Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first core network device determining the load state of a first cell, and sending first information to a first terminal device on the basis of the load state of the first cell, or sending second information or third information to a first access network device on the basis of the load state of the first cell, wherein the first terminal device is a terminal device that serves the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell, and the first information indicates the entry of an idle state; the second information indicates the location of a second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device that serves the first cell; and the third information indicates the first terminal device, and the first terminal device is a terminal device that serves the first cell and is located at the edge of the first cell.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411361799.7, filed on September 26, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] In a communication system, a mobility management entity (MME) network element sends location information to an access network device. The location information includes the locations of all terminal devices under the access network device. The access network device determines terminal devices at the edge of a cell according to the location information and releases the terminal devices at the edge of the cell in a timely manner.

[0004] However, there are many terminal devices under the access network device, resulting in large resource overhead occupied by the location information. SUMMARY

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can reduce resource overhead. To achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first core network device, a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first core network device, or a logic module or software that implements all or part of the function of the first core network device. Hereinafter, the execution subject is taken as the first core network device for example. The method comprises:

[0007] Determining a load state of a first cell.

[0008] Sending first information to a first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell, or sending second information or third information to a first access network device according to the load state of the first cell.

[0009] The first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell, and the first information indicates entering an idle state. The second information indicates the location of a second terminal device, which is a terminal device served by the first cell. The third information indicates a first terminal device, which is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0010] In the technical solution related to the first information, the first core network device determines whether to send the first information to the first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell, so as to instruct the first terminal device at the edge of the first cell to enter an idle state, reduce the sending frequency of the first information, reduce resource overhead, also help to realize load balancing of the first cell, and the first information does not need to pass through the first access network device, and has little influence on the first access network device.

[0011] In the technical solution related to the second information, the first core network device determines whether to send the second information according to the load state of the first cell, so as to reduce the sending frequency of the second information, reduce resource overhead, and also enable the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the second information.

[0012] In the technical solution related to the third information, the third information indicates a terminal device at the edge of a cell, and the first core network device determines whether to send the third information according to the load state of the first cell, so as to reduce the sending frequency of the third information, reduce resource overhead, and also enable the first access network device to perform load balancing in a timely manner based on the third information.

[0013] In a possible design, the first information is sent to the first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell, including: in the case that the first cell is overloaded, the first information is sent to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device enters an idle state, and load balancing of the first cell is facilitated.

[0014] In a possible design, the second information is sent to the first access network device according to the load state of the first cell, including: in the case that the first cell is overloaded, the second information is sent to the first access network device, so that the first access network device determines a terminal device at the edge of the first cell based on the second information, and releases the terminal device at the edge of the first cell in a timely manner, and load balancing of the first cell is facilitated.

[0015] In a possible design, the third information is sent to the first access network device according to the load state of the first cell, including: in the case that the first cell is overloaded, the third information is sent to the first access network device, so that the first access network device releases the first terminal device in a timely manner, and load balancing of the first cell is facilitated.

[0016] In a possible design, the load state of the first cell is determined, including: receiving fourth information, the fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

[0017] That is, the first access network device timely informs the first core network device which cell is overloaded, and simplifies the complexity of the operation on the first core network device side.

[0018] In a possible design, the fourth information includes an identifier of the first cell and / or a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device served by the first cell.

[0019] In a possible design, the method further includes: receiving fifth information from the first access network device, and the fifth information indicates a coverage range of the first cell. The first terminal device is determined according to the coverage range of the first cell.

[0020] That is, the first access network device provides the coverage range of the cell to the first core network device, so that the first core network device more accurately determines the terminal device at the edge of the first cell.

[0021] In a possible design, in correspondence with the sending of the first information, the method further includes: sending sixth information to the first terminal device. The sixth information indicates a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell is a cell recommended to be reselected to, and the third cell is a cell forbidden to be reselected to.

[0022] That is, the first core network device further indicates the second cell and / or the third cell to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device reselects to the second cell, or so that the first terminal device avoids reselecting to the third cell.

[0023] In a possible design, in correspondence with the sending of the third information, the method further includes: sending sixth information to the first access network device. The sixth information indicates a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell is a cell recommended to be reselected to, and the third cell is a cell forbidden to be reselected to.

[0024] That is, the first core network device further sends the sixth information to the first access network device, so that the first terminal device reselects to the second cell, or so that the first terminal device avoids reselecting to the third cell.

