Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus, relating to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: a terminal receives first information from a first network element (which may be a mobility management network element or a session management network element), wherein the first information is used for indicating that the terminal is not subscribed to a voice service of a first network, and the first network belongs to a first radio access technology; and on the basis of the first information, the terminal switches a usage setting of the terminal from a voice center to a data center. When the terminal determines, on the basis of the first information, that the terminal is not subscribed to the voice service of the first network, the terminal can adjust the usage setting of the terminal to be a data center, that is, switching the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center. The method can enable the terminal to camp on a first network (the terminal cannot use the voice service in the first network), and can also enable the terminal to use a data service of the first network.

Description

Communication method and communication apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411164488.1, filed on August 22, 2024, entitled "Communication method and communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] Usage setting is a setting that can indicate that a terminal prefers voice service or data service. The usage setting of the terminal includes two settings: voice centric and data centric. When the usage setting of the terminal is voice centric, the terminal must register and camp on a network in which the terminal can use voice service. When the usage setting of the terminal is data centric, the terminal must register and camp on a network in which the terminal can use data service.

[0004] When the usage setting of the terminal is voice centric and the terminal cannot use voice service in the network in which the terminal registers, this can cause the terminal to be unable to camp on the network. Therefore, how to support the terminal to camp on a network in which voice service cannot be used is a technical problem to be solved at present. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which can support the terminal to camp on a network in which voice service cannot be used.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first information from a first network element (which can be a mobility management network element or a session management network element), the first information being used to indicate that a terminal does not subscribe to voice service of a first network, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; and switching, according to the first information, a usage setting of the terminal from voice centric to data centric.

[0007] Optionally, the terminal can send, to the first network element, information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is data centric according to the first information.

[0008] The solution of the first aspect can be executed by a terminal apparatus, which can be a terminal, a module (such as a chip system, etc.) in the terminal, or a logic node, a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the terminal functions. For the convenience of description, the terminal is taken as an example for description hereinafter.

[0009] In the solution above, when the terminal determines, according to the first information, that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service of the first network, the terminal can set the use of the terminal to the data center by adjusting the use setting of the terminal, i.e., switch the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center, which can support that the terminal can camp on the first network (the terminal cannot use the voice service in the first network) and can also use the data service of the first network.

[0010] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending, to the first network element, information indicating that the use of the terminal is set to the data center according to the first information.

[0011] Optionally, the terminal can send, to the first network element, information indicating that the use of the terminal is set to the data center according to the first information.

[0012] In this way, this can support that the first network element can allow the terminal to camp on the first network after determining that the use of the terminal is set to the data center.

[0013] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is carried in any one of the following messages: a registration rejection message; a session establishment rejection message; a session modification rejection message; a session modification request message; a session release rejection message; a session release request message; a terminal configuration update procedure message, or a terminal parameter update message.

[0014] In this way, the embodiments of the present application can support carrying the first information through the messages in the existing standard, so as to realize compatibility with the existing standard, e.g., without the need to design or configure new messages to carry the first information.

[0015] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes a timer, and the timer is used to indicate a sending time of second information used to request to activate a session corresponding to the voice service of the first network.

[0016] In this way, this can support that the terminal can determine the sending time of the second information used to request to activate the session corresponding to the voice service, so as to support that the terminal can determine whether to use the voice service.

[0017] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal subscribes to the voice service of the first network; and switching the use of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the third information.

[0018] In this way, the terminal can switch the use of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the third information, and thus can support that the terminal uses the voice service in the first network.

[0019] In some implementations of the first aspect, the switching the usage setting of the terminal from the voice centric to the data centric according to the first information comprises: sending, according to the first information, a registration request message to a second network element (which can be a second mobile management network element), the registration request message being used to request registration in a second network, the second network belonging to a second radio access technology, the first radio access technology being different from the second radio access technology, the registration request message comprising information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the voice centric; receiving a registration rejection message from the second network element, the registration rejection message being used to indicate that the terminal fails to register in the second network, the registration rejection message comprising information used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to voice services of the second network; and switching the usage setting of the terminal from the voice centric to the data centric according to the registration rejection message.

[0020] In this way, when the terminal determines that it does not subscribe to voice services of the first network, the terminal can further determine whether it subscribes to voice services of other networks, and only switches the usage setting of the terminal from the voice centric to the data centric when it is determined that it does not subscribe to voice services of other networks, so that the voice service requirement of the terminal can be met preferentially.

[0021] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first information from a first network element, the first information being used to indicate that a first network does not support voice capability, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; and switching a usage setting of a terminal from a voice centric to a data centric according to the first information.

[0022] Optionally, the terminal can send, according to the first information, information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the data centric to the first network element.

[0023] The solution of the second aspect can be implemented by a terminal device, which can be a terminal, a module (such as a chip system) in the terminal, or a logic node, a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal. For ease of description, the terminal is taken as an example in the following description.

[0024] In the above solution, when the terminal determines that the first network does not support voice capability according to the first information, the terminal can switch the usage setting of the terminal from the voice centric to the data centric by adjusting the usage setting of the terminal to be the data centric, so that the terminal can camp on the first network (the terminal cannot use voice services in the first network) and can also use data services of the first network.

[0025] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending, to the first network element, a first registration request message, the first registration request message being used to request registration in the first network, the first registration request message including information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is set to the data center; and receiving a first registration success message from the first network element, the first registration success message being used to indicate that the terminal is successfully registered in the first network.

[0026] In this way, this can support the terminal to complete the registration procedure in the first network.

[0027] In some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: when the second network is searched and it is determined that the second network supports voice capability, switching the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center, the second network belonging to a second radio access technology, the first radio access technology being different from the first radio access technology; sending, to a second network element, a second registration request message, the second registration request message being used to request registration in the second network, the second registration request message including information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is set to the voice center; and receiving a second registration success message from the second network element, the second registration success message being used to indicate that the terminal is successfully registered in the second network.

[0028] In this way, this can support the terminal to register in the network supporting voice capability, so as to be able to preferentially meet the demand of voice service of the terminal.

[0029] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, including: receiving indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that a terminal does not subscribe to voice service of a first network, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; and according to the indication information, sending first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service of the first network.

