Communication method and apparatus, device, chip and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method and apparatus, a device, a chip and a storage medium. The method comprises: a terminal device sending and / or receiving first information, wherein the first information indicates that the terminal device uses first connection information of a first RAT to implement, on a second RAT, a first related operation between the terminal device and a network device.

Description

A communication method, apparatus, device, chip, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, specifically to a communication method, apparatus, device, chip, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In some scenarios, user equipment (UE) needs to perform the relevant operations on the RAT separately for each radio access technology (RAT), which increases signaling overhead.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, device, chip, and storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application includes:

[0006] The terminal device sends and / or receives first information, which indicates that the terminal device uses first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT.

[0007] Secondly, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application includes:

[0008] The network device sends and / or receives first information, which indicates that the terminal device uses first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0009] Thirdly, the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is applied to a terminal device, and the communication device includes:

[0010] The first communication unit is configured to send and / or receive first information, the first information representing the terminal device using first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0011] Fourthly, the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application is applied to a network device, and the communication device includes:

[0012] The second communication unit is configured to send and / or receive first information, the first information representing first connection information of the terminal device using the first RAT to realize a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0013] Fifthly, the terminal device provided in the embodiments of this application includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory to execute the aforementioned communication method.

[0014] Sixthly, the network device provided in the embodiments of this application includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory to perform the aforementioned communication method.

[0015] The chip provided in this application embodiment is used to implement the above-described communication method.

[0016] Specifically, the chip includes a processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the aforementioned communication method.

[0017] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment is used to store a computer program that causes a computer to perform the above-described communication method.

[0018] The computer program product provided in this application includes computer program instructions that cause a computer to execute the above-described communication method.

[0019] The computer program provided in this application embodiment, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the above-described communication method.

[0020] This application provides a communication method in which a terminal device can reuse the first connection information of the first RAT when performing a first related operation on a second RAT based on first information, thereby reducing signaling overhead and communication latency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a signaling interaction process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a signaling interaction process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a signaling interaction process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a signaling interaction process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of this application.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 110 and a network device 120. The network device 120 can communicate with the terminal device 110 via an air interface. Multi-service transmission is supported between the terminal device 110 and the network device 120.

[0037] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are only illustrated by way of example with communication system 100, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. That is to say, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Internet of Things (IoT) system, Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, enhanced Machine-Type Communications (eMTC) system, 5G communication system (also known as New Radio (NR) communication system), or future communication systems, etc.

[0038] In the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, network device 120 may be an access network device that communicates with terminal device 110. The access network device can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminal device 110 (e.g., user equipment (UE)) located within that coverage area.

[0039] Network device 120 may be an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG RAN) device, a base station (gNB) in an NR system, a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN), or a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, hub, switch, bridge, router, or network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0040] Terminal device 110 can be any terminal device, including but not limited to terminal devices that are connected to network device 120 or other terminal devices via wired or wireless connections.

[0041] For example, the terminal device 110 can refer to an Ambient-Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, access terminal, UE, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The access terminal can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, IoT device, satellite handheld terminal, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network, or terminal device in a future evolved network, etc.

[0042] Terminal device 110 can be used for device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0043] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a core network device 130 that communicates with the network device 120. This core network device 130 may be a 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC) device, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a User Plane Function (UPF), or a Session Management Function (SMF). Optionally, the core network device 130 may also be an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) device for an LTE network, such as a Session Management Function + Core Packet Gateway (SMF+PGW-C) device. It should be understood that SMF+PGW-C can simultaneously implement the functions of both SMF and PGW-C. During network evolution, the aforementioned core network device may also be called by other names, or new network entities may be formed by dividing the core network functions; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0044] The various functional units in the communication system 100 can also communicate with each other through a Next Generation (NG) interface.

[0045] For example, terminal device 110 establishes an air interface connection with access network equipment through the NR interface for transmitting user plane data and control plane signaling; terminal device 110 can establish a control plane signaling connection with AMF through NG interface 1 (N1); access network equipment, such as next-generation radio access base station (gNB), can establish a user plane data connection with UPF through NG interface 3 (N3); access network equipment can establish a control plane signaling connection with AMF through NG interface 2 (N2); UPF can establish a control plane signaling connection with SMF through NG interface 4 (N4); UPF can interact with data network for user plane data through NG interface 6 (N6); AMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with SMF through NG interface 11 (N11); SMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with PCF through NG interface 7 (N7).

[0046] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a network device 120, a core network device 130, and two terminal devices 110. Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may include multiple network devices 120, and the coverage area of ​​each network device 120 may include other numbers of terminal devices 110. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0047] It should be noted that Figure 1 is merely an example illustrating the system to which this application applies. Of course, the method shown in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other systems. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this document. The term "and / or" in this document merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. It should also be understood that "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a related relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, for example, B can be obtained through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, for example, A instructs C, B can be obtained through C; or it can mean that there is a related relationship between A and B. It should also be understood that "correspondence" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or an related relationship between two things, or a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc. It should also be understood that the "predefined" or "predefined rules" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices), and this application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to those defined in a protocol. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the "protocol" can refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as LTE protocol, NR protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems, and this application does not limit this.

[0048] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies of the embodiments of this application are described below. The following relevant technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, and they all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0049] When the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of RAT1, how to handle the RRC process of RAT2? RAT1 can be 4G, 5G, or 6G, and similarly, RAT2 can be 4G, 5G, or 6G.

[0050] Currently, there are two main types of RAT1 / RAT2 dual connectivity scenarios for UEs:

[0051] 1. Single SIM card scenario.

[0052] When a UE uses a single SIM card, it can connect to two RATs simultaneously, namely RAT1 and RAT2. For example, it can connect to 4G / 5G, 5G / 6G, or 4G / 6G simultaneously. One of the RATs is the master network (MN), and the UE establishes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection through the MN. The other RAT is the secondary network (SN). The connection of the SN is added / deleted / modified by the RRC signaling of the MN, which does not change the RRC status of the UE.

[0053] 2. Dual SIM card situation.

[0054] When the UE has dual SIM cards, it can connect to two RATs at the same time, namely RAT1 and RAT2. For example, it can connect to 4G / 5G, 5G / 6G, or 4G / 6G at the same time. Each RAT has its own RRC connection, that is, it uses the RRC status and RRC procedure of the two RATs respectively.

[0055] In the above scenario, the UE needs to perform RRC procedures for each RAT, such as RRC connection establishment, RRC connection recovery, RRC connection reconfiguration, and RRC connection reconstruction. This increases signaling overhead and communication latency, thereby reducing network efficiency and worsening the user experience.

[0056] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which a terminal device can reuse the first connection information of the first RAT when performing a first related operation on the second RAT based on the first information, thereby reducing signaling overhead and communication latency.

[0057] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions of this application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application include at least some of the following contents.

[0058] Figure 2 illustrates a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which may include:

[0059] S200, the terminal device sends and / or receives first information, the first information representing the terminal device using first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0060] In this embodiment, the terminal device sends first information to the network device and / or receives first information sent by the network device. The first information includes first connection information of the terminal device using the first RAT to realize the first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0061] In one optional implementation, when the terminal device performs a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT, it can use the first connection information used by the terminal device and the network device when performing the corresponding second related operation on the first RAT according to the first information sent and / or received, thereby realizing information reuse.

