Area update method and apparatus, communication device, chip, storage medium, program, and program product

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are an area update method and apparatus, a terminal device, and a network device. The method comprises: a terminal device sending first information to a first network device, wherein the first information is used for indicating that a first communication network accessed by the terminal device is to be subjected to an area update, and / or a second communication network accessed by the terminal device is to be subjected to an area update, and the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

Description

Area update methods and apparatus, communication equipment, chips, storage media, programs, and program products Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, specifically to a region update method and apparatus, communication equipment, chip, computer storage medium, computer program, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] For terminal devices that access multiple communication networks, regional updates need to be performed independently on each network, which is complex and causes additional power consumption for the terminal devices.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a region update method and apparatus, communication equipment, chip, computer storage medium, computer program, and computer program product.

[0005] Firstly, a region update method is provided, the method comprising:

[0006] The terminal device sends first information to the first network device, the first information being used to instruct the region update of the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or, the region update of the second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

[0007] Secondly, a region update method is provided, the method comprising:

[0008] A first network device receives first information sent by a terminal device; the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a region update on a first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or to perform a region update on a second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

[0009] Thirdly, a region update method is provided, the method comprising:

[0010] The second network device receives a sixth message sent by the first network device; the sixth message is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update; the second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

[0011] Fourthly, a region update device is provided, applied to a terminal device, the device comprising:

[0012] The first sending unit is configured to send first information to a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a region update for a first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or a region update for a second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

[0013] Fifthly, a region update apparatus is provided, applied to a first network device, the apparatus comprising:

[0014] The second receiving unit is configured to receive first information sent by the terminal device; the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a region update on the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or to perform a region update on the second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

[0015] Sixthly, a region update apparatus is provided, applied to a second network device, the apparatus comprising:

[0016] The third receiving unit is configured to receive sixth information sent by the first network device; the sixth information is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update; the second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

[0017] Seventhly, the network device provided in the embodiments of this application includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the aforementioned region update method.

[0018] The chip provided in this application embodiment is used to implement the above-described region update method.

[0019] 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 region update method.

[0020] 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 region update method.

[0021] The computer program product provided in this application includes computer program instructions that cause a computer to execute the aforementioned region update method.

[0022] The computer program provided in this application embodiment, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the above-described region update method.

[0023] This application provides a region update method, wherein a terminal device can send first information to a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a region update for a first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or a region update for a second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device supporting the first communication network. That is, the terminal device can implement region update processes for one or more communication networks based on one communication network. Alternatively, the terminal device can merge region update processes under different communication networks, thereby simplifying the operation of the terminal device, saving power consumption, and simultaneously reducing signaling overhead. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a region update process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a region update process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a region update process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a region update process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a region update process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a region update device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a region update device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a region update device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this article.

[0039] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of 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 article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0040] It should also be understood that the term "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of an association. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, for example, B can obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, for example, A instructs C, and B can obtain information through C; or it can mean that there is an association between A and B. It should also be understood that the term "correspondence" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can mean that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between the two, or an association between the two, or a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc. It should also be understood that the term "predefined" or "predefined rule" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to instruct 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, a predefined term can refer to one defined in a protocol. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the term "protocol" can refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as the LTE protocol, the NR protocol, and related protocols applied in future communication systems, and this application does not limit this.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wireless communication system 100 used in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a terminal device 110 and an access network device 120. The access 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 access network device 120.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, the access network device 120 may be a radio access network (RAN) device that communicates with the terminal device 110. The access network device 120 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with the terminal device 110 (e.g., UE) located within that coverage area.

[0045] Access network equipment 120 may be an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG RAN) device, or a base station (gNB) in an NR system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN), or the network equipment 120 may be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, hub, switch, bridge, router, or network equipment in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0046] Terminal device 110 can be any terminal device, including but not limited to terminal devices that are connected to access network device 120 or other terminal devices via wired or wireless connections.

[0047] For example, the terminal device 110 can refer to an access terminal, user equipment (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.

[0048] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a core network device 130 that communicates with the access 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.

[0049] The various functional units in the communication system 100 can also establish connections and communicate with each other through the next generation (NG) interface.

[0050] For example, terminal devices establish air interface connections with access network devices through the NR interface for transmitting user plane data and control plane signaling; terminal devices can establish control plane signaling connections with the AMF through NG interface 1 (N1); access network devices connect to each other through the Xn interface; access network devices, such as next-generation radio access base stations (gNB), can establish user plane data connections with the UPF through NG interface 3 (N3); access network devices can establish control plane signaling connections with the AMF through NG interface 2 (N2); the UPF can establish control plane signaling connections with the SMF through NG interface 4 (N4); the UPF can interact with the data network to exchange user plane data through NG interface 6 (N6); the AMF can establish control plane signaling connections with the SMF through NG interface 11 (N11); and the SMF can establish control plane signaling connections with the PCF through NG interface 7 (N7).

[0051] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an access network device, a core network device, and two terminal devices. Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may include multiple access network devices, and each access network device may include other numbers of terminal devices within its coverage area. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0052] 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.

[0053] With people's pursuit of speed, latency, high-speed mobility, and energy efficiency, as well as the need for diversity and complexity in business in future life, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) international standards organization began to develop 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G).

[0054] Currently, the main application scenarios of 5G include: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC).

[0055] eMBB, which aims to provide users with multimedia content, services, and data, is experiencing rapid demand growth. However, because eMBB can be deployed in various scenarios, such as indoors, urban areas, and rural areas, its capabilities and requirements vary significantly. Therefore, generalizations cannot be made; a detailed analysis based on the specific deployment scenario is essential. Typical applications of URLLC include industrial automation, power system automation, remote medical operations (such as surgery), and traffic safety assurance. Typical characteristics of mMTC include high connection density, small data volume, latency-insensitive services, low module cost, and long module lifespan.

[0056] NR can be deployed independently. In 5G network environments, to reduce air interface signaling and quickly restore radio connections and data services, a new Radio Resource Control (RRC) state is defined: the inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state. This state is distinct from the idle (RRC_IDLE) and connected (RRC_CONNECTED) states. These three states are described in detail below.

[0057] In the RRC_IDLE state, mobility is based on UE-based cell selection and reselection, paging is initiated by the Core Network (CN), and the paging area is configured by the CN. There is no UE Access Stratum (AS) context on the base station side, and no RRC connection exists between the base station and the UE.

[0058] In the RRC_CONNECTED state, an RRC connection exists, and the base station and UE share a UE AS context. The network side knows the UE's location at the cell level. Mobility is network-controlled. Unicast data can be transmitted between the UE and the base station.

[0059] In the RRC_INACTIVE state, mobility is based on UE cell selection reselection, there is a connection between CN and NR, the UE AS context exists on a certain base station, paging is triggered by RAN, the paging area based on RAN is managed by RAN, and the network side knows the UE's location at the RAN paging area level.

[0060] For the RRC_INACTIVE state, a RAN-based Notification Area (RNA) is defined. The RNA consists of one or more cells. If it consists of multiple cells, these cells belong to the same base station or to different base stations. These different base stations can be base stations of the same Radio Access Technology (RAT) or base stations of different RATs.

[0061] In some embodiments, a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state may have its RNA configured by the previous serving base station (or NG-RAN node). The RNA may cover one or more cells and should be included within the CN registration area. It should be understood that Xn connectivity should be available within the RNA.

[0062] In some embodiments, a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state may initiate an RNA Update (RNAU) procedure periodically or when it is removed from the configured RNA. It is understood that RAN-based RNAUs are sent periodically by the UE, and also when the UE's cell reselection procedure selects a cell that does not belong to the configured RNA.

[0063] In some embodiments, there are several different options for how NG-RAN nodes are configured with RNA:

[0064] 1) List of residential communities:

[0065] 2) Provide the UE with an explicit list of cells (one or more) that constitute the RNA.

[0066] 3) RAN Area List:

[0067] 4) Provide the UE with at least one RAN region ID, where the RAN region is a subset of or equal to the CN tracking region. A RAN region is specified by a RAN region ID, which consists of a TAC and an optional RAN region code;

[0068] 5) The cell broadcasts one or more RAN area IDs in the system information (in the case of network sharing with multiple cell ID broadcasts).

[0069] NG-RAN nodes can provide different RNA definitions to different UEs, but cannot mix different definitions to the same UE simultaneously. UEs should support all RNA configuration options listed above.

[0070] It should be noted that a UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state can initiate an RNAU procedure periodically, or when it is removed from the configured RNA. When an NG-RAN node receives an RNA update request from a UE, it triggers the XnAP UE context retrieval procedure to obtain the UE context from the previous serving NG-RAN node, and may decide to send the UE back to the RRC_INACTIVE state, move the UE to the RRC_CONNECTED state, or send the UE into the RRC_IDLE state. In the case of periodically triggered RNAU procedures, if the last serving NG-RAN node decides not to relocate the UE context, the UE context retrieval procedure fails, and the UE is sent back to the RRC_INACTIVE state or directly back to the RRC_IDLE state via an encapsulated RCRelease message.