[0030] Optionally, the first network element can also receive information from the terminal, the information being used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is set to the data center.

[0031] The scheme of the third aspect can be executed by a first network element, the first network element can be a mobility management network element or a session management network element, or a module (such as a chip system) in the mobility management network element or the session management network element, or a logic node, a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the mobility management network element or the session management network element. For the convenience of description, the following will be described by taking the first network element as an example.

[0032] In the above scheme, the first network element sends first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service of the first network, which can support the terminal to switch the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information, and this can support the terminal to be able to camp in the first network (the terminal cannot use voice service in the first network) and also be able to use data service of the first network.

[0033] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first information is used by the terminal to determine to switch the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center.

[0034] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first information is carried in any one of the following messages: a registration reject message; a session setup reject message; a session modification reject message; a session modification request message; a session release reject message; a session release request message; a terminal configuration update procedure message, or a terminal parameter update message.

[0035] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further comprises: receiving information from the terminal, the information being used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the data center.

[0036] In this way, this can support the first network element determining that the usage setting of the terminal is the data center, and thus can allow the terminal to camp on the first network.

[0037] In this way, the embodiments of the present application can support carrying the first information through messages in the existing standard, so as to realize compatibility with the existing standard in terms of function, for example, without the need to design or configure new messages to carry the first information described above.

[0038] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first information comprises a timer, the timer being used to indicate a sending time of second information, the second information being used to request to activate a session corresponding to the voice service of the first network.

[0039] Reference can be made to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect.

[0040] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further comprises: sending third information to the terminal, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal subscribes to the voice service of the first network.

[0041] Reference can be made to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect.

[0042] In some implementations of the third aspect, the third information is used by the terminal to determine to switch the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center.

[0043] The fourth aspect provides a communication method, comprising: determining first information, the first information being used to indicate that a first network does not support voice capability, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; and sending the first information to a terminal.

[0044] The solution of the fourth aspect can be performed by a first network element, which can be a mobility management network element or a session management network element, or a module (such as a chip system, etc.) in the mobility management network element or the session management network element, or a logic node, a logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the mobility management network element or the session management network element. For ease of description, the first network element is taken as an example in the following description.

[0045] In the solution, the first network element sends the first information indicating that the first network does not support the voice capability to the terminal, which can support the terminal to switch the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information, and can support the terminal to be able to camp on the first network (the terminal cannot use the voice service in the first network) and also to be able to use the data service of the first network.

[0046] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information is used by the terminal to switch the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center.

[0047] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method can further include receiving information from the terminal indicating that the use setting of the terminal is the data center.

[0048] In the fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which can be a terminal, or a device or a module for performing the functions of the terminal, etc.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a module or a unit corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, which can be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a module or a unit corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, which can be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0051] For example, the communication apparatus includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0052] In the sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which can be a first network element, or a device or a module for performing the functions of the first network element, etc.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a module or a unit corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect, which can be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0054] In a possible implementation form, the communication apparatus can comprise a module or unit for performing the method / operation / step / action described in the fourth aspect, which can be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0055] For example, the communication apparatus comprises a transceiving unit and a processing unit.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a communication apparatus comprising a processor configured to cause the communication apparatus to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect; or to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect; or to perform the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect; or to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, by executing computer program or instructions, or by a logic circuit.

[0057] In a possible implementation form, the communication apparatus further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instructions.

[0058] In a possible implementation form, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface configured to input and / or output signals.

[0059] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a communication apparatus comprising a logic circuit and an input / output interface configured to input and / or output signals, the logic circuit being configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect; or to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect; or to perform the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect; or to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0060] In a ninth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer programs or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect to be performed.

[0061] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which contains instructions, when the instructions are run on a computer, cause the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to be performed; or cause the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect to be performed; or cause the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect to be performed; or cause the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect to be performed.

[0062] In an eleventh aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, which comprises one or more processors, which are configured to execute computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the chip or chip system implements the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect; or implements the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect; or implements the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect; or implements the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect.

[0063] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, which comprises a terminal and a first network element. The terminal is configured to perform the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, and the first network element is configured to perform the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect. Alternatively, the terminal is configured to perform the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, and the first network element is configured to perform the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect.

[0064] The beneficial effects of the fifth aspect to the twelfth aspect can be referred to the beneficial effects of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and will not be described again. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0065] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system 100 to which embodiments of the present application are applicable.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G core network architecture 200.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a communication method 300 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a communication method 400 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a communication method 500 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 600 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 according to an embodiment of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained.

[0073] I. Unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0074] II. If there is no special description and no logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments of the present application are consistent and can be referred to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0075] III. The various numerical numbers involved in the present application are only for the convenience of differentiation, and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. The size of the serial number involved in the present application does not mean the execution order. The execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic. For example, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and other various term labels in the specification and claims of the present application and the drawings (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. Among them, the data thus used can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0076] At the same time, any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. On the contrary, the use of "exemplary" or "for example" and the like is intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner, so as to facilitate understanding.

[0077] IV. The terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units does not have to be limited to those clearly listed steps or units, but can include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0078] V. In the present application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" includes direct enabling and indirect enabling. When describing that a certain information is used to enable A, it can include that the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, and does not mean that A must be carried in the information.

[0079] If the information enabled by the information is referred to as to-be-enabled information, there are many ways to enable the to-be-enabled information in the implementation process, for example, but not limited to, the to-be-enabled information can be directly enabled, such as the to-be-enabled information itself or an index of the to-be-enabled information. The to-be-enabled information can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where the other information and the to-be-enabled information have an association relationship. Only a part of the to-be-enabled information can be enabled, and the other part of the to-be-enabled information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the enabling of specific information can also be achieved by means of the pre-agreed (for example, the protocol stipulates) arrangement order of each information, thereby reducing the enabling overhead to a certain extent. Meanwhile, the common part of each information can be identified and uniformly enabled to reduce the enabling overhead caused by separately enabling the same information.