[0062] In one alternative implementation, the first related operation can be an operation related to the RRC process, that is, the terminal device can use the first connection information used by the network device when implementing the RRC process on the first RAT to implement the RRC process on the second RAT.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology, or the first RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology.

[0064] As an example, the terminal device implements the RRC procedure with the network device on 6G by using the first connection information used when performing the RRC procedure with the network device on 5G, based on the first information sent and / or received.

[0065] In another example, the terminal device implements the RRC procedure with the network device on 5G by using the first connection information used when performing the RRC procedure with the network device on 6G, based on the first information sent and / or received.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0067] As an example, the terminal device, based on the first information sent and / or received, uses the first connection information of the first RAT to implement one or more of the following operations: establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT, restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first connection information includes one or more of the following: the Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN) ID of the terminal device; the Access and Mobility Management Function Identifier (AMF) ID of the terminal device; the Globally Unique Access and Mobility Identity (GUAMI) type information of the terminal device; the Slice / Serving Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI) of the terminal device; the Non-Access Stratum Message (NAS) of the terminal device; the Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; the bearer configuration information of the network device; the cell configuration information of the network device; and the measurement configuration information of the network device.

[0069] In one alternative implementation, the terminal device, based on the first information sent and / or received, uses one or more of the following on the first RAT: Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID), Access and Mobility Management Function Identifier (AMF ID), Globally Unique AMF Identifier (GUAMI) type information, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), Non-Access Stratum (NAS), 5G-S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (5G-S-TMSI), and bearer configuration information, cell configuration information, and measurement configuration information of the network device.

[0070] As an example, the bearer configuration information of a network device can be understood as the signaling transmission bearer configured in the network device for transmitting signaling messages in the RRC process, such as the configuration parameters of Signaling Radio Bearer 1 (SRB1); the specific bearer configuration information can be determined according to the actual situation, and this application embodiment does not limit it here.

[0071] In another example, the cell configuration information of a network device can be understood as the configuration information corresponding to the cells supported by the network device, such as the number of cells, the cell identifier, the cell's transmission power, or the cell's antenna configuration; the specific cell configuration information can be determined according to the actual situation, and this application embodiment does not limit it here.

[0072] In another example, the measurement configuration information of a network device can be understood as the parameter information configured by the network device to guide the terminal device in performing network measurements. The terminal device can perform measurement tasks according to the measurement configuration information issued by the network device and report the measurement results to the network device. The measurement configuration information of the network device may include various types of measurements, such as measuring the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), measuring the Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), and measuring the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR). The specific measurement configuration information can be determined according to the actual situation, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0073] In some embodiments, when the terminal device sends first information, the first information is RRC connection completion information and / or RRC connection request information.

[0074] In one optional implementation, the terminal device sends RRC connection completion information and / or RRC connection request information to the network device, which enables the reuse of the first connection information used when implementing the corresponding RRC-related operation on the first RAT when implementing the RRC-related operation on the second RAT.

[0075] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment request information; RRC connection recovery request information; RRC connection reconstruction request information.

[0076] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information includes: identification information of the terminal device on the first RAT.

[0077] For example, when a terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_IDLE state of the second RAT, in order to establish an RRC connection on the second RAT, the terminal device needs to send an RRC connection establishment request message to the network device to establish an RRC connection on the second RAT. In the RRC connection establishment request message, the terminal device indicates its identification information on the first RAT to the network device.

[0078] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_INACTIVE state of the second RAT, in order to restore the RRC connection on the second RAT, the terminal device needs to send an RRC connection restoration request message to the network device to restore the RRC connection on the second RAT. In the RRC connection restoration request message, the terminal device indicates its identification information on the first RAT to the network device.

[0079] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_IDLE state of the second RAT, in order to re-establish the RRC connection on the second RAT, the terminal device needs to send an RRC connection reconstruction request message to the network device to re-establish the RRC connection on the second RAT. In the RRC connection reconstruction request message, the terminal device indicates its identification information on the first RAT to the network device.

[0080] In some embodiments, the identification information includes one or more of the following: Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; Temporary Cell Radio Network Identifier (C-RNTI) of the terminal device; Temporary Inactive Radio Network Identifier (I-RNTI) of the terminal device; Cell Identifier of the terminal device; Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID) of the terminal device.

[0081] In one optional implementation, when the terminal device sends one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment request information, RRC connection recovery request information, and RRC connection reconstruction request information, it needs to carry one or more of the following in the relevant information: 5G-S-TMSI of the terminal device's 5G system, Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), Inactive Radio Network Temporary Identifier (I-RNTI), Cell Identifier, and PLMN ID.

[0082] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment completion information; RRC connection recovery completion information; RRC connection reconfiguration completion information; RRC connection reconstruction completion information.

[0083] For example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_IDLE state of the second RAT, in order to establish an RRC connection on the second RAT, after the terminal device sends the RRC connection establishment request information to the network device to establish the RRC connection on the second RAT, it also needs to send the RRC connection establishment completion information.

[0084] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_INACTIVE state of the second RAT, in order to restore the RRC connection on the second RAT, after the terminal device sends the RRC connection restoration request information to the network device for restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, it also needs to send the RRC connection restoration completion information.

[0085] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_CONNECTED state of the second RAT, in order to reconfigure the RRC connection of the second RAT, the terminal device needs to use the uplink to send the RRC connection reconfiguration completion information to the network device.

[0086] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_IDLE state of the second RAT, in order to re-establish the RRC connection of the second RAT, after the terminal device sends the RRC connection reconstruction request information to the network device for re-establishing the RRC connection on the second RAT, it also needs to send the RRC connection reconstruction completion information.

[0087] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information includes: second connection information; the second connection information is connection information other than the first connection information in the third connection information, and the third connection information is connection information required to implement the first related operation; and / or, first indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to use the first connection information to implement the first related operation.

[0088] In one alternative implementation, the third connection information required to implement the first related operation may include at least one or more of the PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI from the first connection information described above.

[0089] For example, if the RRC connection completion information is RRC connection establishment completion information, then when the terminal device sends the RRC connection establishment completion information to the network device, it can omit some fields. That is, it can omit some connection information that already exists in the first connection information and only carry the connection information that is not in the first connection information (the second connection information in the above embodiment) in the RRC connection completion information; or, it can carry first indication information in the RRC connection establishment completion information to indicate to the network device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to establish the RRC connection of the second RAT.

[0090] In another example, if the RRC connection completion information is RRC connection recovery completion information, then when the terminal device sends the RRC connection recovery completion information to the network device, it can omit some fields. That is, it can omit some connection information that already exists in the first connection information and only carry the connection information that is not in the first connection information (the second connection information in the above embodiment) in the RRC connection recovery completion information; or, it can carry first indication information in the RRC connection recovery completion information to indicate to the network device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to restore the RRC connection of the second RAT.

[0091] In another example, if the RRC connection completion information is RRC connection reconfiguration completion information, then when the terminal device sends the RRC connection reconfiguration completion information to the network device, it can omit some fields. That is, it can omit some connection information that already exists in the first connection information and only carry the connection information that is not in the first connection information (the second connection information in the above embodiment) in the RRC connection reconfiguration completion information; or, it can carry first indication information in the RRC connection reconfiguration completion information to indicate to the network device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to reconfigure the RRC connection of the second RAT.

