the aforementioned terminal may be a request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0265] In this implementation, the fourth core network device can be assigned a third terminal identifier, thereby supporting the terminal to access or fall back to the n-2 generation mobile communication network based on the aforementioned third terminal identifier, so as to improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0266] In this embodiment, since the first terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier are obtained, the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network can be determined based on the first terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier, such as determining the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the correspondence between the second terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier. This allows the context of the terminal to be obtained from the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0267] In some implementations, the aforementioned third terminal identifier may be pre-configured, and the aforementioned first terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier may be obtained by the fourth core network device through other means, such as obtaining them from the core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0268] Optionally, the request message includes the second terminal identifier.

[0269] In this embodiment, since the request message includes the second terminal identifier, the second terminal identifier is avoided by sending an additional message, thereby saving transmission overhead.

[0270] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the fourth core network device corresponding to the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. To avoid repetition, this embodiment will not be described again.

[0271] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, it includes the following steps:

[0272] Step 801: The first core network device receives the mobility update request sent by the terminal. The first core network device is the core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4.

[0273] Step 802: The first core network device obtains the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request;

[0274] Step 803: The first core network device creates a session for the terminal based on the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and sends a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

[0275] The aforementioned first core network equipment can be an MME or an AMF, etc.

[0276] The mobility update request, context, and response to the mobility update request are described in the corresponding descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] In this embodiment, since a session of the terminal is created based on the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and a response to the mobility update request is sent to the terminal, the terminal can access or fall back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, thereby improving the service performance of the terminal.

[0278] Optionally, the mobility update request includes at least one of the following:

[0279] The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0280] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0281] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0282] The aforementioned mobility update request is described in the corresponding descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0283] Optionally, the first core network device obtains the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request, including:

[0284] The first core network device sends a fourth context request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0285] The first core network device receives the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal;

[0286] The fourth context request includes at least one of the following:

[0287] First terminal identifier, third terminal identifier;

[0288] Wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network;

[0289] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0290] The process of obtaining the above context is described in the corresponding descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] In some implementations, the first core network device may also obtain the above context directly from the core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0292] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0293] The first core network device determines the fourth core network device based on the mobility update request.

[0294] In this implementation, the mobility update request can determine the fourth core network device in order to obtain the aforementioned context from the fourth core network device.

[0295] In some implementations, the aforementioned fourth core network device may also be pre-designated, for example, a fourth core network device corresponding to a scenario of accessing or falling back to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0296] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the first core network device corresponding to the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. To avoid repetition, this embodiment will not be described again.

[0297] The following examples, using the nth generation mobile communication network as a 6G network, the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network as a 5G network, and the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network as a 4G network, illustrate the method provided in this application through multiple embodiments:

[0298] Example 1:

[0299] This embodiment mainly describes how to directly fall back from a 6G network to 4G via handover.

[0300] The corresponding signaling flow is shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, 6G SMF+5G SMF+PGW-C is a network element co-located for 6G, 5G, and 4G. In the case of 6G+5G, it can be replaced by 6G SMF+5G SMF; in the case of 6G+4G, it can be replaced by 6G SMF+PGW-C. 6G UPF+5G UPF+PGW-U is a network element co-located for 6G, 5G, and 4G. In the case of 6G+5G, it can be replaced by 6G UPF+5G UPF; in the case of 6G+4G, it can be replaced by 6G UPF+PGW-U. For simplicity, 6G SMF+5G SMF+PGW-C will be referred to as co-located SMF.

[0301] As shown in Figure 9, the steps include the following:

[0302] Step 0. The UE establishes an IMS PDU session on 6G;

[0303] Step 1. Initiate a voice bearer establishment request using the co-located SMF (6G SMF+5G SMF+PGW-C).

[0304] Step 2.6: The 6G base station configures the UE to measure 4G cells according to the operator's policy.

[0305] The operator's strategy includes: not supporting Vo6G and not supporting VoNR.

[0306] Step 3. The UE sends a measurement report to the 6G base station, which includes cell information such as the target eNB ID and target TAI.

[0307] Step 4. The 6G base station sends a handover request to the 6G AMF, which includes second indication information, target eNB ID, and target TAI. The second indication information is used to indicate the handover to 4G.

[0308] Step 5.6: The G AMF sends a first context request (e.g., PDU Session_Context Request) to the co-located SMF, carrying third indication information. The third indication information is used to indicate the information for obtaining the PDN connection context.