[0080] In addition, the indication can include direct indication, indirect indication, display indication, and implicit indication. When it is described that certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0081] In the present application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as to-be-indicated information. In the implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information, for example, but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or an index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. Only a part of the to-be-indicated information can be indicated, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information can also be achieved by means of the pre-agreed (for example, the protocol stipulates) arrangement order of each information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the to-be-indicated information can be sent as a whole, or can be sent separately in multiple sub-information, and the sending period and / or sending time of the sub-information can be the same or different.

[0082] Sixthly, in the present application, "pre-configuration" can include pre-definition, for example, protocol definition. The "pre-definition" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables or other information indicating manners in devices (for example, including various network elements), and the present application does not limit the specific implementation manners.

[0083] VII. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0084] 8. The term "protocol" in this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as fourth-generation (4G) protocols. th Generation 4G network, fifth generation (5G) network th This does not limit the network protocols of generation (5G) and related protocols applied in future communication networks.

[0085] 9. The arrows or boxes indicated by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0086] 10. Unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. In this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0087] XI. In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0088] First, the form of the terminal involved in this application will be described.

[0089] In embodiments of the present application, the terminal is a device with wireless transceiver function, which can be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device.

[0090] In embodiments of the present application, the terminal can also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a communication device carried on an airship, a wearable device, a drone, a robot, a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, a terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine or telehealth services, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, or a terminal in future communication network, etc.

[0091] In embodiments of the present application, the terminal can also be a device with communication function in future communication network, without limitation on the form or type of the terminal in future communication network, etc.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device for implementing the function of the terminal can be a terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the function, for example, a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal or used in matching with the terminal. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include the chip and other discrete devices.

[0093] Further descriptions are made on the technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0094] 1. Voice center and data center

[0095] To allow proper domain selection for voice calls, terminals supporting circuit switch fall back (CSFB) and internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) / CS voice functions are set as voice centers or data centers in evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) (i.e. LTE network).

[0096] Terminals set as voice centers should always attempt to ensure that voice service is possible. If a terminal supporting CSFB and IMS / CS voice functions is set as a voice center, and the terminal cannot obtain voice service in E-UTRAN (e.g. E-UTRAN does not support CSFB voice service and IMS voice service), the terminal should disable E-UTRAN functions, which leads to the terminal reselecting global system for mobile communications edge radio access network (GERAN) (2G network) or universal terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) (3G network).

[0097] If a terminal using a voice centric setting and supporting CSFB functionality receives a "CSFB not preferred" or "SMS only" indication due to an evolved packet system (EPS) / international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) attach or tracking area (TA) / location area (LA) update procedure, and is unable to obtain voice services via IMS, the E-UTRAN functionality should be disabled, which causes the terminal to reselect GERAN or UTRAN.

[0098] If voice services are unavailable, a terminal using a data centric setting does not disable E-UTRAN functionality. After receiving a combined EPS / IMSI attach accept with an "SMS only" indication or a combined TA / LA update accept, a terminal using a data centric setting remains in the current radio access technology (RAT) and does not allow CSFB. After receiving an EPS / IMSI attach accept or a TA / LA update combined accept with a "CSFB not preferred" indication, a terminal using a data centric setting remains in the current RAT and allows CSFB.

[0099] As shown in the background, when the usage setting of a terminal is initially set to a voice centric setting and the terminal is unable to use voice services in a network in which the terminal is registered, this can cause the terminal to be unable to camp on the network.

[0100] In view of this, the present application provides a communication system that can support a terminal camping on a network in which voice services are unavailable. See FIG. 1.

[0101] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system 100 to which embodiments of the present application are applicable. The communication system 100 includes a terminal and a first network element.

[0102] The first network element can be a first mobility management network element or a first session management network element. The first mobility management network element is configured to perform a mobility management function, and the first session management network element is configured to perform a session management function.

[0103] The names of the first mobile management network element and the first session management network element in different core network architectures can be different. For example, the first mobile management network element is an access and mobility management function network element (AMF) in 5G and a mobile switch center (MSC) in LTE. For example, the first session management network element is a session management function network element (SMF) in 5G and can have other names in other network architectures. When the first network element is the first session management network element, the first session management network element can interact with the terminal through the mobile management network element (such as the first mobile management network element). When the first network element is the first mobile management network element, the first mobile management network element can directly interact with the terminal.

[0104] The terminal and the first network element can interact information about the terminal not being able to use (or not performing or other terms, which are not limited) voice service. The voice service described above can refer to IMS voice service or CS voice service, which is not limited. It should be noted that the types of voice services supported by different networks (or different RATs) are different. For example, 5G and LTE support IMS voice service, and GSM and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) support CS voice service.

[0105] The terminal not being able to use voice service includes but is not limited to:

[0106] The terminal does not subscribe to the voice service of the network.

[0107] The network does not support voice capability.

[0108] It should be noted that the network does not support voice capability includes but is not limited to: the network does not support voice service, or the network does not support the voice service of the terminal subscribing to the network, or the network does not support the terminal using voice service in the network. The network does not support voice capability includes but is not limited to: the network does not support voice capability permanently (for example, the network has no voice capability), or the network does not support voice capability temporarily (for example, for a period of time).

[0109] For ease of description, the first network is described below. The first network can be a network in which the terminal is successfully registered, or the first network can be a network in which the terminal is requesting to register, which is not limited.

[0110] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal and the first network element can interact information as follows:

[0111] The first network element sends first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal cannot use voice service 1 in the first network, and the first network belonging to the first RAT.

[0112] The terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information.

[0113] In some embodiments, after the terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center, the terminal can further send information to the first network element, the information being used to indicate that the use setting of the terminal is the data center. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific name of the information bearing message.

[0114] Optionally, the terminal can send information to the first network element according to the first information, the information being used to indicate that the use setting of the terminal is the data center. Or, after receiving the first information, the terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information, and sends information to the first network element according to the first information, the information being used to indicate that the use setting of the terminal is the data center. Or, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the time relationship between the time when the terminal adjusts the use setting of the terminal and the time when the terminal sends the information used to indicate that the use setting of the terminal is the data center.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first information used to indicate that the terminal cannot use voice service 1 in the first network can include:

[0116] The first information is used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service (taking voice service 1 as an example) of the first network;

[0117] The first information is used to indicate that the first network does not support voice capability.