[0092] In another example, if the RRC connection completion information is RRC connection reconstruction completion information, then when the terminal device sends the RRC connection reconstruction completion information to the network device, it can omit some fields. That is, it can omit some connection information that already exists in the first connection information and only carry the connection information that is not in the first connection information (the second connection information in the above embodiment) in the RRC connection reconstruction completion information; or, it can carry first indication information in the RRC connection reconstruction completion information to indicate to the network device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to reconstruct the RRC connection of the second RAT.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the terminal device receives the first information, the first information is the confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information.

[0094] In one optional implementation, the terminal device receives confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information sent by the network device, and can reuse the first connection information used when implementing the corresponding RRC-related operation on the first RAT when implementing the RRC-related operation on the second RAT.

[0095] In one optional implementation, when performing related operations on the second RAT, the terminal device first sends an RRC connection request message to the network device, then the network device sends an acknowledgment message corresponding to the RRC connection request message to the terminal device, and finally the terminal device sends an RRC connection completion message to the network device.

[0096] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment information; RRC connection recovery information; RRC connection reconfiguration information; RRC connection reconstruction information.

[0097] For example, when a terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_IDLE state of the second RAT, in order to establish an RRC connection on the second RAT, after the terminal device sends the RRC connection establishment request information to the network device to establish the RRC connection on the second RAT, it needs to receive the RRC connection establishment information sent by the network device.

[0098] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_INACTIVE state of the second RAT, in order to restore the RRC connection on the second RAT, after the terminal device sends the RRC connection restoration request information to the network device for restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, it needs to receive the RRC connection restoration information sent by the network device.

[0099] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_CONNECTED state of the second RAT, in order to reconfigure the RRC connection of the second RAT, the terminal device needs to receive the RRC connection reconfiguration information sent by the network device through the downlink.

[0100] In another example, when the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of the first RAT and the RRC_IDLE state of the second RAT, in order to re-establish the RRC connection of the second RAT, after the terminal device sends the RRC connection reconstruction request information to the network device for re-establishing the RRC connection on the second RAT, it needs to receive the RRC connection reconstruction information sent by the network device.

[0101] In some embodiments, the RRC connection information includes one or more of the following: second indication information, which indicates that the terminal device can use the first connection information of the first RAT to implement a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT; third indication information, which indicates the information format of the first information; and first connection information.

[0102] In one optional implementation, the first connection information carried in the RRC connection information may be one or more of the following: bearer configuration information of the network device, cell configuration information of the network device, and measurement configuration information of the network device.

[0103] For example, if the RRC connection information is RRC connection establishment information, when the network device sends the RRC connection establishment information to the terminal device, it can carry second indication information in the RRC connection establishment information to indicate to the terminal device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to establish the RRC connection of the second RAT. It can also carry third indication information to instruct the terminal device to use a specific information format (that is, omit some fields) when returning the RRC connection establishment completion information in response to the confirmation information. It can also directly carry one or more of the network device's bearer configuration information, cell configuration information, and measurement configuration information.

[0104] In another example, if the RRC connection information is RRC connection recovery information, when the network device sends the RRC connection recovery information to the terminal device, it can carry second indication information in the RRC connection recovery information to indicate to the terminal device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to establish the RRC connection of the second RAT. It can also carry third indication information to instruct the terminal device to use a specific information format (that is, omit some fields) when returning the RRC connection recovery completion information in response to the confirmation information. It can also directly carry one or more of the network device's bearer configuration information, cell configuration information, and measurement configuration information.

[0105] In another example, if the RRC connection information is RRC connection reconfiguration information, when the network device sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the terminal device, it can carry second indication information in the RRC connection reconfiguration information to indicate to the terminal device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to establish the RRC connection of the second RAT. It can also carry third indication information to instruct the terminal device to use a specific information format (that is, omit some fields) when returning the RRC connection reconfiguration completion information in response to the confirmation information. It can also directly carry one or more of the network device's bearer configuration information, cell configuration information, and measurement configuration information.

[0106] In another example, if the RRC connection information is RRC connection reconstruction information, when the network device sends the RRC connection reconstruction information to the terminal device, it can carry second indication information in the RRC connection reconstruction information to indicate to the terminal device that the first connection information of the first RAT can be directly reused to establish the RRC connection of the second RAT. It can also carry third indication information to instruct the terminal device to use a specific information format (that is, omit some fields) when returning the RRC connection reconstruction completion information in response to the confirmation information. It can also directly carry one or more of the network device's bearer configuration information, cell configuration information, and measurement configuration information.

[0107] In some embodiments, the terminal device sends second information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device supports connection information using the first RAT to realize a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT.

[0108] In one alternative implementation, when the terminal device establishes an RRC connection on the first RAT, it can send second information to the network device to indicate that the terminal device supports the connection information of the first RAT, thereby realizing the first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0109] In some embodiments, the terminal device receives third information, which is used to instruct the network device to support a first RAT and / or a second RAT.

[0110] In one alternative implementation, the network device may send third information to the terminal device on the first RAT and the second RAT respectively, thereby indicating that it is a dual-mode node, that is, it supports the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0111] In some embodiments, the capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT is carried in the first capability information, which is the capability information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT.

[0112] In one alternative implementation, the terminal device can send capability information related to the first RAT and capability information related to the second RAT to the network device via a single message on the first RAT, thereby saving signaling.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terminal device sends second capability information on the second RAT. The second capability information includes capability information other than the fourth capability information in the third capability information. The third capability information is capability information related to the terminal device and the second RAT, and the fourth capability information is capability information related to the terminal device and the first RAT.

[0114] In one alternative implementation, the terminal device can send capability information related to the first RAT on the first RAT, and then send capability information related to the second RAT other than the capability information related to the first RAT on the second RAT. This can be understood as default information, only sending the different information in the capability information related to the first RAT, thereby saving signaling.

[0115] In one alternative implementation, the terminal device may also send capability information related to the first RAT on the first RAT and capability information related to the second RAT on the second RAT.

[0116] In some embodiments, one or more of the first information, the second information, and the third information are sent and / or received on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0117] For example, if the first information is an RRC connection request information, the terminal device may send one or more of the following to the network device on the first RAT and / or the second RAT: an RRC connection establishment request information, an RRC connection recovery request information, and an RRC connection reconstruction request information.

[0118] In another example, if the first information is the confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information, the terminal device can receive one or more of the RRC connection establishment information, RRC connection recovery information, RRC connection reconfiguration information, and RRC connection reconstruction information sent by the network device on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0119] In another example, if the first information is RRC connection completion information, the terminal device can send one or more of the following to the network device on the first RAT and / or the second RAT: RRC connection establishment completion information, RRC connection recovery completion information, RRC connection reconfiguration completion information, and RRC connection reconstruction completion information.

[0120] In another example, the terminal device may send second information to the network device on a first RAT and / or a second RAT to indicate that the terminal device supports connection information using the first RAT, thereby enabling a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0121] In another example, the terminal device may receive third information sent by the network device on the first RAT and / or the second RAT, indicating that the network device supports the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first related operation and the second related operation are performed simultaneously, and the second related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the first RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the first RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the first RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the first RAT.