[0071] In practical applications, terminal devices can access multiple networks simultaneously, such as 5G and 6G networks, or 4G, 5G, and 6G networks. For terminal devices accessing multiple networks, Tracking Area Update (TAU) or RNAU needs to be performed independently on each network, which is complex and may cause additional power consumption for the terminal device.

[0072] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a region update method, wherein a terminal device can send first information to a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a region update for a first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or a region update for a second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device supporting the first communication network. That is, the terminal device can implement region update processes for one or more communication networks based on one communication network. Alternatively, the terminal device can merge region update processes under different communication networks, thereby simplifying the operation of the terminal device, saving power consumption, and simultaneously reducing signaling overhead.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Figure 2 illustrates a region update method provided in an embodiment of this application, which may include the following steps.

[0075] S210, The terminal device sends first information to the first network device, and the first network device receives the first information accordingly.

[0076] The first information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a region update on the first communication network it accesses, and / or to perform a region update on the second communication network it accesses. The first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

[0077] It should be noted that regional updates may include TAU and / or RNAU.

[0078] It should be noted that the terminal device in this application embodiment can support two or more communication networks, or in other words, the terminal device can access two or more communication networks. For example, the terminal device can simultaneously access a 5G (also known as NR) network and a 6G network, or, for another example, the terminal device can simultaneously access an LTE network, an NR network, and a 6G network. This application embodiment does not limit the type of communication network.

[0079] It should also be noted that different communication networks correspond to different RATs, or in other words, different communication networks use different RATs. In the embodiments of this application, a communication network can also be referred to as a RAT, a first communication network can be referred to as a first RAT, and a second communication network can be referred to as a second RAT; the two are equivalent or interchangeable.

[0080] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may send first information to a first network device that supports the first communication network to instruct the terminal device to perform a region update on the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or to perform a region update on the second communication network accessed by the terminal device.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first network device may send a second indication message, which is used to instruct the first network device to support the terminal device to perform a region update of the second communication network through the first communication network.

[0082] It should be noted that implementing a region update for the second communication network through the first communication network can be understood as implementing a region update for multiple communication networks through one communication network, or it can be understood as an enhanced region update. Therefore, the second indication information indicating that the first network device supports the terminal device implementing a region update for the second communication network through the first communication network can also be understood as the second indication information indicating that the first network device supports enhanced region updates.

[0083] It should be noted that the first network device can broadcast the second indication information to inform terminal devices within its coverage area that it supports enhanced area updates. Exemplarily, the second indication information can be carried through a Master Information Block (MIB) or a System Information Block (SIB), and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0084] Accordingly, the terminal device can receive the second indication information to determine that the first network device supports enhanced area updates. In this way, the terminal device can send first information to the first network device to instruct for an area update of the first communication network to which the terminal device is connected, and / or for an area update of the second communication network to which the terminal device is connected, thereby achieving enhanced area updates.

[0085] It should be noted that the first communication network is the target communication network among the multiple communication networks accessed by the terminal device, and the second communication network is any other communication network accessed by the terminal device besides the target communication network. It is understood that there can be one first communication network, while there can be one or more second communication networks.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the target communication network can be randomly selected by the terminal device; in other words, the first communication network can be a communication network randomly selected by the terminal device. For example, the first communication network can be a 5G network, and the second communication network can be a 6G network. Alternatively, the first communication network can be a 6G network, and the second communication network can be a 5G network.

[0087] In another possible implementation, the target communication network can be a terminal device selected based on one or more of the following:

[0088] Protocol predefined information;

[0089] Business type;

[0090] Business priorities.

[0091] Understandably, in one implementation, the terminal device can implement the area update process of other communication networks based on a fixed communication network predefined by the protocol. For example, the protocol predefines the 5G network as the first communication network mentioned above. Accordingly, the terminal device can send first information under the 5G network to trigger the area update process of the 5G network and the 6G network.

[0092] In another embodiment, the terminal device can determine the first communication network based on the service type and / or service priority of each accessed communication network. The service type can be voice service, data service, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. For example, the terminal device can use a communication network with voice service as the first communication network, or the terminal device can use a communication network with the highest priority service as the first communication network.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first information may include one or more of the following:

[0094] The first area updates relevant information; the first area updates relevant information and it is associated with the first communication network;

[0095] The second area updates relevant information; the second area updates relevant information and is associated with the second communication network;

[0096] First instruction information; the first instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a regional update of the second communication network through the first communication network.

[0097] Understandably, the first information may carry region update-related information under the first communication network accessed by the terminal device (referred to here as first region update information in this embodiment). In this embodiment, region update may refer to TAU and / or RNAU. Therefore, the first region update information may include TAU-related information and / or RNAU-related information under the first communication network accessed by the terminal device. The first region update-related information includes one or more of the following:

[0098] The initial identification information associated with the first communication network;

[0099] The cause value associated with the first communication network;

[0100] The connection restoration identifier information (resumeIdentity) associated with the first communication network;

[0101] The connection associated with the first communication network is restored using the Media Access Entity Identifier (resumeMAC-I).

[0102] The first communication network-related connection restoration reason (resumeCause).

[0103] For example, when the terminal device is in an idle state under the accessed first communication network, the first information can instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform TAU. At this time, the first information may include the initialIdentity associated with the first communication network (denoted as initialIdentity1 in this application embodiment) and / or the CauseValue associated with the first communication network (denoted as CauseValue1 in this application embodiment).

[0104] For example, when the terminal device is in an inactive state under the accessed first communication network, the first information may instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform RNAU. At this time, the first information may include one or more of the following: the resumeIdentity associated with the first communication network (referred to as resumeIdentity1 in this application embodiment), the resumeMAC-I associated with the first communication network (referred to as resumeMAC-I1 in this application embodiment), and the resumeCause associated with the first communication network (referred to as resumeCause1 in this application embodiment).

[0105] It should be noted that the first information can explicitly indicate a region update for the first communication network accessed by the terminal device. For example, the value of the first field of the first information can explicitly indicate a region update for the first communication network accessed by the terminal device. Alternatively, the first information can implicitly indicate a region update for the first communication network by carrying the aforementioned first region update information.

[0106] Understandably, the first information may also carry area update information related to the second communication network accessed by the terminal device (referred to here as second area update information in this embodiment). In this embodiment, area update may refer to TAU and / or RNAU. Therefore, the second area update information may include TAU-related information and / or RNAU-related information under the second communication network accessed by the terminal device. The second area update information includes one or more of the following:

[0107] The initialIdentity associated with the second communication network;

[0108] The CauseValue associated with the second communication network;

[0109] The resumeIdentity associated with the second communication network;

[0110] The resumeMAC-I associated with the second communication network;

[0111] The second communication network is associated with resumeCause.

[0112] For example, when the terminal device is in an idle state under the accessed second communication network, the first information can instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform TAU. At this time, the first information may include the initialIdentity associated with the second communication network (denoted as initialIdentity2 in this application embodiment) and / or the CauseValue associated with the second communication network (denoted as CauseValue2 in this application embodiment).

[0113] For example, when the terminal device is in an inactive state under the accessed second communication network, the first information may instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform RNAU. At this time, the first information may include one or more of the following: the resumeIdentity associated with the second communication network (referred to as resumeIdentity2 in this application embodiment), the resumeMAC-I associated with the second communication network (referred to as resumeMAC-I2 in this application embodiment), and the resumeCause associated with the second communication network (referred to as resumeCause2 in this application embodiment).

[0114] It should be noted that the first information can explicitly indicate a region update for the second communication network accessed by the terminal device. For example, the value of the second field of the first information can explicitly indicate a region update for the second communication network accessed by the terminal device. Alternatively, the first information can implicitly indicate a region update for the second communication network by carrying the aforementioned second region update information.

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, the first information may further include first indication information, which may indicate that the terminal device can realize the area update of the second communication network through the first communication network.

[0116] It should be noted that implementing a region update for the second communication network through the first communication network can be understood as implementing a region update for multiple communication networks through one communication network, or as an enhanced region update. Therefore, this first indication information can also indicate that the terminal device supports enhanced region updates.

[0117] For example, the first indication information may occupy one bit in the first information. When the value of this bit is mapped to a first value, it indicates that the terminal device supports the enhanced region update process. When the value of this bit is mapped to a second value, it indicates that the terminal device does not support the enhanced region update process. Alternatively, when this bit is present in the first information, it indicates that the terminal device supports the enhanced region update process; when this bit is missing in the first information, it indicates that the terminal device does not support the enhanced region update process. This application embodiment does not limit the indication method of the first indication information.

[0118] Understandably, after receiving the first information, the first network device can first parse the first indication information. If the first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports the enhanced area update process, the first network device can continue to read the second area update-related information in the first information to execute the area update-related process of the second communication network. Alternatively, if the first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports the enhanced area update process, the first network device can use the first indication information and the existing terminal device context associations on the network side to execute the area update-related process of the second communication network. Conversely, if the first indication information indicates that the terminal device does not support the enhanced area update process, the first network device can ignore the second area update-related information in the first information and / or not execute the area update-related process of the second communication network.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, when a first network device under a first communication network receives first information, if the first information indicates that the first communication network accessed by the terminal device should be updated in a region (explicitly or implicitly, as described above, but will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity), the first network device can respond to the first information and execute the region update process of the first communication network.