[0118] For the convenience of description, the two cases indicated by the first information are described respectively below.

[0119] Scenario 1: The first information is used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to voice service 1 (which can be understood as the voice service of the first network)

[0120] Specifically, when the terminal determines that the terminal does not subscribe to voice service 1 according to the first information, the terminal can directly switch the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information, so as to be able to camp in the first network.

[0121] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the terminal can search for other networks (e.g., the second network) and determine whether the terminal is subscribed to voice services of the other networks. The terminal can determine whether to switch the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to whether the terminal is subscribed to voice services of the other networks.

[0122] In some embodiments, the terminal switches the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information can include:

[0123] The terminal sends a registration request message 1 (which can also be another message name, and is not limited) to a second mobile management network element (which can be a second network element), the registration request message 1 is used to request registration in the second network, the second network belongs to a second RAT, the first RAT is different from the second RAT, and the registration request message 1 includes a message used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the voice center;

[0124] The terminal receives a registration rejection message 1 (which can also be another message name, and is not limited) from the second mobile management network element, the registration rejection message 1 is used to indicate that the terminal fails to register in the second network, and the registration rejection message 1 includes a message used to indicate that the terminal is not subscribed to voice services of the second network;

[0125] The terminal switches the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the registration rejection message 1.

[0126] Optionally, when the terminal is subscribed to voice services of the second network, the second mobile management network element can send a registration success message 1 to the terminal, the registration success message 1 is used to indicate that the terminal successfully registers in the second network, the registration success message 1 includes information used to indicate that the terminal is subscribed to voice services of the second network, the terminal can not change the usage setting of the terminal, and use voice services of the second network subscribed by the terminal in the second network.

[0127] Optionally, when the first network is a 5G network, the second network can be an LTE or UMTS or GSM.

[0128] Optionally, when the first network is an LTE network, the second network can be a UMTS or GSM.

[0129] In this way, this can support the terminal to search for other networks and initiate a registration procedure to the other networks when it is determined that the terminal is not subscribed to voice services 1, and adjust the usage setting of the terminal when it is determined that the terminal is not subscribed to voice services of the other networks, which can support the terminal to camp on the first network.

[0130] Thus, when the terminal determines that the terminal is not subscribed to the voice service of the first network, the terminal can further determine whether the terminal is subscribed to the voice service of other network, and only switch the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center when it is determined that the terminal is not subscribed to the voice service of other network, so as to give priority to the voice service demand of the terminal.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first network element can further send third information to the terminal, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal is (or successfully) subscribed to the voice service 1. Correspondingly, the terminal can switch the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the third information.

[0132] For example, after the terminal realizes camping on the first network by adjusting the usage setting of the terminal to the data center, the first network element can periodically acquire information about the subscription of the voice service 1 from a data management network element (such as a unified data management function (UDM)). When the first network element acquires information that the terminal successfully subscribes to the voice service 1 from the data management network element, the first network element sends third information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal can switch the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the third information. When the usage setting of the terminal is set to the voice center, the terminal can request the first network element to activate a session corresponding to the voice service 1 based on an existing standard, such as an IMS protocol data unit (PDU) session or a CS voice service session.

[0133] Thus, the terminal can switch the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the third information, and thus can support the terminal to use the voice service in the first network.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first information includes a timer, the timer being used to indicate a sending time of the second information, the second information being used to request to activate a session corresponding to the voice service 1.

[0135] For example, when the timer expires, the terminal can send the second information. When the session corresponding to the voice service 1 is activated successfully (which can indicate that the terminal successfully subscribes to the voice service 1), the terminal can switch the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center.

[0136] Thus, this can support the terminal to determine the sending time of the second information used to request to activate a session corresponding to the voice service, so as to support the terminal to determine whether to use the voice service.

[0137] Optionally, the timer described above can be pre-configured in the terminal. Thus, this can reduce the signaling interaction overhead of the first network element indicating the timer to the terminal.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first information can be carried in any of the following messages:

[0139] a registration reject message;

[0140] a registration success message;

[0141] a session establishment reject message;

[0142] a session modification reject message;

[0143] a session modification request message;

[0144] a session release reject message;

[0145] a session release request message;

[0146] a terminal configuration update procedure (CUC) message, or

[0147] a UE parameters update (UPU) message.

[0148] The description of the above messages can refer to the existing standards, and is not limited.

[0149] Thus, the embodiments of the present application can support carrying the first information through the messages in the existing standards, so as to realize the compatibility with the existing standards, for example, without the need of designing or configuring new messages to carry the first information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first information can be understood as a cause value, which is used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service 1.

[0151] In one example, the first information can be a cause value #33 (cause #33) defined in the existing standards. When the first information is the cause value #33, it can be specified that the terminal can adjust the use setting of the terminal according to the cause value #33.

[0152] In another example, the first information can be a cause value not used in the existing standards, which is used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service 1.

[0153] In yet another example, the first information can be a cause value not defined in the existing standards, which is used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service 1.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the terminal is using data service in the first network, the terminal can continue to search for other networks.

[0155] For example, the terminal searches for the second network. When it is determined that the terminal has subscribed to voice service of the second network, the terminal sends a registration request message 2 to the second mobile management network element, the registration request message 2 being used to request registration in the second network. Correspondingly, the terminal receives a registration success message 2 from the second mobile management network element, the registration success message 2 being used to indicate that the terminal has been successfully registered in the second network. In this way, the terminal can switch the use of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the registration success message 2, and use the voice service of the second network to which the terminal has subscribed in the second network.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the first network element is a first mobile management network element, the first mobile management network element can obtain information about whether the terminal has subscribed to voice service 1 from a data management network element.

[0157] For example, the first mobile management network element sends a request information 1 to the data management network element, the request information 1 being used to request inquiry about whether the terminal has subscribed to voice service 1, the request information 1 including identity information of the terminal. The data management network element sends a response information 1 to the first mobile management network element, the response information 1 being used to indicate that the terminal has not subscribed to voice service 1. Correspondingly, the first mobile management network element sends the first information to the terminal.