[0025] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending seventh information to a second access network device, and the seventh information indicates the first cell, and the first cell is a cell forbidden to be reselected to.

[0026] The first core network device also sends the seventh information to the second access network device, so that a terminal device of the second access network device avoids reselecting to the first cell, because the first cell is overloaded.

[0027] In a possible design, the first core network device sends the first information to the first terminal device according to the load status of the first cell, including:

[0028] The first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device according to the load status of the first cell, where the second request is used to request a terminal device location.

[0029] The first core network device receives location information from the second terminal device, where the location information indicates a location of the second terminal device.

[0030] The first core network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal device according to the location information.

[0031] The first core network device sends the first information to the first terminal device.

[0032] That is, considering that a terminal device is mobile, a location of the same terminal device at different moments can be different, therefore, the first core network device can timely acquire a latest terminal device location based on a cell load status, and determine a terminal device at a cell edge according to the latest terminal device location, so as to more accurately instruct a corresponding terminal device to enter an idle state.

[0033] In a possible design, the first core network device sends the second information to the first access network device according to the load status of the first cell, including:

[0034] The first core network device receives location information from the second terminal device, where the location information indicates a location of the second terminal device.

[0035] The first core network device sends the location information to the first access network device, and the second information includes the location information.

[0036] That is, considering that a terminal device is mobile, a location of the same terminal device at different moments can be different, therefore, the first core network device can timely acquire a latest terminal device location based on a cell load status, and provide the latest terminal device location to the first access network device, so that the first access network device more accurately determines a terminal device at a cell edge based on the latest terminal device location.

[0037] In a possible design, the first core network device sends third information to the first access network device according to the load status of the first cell, including:

[0038] sending a second request to the second terminal device, the second request being used to request a terminal device location according to a load status of the first cell.

[0039] receiving location information from the second terminal device, the location information indicating a location of the second terminal device.

[0040] determining the first terminal device from the second terminal device according to the location information.

[0041] sending the third information to the first access network device.

[0042] That is, considering that a terminal device is mobile, a location of a same terminal device at different time points can be different, therefore, the first core network device can timely acquire a latest terminal device location based on a cell load status, and determine a terminal device at a cell edge according to the latest terminal device location, so as to more accurately determine the terminal device at the cell edge.

[0043] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first core network device, a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first core network device, a logic module or software, etc. that implements all or part of the function of the first core network device. Hereinafter, the execution subject is taken as the first core network device for example. The method comprises:

[0044] receiving a first request from a first access network device, the first request being used to request a location of a terminal device served by a first cell.

[0045] sending second information to the first access network device according to the first request, the second information indicating a location of a second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device served by the first cell.

[0046] That is, the first core network device sends the second information in the case of receiving the first request, thereby reducing the sending frequency of the second information, reducing resource consumption, and also enabling the first access network device to timely perform load balancing based on the second information.

[0047] In a possible design, the first request comprises an identifier of the first cell and / or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the terminal device served by the first cell.

[0048] In a possible design, the sending of the second information to the first access network device according to the first request comprises:

[0049] According to the first request, a second request is sent to the second terminal device, the second request being used to request a terminal device location.

[0050] Position information is received from the second terminal device, the position information indicating a location of the second terminal device.

[0051] The position information is sent to the first access network device, the second information including the position information.

[0052] That is, considering that a terminal device is mobile, the location of the same terminal device at different times can be different, therefore, the first core network device can timely acquire the latest terminal device location based on a cell load state, thereby providing the first access network device with the latest terminal device location, so that the first access network device can more accurately determine a terminal device at a cell edge based on the latest terminal device location.

[0053] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first terminal device, a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first terminal device, or a logic module or software, etc. that implements all or part of the function of the first terminal device. Hereinafter, the execution subject is taken as the first terminal device for example. The method includes:

[0054] First information is received from a first core network device, the first information indicating entry into an idle state. In response to the first information, entry into the idle state is performed.

[0055] That is, the first core network device indicates the first terminal device to enter the idle state through the first information, which has small resource overhead, and is also helpful for load balancing of the first cell. Moreover, the first information does not need to pass through the first access network device, and has small impact on the first access network device.

[0056] In a possible design, the method further includes receiving sixth information from the first core network device, the sixth information indicating a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell being a cell recommended to be reselected to, and the third cell being a cell prohibited to be reselected to.