[0123] As an example, when establishing an RRC connection on a first RAT, the terminal device can establish an RRC connection on a second RAT, and / or restore the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or reconfigure the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or rebuild the RRC connection on the second RAT. That is, during the process of establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT, the terminal device sends and / or receives first information for establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT to the network device.

[0124] In another example, when restoring the RRC connection on the first RAT, the terminal device may establish an RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or restore the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or reconfigure the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or rebuild the RRC connection on the second RAT. That is, during the process of restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, the terminal device sends and / or receives first information for establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0125] In another example, when reconfiguring the RRC connection on the first RAT, the terminal device can establish an RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or restore the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or reconfigure the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or rebuild the RRC connection on the second RAT. That is, during the process of reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT, the terminal device sends and / or receives first information for establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0126] In another example, when the terminal device rebuilds the RRC connection on the first RAT, it can establish an RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or restore the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or reconfigure the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or rebuild the RRC connection on the second RAT. That is, during the process of rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT, the terminal device sends and / or receives first information for establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT, and / or first information for rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0127] In summary, according to the communication method of the embodiments of this application, when the terminal device performs the first related operation on the second RAT based on the first information, it can reuse the first connection information of the first RAT, thereby reducing signaling overhead and communication latency.

[0128] The communication method of this embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above from the perspective of the terminal device with reference to Figure 2. The communication method of this embodiment of the invention will be described in detail below from the perspective of the network device with reference to Figure 3. It should be understood that the steps performed by the network device correspond to the steps performed by the terminal device. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions will be omitted appropriately below.

[0129] Figure 3 illustrates a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which may include:

[0130] S300, the network device sends and / or receives first information, the first information representing the terminal device using first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0131] In this embodiment, the network device sends first information to the terminal device and / or receives first information sent by the terminal device. The first information includes first connection information of the terminal device using the first RAT, thereby realizing a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0132] In one optional implementation, when the network device performs a first related operation with the terminal device on the second RAT, it can use the first connection information used by the network device and the terminal device when performing the corresponding second related operation on the first RAT, based on the first information sent and / or received, thereby realizing information reuse.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology, or the first RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0135] As an example, a network device, based on first information sent and / or received, uses first connection information from a first RAT to perform one or more of the following operations: establishing an RRC connection on a second RAT, restoring an RRC connection on a second RAT, reconfiguring an RRC connection on a second RAT, and rebuilding an RRC connection on a second RAT.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first related operation and the second related operation are performed simultaneously, and the second related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the first RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the first RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the first RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the first RAT.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first connection information includes one or more of the following: the Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN) ID of the terminal device; the Access and Mobility Management Function Identifier (AMF) ID of the terminal device; the Globally Unique Access and Mobility Identity (GUAMI) type information of the terminal device; the Slice / Serving Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI) of the terminal device; the Non-Access Stratum Message (NAS) of the terminal device; the Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; the bearer configuration information of the network device; the cell configuration information of the network device; and the measurement configuration information of the network device.

[0138] In some embodiments, when the network device receives the first information, the first information is RRC connection completion information and / or RRC connection request information.

[0139] In one optional implementation, the network device receives RRC connection completion information and / or RRC connection request information sent by the terminal device, and is able to reuse the first connection information used when implementing the corresponding RRC-related operation on the first RAT when implementing the RRC-related operation on the second RAT.

[0140] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment request information; RRC connection recovery request information; RRC connection reconstruction request information.

[0141] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information includes: identification information of the terminal device on the first RAT.

[0142] In some embodiments, the identification information includes one or more of the following: Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; Temporary Cell Radio Network Identifier (C-RNTI) of the terminal device; Temporary Inactive Radio Network Identifier (I-RNTI) of the terminal device; Cell Identifier of the terminal device; Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID) of the terminal device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment completion information; RRC connection recovery completion information; RRC connection reconfiguration completion information; RRC connection reconstruction completion information.

[0144] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information includes: second connection information; the second connection information is connection information other than the first connection information in the third connection information, and the third connection information is connection information required to implement the first related operation; and / or, first indication information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to use the first connection information to implement the first related operation.

[0145] In one alternative implementation, the third connection information required to implement the first related operation may include at least one or more of the PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI from the first connection information described above.

[0146] In some embodiments, when the network device sends first information, the first information is confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information.

[0147] In one optional implementation, the network device sends an acknowledgment message corresponding to the RRC connection request message to the terminal device, which can reuse the first connection information used when implementing the corresponding RRC-related operation on the first RAT when implementing the RRC-related operation on the second RAT.

[0148] In one optional implementation, when performing related operations on the second RAT, the terminal device first sends an RRC connection request message to the network device, then the network device sends an acknowledgment message corresponding to the RRC connection request message to the terminal device, and finally the terminal device sends an RRC connection completion message to the network device.

[0149] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment information; RRC connection recovery information; RRC connection reconfiguration information; RRC connection reconstruction information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the RRC connection information includes one or more of the following: second indication information, which indicates that the terminal device can use the first connection information of the first RAT to implement a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT; third indication information, which indicates the information format of the first information; and first connection information.

[0151] In one optional implementation, the first connection information carried in the RRC connection information may be one or more of the following: bearer configuration information of the network device, cell configuration information of the network device, and measurement configuration information of the network device.

[0152] In some embodiments, the network device receives second information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to support connection information using the first RAT, and to implement a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0153] In one alternative implementation, when the terminal device establishes an RRC connection on the first RAT, it can send second information to the network device to indicate that the terminal device supports the connection information of the first RAT, thereby realizing the first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0154] In some embodiments, the network device sends third information, which is used to indicate that the network device supports a first RAT and / or a second RAT.

[0155] In one alternative implementation, the network device may send third information to the terminal device on the first RAT and the second RAT respectively, thereby indicating that it is a dual-mode node, that is, it supports the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0156] In some embodiments, the network device receives first capability information, which is capability information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT. The first capability information includes capability information related to the terminal device and the second RAT.

[0157] In one alternative implementation, the terminal device can send capability information related to the first RAT and capability information related to the second RAT to the network device via a single message on the first RAT, thereby saving signaling.

[0158] In some embodiments, the network device receives second capability information, and the third capability information is capability information sent by the terminal device on the second RAT. The second capability information includes capability information in the third capability information other than the fourth capability information. The third capability information is capability information related to the terminal device and the second RAT, and the fourth capability information is capability information related to the terminal device and the first RAT.

[0159] In one alternative implementation, the terminal device can send capability information related to the first RAT on the first RAT, and then send capability information related to the second RAT other than the capability information related to the first RAT on the second RAT. This can be understood as default information, only sending the different information in the capability information related to the first RAT, thereby saving signaling.

[0160] In one alternative implementation, the terminal device may also send capability information related to the first RAT on the first RAT and capability information related to the second RAT on the second RAT.

[0161] In some embodiments, one or more of the first information, the second information, and the third information are sent and / or received on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0162] For example, if the first information is an RRC connection request information, the network device can receive one or more of the RRC connection establishment request information, RRC connection recovery request information, and RRC connection reconstruction request information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0163] In another example, if the first information is the confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information, the network device may send one or more of the following to the terminal device on the first RAT and / or the second RAT: RRC connection establishment information, RRC connection recovery information, RRC connection reconfiguration information, and RRC connection reconstruction information.