[0309] The SMF sends a PDN connection context to the 6G AMF based on the third instruction information.

[0310] Step 6.6: The 6G AMF sends a Context Creation Request (CreateUEContext Request) to the 5G AMF, which includes the fourth indication information: target eNB ID, target TAI, and PDN connection context. The fourth indication information is used to indicate the handover to 4G.

[0311] The fourth instruction information in step 6 may be the same as or different from the second instruction information in step 4, because it is sent through different messages. Therefore, in the specific implementation, different parameters will be used to express this meaning.

[0312] Here, 5G AMF is a dedicated network element, specifically used for 6G to 4G interworking.

[0313] Step 7.5G AMF selects the MME based on the fourth instruction information, specifically based on the target eNB ID and target TAI.

[0314] Step 8.5: The G AMF sends a relocation request (target eNB ID, target TAI, PDN connection context) to the selected MME.

[0315] It should be noted that steps 6-8 are presented as an example where the 6G AMF and MME cannot communicate directly and require 5G AMF relay.

[0316] If there is an interface between the 6G AMF and the MME, steps 6-8 can be combined into one step, that is, the 6G AMF sends a Relocation request (target eNB ID, target TAI, PDN connection context) to the MME.

[0317] Steps 9-10. The MME sends a session creation request to the SGW based on the PDN connection context.

[0318] Steps 11-12. The MME sends a handover request to the 4G base station, and the 4G base station provides the radio resource information configured for the UE.

[0319] Step 13. The MME sends a relocation response to the 5G AMF, which includes the radio resource information configured by the 4G base station for the UE.

[0320] Step 14.5G AMF sends the radio resource information configured by the 4G base station for the UE to the 6G AMF, such as sending radio resource information through the Communication_CreateUEContext response.

[0321] It should be noted that steps 13 and 14 are presented as an example where 6G AMF and MME cannot communicate directly and require 5G AMF relay.

[0322] If there is an interface between the 6G AMF and the MME, steps 6-8 can be combined into one step, that is, the MME sends a relocation response to the 6G AMF, which includes the radio resource information configured for the UE sent by the 4G base station.

[0323] Steps 15-16: 6G AMF sends the radio resource information configured by the 4G base station for the UE to the UE.

[0324] Step 17. The UE accesses the 4G base station based on the radio resource information configured for the UE by the 4G base station and sends a handover complete message.

[0325] Step 18. Complete the subsequent process.

[0326] Step 19. The SMF initiates the request to establish the voice bearer again to complete the establishment of the voice bearer.

[0327] The solution in this embodiment allows the UE to fall back directly from 6G to 4G in a single fallback process, reducing the setup latency of voice calls and improving the user experience.

[0328] Example 2:

[0329] This embodiment mainly describes a fallback scheme using redirection.

[0330] The corresponding signaling flowchart is shown in Figure 10, which includes the following steps:

[0331] Step 0-1. Same as step 0-1 in Figure 9.

[0332] Step 2.6: The 6G base station determines whether to redirect the UE to 4G based on the operator's policy.

[0333] The operator's strategy includes: not supporting Vo6G and not supporting VoNR.

[0334] Step 3 (optional). The 6G base station configures the UE's 4G strategy, and the UE sends the measurement results of the 4G cell to the 6G base station, including the target eNB ID and target TAI;

[0335] Step 4.6: The 6G base station sends a redirection message to the UE, which contains indication information to instruct the UE to access the 4G network.

[0336] Step 5. The UE sends a TAU request to the 4G core network MME through the 4G base station.

[0337] Steps 6-7. The MME requests the UE's context from the 5G AMF.

[0338] The 5G AMF requests the UE context from the 6G AMF, carrying the fifth indication information, which is used to indicate whether to obtain the 4G UE context or the 4G PDN connection context.

[0339] The MME determines the context for requesting the UE from the 5G AMF using the following three methods:

[0340] Method 1:

[0341] In step 5, the UE carries the first indication information and GUTI-1 in the TAU message. GUTI-1 is the 4G GUTI obtained by the UE based on the 6G GUTI mapping.

[0342] The MME determines to send a request to the 5G AMF based on the first indication information, which is used to indicate that the UE is reselecting from 6G to 4G; or, the first indication information is used to indicate the selection of 5G AMF.

[0343] In step 6, the MME includes GUTI-1. The 5G AMF determines the address of the 6G AMF based on GUTI-1 and sends a context request to the 6G AMF.