[0057] That is, the first core network device further indicates the second cell and / or the third cell to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device reselects to the second cell, or so that the first terminal device avoids reselecting to the third cell.

[0058] In a possible design, the method further includes receiving a second request from the first core network device, the second request being used to request a terminal device location.

[0059] sending, to the first core network device, location information, the location information indicating a location of the first terminal device.

[0060] That is, considering that the terminal device is mobile, the location of the same terminal device at different time points can be different, therefore, the first terminal device provides the latest terminal device location to the first core network device in a timely manner in response to the first request.

[0061] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first access network device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first access network device, or by a logic module or software, etc. that implements all or part of the function of the first access network device. Hereinafter, the execution subject is taken as the first access network device for example. The method comprises:

[0062] determining a load status of a first cell, and sending, to a first core network device, fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded, so as to inform the first core network device that the first cell is overloaded.

[0063] In a possible design, the method further comprises: sending, to the first core network device, fifth information indicating a coverage range of the first cell.

[0064] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first access network device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first access network device, or by a logic module or software, etc. that implements all or part of the function of the first access network device. Hereinafter, the execution subject is taken as the first access network device for example. The method comprises:

[0065] receiving, from a first core network device, third information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by a first cell and located at an edge of the first cell, and sending, to the first terminal device, eighth information indicating entering an idle state according to the third information.

[0066] That is, the third information indicates a terminal device at the edge of a cell, and the first access network device instructs the first terminal device to enter an idle state according to the first information, which is helpful to achieve load balancing of the first cell.

[0067] In a possible design, the method further includes: receiving sixth information from the first core network device, where the sixth information indicates a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell is a cell suggested to be reselected to, and the third cell is a cell forbidden to be reselected to.

[0068] In a possible design, the method further includes: determining a load status of the first cell, and sending, to the first core network device, fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded in a case that the first cell is overloaded.

[0069] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending, to the first core network device, fifth information indicating a coverage range of the first cell.

[0070] The technical effects brought by any of the designs of the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by different designs of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first access network device, a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first access network device, or a logic module or software, etc. that implements all or part of the function of the first access network device. Hereinafter, the method is described by taking the first access network device as an example. The method includes:

[0072] receiving second information from a first core network device, where the second information indicates a location of a second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device of the first cell.

[0073] sending, to a first terminal device, eighth information indicating to enter an idle state according to the second information, where the first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at an edge of the first cell, and the second terminal device includes the first terminal device.

[0074] That is, the first access network device instructs the first terminal device to enter the idle state according to the second information, which is of small resource overhead and also helps to achieve load balancing of the first cell.

[0075] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending, to the first core network device, a first request for requesting a location of a terminal device served by the first cell.

[0076] In a possible design, the method further includes: determining a load status of the first cell, and sending, to the first core network device, fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded in a case that the first cell is overloaded.

[0077] The technical effects brought by any of the designs in the sixth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by the different designs in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first core network device, a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first core network device, a logic module or software, etc. that implements all or part of the function of the first core network device. In the following, the first core network device is taken as an example for description. The method includes:

[0079] determining third information, the third information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by a first cell and located at an edge of the first cell; and sending the third information to a first access network device.

[0080] In a possible design, the first cell includes all cells under the first access network device.

[0081] That is, the third information indicates a terminal device at the edge of a cell, which enables the first access network device to perform load balancing based on the third information in a timely manner.

[0082] In an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods described above. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the modules in the methods, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by a combination of hardware and software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0083] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the aspects and any of the possible implementation manners. The transceiver module, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the functions of sending and / or receiving in any of the aspects and any of the possible implementation manners. The transceiver module can be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver chip, or a communication interface.

[0084] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the functions of sending or receiving in any of the aspects and any of the possible implementation manners.

[0085] In a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods in any of the aspects or any of the possible designs of the aspects.

[0086] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method of any of the aspects or the method in any of the possible designs of any of the aspects.

[0087] Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a memory, which can be coupled with the processor, or the memory can exist independently of the processor, for example, the memory and the processor are two independent modules. The memory can be located outside the communication apparatus or inside the communication apparatus.

[0088] In an eleventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, enable the method of any of the aspects or the method in any of the possible designs of any of the aspects to be implemented.

[0089] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions, which, when executed, enable the method of any of the aspects or the method in any of the possible designs of any of the aspects to be implemented.