[0164] In another example, if the first information is RRC connection completion information, the network device can receive one or more of the following information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT and / or the second RAT: RRC connection establishment completion information, RRC connection recovery completion information, RRC connection reconfiguration completion information, and RRC connection reconstruction completion information.

[0165] In another example, the network device may receive second information sent by the terminal device on a first RAT and / or a second RAT, indicating that the terminal device supports connection information using the first RAT, and enabling a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0166] As another example, the network device may send third information to the terminal device on a first RAT and / or a second RAT to indicate that the network device supports the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0167] In summary, according to the communication method of the embodiments of this application, when the terminal device performs the first related operation on the second RAT based on the first information, it can reuse the first connection information of the first RAT, thereby reducing signaling overhead and communication latency.

[0168] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been introduced above. To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following describes possible implementation schemes of the random access method applicable to the embodiments of this application based on the interaction process between the UE (terminal device) and the network (network device).

[0169] In some scenarios, the UE needs to perform RRC procedures for each RAT, such as RRC connection establishment, RRC connection recovery, RRC connection reconfiguration, and RRC connection reconstruction. This increases signaling overhead and communication latency, thereby reducing network efficiency and worsening the user experience.

[0170] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this application proposes a communication method whereby, after a UE establishes an RRC connection on the first RAT (RAT1), it can utilize the RRC status and configuration information on RAT1 to simplify the RRC process on the second RAT (RAT2), for example, by reusing some parameters or merging some signaling, thereby saving signaling overhead and communication latency. Based on this, this application provides the following four schemes, which optimize different RRC processes on RAT2 respectively.

[0171] Example 1: When the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of RAT1 and the RRC_IDLE state of RAT2, establish an RRC connection for RAT2.

[0172] Referring to Figure 4, when the UE establishes an RAT2 RRC connection, the signaling interaction between the UE and the network includes the following steps S401 to S405, or step S401 and steps S406 to S408:

[0173] Step S401: The network indicates that it is a dual-mode node.

[0174] Specifically, the network indicates that it is a dual-mode node on both RAT1 and RAT2, meaning it supports both RAT1 and RAT2.

[0175] For example, the network sends information to the UE on RAT1 and RAT2 respectively to indicate that it supports RAT1 and RAT2, such as supporting 5G and 6G.

[0176] Step S402: The UE establishes an RRC connection on RAT1.

[0177] Specifically, when a UE establishes an RRC connection on RAT1, it can indicate that it supports the enhanced RRC connection establishment process. That is, it can send a second message to the network to indicate that it supports the connection information of RAT1, thereby realizing the RRC connection between the UE and the network on RAT2.

[0178] Step S403: The UE sends an RRC connection request on RAT2.

[0179] Specifically, when establishing an RRC connection on RAT1, the UE can send an RRC connection request on RAT2 (the RRC connection establishment request information in the above embodiment) to the network through RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, the UE can indicate the identification information of the UE's RAT1 to the network in the RRC connection request, such as one or more of 5G-S-TMSI, C-RNTI, I-RNTI, cell identifier, and PLMN ID.

[0180] Step S404: The network sends an RRC connection establishment message on RAT2.

[0181] Specifically, after the UE sends an RRC connection request on RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2, the network sends an RRC connection establishment message on RAT2 (RRC connection establishment information in the above embodiment) to the UE via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, in the RRC connection establishment message, the network indicates the configuration parameters of SRB1 to the UE, which may include indicating that the configuration parameters of SRB1 on RAT1 can be reused, and whether the UE can use the enhanced format RRC connection establishment completion message (RRC connection establishment completion information in the above embodiment).

[0182] Step S405: The UE sends an RRC connection establishment completion message on RAT2.

[0183] Specifically, the UE sends an RRC connection establishment completion message on RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, if the network indicates in the RRC connection establishment message that the UE can use an enhanced format RRC connection establishment completion message, then the RRC connection establishment completion message may omit some fields or indicate that it can directly refer to the RRC connection establishment completion message on RAT1. For example, one or more of the following: PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI.

[0184] Step S406: The UE sends an RRC connection request on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0185] Specifically, RRC connections for the UE can be established simultaneously on RAT1 and RAT2. The UE can send a merged RRC connection request on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network through RAT1 and / or RAT2. In this case, the UE's RAT1 identification information only needs to be carried once in the RRC connection request, such as one or more of 5G-S-TMSI, C-RNTI, I-RNTI, cell identifier, and PLMN ID.

[0186] Step S407: The network sends RRC connection establishment messages on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0187] Specifically, after the UE sends a merged RRC connection request on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2, the network sends a merged RRC connection establishment message on RAT1 and RAT2 to the UE via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, in the RRC connection establishment message, the network only needs to indicate the configuration parameters of SRB1 to the UE once.

[0188] Step S408: The UE sends an RRC connection establishment completion message on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0189] Specifically, the UE sends a merged RRC connection establishment completion message on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, if the network indicates in the RRC connection establishment message that the UE can use an enhanced format RRC connection establishment completion message, the RRC connection establishment completion message may include one or more of the following: PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI.

[0190] It is understandable that in steps S401 to S405, the RRC connection on RAT2 is established by multiplexing the information of RAT1, thereby saving signaling. In steps S401 and S406 to S408, the RRC connection on RAT1 and RAT2 is established simultaneously by merging signaling, thereby saving signaling.

[0191] Example 2: When the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of RAT1 and the RRC_INACTIVE state of RAT2, restore the RRC connection of RAT2.

[0192] Referring to Figure 5, when the UE restores the RRC connection of RAT2, the signaling interaction between the UE and the network includes the following steps S501 to S505, or step S501 and steps S506 to S508:

[0193] Step S501: The network indicates that it is a dual-mode node.

[0194] Specifically, the network indicates that it is a dual-mode node on both RAT1 and RAT2, meaning it supports both RAT1 and RAT2.

[0195] For example, the network sends information to the UE on RAT1 and RAT2 respectively to indicate that it supports RAT1 and RAT2, such as supporting 5G and 6G.

[0196] Step S502: The UE restores the RRC connection on RAT1.

[0197] Specifically, when a UE restores an RRC connection on RAT1, it can indicate that it supports an enhanced RRC connection restoration process. That is, it can send a second message to the network to indicate that it supports the use of RAT1 connection information, thereby restoring the RRC connection with the network on RAT2.

[0198] Step S503: The UE sends an RRC connection restoration request on RAT2.

[0199] Specifically, when restoring the RRC connection on RAT1, the UE can send an RRC connection restoration request on RAT2 to the network through RAT1 and / or RAT2 (the RRC connection restoration request information in the above embodiment). At the same time, the UE can indicate the identification information of the UE's RAT1 to the network in the RRC connection restoration request, such as one or more of 5G-S-TMSI, C-RNTI, I-RNTI, cell identifier, and PLMN ID.

[0200] Step S504: The network sends an RRC connection recovery message on RAT2.