[0120] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, when the first information indicates a region update for the second communication network accessed by the terminal device (explicit or implicit, as described above, and will not be repeated here for brevity), the following steps may also be included:

[0121] S220, the first network device sends a sixth message to the second network device, and the second network device receives the sixth message accordingly. The sixth message is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update.

[0122] The second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

[0123] Understandably, the first network device can send the sixth information to the second network device associated with the second communication network according to the instructions of the first information, so as to trigger the second network device to perform the area update process of the second communication network.

[0124] In some embodiments, the sixth information may include one or more of the following:

[0125] The initialIdentity associated with the second communication network;

[0126] The CauseValue associated with the second communication network;

[0127] The resumeIdentity associated with the second communication network;

[0128] The resumeMAC-I associated with the second communication network;

[0129] The second communication network is associated with resumeCause.

[0130] It should be noted that the sixth piece of information can be determined through the first piece of information. Specifically, the first network device can receive the first piece of information and forward the information related to the second area update of the second communication network in the first piece of information to the second network device through the sixth piece of information.

[0131] It should be noted that the sixth piece of information can instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update. In one embodiment, the sixth piece of information can explicitly instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update. For example, the sixth piece of information may include a preset field, and the value of the preset resource can explicitly instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update. In another embodiment, the first piece of information can implicitly instruct the second communication network to perform a region update by carrying one or more of the above-mentioned information.

[0132] It should also be noted that the relevant content in the sixth information can be understood by referring to the updated information in the second area above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0133] It is understandable that the number of second communication networks accessed by the terminal device may include multiple. If the number of second communication networks includes multiple, the first network device may send sixth information to the second network devices under multiple second communication networks respectively to instruct them to perform area updates on each second communication network.

[0134] It should be noted that the second network device can be the core network device of the second communication network or the access network device under the second communication network.

[0135] In some embodiments, when the terminal device is in an idle state under the accessed second communication network, the first information may instruct a TAU (Transaction Adjustment) to be performed on the second communication network accessed by the terminal device. In this case, the second network device may be the core network device of the second communication network. It is understood that after receiving the first information, the first network device may send a sixth information to the core network device of the second communication network to trigger the TAU process on the second communication network accessed by the terminal device.

[0136] In other embodiments, when the terminal device is in an inactive state under the accessed second communication network, the first information may instruct RNAU to be performed on the second communication network accessed by the terminal device. In this case, the second network device may be an access network device under the second communication network. Specifically, the second network device may be the previous access network device in the second communication network that provides services to the terminal device.

[0137] Understandably, when the first network device receives the first information, it can determine the last network device in the second communication network that provides services to the terminal device based on the first information, and send the sixth information to that access network device to trigger the RNAU process of the second communication network.

[0138] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can implement the area update process of one or more communication networks based on a single communication network. Alternatively, the terminal device can merge the area update processes under different communication networks, thereby simplifying the operation of the terminal device, saving power consumption, and reducing signaling overhead.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first information in S210 can be sent based on a condition. Specifically, the first information can be sent based on one or more of the following conditions:

[0140] The first time period is associated with the first communication network.

[0141] The terminal device is moved out of the first area, which is associated with the first communication network;

[0142] The second time period is associated with the second communication network;

[0143] The terminal device is moved out of the second area, which is associated with the second communication network.

[0144] It should be noted that the first time period and the second time period can be the same or different, and the embodiments of this application do not impose any restrictions on this.

[0145] The first time period can be the time period during which the TAU and / or RNAU processes are periodically triggered under the first communication network. For example, the first time period may include the first TAU ​​period corresponding to the TAU process under the first communication network, and / or the first RNAU period corresponding to the RNAU process under the first communication network. The first TAU ​​period and the first RNAU period may be the same or different; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0146] The second time period can be the time period for periodically triggering the TAU and / or RNAU processes under the second communication network. For example, the second time period may include the second TAU period corresponding to the TAU process under the second communication network, and / or the second RNAU period corresponding to the TAU process under the second communication network. The second TAU period and the second RNAU period may be the same or different; this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0147] Additionally, the first region can be a tracking area (TA) and / or RNA within a first communication network. For example, the first region may include a first TA and / or a first RNA, where the first TA and the first RNA may be the same or different.

[0148] The second region can be a TA and / or RNA within a second communication network. For example, the second region may include a second TA and / or a second RNA, which may be the same as or different from the second RNA.

[0149] It should be noted that the first region and the second region may be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0150] Understandably, in the embodiments of this application, when the triggering conditions of any one of the multiple communication networks accessed or supported by the terminal device are met, the terminal device triggers the TAU and / or RNAU process of the first communication network, so as to realize the TAU and / or RNAU process of other communication networks through the first communication network, or to merge the TAU and / or RNAU processes of different communication networks through the first communication network, thereby simplifying the operation of the terminal device, saving the power consumption of the terminal device, and reducing signaling overhead at the same time.

[0151] It should be noted that the first time period, second time period, first region, and second region in the above triggering conditions can be configured by the network.

[0152] In some embodiments, the terminal device receives second information based on a first communication network, the second information being used to configure one or more of the first time period, the first region, the second time period, and the second region.

[0153] It is understandable that, in addition to obtaining the relevant configuration information (including the first time period and / or the first area) of the first communication network, the terminal device can also obtain the relevant configuration information (including the second time period and / or the second area) of the second communication network through the first communication network.

[0154] In this embodiment, the terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​a first communication network and obtains relevant configuration information of both the first and second communication networks through this network. In one implementation, the terminal device is only located within the coverage area of ​​the first communication network (i.e., outside the coverage area of ​​the second communication network), and can obtain relevant configuration information of both networks through the first communication network. In another implementation, the terminal device is simultaneously located within the coverage areas of both the first and second communication networks, and can obtain relevant configuration information from both networks through the first communication network.

[0155] It should be noted that the aforementioned second information may be sent by a first network device within the first communication network. That is, the first network device can send the second information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device can receive the second information sent by the first network device. Furthermore, the second information may also be sent by other network devices within the first communication network; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0156] In other embodiments, the terminal device receives third information based on a first communication network, and / or the terminal device receives fourth information based on a second communication network; wherein the third information is used to configure a first time period and / or a first region; and the fourth information is used to configure a second time period and / or a second region.

[0157] Understandably, terminal devices can obtain relevant configuration information from the communication networks they access.

[0158] In one embodiment, the terminal device is simultaneously located within the coverage area of ​​the first communication network and the coverage area of ​​the second communication network. In this case, the terminal device can obtain third information (i.e., relevant configuration information of the first communication network) based on the first communication network and fourth information (i.e., relevant configuration information of the second communication network) based on the second communication network.

[0159] In another implementation, the terminal device may only be located within the coverage area of ​​the first communication network. In this case, the terminal device may only obtain the third information (i.e., the relevant configuration information of the first communication network) based on the first communication network, and may not need to obtain the relevant configuration information of the second communication network. It should be noted that in this implementation, the terminal device may use the relevant configuration information of the first communication network as the relevant configuration information of the second communication network. That is, the terminal device may simultaneously trigger the area update process under both the first and second communication networks when the area update triggering conditions under the first communication network are met.

[0160] It should be noted that the aforementioned third information may be sent by a first network device within the first communication network. That is, the first network device can send the third information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device can receive the third information sent by the first network device. Furthermore, the third information may also be sent by other network devices within the first communication network; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0161] It should also be noted that the aforementioned fourth information may be sent by a second network device within the second communication network. That is, the second network device can send the fourth information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device can receive the fourth information sent by the second network device. Furthermore, the fourth information may also be sent by other network devices within the second communication network; this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0162] In one embodiment of this application, the content of the first information will differ depending on the triggering conditions. The specific content of the first information under different triggering conditions is described in detail below. This content may include at least one of the following:

[0163] If the first condition is met and the second condition is not met, the first information instruction is to perform a region update on the first communication network accessed by the terminal device;

[0164] If both the first and second conditions are met, the first information indicates that the region of the first communication network accessed by the terminal device and the region of the second communication network accessed by the terminal device should be updated.

[0165] If the first condition is met, the first information indicates that the region of the first communication network accessed by the terminal device and the region of the second communication network accessed by the terminal device should be updated.

[0166] If the first condition is not met but the second condition is met, the first information is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update.

[0167] The first condition includes a first time period and / or the terminal device moving out of the first area, and the second condition includes the second time period and / or the terminal device moving out of the second area.

[0168] Understandably, the first condition can be a region update trigger condition for the first communication network, and the second condition can be a region update trigger condition for the second communication network.

[0169] In one embodiment, when the first condition is met but the second condition is not met, the terminal device may trigger a region update process for the first communication network only in the first communication network. That is, the first information may only indicate a region update for the first communication network.

[0170] In one embodiment, when both the first and second conditions are met, the terminal device can trigger a region update process for the first communication network and a region update process for the second communication network. That is, the first information can instruct the region update for the first communication network and the region update for the second communication network.