[0344] Method 2:

[0345] The UE includes GUTI-2 in the TAU message in step 5. The MME determines the 5G AMF based on the GUTI-2. GUTI-2 is the 5G GUTI assigned to the UE by the 5G AMF.

[0346] The method for obtaining GUTI-2 is as follows:

[0347] During UE registration or mobility update in 6G, the 6G AMF sends a request message to the 5G AMF. This request message is used to request the allocation of a 5G GUTI for the UE, and the 6G GUTI is included in the request message.

[0348] The 5G AMF sends the 5G GUTI to the 6G AMF and saves the correspondence between the 6G GUTI and the 5G GUTI.

[0349] The 6G AMF provides the 5G GUTI to the UE in the registration or mobility update response message;

[0350] When the MME requests the UE's context from the 5G AMF, it carries GUTI-2. The 5G AMF obtains the 6G GUTI based on the saved correspondence and GUTI-2, and determines the 6G AMF based on the 6G GUTI.

[0351] Method 3:

[0352] The UE contains two GUTIs in the TAU message in step 5: GUTI-1 and GUTI-2.

[0353] The method for obtaining GUTI-2 is as follows:

[0354] During 6G registration or mobility update, the 6G AMF sends a request message to the 5G AMF, which requests the allocation of a 5G GUTI for the UE.

[0355] 5G AMF sends 5G GUTI to 6G AMF;

[0356] The 6G AMF provides the 5G GUTI to the UE in the registration or mobility update response message;

[0357] The difference from method 2: 5G AMF does not need to save the correspondence between 5G GUTI and 6G GUTI;

[0358] The MME determines the 5G AMF based on GUTI-2, and step 6 includes GUTI-1. The 5G AMF determines the 6G AMF based on GUTI-1.

[0359] It should be noted that the 5G AMF here is a dedicated network element, specifically used for 6G to 4G interworking.

[0360] It should be noted that steps 6-7 are presented as an example where the 6G AMF and MME cannot communicate directly and require a 5G AMF relay.

[0361] If there is an interface between the 6G AMF and the MME, steps 6 and 7 can be combined into one step, that is, the 6G AMF sends a context request to the MME. In this case, only method 1 can be used.

[0362] Step 8.6G AMF sends a first context request (such as PDUssion_Context Request) to the co-located SMF, carrying third indication information, which is used to indicate the information to obtain the PDN connection context;

[0363] The SMF sends a PDN connection context to the 6G AMF based on the second instruction information.

[0364] Step 9.6: The 6G AMF sends the UE's PDN connection context to the 5G AMF.

[0365] Step 10.5G AMF sends the UE's PDN connection context to the MME.

[0366] Steps 11-12. The MME sends a Create session request to the SGW based on the PDN connection context.

[0367] Step 13. The MME sends a TAU acceptance message to the UE.

[0368] Step 14. The SMF initiates the request to establish the voice bearer again to complete the establishment of the voice bearer.

[0369] The solution in this embodiment allows the UE to fall back directly from 6G to 4G in a single fallback process, reducing the setup latency of voice calls and improving the user experience.

[0370] The solution implemented in this application allows for voice services to be enabled in the early stages of 6G deployment.

[0371] The communication method provided in this application can be executed by a communication device. This application uses the example of a communication device executing the communication method to illustrate the communication device provided in this application.

[0372] This application provides a communication device. As an example, the communication device may be a communication equipment or a component within a communication equipment, such as a chip. The communication equipment may be a terminal, a network-side device, or a server, etc. Exemplarily, the terminal may include, but is not limited to, the type of terminal 11 listed above, and the network-side device may include, but is not limited to, the type of network-side device 12 listed above. This application does not impose specific limitations.

[0373] The communication device includes a receiving module, a transmitting module, and a processing module. These modules can be implemented in software or hardware. When implemented in hardware, the processing module can be implemented by a processor. For example, the processor can include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), microprocessor, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Artificial Intelligence (AI) processor, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Network Processor (NP), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, gate circuits, transistors, discrete hardware components, etc. The receiving and transmitting modules can be implemented by a communication interface, which can include one or more of the following: transceiver, pins, circuits, bus, radio frequency unit, etc.

[0374] Specifically, referring to Figure 11, when the communication device is a terminal or a component within a terminal, the communication device 1100 includes:

[0375] The receiving module 1101 is configured to receive a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network, wherein the first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating measurement of a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0376] Processing module 1102 is used to respond to the first message.