[0201] Specifically, after the UE sends an RRC connection recovery request on RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2, the network sends an RRC connection recovery message on RAT2 (RRC connection recovery information in the above embodiment) to the UE via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, in the RRC connection recovery message, the network indicates to the UE the bearer configuration information, cell configuration information, and measurement configuration information, which may include indicating that the configuration information of RAT1 can be reused, and whether the UE can use the enhanced format RRC connection recovery completion message (RRC connection recovery completion information in the above embodiment).

[0202] Step S505: The UE sends an RRC connection restoration complete message on RAT2.

[0203] Specifically, the UE sends an RRC connection recovery completion message on RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, if the network indicates in the RRC connection recovery message that the UE can use an enhanced format of the RRC connection recovery completion message, then the RRC connection recovery completion message may omit some fields or indicate that it can directly refer to the RRC connection recovery completion message on RAT1. For example, one or more of the following: PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI.

[0204] Step S506: The UE sends an RRC recovery request on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0205] Specifically, the RRC connection of the UE on RAT1 and RAT2 can be restored simultaneously. The UE can send a merged RRC restoration request on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network through RAT1 and / or RAT2. At this time, the UE's RAT1 identification information only needs to be carried once in the RRC restoration request, such as one or more of 5G-S-TMSI, C-RNTI, I-RNTI, cell identifier and PLMN ID.

[0206] Step S507: The network sends an RRC connection recovery message on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0207] Specifically, after the UE sends a merged RRC recovery request on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2, the network sends a merged RRC connection recovery message on RAT1 and RAT2 to the UE via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, in the RRC connection recovery message, the network only needs to show the UE the bearer configuration information, cell configuration information and measurement configuration information once.

[0208] Step S508: The UE sends an RRC connection restoration completion message on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0209] Specifically, the UE sends a merged RRC connection recovery completion message on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, if the network indicates in the RRC connection recovery message that the UE can use an enhanced format of the RRC connection recovery completion message, the RRC connection recovery completion message may include one or more of the following: PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI.

[0210] It is understandable that in steps S501 to S505, the RRC connection on RAT2 is restored by reusing the information of RAT1, thereby saving signaling. In steps S501 and S506 to S508, the RRC connection on RAT1 and RAT2 is restored simultaneously by merging signaling, thereby saving signaling.

[0211] Example 3: When the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of RAT1 and RAT2, reconfigure the RRC connection of RAT2.

[0212] Referring to Figure 6, when the UE reconfigures the RRC connection of RAT2, the signaling interaction between the UE and the network includes the following steps S601 to S603, or steps S601 and S604:

[0213] Step S601: The network indicates that it is a dual-mode node.

[0214] Specifically, the network indicates that it is a dual-mode node on both RAT1 and RAT2, meaning it supports both RAT1 and RAT2.

[0215] For example, the network sends information to the UE on RAT1 and RAT2 respectively to indicate that it supports RAT1 and RAT2, such as supporting 5G and 6G.

[0216] Step S602: The UE reconfigures the RRC connection on RAT1.

[0217] Specifically, when a UE reconfigures an RRC connection on RAT1, it can indicate that it supports an enhanced RRC reconfiguration process. That is, it can send a second message to the network to indicate that it supports the use of RAT1 connection information, thereby enabling RRC connection reconfiguration between the UE and the network on RAT2.

[0218] Step S603: The network sends an RRC reconfiguration message on RAT2.

[0219] Specifically, the network sends an RRC reconfiguration message on RAT2 (RRC connection reconfiguration information in the above embodiment) to the UE through RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, in the RRC reconfiguration message, the network indicates to the UE the bearer configuration information, cell configuration information and measurement configuration information, which may include indicating that the configuration information of RAT1 can be reused, and whether the UE can use the enhanced format RRC reconfiguration completion message (RRC connection reconfiguration completion information in the above embodiment).

[0220] Step S604: The network sends RRC reconfiguration messages on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0221] Specifically, the UE's RRC connection on RAT1 and RAT2 can be reconfigured simultaneously. The network sends a merged RRC reconfiguration message on RAT1 and RAT2 to the UE through RAT1 and / or RAT2. Meanwhile, the network only needs to show the configuration information to the UE once in the RRC connection establishment message.

[0222] It is understandable that in steps S601 to S603, the RRC connection on RAT2 is reconfigured by reusing the information of RAT1, thereby saving signaling. In steps S601 and S604, the RRC connection on RAT1 and RAT2 is reconfigured simultaneously by merging signaling, thereby saving signaling.

[0223] Example 4: When the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state of RAT1 and RAT2, rebuild the RRC connection of RAT2.

[0224] Referring to Figure 7, when the UE re-establishes the RRC connection of RAT2, the signaling interaction between the UE and the network includes the following steps S701 to S705, or step S701 and steps S706 to S708:

[0225] Step S701: The network indicates that it is a dual-mode node.

[0226] Specifically, the network indicates that it is a dual-mode node on both RAT1 and RAT2, meaning it supports both RAT1 and RAT2.

[0227] For example, the network sends information to the UE on RAT1 and RAT2 respectively to indicate that it supports RAT1 and RAT2, such as supporting 5G and 6G.

[0228] Step S702: The UE re-establishes the RRC connection on RAT1.

[0229] Specifically, when a UE rebuilds an RRC connection on RAT1, it can indicate that it supports the enhanced RRC connection rebuilding process. That is, it can send a second message to the network to indicate that it supports the use of RAT1 connection information, thereby enabling the rebuilding of the RRC connection between the UE and the network on RAT2.

[0230] Step S703: The UE sends an RRC reconstruction request on RAT2.

[0231] Specifically, when re-establishing the RRC connection on RAT1, the UE can send an RRC reconstruction request on RAT2 (the RRC connection reconstruction request information in the above embodiment) to the network through RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, the UE can indicate the identification information of the UE's RAT1 to the network in the RRC reconstruction request, such as one or more of 5G-S-TMSI, C-RNTI, I-RNTI, cell identifier, and PLMN ID.

[0232] Step S704: The network sends an RRC reconstruction message on RAT2.

[0233] Specifically, after the UE sends an RRC reconstruction request on RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2, the network sends an RRC reconstruction message on RAT2 (RRC connection reconstruction information in the above embodiment) to the UE via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, in the RRC reconstruction message, the network indicates to the UE the bearer configuration information, cell configuration information, and measurement configuration information, which may include indications that the configuration information of RAT1 can be reused, and whether the UE can use the enhanced format RRC reconstruction completion message (RRC connection reconstruction completion information in the above embodiment).

[0234] Step S705: The UE sends an RRC reconstruction completion message on RAT2.

[0235] Specifically, the UE sends an RRC reconstruction completion message on RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, if the network indicates in the RRC reconstruction message that the UE can use an enhanced format RRC reconstruction completion message, then the RRC reconstruction completion message may omit some fields or indicate that it can directly refer to the RRC reconstruction completion message on RAT1. For example, one or more of the following: PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI.

[0236] Step S706: The UE sends an RRC connection request on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0237] Specifically, for the RRC connection reconstruction merged on RAT1 and RAT2, the UE can send the merged RRC reconstruction request on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network through RAT1 and / or RAT2. At this time, the UE's RAT1 identification information only needs to be carried once in the RRC reconstruction request, such as one or more of 5G-S-TMSI, C-RNTI, I-RNTI, cell identifier and PLMN ID.