[0171] In one embodiment, the terminal device may not need to determine the second condition. When the first condition is met, the terminal device can trigger a region update process for the first communication network and a region update process for the second communication network. In other words, the first information can instruct for a region update for the first communication network and a region update for the second communication network. This embodiment can be applied to scenarios where the terminal device is only located within the coverage area of ​​the first communication network.

[0172] In one implementation, when the first condition is not met but the second condition is met, the terminal device can trigger a region update process regarding the second communication network on the first communication network. That is, the first information can only instruct a region update for the second communication network.

[0173] Understandably, in this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can use a communication network to trigger a region update process for itself and other communication networks.

[0174] It should be noted that terminal devices can independently maintain their respective RRC states under different communication networks. For example, a terminal device can be in the RRC_CONNECTED state, RRC_IDLE state, or RRC_INACTIVE state under different communication networks.

[0175] It should be understood that the terminal device can trigger the RNAU process when it is in the RRC_INACTIVE state and the TAU process when it is in the RRC_IDLE state. Therefore, the region update process triggered by the terminal device differs depending on the RRC state. Based on this, S210 can include the following scenarios:

[0176] Scenario 1: The terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first communication network and in the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network.

[0177] In Scenario 1, the first information sent by the terminal device to the first network device under the first communication network can instruct a TAU (Transaction Adjustment) on the second communication network. Specifically, the terminal device can send the first information based on the second TAU period to trigger a TAU on the second communication network, or the terminal device can send the first information when the second TA (Transaction Adjustment) under the second communication network is updated to trigger a TAU on the second communication network.

[0178] Scenario 2: The terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first communication network and in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the second communication network.

[0179] In scenario 2, the first information sent by the terminal device to the first network device under the first communication network can instruct RNAU to be performed on the second communication network. Specifically, the terminal device can send the first information based on the second RNAU cycle to trigger RNAU regarding the second communication network, or the terminal device can send the first information when the second RNA region under the second communication network is updated to trigger RNAU regarding the second communication network.

[0180] Scenario 3: The terminal device is in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the first communication network and in the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network.

[0181] In scenario 3, the first information may instruct for RNAU to be performed on the first communication network, and / or for TAU to be performed on the second communication network. It is understood that the terminal device may send the first information to the first network device when one or more of the following conditions are met: first RNAU cycle, first RNA update, second TAU cycle, second TA update.

[0182] Scenario 4: The terminal device is in the RRC_INACTIVE state in both the first and second communication networks.

[0183] In scenario 4, the first information may instruct RNAU to be performed on the first communication network, and / or RNAU to be performed on the second communication network. It is understood that the terminal device may send the first information to the first network device when one or more of the following conditions are met: first RNAU cycle, first RNA update, second RNAU cycle, second RNA update.

[0184] Scenario 5: The terminal device is in the RRC_IDLE state in both the first and second communication networks.

[0185] In scenario 5, the first information may indicate a TAU (Transaction Adjustment) for the first communication network and / or a TAU for the second communication network. It is understood that the terminal device may send the first information to the first network device when one or more of the following conditions are met: first TAU ​​cycle, first TA update, second TAU cycle, and second TA update.

[0186] Scenario 6: The terminal device is in the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network and in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the second communication network.

[0187] In scenario 6, the first information may instruct a TAU (Transactional Access U) for the first communication network and / or an RNAU (Relational Access U) for the second communication network. It is understood that the terminal device may send the first information to the first network device when one or more of the following conditions are met: a first TAU ​​cycle, a first TAU ​​update, a second RNAU cycle, or a second RNA update.

[0188] Scenario 7: The terminal device is in the RRC_INACTIVE state on the first communication network and in the RRC_CONNECTED state on the second communication network. In this scenario 7, the first information can indicate RNAU to be performed on the first communication network.

[0189] Scenario 8: The terminal device is in RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network and in RRC_CONNECTED state in the second communication network. In this scenario 8, the first information can indicate TAU for the first communication network.

[0190] It should be noted that S210 does not include scenarios where the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state in both the first and second communication networks. This is because the area update process is not involved in scenarios where the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state in both the first and second communication networks.

[0191] It should also be noted that, for scenarios 7 and 8, the terminal device is in the RRC_CONNECTED state in the second communication network. In this case, the second communication network is not involved in the area update process. Therefore, in scenarios 7 and 8, the first information can only indicate an area update for the first communication network. This process is the same as the area update mechanism in related technologies.

[0192] In one embodiment of this application, referring to FIG3, the embodiment further includes the following steps:

[0193] S230, the second network device sends a seventh message to the first network device, and correspondingly, the first network device receives the seventh message sent by the first network device. The seventh message is used to indicate the second area update result of the terminal device in the second communication network.

[0194] Understandably, after receiving the sixth message, the second network device can respond to the sixth message and execute the area update process of the second communication network. The seventh message can be understood as a response to the sixth message.

[0195] In one embodiment, the second network device (e.g., a core network device in a second communication network) executes a TAU procedure based on the sixth information, wherein the execution of the TAU procedure by the second network device includes:

[0196] 1) Ensure the terminal device remains in the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network and update the terminal device's registration area in the second communication network; or,

[0197] 2) The terminal device enters the RRC_CONNECTED state in the second communication network. Further, the first network device sends an RRC connection establishment instruction to the terminal device, carrying information such as the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resources of the second communication network.

[0198] In one embodiment, the second network device (e.g., the previous access network device providing services to the terminal device in the second communication network) executes the RNAU procedure according to the sixth information, wherein the execution of the RNAU procedure by the second network device includes:

[0199] 1) Keep the terminal device in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the second communication network, and further, send the context of the terminal device to the first network device under the first communication network for storage, and update the UE ID under the second communication network; or store the context of the terminal device in the second network device, update the UE ID, and rely on the first network device to route the context of the terminal device.

[0200] 2) Release the terminal device to the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network; further, send an RRC connection release indication through the first network device;

[0201] 3) In the second communication network, the terminal device is put into the RRC_CONNECTED state. Further, the first network device sends an RRC connection establishment instruction to the terminal device, carrying information such as the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resources of the second communication network.

[0202] Understandably, in one implementation, if the terminal device is in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the second communication network, the second area update result may include any of the following:

[0203] Continue to remain in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the second communication network;

[0204] Released to the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network;

[0205] Enter the RRC_CONNECTED state in the second communication network.

[0206] In another embodiment, if the terminal device is in RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network, the second area update result includes any of the following:

[0207] Continue to maintain the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network;

[0208] Enter the RRC_CONNECTED state in the second communication network.

[0209] It should be noted that, if the update result for the second region indicates that the network has entered a connected state in the second communication network, the seventh piece of information may also include one or more of the following:

[0210] List of cells in the second communication network;

[0211] Frequency list for the second communication network;

[0212] Initial access resource information for the second communication network.

[0213] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3, the region update method provided in this application embodiment further includes the following steps:

[0214] S240, the first network device sends fifth information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth information sent by the first network device. The fifth information is used to indicate the update result of the first area of ​​the terminal device in the first communication network, and / or, the update result of the second area of ​​the terminal device in the second communication network.

[0215] It should be noted that the fifth piece of information can be understood as a response to the first piece of information.

[0216] Understandably, in the above S210, the first network device can receive the first information. If the first information indicates that the first communication network should be updated in a region, the first network device can execute the region update process of the first communication network and determine the first region update result of the terminal device in the first communication network.

[0217] It should be noted that the first network device can perform normal TAU and / or RNAU procedures based on the first information.

[0218] In one embodiment, the first network device executes a TAU procedure based on first information, wherein the first network device may determine the following based on the implementation when executing the TAU procedure:

[0219] 1) Ensure that the terminal device remains in the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network and update the registration area of ​​the terminal device in the first communication network;

[0220] 2) The terminal device enters the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first communication network. Further, the first network device sends an RRC connection establishment instruction to the terminal device, carrying information such as the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resources of the first communication network.

[0221] In one embodiment, the first network device executes the RNAU procedure based on first information, wherein during the execution of the RNAU procedure, the first network device may determine the following based on the implementation:

[0222] 1) Ensure that the terminal device remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the first communication network, save the terminal device's context, and update the terminal device identification information (UE ID) under the first communication network;

[0223] 2) Release the terminal device to the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network, and further, send an RRC connection release instruction to the terminal device through the first network device;

[0224] 3) In the first communication network, the terminal device is put into the RRC_CONNECTED state. Further, the first network device sends an RRC connection establishment instruction to the terminal device, carrying information such as the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resources of the first communication network.

[0225] Understandably, in one embodiment, if the terminal device is in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the first communication network, the first area update result may include any of the following:

[0226] The system remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state within the first communication network.

[0227] Released to the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network;

[0228] Enter the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first communication network.

[0229] In another embodiment, if the terminal device is in RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network, the first area update result includes any of the following:

[0230] Continue to maintain the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network;

[0231] Enter the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first communication network.