[0377] Optionally, when the first message indicates that a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network is being measured, the response to the first message includes:

[0378] Receive a second message, the second message including information configured for the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0379] Access to the second network-side device is based on the information provided.

[0380] Optionally, when the first message indicates access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the response to the first message includes:

[0381] Send a mobility update request to the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0382] Receive a response to the mobility update request sent by the first core network device.

[0383] Optionally, the mobility update request includes at least one of the following:

[0384] The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0385] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0386] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0387] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0388] The sending module is used to send a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network-side device. The measurement report includes cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0389] Optionally, the first message is a redirection message.

[0390] The aforementioned communication device can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0391] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG2 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0392] Referring to Figure 12, when the communication device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication device 1200 includes:

[0393] The sending module 1201 is used to send a first message to the terminal. The network-side device is a network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating the measurement of a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0394] Optionally, sending the first message to the terminal includes:

[0395] Under a first condition, the first network-side device sends a first message to the terminal, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0396] The nth generation mobile communication network does not support multimedia services;

[0397] The nth generation mobile communication network does not support falling back to the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network for multimedia services.

[0398] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0399] A receiving module is configured to receive a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the terminal, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0400] Optionally, the first message is a redirection message.

[0401] The aforementioned communication device can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0402] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG3 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0403] Referring to Figure 13, when the communication device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication device 1300 includes:

[0404] The sending module 1301 is configured to send a handover request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following:

[0405] The second indication information is used to indicate switching to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0406] Cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0407] Optionally, the device further includes a receiving module, the receiving module being used for at least one of the following:

[0408] The receiving terminal sends a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0409] The terminal receives information allocated by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the second core network device.

[0410] The aforementioned communication device can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0411] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG4 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0412] Referring to Figure 14, when the communication device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication device 1400 includes:

[0413] The sending module 1401 is used to send a first context request to a third core network device. The first context request includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal to be acquired, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0414] The receiving module 1402 is used to receive the context sent by the third core network device.

[0415] Optionally, the receiving module 1402 is further configured to receive a handover request sent by the first network-side device, wherein the core network device is the core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, and the handover request includes at least one of the following: second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0416] The sending module 1401 is also used to send information allocated by the network side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network side device for the terminal.

[0417] Optionally, the sending module 1401 is further configured to send a context creation request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0418] The receiving module 1402 is also used to receive information allocated to the terminal by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0419] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0420] The receiving module 1402 is further configured to receive a second context request sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0421] The sending module 1401 is also used to send the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0422] The aforementioned communication device can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0423] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG5 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0424] Referring to Figure 15, when the communication device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication device 1500 includes:

[0425] The receiving module 1501 is used to receive a context creation request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0426] The sending module 1502 is used to send information allocated by the second network-side device of the n-2 generation mobile communication network to the second core network device for the terminal.

[0427] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0428] The processing module is used to create a request based on the context to select the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0429] The sending module 1502 is further configured to send a migration request to the first core network device, the migration request including at least one of the following: the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0430] The receiving module 1501 is also used to receive the information sent by the first core network device.

[0431] The aforementioned communication device can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0432] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG6 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0433] Referring to Figure 16, when the communication device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication device 1600 includes:

[0434] The receiving module 1601 is used to receive the third context request sent by the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0435] The sending module 1602 is used to send the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first core network device.

[0436] Optionally, the sending module 1602 is further configured to send a second context request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, the second context request including fifth indication information, the fifth indication information being used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal;

[0437] The receiving module 1601 is also used to receive the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal sent by the second core network device.

[0438] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0439] The processing module is configured to determine the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the first terminal identifier sent by the first core network device; wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network; or

[0440] The processing module is configured to determine a second terminal identifier based on a third terminal identifier sent by a first core network device, and to determine a second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the second terminal identifier, wherein the third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, and the fourth core network device obtains a correspondence between the second terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier, wherein the second terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0441] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0442] The processing module is configured to acquire a request message for assigning the third terminal identifier to the terminal, and assign the third terminal identifier to the terminal.

[0443] The receiving module 1601 is further configured to receive a fourth context request sent by the first core network device, the fourth context request including at least one of the following:

[0444] The first terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier.

[0445] Optionally, the request message includes the second terminal identifier.