[0238] Step S707: The network sends RRC connection establishment messages on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0239] Specifically, after the UE sends a merged RRC reconstruction request on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2, the network sends a merged RRC reconstruction message on RAT1 and RAT2 to the UE via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, in the RRC reconstruction message, the network only needs to indicate the bearer configuration information, cell configuration information and measurement configuration information to the UE once.

[0240] Step S708: The UE sends an RRC reconstruction completion message on RAT1 and RAT2.

[0241] Specifically, the UE sends a merged RRC reconstruction completion message on RAT1 and RAT2 to the network via RAT1 and / or RAT2. At the same time, if the network indicates in the RRC reconstruction message that the UE can use an enhanced format RRC reconstruction completion message, the RRC reconstruction completion message may include one or more of the following: PLMN ID, AMF ID, GUAMI type information, S-NSSAI, NAS, and 5G-S-TMSI.

[0242] It is understandable that in steps S701 to S705, the RRC connection on RAT2 is rebuilt by reusing the information of RAT1, thereby saving signaling. In steps S701 and S706 to S708, the RRC connection on RAT1 and RAT2 is rebuilt simultaneously by merging signaling, thereby saving signaling.

[0243] Furthermore, the UE can also omit the capability transfer process on RAT2 if the capabilities of RAT1 already include the relevant capabilities of RAT2.

[0244] The above scheme enables the aggregation of RAN and CN layers, as well as signaling savings in the RRC process, under different RAT combinations and SIM card conditions.

[0245] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this application, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this application, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this application. For example, the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this application will not describe the various possible combinations separately. Furthermore, various different embodiments of this application can also be arbitrarily combined, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this application, they should also be considered as the content disclosed in this application. Moreover, without conflict, the various embodiments and / or the technical features in the various embodiments described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with the prior art, and the resulting technical solutions should also fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0246] It should also be understood that in the various method embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "downlink," "uplink," and "sidelink" are used to indicate the transmission direction of signals or data. "Downlink" indicates that the transmission direction of signals or data is a first direction from the site to the user equipment in the cell; "uplink" indicates that the transmission direction of signals or data is a second direction from the user equipment in the cell to the site; and "sidelink" indicates that the transmission direction of signals or data is a third direction from user equipment 1 to user equipment 2. For example, "downlink signal" indicates that the transmission direction of the signal is the first direction. Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. Specifically, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0247] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application, applied to a terminal device. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes:

[0248] The first communication unit 801 is configured to send and / or receive first information, the first information representing that the terminal device uses first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first connection information includes one or more of the following: the Public Land Mobile Network ID of the terminal device; the Access and Mobility Management Function ID (AMF) of the terminal device; the Globally Unique Access and Mobility Identity (GUAMI) type information of the terminal device; the Slice / Serving Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI) of the terminal device; the Non-Access Stratum Message (NAS) of the terminal device; the Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; the bearer configuration information of the network device; the cell configuration information of the network device; and the measurement configuration information of the network device.

[0251] In some embodiments, when the terminal device sends the first information, the first information is RRC connection completion information and / or RRC connection request information.

[0252] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment completion information; RRC connection recovery completion information; RRC connection reconfiguration completion information; RRC connection reconstruction completion information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information includes: second connection information; the second connection information is connection information other than the first connection information in the third connection information, the third connection information being connection information required to implement the first related operation; and / or, first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to use the first connection information to implement the first related operation.

[0254] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment request information; RRC connection recovery request information; RRC connection reconstruction request information.

[0255] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information includes: the identification information of the terminal device on the first RAT.

[0256] In some embodiments, the identification information includes one or more of the following: the Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; the Temporary Cell Radio Network Identifier (C-RNTI) of the terminal device; the Temporary Inactive Radio Network Identifier (I-RNTI) of the terminal device; the cell identifier to which the terminal device is accessing; and the Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID) of the terminal device.

[0257] In some embodiments, when the terminal device receives the first information, the first information is confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information.

[0258] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment information; RRC connection recovery information; RRC connection reconfiguration information; RRC connection reconstruction information.

[0259] In some embodiments, the RRC connection information includes one or more of the following: second indication information, which indicates that the terminal device can use the first connection information of the first RAT to implement a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT; third indication information, which indicates the information format of the first information; and the first connection information.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 801 is further configured to send second information, the second information being used to indicate that the terminal device supports connection information using the first RAT to realize a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 801 is further configured to receive third information, the third information being used to indicate that the network device supports the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0262] In some embodiments, the capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT is carried in the first capability information, which is the capability information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 801 is further configured to transmit second capability information on the second RAT, the second capability information including capability information other than the fourth capability information in the third capability information, the third capability information being capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT, and the fourth capability information being capability information of the terminal device related to the first RAT.

[0264] In some embodiments, one or more of the first information, the second information, and the third information are sent and / or received on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first related operation and the second related operation are performed simultaneously, and the second related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the first RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the first RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the first RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the first RAT.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology, or the first RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology.

[0267] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application, which is applied to a network device. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes:

[0268] The second communication unit 901 is configured to send and / or receive first information, the first information representing that the terminal device uses first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 901 is further configured to receive second information, the second information being used to indicate that the terminal device supports connection information using the first RAT to implement a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 901 is further configured to send third information, the third information being used to indicate that the network device supports the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0271] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 901 is further configured to receive first capability information, the first capability information being capability information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT, the first capability information including capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 901 is further configured to receive second capability information, wherein the third capability information is capability information sent by the terminal device on the second RAT, the second capability information includes capability information other than the fourth capability information in the third capability information, the third capability information is capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT, and the fourth capability information is capability information of the terminal device related to the first RAT.

[0273] In some embodiments, one or more of the first information, the second information, and the third information are sent and / or received on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the second RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the second RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the second RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the second RAT.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first connection information includes one or more of the following: the Public Land Mobile Network ID of the terminal device; the Access and Mobility Management Function ID (AMF) of the terminal device; the Globally Unique Access and Mobility Identity (GUAMI) type information of the terminal device; the Slice / Serving Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI) of the terminal device; the Non-Access Stratum Message (NAS) of the terminal device; the Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; the bearer configuration information of the network device; the cell configuration information of the network device; and the measurement configuration information of the network device.

[0276] In some embodiments, when the network device receives the first information, the first information is RRC connection completion information and / or RRC connection request information.

[0277] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment completion information; RRC connection recovery completion information; RRC connection reconfiguration completion information; RRC connection reconstruction completion information.

[0278] In some embodiments, the RRC connection completion information includes: second connection information; the second connection information is connection information other than the first connection information in the third connection information, the third connection information being connection information required to implement the first related operation; and / or, first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to use the first connection information to implement the first related operation.

[0279] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment request information; RRC connection recovery request information; RRC connection reconstruction request information.

[0280] In some embodiments, the RRC connection request information includes: the identification information of the terminal device on the first RAT.

[0281] In some embodiments, the identification information includes one or more of the following: the Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; the Temporary Cell Radio Network Identifier (C-RNTI) of the terminal device; the Temporary Inactive Radio Network Identifier (I-RNTI) of the terminal device; the cell identifier to which the terminal device is accessing; and the Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID) of the terminal device.

[0282] In some embodiments, when the network device sends the first information, the first information is confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information.