[0232] In this embodiment, if the first information in S210 indicates a region update for the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, the first network device can execute the region update process under the first communication network and determine the first region update result. Further, the first network device indicates the first region update result after the region update of the first communication network to the terminal device through the fifth information.

[0233] If the first information in S210 indicates that the second communication network accessed by the terminal device should be updated in a certain area, the first network device sends the sixth information to the second network device and listens to the seventh information sent by the second network device to obtain the second area update result. The first network device then indicates the second area update result to the terminal device through the fifth information.

[0234] If the first information in S210 is used to instruct for a region update on the first communication network accessed by the terminal device and a region update on the second communication network accessed by the terminal device, then the first network device executes the region update process under the first communication network and determines the first region update result. Simultaneously, the first network device can send a sixth information to the second network device and listen to the seventh information sent by the second network device to obtain the second region update result. In this way, the first network device can indicate the first and second region update results to the terminal device through the fifth information.

[0235] It should be noted that the fifth message can be a connection recovery (RRCResume) message, a connection establishment (RRCSetup) message, or a connection release (RRCRelease) message. Which of these three messages the fifth message specifically refers to can be related to the update result of the first area in the first communication network; in other words, the specific message type can be determined based on the update result of the first area. For example, if the update result of the first area is to release the terminal device to the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network, then the fifth message can be an RRC_elease message. If the update result of the first area is to enter the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first communication network, then the fifth message can be an RRCSetup message.

[0236] It should be noted that, if the update result of the second region indicates that the network has entered a connected state in the first communication network, the fifth piece of information may also include one or more of the following:

[0237] List of cells in the second communication network;

[0238] Frequency list for the second communication network;

[0239] Initial access resource information for the second communication network.

[0240] In some embodiments, the region update method provided in this application further includes the following steps:

[0241] Based on the update result of the first region, the terminal device switches its state in the first communication network;

[0242] And / or, the terminal device switches its state in the second communication network based on the second region update result.

[0243] Understandably, the terminal device can perform a state transition under the first communication network based on the update result of the first region.

[0244] In one possible implementation, if the first area update result is that the device remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the first communication network, the terminal device maintains and updates the corresponding terminal device information (if necessary).

[0245] In one possible implementation, if the first region update result is that the device is released to the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network, then the terminal device releases the corresponding terminal device context.

[0246] In one possible implementation, if the first area update result is to continue to maintain the RRC_IDLE state in the first communication network, the terminal device maintains and updates the corresponding terminal device information (if necessary).

[0247] In one possible implementation, if the first area update result is that the device enters the RRC_CONNECTED state in the first communication network, the terminal device can execute the RRC establishment process.

[0248] In addition, in this embodiment of the application, the terminal device can perform a state transition under the second communication network based on the second region update result.

[0249] In one possible implementation, if the second area update result is that the device remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state in the second communication network, the terminal device maintains and updates the corresponding terminal device information (if necessary).

[0250] In one possible implementation, if the second region update result is that the device is released to the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network, then the terminal device releases the corresponding terminal device context.

[0251] In one possible implementation, if the second area update result is to continue to maintain the RRC_IDLE state in the second communication network, the terminal device maintains and updates the corresponding terminal device information (if necessary).

[0252] In one possible implementation, if the second area update result is that the device enters the RRC_CONNECTED state in the second communication network, the terminal device can perform the RRC establishment process based on the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resource information of the second communication network in the fifth information.

[0253] It should be noted that this application can be applied to single SIM card scenarios, i.e., scenarios where a single SIM card can access multiple communication networks simultaneously, and can also be applied to multi-SIM card scenarios, including scenarios where each SIM in a multi-SIM card can access one or more communication networks.

[0254] In summary, the region update method provided in this application does not require terminal devices accessing multiple communication networks to perform TAU / RNAU independently under each communication network. Instead, in some scenarios, the TAU / RNAU process can be merged to save signaling and reduce the energy consumption of the terminal devices.

[0255] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0256] A single SIM card UE will reside under one RAT at the same time and perform RNAU on demand. However, in a 6G system, if a single SIM card UE still performs RNAU / TAU independently for multiple access RATs, it will cause additional UE energy consumption.

[0257] Example 1

[0258] It should be noted that the scenario in Implementation Example 1 can be that the UE is in the RRC_INACTIVE state in both networks. Specifically, the UE performs RNAU in RAT1 and indicates its support for the enhanced RNAU procedure, while simultaneously reporting its resume information in RAT2, or RAT1 obtains the UE's resume information in RAT2 based on the UE context association. The UE context is retrieved based on the XnAP procedure to obtain the UE context from the previous serving gNB and determine, through signaling interaction via the Xn interface, whether the UE remains in the RRC_INACTIVE state, returns to the RRC_IDLE state, or enters the RRC_CONNECTED state in RAT2. Referring to Figure 4, the specific steps and processes are as follows:

[0259] S1: The UE triggers the RNAU procedure under Network1 of RAT1, and the triggering conditions include at least one of the following:

[0260] Periodic RNAU triggering configured under RAT1;

[0261] RNA region update triggered under RAT1;

[0262] Periodic RNAU triggering configured under RAT2;

[0263] RNA region update triggered under RAT2;

[0264] It should be noted that the RNAU cycle and RNA configuration may be the same or different for RAT1 and RAT2.

[0265] It should be noted that the UE can be located within the network coverage of RAT1 and obtain the relevant configuration information of RAT2 through RAT1, or the UE can be simultaneously located within the network coverage of both RAT1 and RAT2 and obtain the respective configuration information from their respective networks; or the UE can be located only within the network coverage of RAT1 and does not need to obtain the relevant configuration information of RAT2.

[0266] It should also be noted that the above triggering conditions can be further categorized as follows:

[0267] If the RAT1 triggering condition is met but the RAT2 condition is not met, then the RNAU process related to RAT1 will only be triggered in RAT1.

[0268] If the RAT1 triggering condition is met, and the RAT2 condition is also met, then the enhanced RNAU process related to RAT1 and RAT2 is triggered in RAT1.

[0269] If the RAT1 trigger condition is met, the RAT2 condition is not considered. In this case, the enhanced RNAU procedure for RAT1 and RAT2 is triggered in RAT1 (considering the case where the UE is only camped under the network coverage of RAT1).

[0270] S2: The UE sends an RRCresumeRequest to NW1, which contains at least one of the following:

[0271] RAT1 resume-related information, including resumeIdentity1, resumeMAC-I1, and resumeCause1 under RAT1;

[0272] Does it support enhanced RNAU?

[0273] Resume information related to RAT2, including resumeIdentity2, resumeMAC-I2, and resumeCause2 under RAT2.

[0274] S3: RAT1's Network1 performs the normal RNAU process within RAT1 based on the information in the RRCResumeRequest.

[0275] S4: Network1 of RAT1 identifies Network2, the network device that previously served the UE in RAT2, based on the information in the RRCResumeRequest reported by the UE, and instructs Network2 on the UE's RNAU procedure.

[0276] S5: Network2 of RAT2 sends Resume Respond to RAT2.

[0277] Among them, Network2 is determined based on the implementation:

[0278] Further, keep the UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state in RAT2, send the UE context to Network1 of RAT1 for storage, and update the UE ID under RAT2; or save the UE context in Network2, update the UE ID, and rely on Network1 to route the UE context.

[0279] Release the UE to the RRC_IDLE state in RAT2 and send an RRC connection release indication through Network1 in RAT1;

[0280] When the UE enters the connected state in RAT2, an RRC connection establishment indication is sent through Network1 of RAT1. This indication can further carry information such as the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resources of the RAT2 network.

[0281] S6: Network1 of RAT1 sends a Resume Respond of RAT1 to the UE, and / or a Resume Respond of RAT2.

[0282] Specifically, Network1 determines the RRCResume / Setup / Release to send to the UE based on the resume result of RAT1, which includes at least one of the following:

[0283] RRCResume results and configurations under RAT1;

[0284] The forwarded RRC Resume results and configurations of the RAT2 network (content in step 5) can be carried in the form of an RRC container.

[0285] S7: The UE determines the state transitions of RAT1 and RAT2 based on the results:

[0286] It should be noted that the state transitions for RAT1 are the same as the existing mechanism;

[0287] For RAT2 state transitions, if the indication is to enter the RRC_IDLE state, the corresponding UE context is released directly; if the indication is to enter the connected state and the corresponding access configuration, the RRC connection establishment process is performed according to the corresponding configuration; if the indication is to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state, the corresponding UE information is maintained and updated (if necessary).

[0288] Example 2

[0289] It should be noted that in the scenario of Example 2, the UE is in an INACTIVE state under RAT1 network and in an IDLE state under RAT2 network. Specifically, the UE performs RNAU in RAT1 and indicates that it supports the enhanced RNAU procedure, while reporting its setup information in RAT2, or the RAT1 and / or core network obtain the UE's information in RAT2 based on the association relationship of the UE context. The core network determines whether the UE remains in the IDLE state in RAT2 or needs to enter the connected state. Referring to Figure 5, the specific steps and processes are as follows:

[0290] S1: The UE triggers the RNAU procedure under Network1 of RAT1, and the triggering conditions include at least one of the following:

[0291] Periodic RNAU triggering configured under RAT1;

[0292] RNA region update triggered under RAT1;

[0293] Periodic TAU triggering configured under RAT2;

[0294] TA region update triggered under RAT2;

[0295] It should be noted that the RNAU cycle and TAU cycle may be the same or different in RAT1 and RAT2 configurations, and the RNA configuration and TA configuration may be the same or different.