[0158] In some embodiments, when the first network element is a first session management network element, the first session management network element can obtain information about whether the terminal has subscribed to voice service 1 from a data management network element, and can send the first information to the terminal through the first mobile management network element. For example, the first session management network element sends an indication information 1 to the first mobile management network element, the indication information 1 being used to indicate that the terminal has not subscribed to voice service 1, and the first mobile management network element sends the first information to the terminal.

[0159] For example, the first session management network element sends a request information 2 to the data management network element, the request information 2 being used to request inquiry about whether the terminal has subscribed to voice service 1, the request information 2 including identity information of the terminal. The data management network element sends a response information 2 to the first session management network element, the response information 2 being used to indicate that the terminal has not subscribed to voice service 1. Correspondingly, the first session management network element can send the first information to the terminal through the first mobile management network element.

[0160] The description about how the first mobile management network element and the first session management network element obtain information about whether the terminal has subscribed to voice service 1 from the data management network element can refer to existing standards, and will not be described here.

[0161] In some embodiments, after the terminal switches the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center, the terminal can further send a registration request message 3 to the first mobile management network element, the registration request message 3 is used to request registration in the first network, and the registration request message 3 includes information indicating that the usage setting of the terminal is the data center. Correspondingly, the terminal can further receive a registration success message 3 from the first mobile management network element, the registration success message 3 is used to indicate that the terminal is successfully registered in the first network.

[0162] In the above scheme, when the terminal determines according to the first information that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service of the first network, the terminal can adjust the usage setting of the terminal to the data center, i.e., switch the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center, which can support the terminal to camp on the first network (the terminal cannot use voice service in the first network) and also can use the data service of the first network.

[0163] It should be noted that in scenario 1, the first network element can be a first mobile management network element or a first session management network element. The first network element can receive the indication information (the aforementioned response information 1 or response information 2) from the data management network element, the indication information is used to indicate that the terminal does not subscribe to the voice service 1, and the first network element sends the first information to the terminal (which can be sent directly or indirectly).

[0164] Scenario 2: The first information is used to indicate that the first network does not support voice capability.

[0165] When the terminal receives the first information, the terminal can determine according to the first information that the first network does not support voice capability, and the terminal can switch the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information. In this way, this can support the terminal to camp on the first network.

[0166] In some embodiments, after the terminal receives the first information, the terminal can search for other networks (such as a second network) and determine whether the other networks support voice capability. The terminal can determine whether the usage setting of the terminal needs to be switched from the voice center to the data center according to whether the other networks support voice capability.

[0167] For example, when the terminal determines that none of the other networks support voice capability, the terminal switches the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terminal can further send a registration request message 3 to the first mobile management network element, the registration request message 3 is used for requesting registration in the first network, and the registration request message 3 includes information used for indicating that the use setting of the terminal is set to the data center. Correspondingly, the terminal can further receive a registration success message 3 from the first mobile management network element, the registration success message 3 is used for indicating that the terminal is successfully registered in the first network.

[0169] In some embodiments, after the terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center and realizes camping in the first network, the terminal can further continue to search for other networks.

[0170] For example, when the terminal searches for a second network and determines that the second network supports voice capability, the terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center, and sends a registration request message 4 to a second mobile management network element, the registration request message 4 is used for requesting registration in the second network, and the registration request message 4 includes information used for indicating that the use setting of the terminal is set to the voice center. Correspondingly, the terminal can receive a registration success message 4 from the second mobile management network element, the registration success message 4 is used for indicating that the terminal is successfully registered in the second network. In this way, the terminal can perform voice service on the second network.

[0171] It should be noted that in scenario 2, the first network element is the first mobile management network element. The first mobile management network element can send the first information to the terminal by itself.

[0172] In the above scheme, when the terminal determines that the first network does not support voice capability according to the first information, the terminal can adjust the use setting of the terminal to the data center, i.e., switch the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center, which can support the terminal to camp in the first network (the terminal cannot use voice service in the first network) and also use the data service of the first network.

[0173] It should be noted that when the terminal determines that the terminal cannot use voice service 1 in the first network (including that the terminal does not subscribe to voice service 1 and the first network does not support voice capability), the terminal can realize camping in the first network by adjusting the use setting of the terminal, i.e., the terminal does not need to exit from the first network.

[0174] Hereinafter, the communication system 100 is applied to a 5G network architecture as an example for description.

[0175] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture 200. As shown in (a) of FIG. 2, the 5G network architecture 200 includes:

[0176] 1, AMF.

[0177] The AMF mainly performs mobility management or access authentication / authorization functions. The AMF is also responsible for transmitting user policies between a terminal device and a policy control function (PCF) network element. The AMF can receive non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (including mobility management (MM) signaling and session management (SM) signaling) of a terminal device and related signaling of an access network device (for example, next generation (NG) 2 interface signaling of a base station interacting with the AMF), complete a user registration process and forwarding of SM signaling, and perform mobility management.

[0178] 2. SMF.

[0179] The SMF is mainly used for session management, internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management of a terminal device, selection of a manageable user plane function, a terminal point of a policy control and charging function interface, and downlink data notification. The SMF can also be used to complete processes such as establishment, release, and update related to a PDU session.

[0180] 3. Policy control function (PCF).

[0181] The PCF can be responsible for user policy management, including both mobility-related policies and PDU session-related policies, such as QoS policies and charging policies.

[0182] 4. Unified data repository (UDR).

[0183] The UDR mainly includes the following functions:

[0184] 1) The unified data management function (UDM) stores or reads subscription data;

[0185] 2) The PCF stores or reads policy data;

[0186] 3) Stores or reads exposed data.

[0187] The UDR and the NFs accessing it have the same PLMN, that is, under the same network, the Nudr interface is an intra-PLMN interface.

[0188] 5. UDM.

[0189] The UDM mainly includes the following functions: unified data management, support for authentication credential processing in the 3GPP authentication and key agreement mechanism, user identity processing, access authorization, registration and mobility management, subscription management, and short message management.

[0190] 6. Application function (AF).

[0191] The AF includes the following functions: interacting with the 3GPP core network to provide services or services, including: interacting with the NEF, policy architecture interaction, etc.

[0192] 7. User plane function (UPF).

[0193] The UPF is an interface with a data network, and performs functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / stream-based charging statistics, bandwidth limitation, etc. That is, packet routing and forwarding, and QoS processing of user plane data, etc.