[0283] In some embodiments, the confirmation information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment information; RRC connection recovery information; RRC connection reconfiguration information; RRC connection reconstruction information.

[0284] In some embodiments, the RRC connection information includes one or more of the following: second indication information, which indicates that the terminal device can use the first connection information of the first RAT to implement a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT; third indication information, which indicates the information format of the first information; and the first connection information.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first related operation and the second related operation are performed simultaneously, and the second related operation includes one or more of the following: establishing an RRC connection on the first RAT; restoring the RRC connection on the first RAT; reconfiguring the RRC connection on the first RAT; and rebuilding the RRC connection on the first RAT.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology, or the first RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology.

[0287] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a terminal device or a network device. The communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes a processor 1001, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0288] Optionally, as shown in FIG10, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1002. The processor 1001 can call and run computer programs from the memory 1002 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0289] The memory 1002 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1001, or it can be integrated into the processor 1001.

[0290] Optionally, as shown in FIG10, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1003, and the processor 1001 may control the transceiver 1003 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0291] The transceiver 1003 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1003 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0292] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a network device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1000 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0293] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1000 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0294] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of this application. The chip 1100 shown in Figure 11 includes a processor 1101, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0295] Optionally, as shown in FIG11, chip 1100 may further include memory 1102. Processor 1101 can call and run computer programs from memory 1102 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0296] The memory 1102 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1101, or it can be integrated into the processor 1101.

[0297] Optionally, the chip 1100 may also include an input interface 1103. The processor 1101 can control the input interface 1103 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0298] Optionally, the chip 1100 may also include an output interface 1104. The processor 1101 can control the output interface 1104 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0299] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0300] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0301] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0302] This application also provides a computer storage medium that stores one or more programs, which can be executed by one or more processors to implement the methods in this application.

[0303] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication system 1200 includes a terminal device 1201 and a network device 1202.

[0304] The terminal device 1201 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the terminal device in the above method, and the network device 1202 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the network device that interacts with the terminal device in the above method. For the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated here.

[0305] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0306] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0307] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0308] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs.

[0309] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0310] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0311] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0312] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0313] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0314] This application also provides a computer program.

[0315] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application. When the computer program is run on the computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0316] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application. When the computer program is run on the computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0317] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0318] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0319] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0320] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0321] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0322] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0323] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, the method comprising: The terminal device sends and / or receives first information, the first information representing first connection information of the terminal device using a first radio access technology (RAT) to realize a first related operation with the network device on a second RAT.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first related operation includes one or more of the following: Establish a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection on the second RAT; Restore the RRC connection on the second RAT; Reconfigure the RRC connection on the second RAT; Rebuild the RRC connection on the second RAT.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first connection information includes one or more of the following: The terminal device's Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID); The Access and Mobility Management Function Identifier (AMF ID) of the terminal device; The terminal device's globally unique access and mobility identity (GUAMI) type information; The terminal device's slice / service network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI; The terminal device's non-access stratum message (NAS); The temporary mobile subscription identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; The network device's bearer configuration information; The cell configuration information of the network device; The measurement configuration information of the network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, When the terminal device sends the first information, the first information is RRC connection completion information and / or RRC connection request information.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The RRC connection completion information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment complete message; RRC connection restoration complete message; RRC connection reconfiguration complete message; RRC connection reconstruction complete.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The RRC connection completion information includes: Second connection information; the second connection information is connection information other than the first connection information in the third connection information, and the third connection information is the connection information required to implement the first related operation; and / or The first instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to use the first connection information to perform the first related operation.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The RRC connection request information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment request information; RRC connection restoration request information; RRC connection rebuild request information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein, The RRC connection request information includes: the identification information of the terminal device on the first RAT.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The identification information includes one or more of the following: The temporary mobile subscription identifier (TMSI) of the terminal device; The temporary identifier (C-RNTI) of the cell wireless network of the terminal device; The inactive wireless network temporary identifier (I-RNTI) of the terminal device; The cell identifier accessed by the terminal device; The terminal device's Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, When the terminal device receives the first information, the first information is the confirmation information corresponding to the RRC connection request information.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The confirmation information is one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment information; RRC connection recovery information; RRC connection reconfiguration information; RRC connection reconstruction information.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The RRC connection information includes one or more of the following: The second instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to use the first connection information of the first RAT to realize the first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT. The third instruction information is used to indicate the information format of the first information; The first connection information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal device sends a second message, which indicates that the terminal device supports the connection information of the first RAT and realizes a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal device receives third information, which is used to instruct the network device to support the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT is carried in the first capability information, which is the capability information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal device sends second capability information on the second RAT. The second capability information includes capability information in the third capability information excluding the fourth capability information. The third capability information is capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT, and the fourth capability information is capability information of the terminal device related to the first RAT.

17. The method according to claim 1, 13 or 14, wherein, One or more of the first information, the second information, and the third information are sent and / or received on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein, The first related operation and the second related operation are executed simultaneously, and the second related operation includes one or more of the following: Establish an RRC connection on the first RAT; Restore the RRC connection on the first RAT; Reconfigure the RRC connection on the first RAT; Rebuild the RRC connection on the first RAT.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein, The first RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology, and the second RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology, or the first RAT is a sixth-generation mobile communication technology and the second RAT is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology.

20. A communication method, the method comprising: The network device sends and / or receives first information, the first information representing that the terminal device uses first connection information of a first RAT to implement a first related operation with the network device on a second RAT.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The method further includes: The network device receives second information, which is used to indicate that the terminal device supports connection information using the first RAT, and to implement a first related operation between the terminal device and the network device on the second RAT.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The method further includes: The network device sends a third message, which is used to indicate that the network device supports the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein, The method further includes: The network device receives first capability information, which is capability information sent by the terminal device on the first RAT. The first capability information includes capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein, The method further includes: The network device receives second capability information, and the third capability information is capability information sent by the terminal device on the second RAT. The second capability information includes capability information in the third capability information other than the fourth capability information. The third capability information is capability information of the terminal device related to the second RAT, and the fourth capability information is capability information of the terminal device related to the first RAT.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein, One or more of the first information, the second information, and the third information are sent and / or received on the first RAT and / or the second RAT.

26. A communication device applied to a terminal equipment, the device comprising: The first communication unit is configured to send and / or receive first information, the first information representing that the terminal device uses first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT.

27. A communication device applied to a network equipment, the device comprising: The second communication unit is configured to send and / or receive first information, the first information representing the terminal device using first connection information of the first RAT to realize a first related operation with the network device on the second RAT.

28. A terminal device, comprising: Memory is used to store executable instructions for a computer; A processor, connected to the memory, is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 19 by executing the computer-executable instructions.

29. A network device, comprising: Memory is used to store executable instructions for a computer; A processor, connected to the memory, is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 20 to 25 by executing the computer-executable instructions.

30. A chip, the chip comprising: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device having the chip mounted to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, or the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 25.

31. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by at least one processor, implements the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, or implements the method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25.

32. A computer program product comprising a computer storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions executable by at least one processor, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the method of any one of claims 1 to 19 is implemented, or the method of any one of claims 20 to 25 is implemented.

33. A computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, or to implement the method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25.

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