[0296] It should be noted that the UE can be camped within the network coverage of RAT1 and obtain the relevant configuration information of RAT2 through RAT1, or the UE can be camped within the network coverage of both RAT1 and RAT2 and obtain the respective configuration information from their respective networks; or the UE can be camped only within the network coverage of RAT1 and does not need to obtain the relevant configuration information of RAT2.

[0297] It should also be noted that the above triggering conditions can be further categorized as follows:

[0298] If the RAT1 triggering condition is met but the RAT2 condition is not met, then the RNAU process related to RAT1 will only be triggered in RAT1.

[0299] If the RAT1 triggering condition is met and the RAT2 condition is also met, then the enhanced RNAU / TAU process related to RAT1 and RAT2 will be triggered in RAT1.

[0300] If the RAT1 trigger condition is met, the RAT2 condition is not considered. In this case, the enhanced RNAU / TAU procedure for RAT1 and RAT2 is triggered in RAT1 (considering the case where the UE is only camped under the network coverage of RAT1).

[0301] S2: The UE sends an RCResumeRequest message to Network1, which contains at least one of the following:

[0302] RAT1 resume-related information, including resumeIdentity1, resumeMAC-I1, and resumeCause1 under RAT1;

[0303] Does it support enhanced RNAU / TAU?

[0304] RAT2 TAU related information, including initialIdentity and CauseValue under RAT2.

[0305] S3: RAT1 Network1 performs the normal RNAU process within RAT1 based on the information in the RRCResumeRequest (pre-existing technology).

[0306] S4: Network1 of RAT1 reports UE information to the core network.

[0307] S5: The core network of RAT2 sends the RAT2 Resume Respond.

[0308] The core network of RAT2 is determined based on the implementation:

[0309] Continue to keep the UE in RRC_IDLE state in RAT2 and update the UE's registration area;

[0310] When the UE enters the connected state in RAT2, an RRC connection establishment indication is sent through Network1 of RAT1. This indication can further carry information such as the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resources of the RAT2 network.

[0311] S6: Network1 of RAT1 sends a Resume Respond of RAT1 to the UE, and / or a TAU Respond of RAT2.

[0312] Specifically, Network1 determines the RRCResume / Setup / Release to send to the UE based on the RRCResume result of RAT1, including at least one of the following:

[0313] RRCResume results and configurations under RAT1;

[0314] The TAU results and configuration of RAT2 (content in step S5) can be carried in the form of an RRC container.

[0315] S7: The UE determines the state transition of RAT1 and RAT2 based on the result.

[0316] It should be noted that the state transitions for RAT1 are the same as the existing mechanism.

[0317] For RAT2 state transitions, if the indication is to enter the connected state and the corresponding access configuration, the RRC connection establishment process will be performed according to the corresponding configuration. If the indication is to remain in the IDLE state, the corresponding UE information will be maintained and updated (if necessary).

[0318] Example 3

[0319] It should be noted that in the scenario of Example 3, the UE can be in RRC_IDLE state under RAT1 network and RRC_INACTIVE state under RAT2 network. The UE performs a TAU in RAT1 and indicates that it supports the enhanced TAU / RNAU procedure, while simultaneously reporting its resume information in RAT2. Alternatively, RAT1 and / or the core network can obtain the UE's information in RAT2 based on the UE context association management, so as to obtain the UE context from the previous serving xNB and determine through signaling interaction whether the UE remains in RRC_INACTIVE state, returns to RRC_IDLE state, or enters connected state in RAT2. Referring to Figure 6, the specific steps and processes are as follows:

[0320] S1: The UE triggers the TAU procedure under Network 1 of RAT1, and the triggering conditions include at least one of the following:

[0321] Periodic TAU triggering configured under RAT1;

[0322] TA area update configured under RAT1 is triggered;

[0323] Periodic RNAU triggering configured under RAT2;

[0324] RNAU region update triggered under RAT2;

[0325] It should be noted that the RNAU cycle and TAU cycle may be the same or different in RAT1 and RAT2 configurations, and the RNA configuration and TA configuration may be the same or different.

[0326] It should be noted that the UE can be camped within the network coverage of RAT1 and obtain the relevant configuration information of RAT2 through RAT1, or the UE can be camped within the network coverage of both RAT1 and RAT2 and obtain the respective configuration information from their respective networks; or the UE can be camped only within the network coverage of RAT1 and does not need to obtain the relevant configuration information of RAT2.

[0327] It should also be noted that the above triggering conditions can be further categorized as follows:

[0328] If the RAT1 triggering condition is met but the RAT2 condition is not met, then the RNAU process related to RAT1 will only be triggered in RAT1.

[0329] If the RAT1 triggering condition is met and the RAT2 condition is also met, then the enhanced RNAU / TAU process related to RAT1 and RAT2 will be triggered in RAT1.

[0330] If the RAT1 trigger condition is met, the RAT2 condition is not considered. In this case, the enhanced RNAU / TAU procedure for RAT1 and RAT2 is triggered in RAT1 (considering the case where the UE is only camped under the network coverage of RAT1).

[0331] S2: The UE sends an RRCSetupRequest message to NW1, which contains at least one of the following:

[0332] RAT1 TAU related information, including initialIdentity and CauseValue under RAT1;

[0333] Does it support enhanced RNAU / TAU?

[0334] Information related to RAT2 RNAU, including resumeIdentity, resumeMAC-I, and resumeCause under RAT2.

[0335] S3: Network1 / CN performs the normal TAU process based on the information in RRCSetupRequest.

[0336] S4: Network1 / CN identifies the network device that previously served the UE in RAT2 based on the information in the RRCSetupRequest reported by the UE, and instructs the UE to perform the RNAU procedure to that network device.

[0337] S5: Network2 of RAT2 sends RAT2 RNAU Respond.

[0338] Among them, Network2 of RAT2 is determined according to the implementation:

[0339] Further, keep the UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state in RAT2, send the UE context to Network1 or CN of RAT1 for storage, and update the UE ID under RAT2; or save the UE context in Network2, update the UE ID, and rely on Network1 / CN to route the UE context.

[0340] Release the UE to the RRC_IDLE state in RAT2 and send an RRC connection release indication through Network1 in RAT1;

[0341] When the UE enters the connected state in RAT2, an RRC connection establishment indication is sent through Network1 of RAT1. This indication can further carry information such as the cell list, frequency list, and initial access resources of the RAT2 network.

[0342] S6: RAT1 sends RAT1 Setup information and / or RAT2 RNAU Respond to the UE, which may include at least one of the following:

[0343] RRCSetup results and configurations under RAT1;

[0344] The forwarded RRC Resume results and configurations from the RAT2 network (as described in step 5) can be carried via an RRC container.

[0345] S7: The UE determines the state transition of RAT1 and RAT2 based on the result.

[0346] It should be noted that the state transitions for RAT1 are the same as the existing mechanism;

[0347] For RAT2 state transitions, if the indication is to enter the RRC_IDLE state, the corresponding UE context is released directly; if the indication is to enter the connected state and the corresponding access configuration, the RRC connection establishment process is performed according to the corresponding configuration; if the indication is to maintain the RRC_INACTIVE state, the corresponding UE information is maintained and updated (if necessary).

[0348] It should be noted that whether RAT1 and RAT2 are 5G or 6G in the above embodiments can be defined by the protocol or determined based on services and service priorities.

[0349] In summary, for single-SIM UEs, it is not necessary to perform TAU / RNAU independently under two RATs. Instead, in some scenarios, the TAU / RNAU process can be combined to save signaling and UE power consumption.

[0350] 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.

[0351] 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.

[0352] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a region update device provided in an embodiment of this application, applied to a terminal device. As shown in Figure 7, the region update device includes:

[0353] The first sending unit 710 is configured to send first information to a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a region update for a first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or a region update for a second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

[0354] In some embodiments, the region update includes TAU, and / or RNAU.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first information is sent based on one or more of the following conditions:

[0356] The first time period is associated with the first communication network;

[0357] The terminal device is moved out of the first area, which is associated with the first communication network.

[0358] A second time period, which is associated with the second communication network;

[0359] The terminal device is moved out of the second area, which is associated with the second communication network.

[0360] In some embodiments, one or more of the following are included:

[0361] If the first condition is met and the second condition is not met, the first information is used to instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update.

[0362] If both the first and second conditions are met, the first information is used to instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update, and the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update.

[0363] If the first condition is met, the first information is used to instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update, and the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update.

[0364] If the first condition is not met but the second condition is met, the first information is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update.

[0365] The first condition includes the first time period and / or the terminal device moving out of the first area, and the second condition includes the second time period and / or the terminal device moving out of the second area.