[0194] 8. Access network (AN).

[0195] The AN can manage wireless resources and provide access services for terminal devices.

[0196] 9. Data network (DN).

[0197] The DN provides, operator services, Internet access or third-party services, including servers, server-side implementation of video source encoding, rendering, etc.

[0198] In the above description, the above network elements can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on special hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The above functional network elements can be divided into one or more services, and further, services independent of network functions can also exist. The instance of the above functional network element, or the instance of the service included in the above functional network element, or the instance of the service independent of the network function can be referred to as a service instance.

[0199] As shown in (a) of FIG. 2, the terminal device accesses the 5GS through the access network device, the terminal device communicates with the AMF through an NG1 interface (N1 for short), the access network device communicates with the AMF through an NG2 interface (N2 for short), the access network device communicates with the UPF through an NG3 interface (N3 for short), the AMF communicates with the SMF through an NG11 interface (N11 for short), the AMF communicates with the UDM through an NG8 interface (N8 for short), the AMF communicates with the PCF through an NG15 interface (N15 for short), the SMF communicates with the PCF through an NG7 interface (N7 for short), the SMF communicates with the UPF through an NG4 interface (N4 for short), the UPF accesses the DN through an NG6 interface (N6 for short), the UDM communicates with the UDR through an NG35 interface (N35 for short), the PCF communicates with the UDR through an NG36 interface (N36 for short), and the like.

[0200] The interfaces between the control plane network elements in (a) of FIG. 2 are point-to-point interfaces. In actual implementation, the interfaces between the control plane network elements can also be service interfaces as shown in (b) of FIG. 2. In (b) of FIG. 2, Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf are service interfaces provided by the PCF, the UDR, the UDM, the AF, the AMF, and the SMF respectively, and are used to invoke corresponding service operations.

[0201] The names of the network elements shown in (a) of FIG. 2 or (b) of FIG. 2 are only names, and the names do not limit the functions of the network elements. In the 5G network and other future networks, the network elements can also have other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the names.

[0202] The 5G network structure shown in FIG. 2 is only an example description, and the 5G network structure shown in FIG. 2 can also include other network elements not mentioned, such as an authentication server function network element (AUSF), a network element function network element (NEF), and a NRF.

[0203] In addition, the "network element" in this document can also be referred to as a network function instance (network function instance, NF), device, apparatus, or module, etc., which is not particularly limited in this application. In addition, the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in 5G networks and future other networks. The interface name between the above-mentioned various network elements is only an example, and the name of the interface in the specific implementation can be other names, which are not specifically limited. In addition, the name of the message (or signaling) transmitted between the above-mentioned various network elements is also only an example, and does not constitute any limitation on the function of the message itself.

[0204] For the convenience of description, the interaction between the terminal and the first network element in FIG. 1 is described below taking the first network element as an AMF and the SMF as an example.

[0205] FIG. 3 is an interaction flow diagram of a communication method 300 of an embodiment of the application. The first network element is an SMF1, and the type of the voice service 1 is an IMS voice service. As shown in FIG. 3, the method 300 includes:

[0206] S301, the terminal sends PDU session activation request information to the AMF1. Correspondingly, the AMF1 receives the PDU session activation request information.

[0207] Specifically, the terminal has completed the registration process in the first network, which can be referred to the description of the existing standard. The terminal needs to request to activate the PDU session corresponding to the voice service 1. Therefore, the PDU session activation request information is used to request to activate the PDU session corresponding to the voice service 1.

[0208] S302, the AMF1 sends the PDU session activation request information and the identity information of the terminal to the SMF1. Correspondingly, the SMF1 receives the PDU session activation request information and the identity information of the terminal.

[0209] The specific process can be referred to the description of the existing standard.

[0210] Optionally, the PDU session activation request information includes a data network name (DNN) corresponding to the voice service 1, which can be used to query whether the terminal subscribes to the voice service 1.

[0211] S303, the SMF1 sends request information 2 to the UDM. Correspondingly, the UMD receives the request information 2.

[0212] The request information 2 is used to request to query whether the terminal subscribes to the voice service 1, and the request information 1 includes the identity information of the terminal.

[0213] The specific process can be referred to the description of the existing standard.

[0214] S304, the UDM sends response information 2 to the SMF1. Correspondingly, the SMF1 receives the response information 2.

[0215] The response information 2 is used to indicate that the terminal is not subscribed to the voice service 1.

[0216] The specific process can be referred to the description of the existing standard.

[0217] S305, the SMF1 sends first information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information.

[0218] Specifically, the SMF1 sends the first information to the terminal through the AMF1. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the AMF1.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first information can be carried in a session establishment rejection message, which is used to indicate that the voice service 1 corresponding session activation fails.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first information can be carried in a session modification rejection message, which is used to indicate that the voice service 1 corresponding session activation fails.

[0221] S306, the terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information.

[0222] The specific process can be referred to the description of the foregoing.

[0223] S307, the terminal sends a registration request message 3 to the AMF1. Correspondingly, the AMF1 receives the registration request message 3.

[0224] S308, the AMF1 sends a registration success message 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration success message 3.

[0225] S309, the SMF1 sends third information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the third information.

[0226] Specifically, the SMF1 can send the third information to the terminal through the AMF1. The terminal can switch the use setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the third information.

[0227] S310, the terminal sends fourth information to the AMF1. Correspondingly, the AMF1 receives the fourth information.

[0228] The fourth information is used to request to activate the session corresponding to the voice service 1. The description of the fourth information can be referred to the description of the foregoing second information.

[0229] The specific description can be referred to the existing standard, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] Through the method, the embodiment of the application can support the terminal to reside in the first network in the manner of adjusting the use setting of the terminal to the data center when the terminal cannot use the voice service in the first network.

[0231] FIG. 4 is an interaction flow diagram of a communication method 400 of an embodiment of the application. The first network element is AMF1, and the type of the voice service 1 is IMS voice service. As shown in FIG. 4, the method 400 includes the following steps.

[0232] S401, the terminal sends a registration request message 5 to AMF1. Correspondingly, AMF1 receives the registration request message 5.