[0446] The aforementioned communication device can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0447] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG7 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0448] Referring to Figure 17, when the communication device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication device 1700 includes:

[0449] The receiving module 1701 is used to receive a mobility update request sent by the terminal. The core network equipment corresponding to the device is the core network equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4.

[0450] Processing module 1702 is used to obtain the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request;

[0451] The sending module 1703 is used to create a session for the terminal based on the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and send a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

[0452] Optionally, the mobility update request includes at least one of the following:

[0453] The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0454] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0455] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0456] Optionally, obtaining the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request includes:

[0457] Send a fourth context request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0458] Receive the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal;

[0459] The fourth context request includes at least one of the following:

[0460] First terminal identifier, third terminal identifier;

[0461] Wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network;

[0462] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0463] Optionally, the processing module 1702 is further configured to determine the fourth core network device based on the mobility update request.

[0464] The aforementioned communication device can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0465] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG8 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0466] As shown in Figure 18, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1800, including a processor 1801 and a memory 1802. The memory 1802 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1801. For example, when the communication device 1800 is a terminal, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1801 implement the various steps of the communication method embodiment on the terminal side described above, and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1800 is a network-side device, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1801 implement the various steps of the communication method embodiment on the network-side device described above, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0467] This application also provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the method embodiment shown in FIG2. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above-described terminal-side method embodiment, and all implementation processes and methods of the above-described method embodiments can be applied to this terminal embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The terminal can be the device shown in FIG11. Specifically, FIG19 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal implementing an embodiment of this application.

[0468] The terminal 1900 includes, but is not limited to, at least some of the following components: radio frequency unit 1901, network module 1902, audio output unit 1903, input unit 1904, sensor 1905, display unit 1906, user input unit 1907, interface unit 1908, memory 1909, and processor 1910.

[0469] Those skilled in the art will understand that terminal 1900 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) for powering various components. The power supply can be logically connected to processor 1910 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. The terminal structure shown in Figure 19 does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0470] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the input unit 1904 may include a graphics processor 19041 and a microphone 19042. The graphics processor 19041 processes image data of still images or videos obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The display unit 1906 may include a display panel 19061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, or the like. The user input unit 1907 includes at least one of a touch panel 19071 and other input devices 19072. The touch panel 19071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 19071 may include a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 19072 may include, but are not limited to, physical keyboards, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackballs, mice, and joysticks, which will not be described in detail here.

[0471] In this embodiment, after receiving downlink data from the network-side device, the radio frequency unit 1901 can transmit it to the processor 1910 for processing; in addition, the radio frequency unit 1901 can send uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the radio frequency unit 1901 includes, but is not limited to, antennas, amplifiers, transceivers, couplers, low-noise amplifiers, duplexers, etc.

[0472] The memory 1909 can be used to store software programs or instructions, as well as various data. The memory 1909 may primarily include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data. The first storage area may store the operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 1909 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 1909 in the embodiments of this application includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0473] Processor 1910 may include one or more processing units; optionally, processor 1910 integrates an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles operations involving the operating system, user interface, and applications, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the aforementioned modem processor may also not be integrated into processor 1910.

[0474] Radio frequency unit 1901 is used to receive a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network, the first message being used for at least one of the following: indicating measurement of a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6;

[0475] Processor 1910 is used to respond to the first message.

[0476] Optionally, when the first message indicates that a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network is being measured, the response to the first message includes:

[0477] Receive a second message, the second message including information configured for the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0478] Access to the second network-side device is based on the information provided.

[0479] Optionally, when the first message indicates access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the response to the first message includes:

[0480] Send a mobility update request to the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0481] Receive a response to the mobility update request sent by the first core network device.

[0482] Optionally, the mobility update request includes at least one of the following:

[0483] The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0484] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0485] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0486] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 1901 is further configured to send a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network-side device, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0487] Optionally, the first message is a redirection message.

[0488] The aforementioned terminals can improve the service performance of the terminals.

[0489] It is understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 2, and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0490] This application also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the method embodiment shown in FIG3 or FIG4. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the above-described network-side device method embodiment. All implementation processes and methods of the above-described method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0491] Specifically, this application embodiment also provides a network-side device, which can be the communication device shown in FIG12 or FIG13. As shown in FIG20, the network-side device 2000 includes: an antenna 2001, a radio frequency device 2002, a baseband device 2003, a processor 2004, and a memory 2005. The antenna 2001 is connected to the radio frequency device 2002. In the uplink direction, the radio frequency device 2002 receives information through the antenna 2001 and sends the received information to the baseband device 2003 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 2003 processes the information to be transmitted and sends it to the radio frequency device 2002, which processes the received information and then transmits it through the antenna 2001.