[0366] In some embodiments, the region update device further includes a first receiving unit configured to receive second information based on a first communication network, the second information being used to configure one or more of the first time period, the first region, the second time period, and the second region.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit is further configured to receive third information based on the first communication network, and / or receive fourth information based on the second communication network;

[0368] The third information is used to configure the first time period and / or the first region; the fourth information is used to configure the second time period and / or the second region.

[0369] In some embodiments, the first information includes one or more of the following:

[0370] The first region updates relevant information; the first region updates relevant information and it is associated with the first communication network;

[0371] The second area updates relevant information; the second area updates relevant information is associated with the second communication network;

[0372] First instruction information; the instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a regional update of the second communication network through the first communication network.

[0373] In some embodiments, the first region update-related information includes one or more of the following:

[0374] The initial identification information associated with the first communication network;

[0375] The reason value associated with the first communication network;

[0376] Connection recovery identification information associated with the first communication network;

[0377] The connection recovery media access entity identifier information associated with the first communication network;

[0378] The reason for the connection restoration associated with the first communication network.

[0379] In some embodiments, the second region update-related information includes one or more of the following:

[0380] The initial identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0381] The reason value associated with the second communication network;

[0382] The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0383] The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0384] The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

[0385] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit is further configured to receive fifth information sent by the first network device; the fifth information is used to indicate the terminal device's update result in a first area of ​​the first communication network, and / or the terminal device's update result in a second area of ​​the second communication network.

[0386] In some embodiments, the terminal device is inactive in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following:

[0387] It remains inactive in the second communication network;

[0388] Released to an idle state in the second communication network;

[0389] Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

[0390] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in an idle state in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following:

[0391] The system remains idle in the second communication network.

[0392] Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

[0393] In some embodiments, if the second region update result indicates that a connection has been established in the second communication network, the fifth information may further include one or more of the following:

[0394] The cell list of the second communication network;

[0395] The frequency list of the second communication network;

[0396] Initial access resource information of the second communication network.

[0397] In some embodiments, the region update device further includes a state switching unit configured to switch the state in the first communication network based on the first region update result; and / or, switch the state in the second communication network based on the second region update result.

[0398] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in any of the following states in the first communication network:

[0399] Connection status;

[0400] Idle state;

[0401] Inactive state.

[0402] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in an idle or inactive state in the second communication network.

[0403] In some embodiments, the first communication network is a target communication network among a plurality of communication networks accessed by the terminal device, and the second communication network is another communication network among the plurality of communication networks accessed by the terminal device besides the target communication network.

[0404] In some embodiments, the target communication network is determined based on one or more of the following:

[0405] Protocol predefined information;

[0406] Business type;

[0407] Business priorities.

[0408] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the area update device provided in this application embodiment, applied to a first network device. As shown in Figure 8, the area update device includes:

[0409] The second receiving unit 810 is configured to receive first information sent by the terminal device; the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a region update on the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or to perform a region update on the second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

[0410] In some embodiments, the region update includes TAU, and / or RNAU.

[0411] In some embodiments, the first information is sent based on one or more of the following conditions:

[0412] The first time period is associated with the first communication network;

[0413] The terminal device is moved out of the first area, which is associated with the first communication network.

[0414] A second time period, which is associated with the second communication network;

[0415] The terminal device is moved out of the second area, which is associated with the second communication network.

[0416] In some embodiments, the region update device further includes a second sending unit configured to send second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to configure one or more of the first time period, the first region, the second time period, and the second region.

[0417] In some embodiments, the second sending unit is further configured to send third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to configure the first event period and / or the first region.

[0418] In some embodiments, the first information includes one or more of the following:

[0419] The first region updates relevant information; the first region updates relevant information and it is associated with the first communication network;

[0420] The second area updates relevant information; the second area updates relevant information is associated with the second communication network;

[0421] First indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate that the area update of the second communication network is implemented through the first communication network.

[0422] In some embodiments, the first region update-related information includes one or more of the following:

[0423] The initial identification information associated with the first communication network;

[0424] The reason value associated with the first communication network;

[0425] Connection recovery identification information associated with the first communication network;

[0426] The connection recovery media access entity identifier information associated with the first communication network;

[0427] The reason for the connection restoration associated with the first communication network.

[0428] In some embodiments, the second region update-related information includes one or more of the following:

[0429] The initial identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0430] The reason value associated with the second communication network;

[0431] The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0432] The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0433] The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

[0434] In some embodiments, the first information indicates a region update for the second communication network accessed by the terminal device, and the second sending unit is further configured to send a sixth information to the second network device, the sixth information being used to indicate a region update for the second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

[0435] In some embodiments, the sixth information includes one or more of the following:

[0436] The initial identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0437] The reason value associated with the second communication network;

[0438] The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0439] The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0440] The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

[0441] In some embodiments, when the terminal device is in an idle state under the second communication network, the second network device is the core network of the second communication network.

[0442] In some embodiments, when the terminal device is in an inactive state under the second communication network, the second network device is the access network device that previously provided services to the terminal device in the second communication network; wherein, the second network device is determined based on the first information.

[0443] In some embodiments, the second receiving unit 810 is further configured to receive seventh information sent by the second network device; the seventh information is used to indicate the second area update result of the terminal device in the second communication network.

[0444] In some embodiments, the second sending unit is further configured to send fifth information to the terminal device; the fifth information is used to indicate the terminal device's update result in a first region of the first communication network, and / or the terminal device's update result in a second region of the second communication network.

[0445] In some embodiments, the terminal device is inactive in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following:

[0446] It remains inactive in the second communication network;

[0447] Released to an idle state in the second communication network;

[0448] Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

[0449] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in an idle state in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following:

[0450] The system remains idle in the second communication network.

[0451] Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

[0452] In some embodiments, when the second region update result indicates that a connection has been established in the second communication network, the fifth and seventh information further include one or more of the following:

[0453] The cell list of the second communication network;

[0454] The frequency list of the second communication network;

[0455] Initial access resource information of the second communication network.

[0456] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in any of the following states in the first communication network:

[0457] Connection status;

[0458] Idle state;

[0459] Inactive state.

[0460] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in an idle or inactive state in the second communication network.

[0461] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of the area update device provided in this application embodiment, applied to a second network device. As shown in Figure 9, the area update device includes:

[0462] The third receiving unit 910 is configured to receive sixth information sent by the first network device; the sixth information is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update; the second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

[0463] In some embodiments, the sixth information includes one or more of the following:

[0464] The initial identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0465] The reason value associated with the second communication network;

[0466] The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0467] The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network;

[0468] The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

[0469] In some embodiments, the area update device further includes a third sending unit configured to send seventh information to the first network device, the seventh information being used to indicate the second area update result of the terminal device in the second communication network.

[0470] In some embodiments, the terminal device is inactive in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following:

[0471] It remains inactive in the second communication network;

[0472] Released to an idle state in the second communication network;

[0473] Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

[0474] In some embodiments, the terminal device is in an idle state in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following:

[0475] The system remains idle in the second communication network.

[0476] Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

[0477] In some embodiments, if the second region update result indicates that a connection has been established in the second communication network, the seventh information may further include one or more of the following:

[0478] The cell list of the second communication network;

[0479] The frequency list of the second communication network;

[0480] Initial access resource information of the second communication network.

[0481] In some embodiments, when the terminal device is in an idle state under the second communication network, the second network device is the core network of the second communication network.

[0482] In some embodiments, when the terminal device is in an inactive state under the second communication network, the second network device is the access network device that previously provided services to the terminal device in the second communication network.

[0483] Those skilled in the art should understand that the description of the region update apparatus in the embodiments of this application can be understood with reference to the description of the region update method in the embodiments of this application.

[0484] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a terminal device, a first network device, or a second network device. The communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 includes a processor 1010, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0485] Optionally, as shown in FIG10, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1020. The processor 1010 may retrieve and run computer programs from the memory 1020 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0486] The memory 1020 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1010, or it can be integrated into the processor 1810.

[0487] Optionally, as shown in FIG10, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1030, and the processor 1010 may control the transceiver 1030 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0488] The transceiver 1030 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1030 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0489] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a network device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1800 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.

[0490] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may specifically be a mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1800 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, these will not be described in detail here.

[0491] 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 1110, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0492] Optionally, as shown in FIG11, chip 1100 may further include memory 1120. Processor 1110 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 1120 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0493] The memory 1120 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1110, or it can be integrated into the processor 1110.

[0494] Optionally, the chip 1100 may also include an input interface 1130. The processor 1110 can control the input interface 1130 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0495] Optionally, the chip 1100 may also include an output interface 1140. The processor 1110 can control the output interface 1140 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0496] 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.

[0497] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / 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.

[0498] 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.

[0499] 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.

[0500] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication system 1200 includes a terminal device 1210, a first network device 1220, and a second network device 1230.

[0501] The terminal device 1210 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the terminal device in the above method, the first network device 1220 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first network device in the above method, and the second network device 1230 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the second network device in the above method. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0502] 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.

[0503] 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.

[0504] 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.

[0505] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs.

[0506] 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.