[0090] The communication apparatus provided in any of the eighth aspect to the twelfth aspect can be the first core network device in the first aspect, the second aspect or the seventh aspect, or a component included in the first core network device, such as a chip or a chip system; or can be the first terminal device in the third aspect, or a component included in the first terminal device, such as a chip or a chip system; or can be the first access network device in the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect, or a component included in the first access network device, such as a chip or a chip system. When the apparatus is a chip system, the apparatus can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0091] It can be understood that, when the communication apparatus provided in any of the eighth aspect to the twelfth aspect is a chip, the transmitting action / function of the communication apparatus can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication apparatus can be understood as inputting information.

[0092] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, configured to implement the method of any of the aspects or the method in any of the possible designs of any of the aspects. Optionally, the communication apparatus comprises a communication device, a chip system or a chip. The communication device comprises the first core network device, the first access network device or the first terminal device.

[0093] The technical effects brought by any of the eighth aspect to the thirteenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by any of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0094] Fig. 1 is a satellite network architecture diagram in a transparent mode according to the present application.

[0095] Fig. 2 is a satellite network architecture diagram in an open access network according to the present application.

[0096] Fig. 3 is a satellite network architecture diagram in a regenerative mode according to the present application.

[0097] Fig. 4 is a satellite network architecture diagram in another regenerative mode according to the present application.

[0098] Fig. 5 is a satellite network architecture diagram in yet another regenerative mode according to the present application.

[0099] Fig. 6 is a satellite network architecture diagram in yet another regenerative mode according to the present application.

[0100] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to the present application.

[0101] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of another communication method according to the present application.

[0102] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram of yet another communication method according to the present application.

[0103] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram of yet another communication method according to the present application.

[0104] Fig. 11 is a flow diagram of yet another communication method according to the present application.

[0105] Fig. 12 is a flow diagram of yet another communication method according to the present application.

[0106] Fig. 13 is a flow diagram of yet another communication method according to the present application.

[0107] Fig. 14 is a flow diagram of yet another communication method according to the present application.

[0108] Fig. 15 is a flow diagram of yet another communication method according to the present application.

[0109] Fig. 16 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to the present application.

[0110] Fig. 17 is a structural diagram of another communication apparatus according to the present application.

[0111] Fig. 18 is a structural diagram of yet another communication apparatus according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0113] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0114] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to a third generation partnership project (3 rd generation partnership project, 3GPP) communication system, such as a fifth generation (5 th generation, 5G) or new radio (NR) system, a fourth generation (4 th generation, 4G) or long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, and the like. The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to future communication systems (also referred to as future communication networks). The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and internet of things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0115] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system 1000 to which the embodiments of the present application are applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system includes a radio access network 100. Optionally, the communication system 1000 can also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300. The radio access network 100 can include at least one access network device (such as 110a and 110b in FIG. 1) and at least one terminal device (such as 120a-120j in FIG. 1). The terminal device can communicate with the access network device in a wireless manner. Optionally, different access network devices can communicate with each other. Optionally, different terminal devices can communicate with each other.

[0116] It should be noted that FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, and although not shown, the communication system 1000 can also include other network devices, such as one or more of core network (CN) devices, wireless relay devices, and wireless backhaul devices, without limitation.

[0117] The access network device can be connected to the core network device by wireless or wired means. The core network device and the access network device can be independent and different physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the access network device can be integrated on the same physical device, or a physical device can integrate part of the functions of the core network device and part of the functions of the access network device, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0118] Optionally, the terminal device accesses the core network through the access network device. The terminal device includes a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity for a user. Specifically, the device includes a device that provides voice for the user, or a device that provides data connectivity for the user, or a device that provides both voice and data connectivity for the user. For example, the device can include a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with the core network via the radio access network, exchange voice or data with the RAN, or interact with the RAN for voice and data. The terminal device can include a user equipment (UE), a wireless terminal device, a mobile terminal device, a D2D terminal device, a V2X terminal device, a machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal device, an internet of things (IoT) terminal device, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, or a user device, etc. For example, the terminal device can include a mobile phone (or called a "cellular" phone), a computer with a mobile terminal device, a portable, pocket, handheld, computer-built-in mobile device, etc. For example, the terminal device can include a personal communication service (PCS) phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. The terminal device also includes a limited device, such as a device with low power consumption, a device with limited storage capacity, or a device with limited computing capability, etc. For example, the terminal device can include a bar code, a radio frequency identification (RFID), a sensor, a global positioning system (GPS), a laser scanner, etc. information sensing device.