[0492] The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiments can be implemented in the baseband device 2003, which includes a baseband processor.

[0493] The baseband device 2003 may include at least one baseband board, on which multiple chips are disposed, as shown in FIG20. One of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor, which is connected to the memory 2005 via a bus interface to call the program in the memory 2005 and execute the network device operation shown in the above method embodiment.

[0494] The network-side device may also include a network interface 2006, such as a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0495] Specifically, the network-side device 2000 in this application embodiment further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 2005 and executable on processor 2004. Processor 2004 calls the instructions or programs in memory 2005 to execute the methods executed by the modules shown in FIG12 or FIG13 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0496] In one embodiment:

[0497] Radio frequency device 2002 is used to send a first message to a terminal, wherein the first network-side device is a network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network, and the first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating measurement of a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0498] Optionally, sending the first message to the terminal includes:

[0499] Under a first condition, a first message is sent to the terminal, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0500] The nth generation mobile communication network does not support multimedia services;

[0501] The nth generation mobile communication network does not support falling back to the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network for multimedia services.

[0502] Optionally, the radio frequency device 2002 is further configured to receive a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the terminal, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0503] Optionally, the first message is a redirection message.

[0504] In another embodiment:

[0505] Radio frequency device 2002 is used to send a handover request to a second core network device of an nth-generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following:

[0506] The second indication information is used to indicate switching to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0507] Cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0508] Optionally, the radio frequency device 2002 is also used for at least one of the following:

[0509] The receiving terminal sends a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network;

[0510] The terminal receives information allocated by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the second core network device.

[0511] The aforementioned network-side equipment can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0512] It is understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0513] This application also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the method embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, or 8. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the above-described network-side device method embodiments. All implementation processes and methods of the above-described method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and achieve the same technical effects.

[0514] Specifically, this application also provides a network-side device. As shown in FIG21, the network-side device 2200 includes a processor 2201, a network interface 2202, and a memory 2203. The network-side device may be the device shown in FIG14, FIG15, FIG16, or FIG17. The network interface 2202 is, for example, a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0515] Specifically, the network-side device 2200 in this application embodiment further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 2203 and executable on processor 2201. The processor 2201 calls the instructions or programs in memory 2203 to execute the methods executed by the modules shown in FIG14, FIG15, FIG16 or FIG17 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0516] In one embodiment:

[0517] Network interface 2202 is used to send a first context request to a third core network device, the first context request including third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; and to receive the context sent by the third core network device.

[0518] Optionally, network interface 2202 is also used for:

[0519] The system receives a handover request from a first network-side device, wherein the second core network device is a core network device of an nth generation mobile communication network, and the handover request includes at least one of the following: second indication information, which is used to indicate a handover to an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; and cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0520] The information allocated by the network side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the terminal is sent to the first network side device.

[0521] Optionally, network interface 2202 is also used for:

[0522] Send a context creation request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0523] The terminal receives information allocated by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the terminal, sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0524] Optionally, network interface 2202 is also used for:

[0525] The terminal receives a second context request sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0526] Send the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0527] In another embodiment:

[0528] Network interface 2202 is used to receive a context creation request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; and to send to the second core network device the information allocated by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network for the terminal.

[0529] Optionally, network interface 2202 is also used for:

[0530] Based on the context, a request is made to select the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network and a migration request is sent to the first core network device. The migration request includes at least one of the following: the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal and the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

[0531] The fourth core network device receives the information sent by the first core network device.

[0532] In another embodiment:

[0533] Network interface 2202 is used to receive a third context request sent by the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; and to send the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network context to the first core network device.

[0534] Optionally, network interface 2202 is also used for:

[0535] Send a second context request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal.

[0536] Receive the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal sent by the second core network device.

[0537] Optionally, processor 2201 is used for:

[0538] The second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network is determined based on the first terminal identifier sent by the first core network device; wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network; or

[0539] The second terminal identifier is determined based on the third terminal identifier sent by the first core network device, and the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network is determined based on the second terminal identifier. The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, and the fourth core network device obtains the correspondence between the second terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier. The second terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0540] Optionally, the processor 2201 is also used for at least one of the following:

[0541] Obtain a request message for assigning the third terminal identifier to the terminal, and assign the third terminal identifier to the terminal;

[0542] Optionally, network interface 2202 is also used for:

[0543] Receive a fourth context request sent by the first core network device, the fourth context request including at least one of the following:

[0544] The first terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier.