[0233] The registration request message 5 is used to request the terminal to register in the first network. The registration request message 5 includes information used to indicate that the use setting of the terminal is voice centered.

[0234] S402, AMF1 sends request information 1 to UDM. Correspondingly, UDM receives the request information 1.

[0235] The specific description can be referred to the foregoing description.

[0236] S403, UDM sends response information 1 to AMF1. Correspondingly, AMF1 receives the response information 1.

[0237] The response information 1 is used to indicate that the terminal is not subscribed to the voice service 1.

[0238] S404, AMF1 sends first information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first information can be carried in a registration rejection message, which is used to indicate that the terminal fails to register in the first network.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first information can also be carried in a CUC message.

[0241] S405, the terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from voice centered to data centered according to the first information.

[0242] S406, the terminal sends a registration request message 3 to AMF1. Correspondingly, AMF1 receives the registration request message 3.

[0243] S407, AMF1 sends a registration success message 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration success message 3.

[0244] S408, AMF1 sends third information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the third information.

[0245] S409. The terminal switches the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the third information.

[0246] In some embodiments, the third information can also be carried in the CUC message or the UPU message, which is not limited.

[0247] S410. The terminal sends fourth information to the AMF1. Correspondingly, the AMF1 receives the fourth information.

[0248] The specific description can refer to the existing standard, which is not described again.

[0249] Through the above method, the embodiment of the application can support the terminal to reside in the first network by adjusting the usage setting of the terminal to the data center when the terminal cannot use the voice service in the first network.

[0250] FIG. 5 is an interaction flow diagram of a communication method 500 of an embodiment of the application. The first network element is the AMF1. As shown in FIG. 5, the method 500 includes:

[0251] S501. The terminal sends a registration request message 6 to the AMF1. Correspondingly, the AMF1 receives the registration request message 6.

[0252] S502. The AMF1 sends first information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first information can be carried in a registration success message. The registration success message is used to respond to the registration request message 5, and is used to indicate that the terminal registers successfully in the first network.

[0254] S503. The terminal switches the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center according to the first information.

[0255] S504. The terminal sends a registration request message 3 to the AMF1. Correspondingly, the AMF1 receives the registration request message 3.

[0256] S505. The AMF1 sends a registration success message 3 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration success message 3.

[0257] Through the above method, the embodiment of the application can support the terminal to reside in the first network by adjusting the usage setting of the terminal to the data center when the terminal cannot use the voice service in the first network.

[0258] It should be noted that in the method 500, when the first network can support the voice capability, the AMF1 can send information indicating that the first network supports the voice capability to the terminal, and the terminal can switch the use setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center according to the information. Correspondingly, the terminal can request to activate the session corresponding to the voice service 1.

[0259] Optionally, the method 500 can further include:

[0260] S506, the terminal searches for the second network and determines that the second network supports the voice capability, and the terminal switches the use setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center.

[0261] S507, the terminal sends a registration request message 4 to the AMF2. Correspondingly, the AMF2 receives the registration request message 4.

[0262] S508, the AMF2 sends a registration success message 4 to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the registration success message 4.

[0263] In this way, this can support the terminal to complete the registration process in the network supporting the voice capability, so as to be able to support the demand of the voice service of the terminal to be met preferentially.

[0264] Finally, the apparatus embodiment of the embodiment of the application is introduced.

[0265] In order to realize each function in the method provided by the application, the terminal and the first network element can include hardware structure and / or software module, and realize each function in the form of hardware structure, software module, or hardware structure plus software module. Whether a certain function in each function is executed in the form of hardware structure, software module, or hardware structure plus software module depends on the specific application of the technical solution and the design constraint condition.

[0266] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 600 according to an embodiment of the application. The communication apparatus 600 includes processing circuitry 610 and transceiver circuitry 620, which can be connected or coupled with each other, such as through a bus 630. The communication apparatus 600 can be a terminal or a first network element.

[0267] Optionally, the communication apparatus 600 can further include a memory 640. The memory 640 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 640 is used for storing relevant instructions and data.

[0268] The processing circuit 610 can be all or part of one or more processors, or be one or more processors. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). In the case where the processing circuit 610 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single core CPU, or a multi-core CPU. The processing circuit 610 can be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuits that can implement the method of the present application, or part of the foregoing processor, chip, or integrated circuit for processing functions. In addition, the transceiver circuit 620 can also be a transceiver, or an input / output interface, an input / output interface for input or output of signals or data, and can also be referred to as an input / output circuit.

[0269] When the communication apparatus 600 is a first network element, the processing circuit 610 is configured to perform the following operations, for example: sending first information to a terminal, and the like.

[0270] When the communication apparatus 600 is a terminal, the processing circuit 610 is configured to perform the following operations, for example: receiving first information; and switching a usage setting of the terminal from a voice center to a data center according to the first information, and the like.

[0271] The foregoing description is only an exemplary description.

[0272] When the communication apparatus 600 is a terminal or a first network element, it will be responsible for performing the methods or steps related to the terminal or the first network element in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0273] When the communication apparatus 600 is a terminal or a first network element, the transceiver circuit 620 can be a transceiver.

[0274] When the communication apparatus 600 is a chip for a terminal or a first network element, the transceiver circuit 620 can be an input / output circuit.

[0275] The foregoing description is only an exemplary description. The specific content can refer to the content shown in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0276] The implementation of each operation in FIG. 6 can also correspond to the description of the corresponding method embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5.

[0277] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 700 can be a terminal or a first network element, and is configured to implement the method according to the above embodiments.

[0278] The communication apparatus 700 includes a transceiver 710 and a processor 720. The transceiver 710 and the processor 720 are described below.

[0279] The transceiver 710 can include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to perform the transmitting actions of the communication apparatus, and the receiver is configured to perform the receiving actions of the communication apparatus. For ease of description, the transmitter and the receiver are combined into one transceiver in the embodiments of the present application. This is uniformly described herein, and will not be described below.

[0280] The communication apparatus 700 is a first network element. The transceiver 710 is configured to transmit first information to a terminal. The processor 720 is configured to determine the first information, etc.

[0281] The communication apparatus 700 is a terminal. The transceiver 710 is configured to receive first information. The processor 720 is configured to switch the usage settings of the terminal from a voice center to a data center according to the first information, etc.