[0119] Optionally, the access network device is a network side device with wireless transceiving function. The access network device can be an apparatus in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication function for a terminal device, referred to as a RAN device. The RAN can be an access network in 3GPP, for example, a 4G or 5G network. The RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network of two or more of the above networks. The RAN device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a long range radio (LoRa) system, or a vehicle-to-everything system. The RAN device can also be a module or unit that completes part of the function of a base station, for example, a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU here completes the function of the radio resource control protocol and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also complete the function of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU completes the function of the radio link control layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also complete part of the function of the physical layer or the entire function of the physical layer. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, reference can be made to the relevant technical specifications of 3GPP. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged or included in the same network element, for example, a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, for example, a radio frequency remote unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, the CU, the DU, or the RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings.For example, in an ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), the DU, and the RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. The radio access network device can be a macro base station (such as 110a in FIG. 1), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in FIG. 1), a relay node or a donor node, etc. Embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the radio access network device. For ease of description, the access network device is referred to as a radio access network device, and the base station is an example of the radio access network device.

[0120] In addition, an open access network is introduced: as shown in FIG. 2, it also includes an intelligent controller (RAN intelligent controller, RIC). The RIC communicates with the eNB through an E2 interface. The RIC is used to collect network information and perform necessary optimization operations. For example, the RIC controls the eNB to send relevant information to other communication devices.

[0121] Optionally, the core network device refers to a device in a core network (CN) that provides service support for the terminal device. For example, the core network device includes an access management network element, a session management network element, etc. The access management network element is mainly used for mobility management and access management, and can be used to implement functions other than session management in the mobility management entity (MME) function, such as lawful monitoring and access authorization / authentication functions.

[0122] In the 4G system, the access management network element can include an MME. The MME is responsible for the mobility management of the control plane, including user context and mobile state management, allocation of user temporary identity, etc.

[0123] In the 5G system, the access management network element can include a core access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The AMF network element is responsible for the access management and mobility management of the terminal device.

[0124] It should be understood that the core network device can also include other network elements, such as a user plane function (UPF) network element, etc., which will not be described one by one here.

[0125] It should be understood that the network element in this application can also be referred to as an entity or a functional entity, for example, the AMF network element can also be referred to as an AMF entity or an AMF functional entity.

[0126] It should be understood that this application can also include other devices such as operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network elements, etc.

[0127] In addition, the communication system to which the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application apply also includes a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0128] From a broad perspective, the base stations / sites in the NTN include various types of base stations in the air, such as low earth orbit (LEO), middle earth orbit (MEO), geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO), high altitude platform (HAPS) system, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). From the perspective of 3GPP, the base stations / sites in the NTN mainly include GEO, MEO, LEO, or HAPS.

[0129] Generally, the satellites commonly referred to by people mainly include GEO, MEO, and LEO, which are mainly classified according to the height of the orbit. Among them, the LEO satellite, simply referred to as a "low-orbit satellite", has an orbital height of about 160-2,000 km. Most earth observation satellites, geodetic satellites, space stations, and some new communication satellite systems use low-orbit satellites. The MEO satellite, simply referred to as a "medium-orbit satellite", has an orbital height of 2,000-35,786 km, and is commonly used for television relays, navigation, etc. The GEO satellite, simply referred to as a "high-orbit satellite", has an orbital height of about 35,786 km, and the relative position of the satellite running on this orbit to the earth is not affected by the earth's rotation, and is commonly used for remote sensing, satellite telephones, etc.

[0130] Next, taking the terminal device as an UE for example, five kinds of RAN architectures based on NTN are introduced, which can be divided into a transparent architecture and a regenerative architecture. First, the transparent architecture is introduced.