[0545] Optionally, the request message includes the second terminal identifier.

[0546] In another embodiment:

[0547] Network interface 2202 is used to receive a mobility update request sent by a terminal, wherein the core network device is a core network device of a (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4; obtain the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request; create a session of the terminal based on the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and send a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

[0548] Optionally, the mobility update request includes at least one of the following:

[0549] The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

[0550] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0551] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0552] Optionally, obtaining the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request includes:

[0553] Send a fourth context request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network;

[0554] Receive the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal;

[0555] The fourth context request includes at least one of the following:

[0556] First terminal identifier, third terminal identifier;

[0557] Wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network;

[0558] The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

[0559] Optionally, processor 2201 is used for:

[0560] The fourth core network device is determined based on the mobility update request.

[0561] The aforementioned network-side equipment can improve the service performance of the terminal.

[0562] It is understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 or 6, and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0563] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0564] The processor mentioned above is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0565] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0566] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0567] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0568] This application also provides a wireless communication system, including: a terminal, and at least one of a first network-side device, a second core network device, a fourth core network device, and a first core network device. The terminal can be used to perform the steps of a terminal-side communication method, the first network-side device can be used to perform the steps of a communication method as described in the first network-side device, the second core network device can be used to perform the steps of a communication method as described in the second core network device, the fourth core network device can be used to perform the steps of a communication method as described in the fourth core network device, and the first core network device can be used to perform the steps of a communication method as described in the first core network device.

[0569] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0570] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of computer software products plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, they can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes several instructions to cause the terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0571] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other implementations under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these implementations are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: The terminal receives a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: instructing to measure a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, instructing to access the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The terminal responds to the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When the first message indicates that a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network is being measured, the terminal responds to the first message by including: The terminal receives a second message, the second message including information configured for the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; The terminal accesses the second network-side device based on the information.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When the first message indicates access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the terminal responds to the first message, including: The terminal sends a mobility update request to the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; The terminal receives a response to the mobility update request sent by the first core network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The mobility update request includes at least one of the following: The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network. The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network; The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal sends a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network-side device. The measurement report includes cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first message is a redirection message.

7. A communication method, comprising: A first network-side device sends a first message to a terminal. The first network-side device is a network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating the measurement of a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first network-side device sends a first message to the terminal, including: Under a first condition, the first network-side device sends a first message to the terminal, wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: The nth generation mobile communication network does not support multimedia services; The nth generation mobile communication network does not support falling back to the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network for multimedia services.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The method further includes: The first network-side device receives a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the terminal, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The first message is a redirection message.

11. A communication method, the method comprising: The first network-side device sends a handover request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following: The second indication information is used to indicate switching to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; Cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: The first network-side device receives a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the terminal, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; The first network-side device receives information from the second core network device, which is sent by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, that is allocated to the terminal.

13. A communication method, the method further comprising: The second core network device sends a first context request to the third core network device. The first context request includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The second core network device receives the context sent by the third core network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method further includes: The second core network device receives a handover request sent by the first network-side device. The second core network device is the core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The handover request includes at least one of the following: second indication information, which is used to indicate handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The second core network device sends the information allocated by the network side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network side device.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The method further includes: The second core network device sends a context creation request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate the handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network. The second core network device receives information allocated to the terminal by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The method further includes: The second core network device receives a second context request sent by the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the acquisition of the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The second core network device sends the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

17. A communication method, comprising: The fourth core network device receives a context creation request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The fourth core network device sends the information allocated to the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the second core network device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The method further includes: The fourth core network device selects the first core network device of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network according to the context creation request, and sends a migration request to the first core network device. The migration request includes at least one of the following: the context of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and the cell information of the n-2nd generation mobile communication network. The fourth core network device receives the information sent by the first core network device.

19. A communication method, comprising: The fourth core network device receives the third context request sent by the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; The fourth core network device sends the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first core network device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The method further includes: The fourth core network device sends a second context request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal. The fourth core network device receives the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the second core network device.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The method further includes: The fourth core network device determines the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the first terminal identifier sent by the first core network device; wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network; or The fourth core network device determines the second terminal identifier based on the third terminal identifier sent by the first core network device, and determines the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network based on the second terminal identifier. The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network, and the fourth core network device obtains the correspondence between the second terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier. The second terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: The fourth core network device obtains a request message for allocating the third terminal identifier to the terminal, and allocates the third terminal identifier to the terminal; The fourth core network device receives a fourth context request sent by the first core network device, the fourth context request including at least one of the following: The first terminal identifier and the third terminal identifier.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The request message includes the second terminal identifier.