[0507] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / 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.

[0508] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0509] 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.

[0510] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / 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.

[0511] This application also provides a computer program.

[0512] 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.

[0513] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal device in the embodiments of this application. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / 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.

[0514] 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.

[0515] 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.

[0516] 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.

[0517] 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.

[0518] 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.

[0519] 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.

[0520] 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 region update method, the method comprising: The terminal device sends first information to the first network device, the first information being used to instruct the region update of the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or, the region update of the second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The area update includes tracking area update (TAU) and / or notification area update (RNAU) based on the radio access network.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first information is sent based on one or more of the following conditions: The first time period is associated with the first communication network; The terminal device is moved out of the first area, which is associated with the first communication network. A second time period, which is associated with the second communication network; The terminal device is moved out of the second area, which is associated with the second communication network.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, Includes one or more of the following: If the first condition is met and the second condition is not met, the first information is used to instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update. If both the first and second conditions are met, the first information is used to instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update, and the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update. If the first condition is met, the first information is used to instruct the first communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update, and the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update. If the first condition is not met but the second condition is met, the first information is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update. The first condition includes the first time period and / or the terminal device moving out of the first area, and the second condition includes the second time period and / or the terminal device moving out of the second area.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The terminal device receives second information based on the first communication network. The second information is used to configure one or more of the first time period, the first region, the second time period, and the second region.

6. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The terminal device receives third information based on the first communication network, and / or the terminal device receives fourth information based on the second communication network; The third information is used to configure the first time period and / or the first region; the fourth information is used to configure the second time period and / or the second region.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The first information includes one or more of the following: The first region updates relevant information; the first region updates relevant information and it is associated with the first communication network; The second area updates relevant information; the second area updates relevant information is associated with the second communication network; First instruction information; the first instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a regional update of the second communication network through the first communication network.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first region update information includes one or more of the following: The initial identification information associated with the first communication network; The reason value associated with the first communication network; Connection recovery identification information associated with the first communication network; The connection recovery media access entity identifier information associated with the first communication network; The reason for the connection restoration associated with the first communication network.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The second region update information includes one or more of the following: The initial identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason value associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, Also includes: The terminal device receives the fifth information sent by the first network device; The fifth piece of information is used to indicate the update result of the terminal device in the first area of ​​the first communication network, and / or the update result of the terminal device in the second area of ​​the second communication network.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The terminal device is inactive in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following: It remains inactive in the second communication network; Released to an idle state in the second communication network; Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The terminal device is in an idle state in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following: The system remains idle in the second communication network. Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, If the update result of the second region indicates that a connection has been established in the second communication network, the fifth information may also include one or more of the following: The cell list of the second communication network; The frequency list of the second communication network; Initial access resource information of the second communication network.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein, Also includes: The terminal device switches its state in the first communication network based on the update result of the first region. And / or, The terminal device switches its state in the second communication network based on the update result of the second region.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The terminal device is in any of the following states in the first communication network: Connection status; Idle state; Inactive state.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein, The terminal device is in an idle or inactive state in the second communication network.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein, The first communication network is the target communication network among the multiple communication networks accessed by the terminal device, and the second communication network is other communication networks besides the target communication network among the multiple communication networks accessed by the terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The target communication network is determined based on one or more of the following: Protocol predefined information; Business type; Business priorities.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein, Also includes: The terminal device receives the second instruction information sent by the first network device; The second indication information is used to instruct the first network device to support the terminal device in implementing a region update of the second communication network through the first communication network.

20. A region update method, the method comprising: The first network device receives the first information sent by the terminal device; The first information is used to instruct the region update of the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or to perform a region update of the second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The area update includes tracking area update (TAU) and / or notification area update (RNAU) based on the radio access network.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The first information is sent based on one or more of the following conditions: The first time period is associated with the first communication network; The terminal device is moved out of the first area, which is associated with the first communication network. A second time period, which is associated with the second communication network; The terminal device is moved out of the second area, which is associated with the second communication network.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein, Also includes: The first network device sends second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to configure one or more of the first time period, the first region, the second time period, and the second region.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein, Also includes: The first network device sends third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to configure the first event period and / or the first area.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19-24, wherein, The first information includes one or more of the following: The first region updates relevant information; the first region updates relevant information and it is associated with the first communication network; The second area updates relevant information; the second area updates relevant information is associated with the second communication network; First indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate that the area update of the second communication network is implemented through the first communication network.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The first region update information includes one or more of the following: The initial identification information associated with the first communication network; The reason value associated with the first communication network; Connection recovery identification information associated with the first communication network; The connection recovery media access entity identifier information associated with the first communication network; The reason for the connection restoration associated with the first communication network.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The second region update information includes one or more of the following: The initial identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason value associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

28. The method according to any one of claims 20-27, wherein, The first information instructs the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update, and further includes: The first network device sends a sixth message to the second network device, the sixth message being used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a region update; the second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The sixth piece of information includes one or more of the following: The initial identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason value associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein, When the terminal device is in an idle state under the second communication network, the second network device is the core network of the second communication network.

31. The method according to any one of claims 28-30, wherein, When the terminal device is in an inactive state under the second communication network, the second network device is the access network device that previously provided services to the terminal device in the second communication network; wherein, the second network device is determined based on the first information.

32. The method according to any one of claims 28-31, wherein, Also includes: The first network device receives the seventh information sent by the second network device; The seventh piece of information is used to indicate the update result of the terminal device in the second area of ​​the second communication network.

33. The method according to any one of claims 20-32, wherein, Also includes: The first network device sends the fifth information to the terminal device; The fifth piece of information is used to indicate the update result of the terminal device in the first area of ​​the first communication network, and / or the update result of the terminal device in the second area of ​​the second communication network.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein, The terminal device is inactive in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following: It remains inactive in the second communication network; Released to an idle state in the second communication network; Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

35. The method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein, The terminal device is in an idle state in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following: The system remains idle in the second communication network. Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, wherein, If the update result of the second region indicates that a connection has been established in the second communication network, the fifth and seventh information messages may also include one or more of the following: The cell list of the second communication network; The frequency list of the second communication network; Initial access resource information of the second communication network.

37. The method according to any one of claims 20-36, wherein, The terminal device is in any of the following states in the first communication network: Connection status; Idle state; Inactive state.

38. The method according to any one of claims 20-37, wherein, The terminal device is in an idle or inactive state in the second communication network.

39. The method according to any one of claims 20-38, wherein, Also includes: The first network device sends a second instruction message; The second indication information is used to instruct the first network device to support the terminal device in implementing a region update of the second communication network through the first communication network.

40. A region update method, the method comprising: The second network device receives the sixth message sent by the first network device; The sixth piece of information is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a regional update; The second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein, The sixth piece of information includes one or more of the following: The initial identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason value associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery identification information associated with the second communication network; The connection recovery media access entity identification information associated with the second communication network; The reason for the connection restoration associated with the second communication network.

42. The method according to claim 40 or 41, wherein, Also includes: The second network device sends a seventh message to the first network device, the seventh message being used to indicate the update result of the terminal device in the second area of ​​the second communication network.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein, The terminal device is inactive in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following: It remains inactive in the second communication network; Released to an idle state in the second communication network; Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

44. The method according to claim 42, wherein, The terminal device is in an idle state in the second communication network, and the second area update result includes any one of the following: The system remains idle in the second communication network. Enter the connection state in the second communication network.

45. The method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein, If the update result of the second region indicates that a connection has been established in the second communication network, the seventh information may also include one or more of the following: The cell list of the second communication network; The frequency list of the second communication network; Initial access resource information of the second communication network.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 40-45, wherein, When the terminal device is in an idle state under the second communication network, the second network device is the core network of the second communication network.

47. The method according to any one of claims 40-45, wherein, When the terminal device is in an inactive state under the second communication network, the second network device is the access network device that previously provided services to the terminal device in the second communication network.

48. A region update device, applied to a terminal device, the device comprising: The first sending unit is configured to send first information to a first network device, the first information being used to instruct a region update for a first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or a region update for a second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

49. A region update apparatus, applied to a first network device, the apparatus comprising: The second receiving unit is configured to receive the first information sent by the terminal device; The first information is used to instruct the region update of the first communication network accessed by the terminal device, and / or to perform a region update of the second communication network accessed by the terminal device; the first network device is a network device that supports the first communication network.

50. A region update apparatus, applied to a second network device, the apparatus comprising: The third receiving unit is configured to receive the sixth information sent by the first network device; The sixth piece of information is used to instruct the second communication network accessed by the terminal device to perform a regional update; the second network device is a network device that supports the second communication network.

51. A communication device, comprising: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, or claims 20 to 39, or claims 40 to 47.

52. A chip, comprising: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device having the chip mounted to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 19, or claims 20 to 39, or claims 40 to 47.

53. [Amended according to Rule 26 18.09.2024] A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, or claims 20 to 39, or claims 40 to 47.

54. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, or claims 20 to 39, or claims 40 to 47.

55. A computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, or claims 20 to 39, or claims 40 to 47.

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