[0131] Architecture 1: transparent architecture.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 3, in the process of communication between the UE and the gNB, the satellite communicates with the NTN gateway through the NR system air interface (Uu interface), the gNB communicates with the 5G CN through the next generation (NG) interface, and the 5G CN communicates with the data network through the N6 interface. Among them, the network communication segment between the UE and the gNB (also can be ng-eNB, not shown in the figure) is called remote radio unit (RRU), and the NG-RAN node is used to ensure the normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. The satellite can be used as an L1 relay for radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification to regenerate the physical layer signal, so that the physical layer signal is invisible to the protocol layer above the physical layer. The NTN gateway can support all necessary functions of forwarding NR-Uu interface signals, and forward the NR-Uu interface signals (from the UE) forwarded by the satellite to the gNB, or forward the NR-Uu interface signals from the gNB to the satellite. Such architecture can be called "transparent architecture" or "transparent satellite architecture", in which the satellite can be understood as a RRU of the ground gNB, and the satellite only provides simple physical signal coverage. However, the function of radio remote needs to pass through the NTN gateway and the microwave link between the satellite and the NTN gateway to reach the satellite, and in the middle, no protocol layer processing is performed and no logical interface is established.

[0133] The following introduces four regenerative architectures.

[0134] Architecture 2: Regenerative satellite without inter-satellite link (ISL), with base station processing function.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 4, the satellite can act as a base station, for example, the satellite interconnects with the UE through the NR-Uu interface to communicate. Meanwhile, the satellite interconnects with the 5G CN through the NG interface to communicate, and the 5G CN interconnects with the data network through the N6 interface to communicate, wherein, in the process of interconnecting with the 5G CN, the NTN gateway is used to connect the network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In the satellite-NTN gateway network segment, the NG interface is an interface deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI), and the NG-RAN node is used to ensure the normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. The NTN gateway is a transport network layer node, supports all necessary transport protocols, and connects the network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. Such an architecture can be referred to as a "regenerative architecture", in which the satellite acts as a base station and has the full protocol layer processing function of a base station, and can directly process signals from the UE or directly transmit signals to the UE.

[0136] Architecture 3: Regenerative satellite with inter-satellite link, with base station processing function.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 5, the satellite 1 and the satellite 2 can act as base stations, for example, the satellite 1 interconnects with the UE through the NR-Uu interface to communicate, and interconnects with another satellite 2 acting as a base station through the Xn interface to communicate, wherein the Xn interface can be deployed on the inter-satellite link (ISL). Meanwhile, the satellite 1 and the satellite 2 interconnect with the 5G CN through the NG interface to communicate, and the 5G CN interconnects with the data network through the N6 interface to communicate, wherein, in the process of interconnecting with the 5G CN, the NTN gateway is used to connect the network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In the satellite-NTN gateway network segment, the NG interface is an interface deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI), and the NG-RAN node is used to ensure the normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. The NTN gateway is a transport network layer node, supports all necessary transport protocols, and connects the network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In architecture 3, the satellite can also be regarded as a base station, and the difference between architecture 3 and architecture 2 is that the ISL exists in this scenario, the Xn interface can be established between satellites, and when the satellite 1 is not visible to the NTN gateway, the data of the satellite 1 can be returned to the ground through the satellite 2. Architecture 3 is the most potential architecture in the future.

[0138] Architecture 4: Regenerative satellite with DU processing function of base station.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 6, in the process of communication between the UE and the base station (gNB) central unit (CU), the satellite acts as a base station (gNB) distributed unit (DU), the satellite is interconnected and communicates with the NTN gateway through the F1 interface, the gNB-CU is interconnected and communicates with the 5G CN through the NG interface, and the 5G CN is interconnected and communicates with the data network through the N6 interface. The NG-RAN node is used to ensure the normal communication between the UE and the 5G CN. In this architecture, the satellite has part of the base station function, that is, the gNB-DU function, directly processes the signal from the UE or directly sends the signal to the UE.

[0140] Architecture 5: Satellite with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) function.

[0141] In this scenario, the satellite can act as an IAB node, similar to architecture 4, but the difference is that in architecture 5, in addition to deploying the DU on the satellite, a mobile terminal (MT) module is also deployed, which uses the air interface between the MT and the ground base station for backhaul, and does not need to separately establish a microwave backhaul link between the satellite and the NTN gateway.

[0142] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application will be briefly described first. It should be understood that these descriptions are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments of the present application, and should not constitute any limitation on the present application.