24. A communication method, comprising: The first core network device receives a mobility update request sent by the terminal. The first core network device is the core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4. The first core network device obtains the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network based on the mobility update request; The first core network device creates a session for the terminal based on the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network and sends a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The mobility update request includes at least one of the following: The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network. The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network; The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The first core network device obtains the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal according to the mobility update request, including: The first core network device sends a fourth context request to the fourth core network device of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network; The first core network device receives the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal; The fourth context request includes at least one of the following: First terminal identifier, third terminal identifier; Wherein, the first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network; The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The method further includes: The first core network device determines the fourth core network device based on the mobility update request.

28. A communication device, comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive a first message sent by a first network-side device of an nth generation mobile communication network, wherein the first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating measurement of a cell of an (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; A processing module, used to respond to the first message.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, In the case where the first message indicates that a cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network is being measured, the response to the first message includes: Receive a second message, the second message including information configured for the terminal by the second network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; Access to the second network-side device is based on the information provided.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein, When the first message indicates access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the response to the first message includes: Send a mobility update request to the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; Receive a response to the mobility update request sent by the first core network device.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein, The device further includes: The sending module is used to send a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network-side device. The measurement report includes cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

32. A communication device, comprising: The sending module is used to send a first message to the terminal. The network-side device corresponding to the device is the network-side device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The first message is used for at least one of the following: indicating the measurement of the cell of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, indicating access to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein, The device further includes: A receiving module is configured to receive a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the terminal, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

34. A communication device, the device comprising: The sending module is configured to send a handover request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6, and the handover request includes at least one of the following: The second indication information is used to indicate switching to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; Cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein, The apparatus further includes a receiving module, the receiving module being used for at least one of the following: The receiving terminal sends a measurement report of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the measurement report including cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; The terminal receives information allocated by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the second core network device.

36. A communication device, the device further comprising: The sending module is configured to send a first context request to a third core network device. The first context request includes third indication information, which is used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal to be acquired, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. A receiving module is used to receive the context sent by the third core network device.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein, The receiving module is further configured to receive a handover request sent by the first network-side device, wherein the core network device is the core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network, and the handover request includes at least one of the following: second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; The sending module is also used to send information allocated to the terminal by the network-side device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first network-side device.

38. A communication device, comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive a context creation request sent by the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The context creation request includes at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate a handover to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6. The sending module is used to send the information allocated by the second network-side device of the n-2 generation mobile communication network to the second core network device for the terminal.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein, The device further includes: The processing module is used to create a request based on the context to select the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; The sending module is further configured to send a migration request to the first core network device, the migration request including at least one of the following: the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the cell information of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network; The receiving module is also used to receive the information sent by the first core network device.

40. A communication device, comprising: The receiving module is used to receive the third context request sent by the first core network device of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 6; The sending module is used to send the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network to the first core network device.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein, The sending module is further configured to send a second context request to the second core network device of the nth generation mobile communication network. The second context request includes fifth indication information, which is used to indicate the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal. The receiving module is also used to receive the context of the terminal's (n-2)th generation mobile communication network sent by the second core network device.

42. A communication device, comprising: The receiving module is used to receive mobility update requests sent by the terminal. The core network equipment corresponding to the device is the core network equipment of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 4. The processing module is configured to obtain the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal based on the mobility update request; The sending module is used to create a session for the terminal based on the context of the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network of the terminal, and send a response to the mobility update request to the terminal.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein, The mobility update request includes at least one of the following: The first terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and the first terminal identifier is obtained by mapping the second terminal identifier of the terminal in the nth generation mobile communication network. The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the terminal moves from the nth generation mobile communication network to the (n-2)th generation mobile communication network, and selects the core network equipment of the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network; The third terminal identifier is the identifier of the terminal in the (n-1)th generation mobile communication network.

44. A communication device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 12, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 18, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, and the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27.

45. A readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 12, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 18, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27.

46. ​​A computer program product stored in a storage medium, the computer program product being executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 12, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 18, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, or the steps of the communication method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27.

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