[0282] When the communication apparatus 700 is a terminal or a first network element, it is responsible for performing one or more of the methods or steps related to the terminal or the first network element in the above method embodiments.

[0283] Optionally, the communication apparatus 700 further includes a storage unit 730 configured to store programs or codes for implementing the above methods.

[0284] The transceiver in FIG. 7 can correspond to the transceiver circuit in FIG. 6, and the processor in FIG. 7 can correspond to the processing circuit in FIG. 6.

[0285] The apparatus embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are configured to implement the contents described in FIGS. 1-5. The specific implementation steps of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can refer to the contents described in the above method embodiments.

[0286] The present application also provides a chip including a processor configured to call and run instructions stored in a memory, so that a communication device installed with the chip performs the methods in the above examples. The memory can be integrated into the chip, or located outside the chip.

[0287] The application further provides another chip, comprising: an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit, the input interface, the output interface, and the processing circuit are connected through internal connection paths, and the processing circuit is configured to execute code in a memory, and when the code is executed, the processing circuit is configured to execute the method in any of the examples.

[0288] Optionally, the chip further comprises a memory configured to store a computer program or code. The input interface and the output interface can be independent of each other, or can be integrated into an input / output interface.

[0289] The processing circuit can be all or part of one or more processors, or one or more processors.

[0290] The application further provides a processor configured to be coupled with a memory and configured to execute the method and functions related to the network device or the terminal device in any of the above examples.

[0291] In another embodiment of the application, a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed on a computer, cause the method of the above embodiments to be implemented.

[0292] The application further provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the method of the above embodiments to be implemented.

[0293] In another embodiment of the application, a computer readable storage medium is provided, and the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the method of the above embodiments to be implemented.

[0294] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of the application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor.

[0295] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Where the nonvolatile memory is, it can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It is noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, without being limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0296] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are wholly or partially generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center through a wired or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. containing one or more available medium sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state disk.

[0297] It should be understood that the size of the sequence number of each process described above in various embodiments of the present application does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0298] Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solutions. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here. In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are only schematic, for example, the division of units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0299] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, i.e. can be located in one place or can be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiment according to actual needs. In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. When the above functions are realized in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application essentially or the parts that make contributions to the prior art or parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of software products, which are stored in a storage medium and include a number of instructions for making a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk or optical disk, and various program code storage media.

[0300] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on specific applications and design constraints of the technical solutions. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving first information from a first network element, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal is not subscribed to voice service of a first network, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; switching, according to the first information, the usage setting of the terminal from a voice center to a data center.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: sending, according to the first information, information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the data center to the first network element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information is carried in any of the following messages: a registration reject message; a session establishment reject message; a session modification reject message; a session modification request message; a session release reject message; a session release request message; a terminal configuration update procedure message, or a terminal parameter update message.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information comprises a timer used to indicate a sending time of second information used to request activation of voice service of the first network corresponding session.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving third information from the first network element, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal is subscribed to voice service of the first network; switching, according to the third information, the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The switching, according to the first information, of the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center comprises: sending, according to the first information, a registration request message to a second network element, the registration request message being used to request registration in a second network, the second network belonging to a second radio access technology, the first radio access technology being different from the second radio access technology, the registration request message comprising information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the voice center; receiving a registration reject message from the second network element, the registration reject message being used to indicate that the terminal fails to register in the second network, the registration reject message comprising information used to indicate that the terminal is not subscribed to voice service of the second network; switching, according to the registration reject message, the usage setting of the terminal from the voice center to the data center.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving first information from a first network element, the first information being used to indicate that the first network does not support voice capability, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; switching, according to the first information, the usage setting of a terminal from a voice center to a data center.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a first registration request message to the first network element, the first registration request message being used to request registration in the first network, the first registration request message comprising information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the data center.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further comprises: switching, when a second network is searched and it is determined that the second network supports voice capability, the usage setting of the terminal from the data center to the voice center, the second network belonging to a second radio access technology, the first radio access technology being different from the second radio access technology; sending a second registration request message to a second network element, the second registration request message being used to request registration in the second network, the second registration request message comprising information used to indicate that the usage setting of the terminal is the voice center. receiving a second registration success message from the second network element, the second registration success message being used to indicate that the terminal is successfully registered in the second network.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: comprising: receiving indication information, the indication information being used to indicate that the terminal is not subscribed to voice service of a first network, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; sending first information to the terminal according to the indication information, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal is not subscribed to voice service of the first network.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, the first information is used for the terminal to determine to switch usage setting of the terminal from voice center to data center.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, the first information is carried in any one of the following messages: a registration reject message; a session establishment reject message; a session modification reject message; a session modification request message; a session release reject message; a session release request message; a terminal configuration update procedure message, or a terminal parameter update message.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, the method further comprises: receiving information from the terminal, the information being used to indicate that usage setting of the terminal is data center.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, the first information comprises a timer, the timer being used to indicate a sending time of second information, the second information being used to request to activate voice service of the first network corresponding session.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, the method further comprises: sending third information to the terminal, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal is subscribed to voice service of the first network.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, the third information is used for the terminal to determine to switch usage setting of the terminal from data center to voice center.

17. A method of communication, comprising: comprising: determining first information, the first information being used to indicate that a first network does not support voice capability, the first network belonging to a first radio access technology; sending the first information to the terminal.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, the first information is used for the terminal to switch usage setting of the terminal from voice center to data center.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, the method further comprises: receiving information from the terminal, the information being used to indicate that usage setting of the terminal is data center.

20. A communications device, characterized by the communication apparatus further comprises a memory, the memory being used to store the computer program or the instruction.

21. The communication apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, the communication interface being used to input and / or output signals.

22. The communication apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, the communication apparatus further comprises a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the input / output interface being used to input and / or output signals, the logic circuit being used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

23. A communications device, characterized by the computer readable storage medium has stored thereon a computer program or an instruction, which, when executed on a computer, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 to be performed.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, an instruction, which, when executed on a computer, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 to be performed.

25. A computer program product, characterised in that, comprising:

26. A chip, characterized by one or more processors, the processors being used to execute computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the chip implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19. ​

Images