[0143] 1. Coarse location report

[0144] A serving access network device of a terminal device, such as a serving gNB, reports user location information (ULI) to a serving AMF network element of the terminal device. The ULI includes a serving cell ID of the terminal device and a tracking area code (TAC). In an NTN, the serving cell ID of the terminal device cannot accurately reflect the location of the terminal device due to a large cell coverage range, and therefore a mapped cell ID is introduced. The serving cell ID reported by the access network device in the ULI in the NTN is a mapped cell ID after mapping. The mapped cell ID can be understood as a virtual cell ID after mapping based on the location of the terminal device. Although the actual physical cell range of the NTN is large, it can be further divided into several virtual cells, and the relationship between the mapped cell ID and the physical area is configured on the AMF network element and the access network device (such as a gNB). The access network device (such as a gNB) requests a coarse location from the terminal device, the terminal device reports the coarse location to the access network device (such as a gNB) through a radio resource control (RRC) message, the access network device (such as a gNB) converts the coarse location of the terminal device into a mapped cell ID, and reports the mapped cell ID to the core network in the ULI. The core network manages the location of the terminal device based on the mapped cell ID.

[0145] It should be understood that in the present application, the coarse location is used to represent the rough location of the terminal device, and does not involve user privacy. The unit of the coarse location can be kilometers. The coarse location can also be described as a rough location, and the present application takes the coarse location as an example for introduction.

[0146] In the above process, the terminal device needs to report its coarse location to the access network device. The coarse location of the terminal device is obtained based on a global navigation satellite system (GNSS).

[0147] In some embodiments, a narrow band-internet of things (NB-IoT) system in LTE is a lightweight system without access stratum (AS) security mechanism, and there is no air interface encryption and integrity protection between a terminal device and an access network device (e.g., an eNB), but there is a non-access stratum (NAS) security mechanism between the terminal device and an MME network element. Therefore, the terminal device in the NB-IoT is not allowed to report its coarse location through an RRC message, but is directly reported to the MME network element through a NAS message, so that the MME network element directly obtains the location of the terminal device. The MME network element obtains the mapped cell ID of the terminal device through implementation within the core network (e.g., requesting a positioning server), without having to rely on the access network device (e.g., the eNB) to report the ULI of the terminal device.

[0148] Since the MME network element obtains the mapped cell ID of the terminal device without relying on the access network device (e.g., the eNB) to report the ULI of the terminal device, the coarse location of the terminal device does not need to be sent to the access network device (e.g., the eNB), and the access network device (e.g., the eNB) generates the mapped cell ID of the terminal device and then reports it to the MME network element.

[0149] However, the access network device (e.g., the eNB) obtaining the coarse location of the terminal device has other benefits. For example, the access network device (e.g., the eNB) can perform load balancing based on the coarse location of the terminal device. Specifically, when the cells under the access network device (e.g., the eNB) are heavily loaded, the access network device (e.g., the eNB) can determine which terminal devices are located at the edge of the cell based on the coarse location of the terminal device, and the access network device (e.g., the eNB) releases (RRCRelease) the terminal devices at the edge of the cell. Optionally, the neighboring cell can also be indicated in the RRCRelease message, and the terminal device is re-directed to the neighboring cell. The advantage of this is that the terminal device at the edge of the cell is likely to also be located within the coverage of the neighboring cell, and can reselect to the neighboring cell, while the terminal device at the center of the cell is difficult to reselect to the neighboring cell.

[0150] Therefore, although the terminal device is not allowed to report the coarse location to the access network device (e.g., the eNB) due to the lack of AS security, the MME network element can send the coarse location of the terminal device to the access network device (e.g., the eNB) after obtaining it, so that the access network device performs load balancing based on the coarse location of the terminal device.

[0151] In some embodiments, after the MME network element obtains the coarse location of the terminal device, the MME network element sends the coarse location to the access network device (such as the eNB), and the access network device (such as the eNB) performs load balancing based on the coarse location of the terminal device when needed. For example, the MME network element sends the coarse locations of all terminal devices in the coverage range of the access network device (such as the eNB) to the access network device (such as the eNB) so that the access network device (such as the eNB) determines which terminal devices are located at the edge of the cell. Since the coverage range of the NTN cell is large, when the MME network element sends the coarse locations of all terminal devices in the coverage range of the NTN cell to the access network device (such as the eNB), a large resource overhead is generated. How to reduce the resource overhead is a technical problem to be solved.

[0152] Therefore, the present application provides four communication methods. Each method is applied to the system shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0153] First, the description of the part involved in the present application is explained:

[0154] First, the first cell is a cell under the first access network device. For example, the first access network device covers at least one cell, and the first cell is one or more cells in the at least one cell.

[0155] Second, the location of the terminal device includes the coarse location of the terminal device, which can be denoted as coarse location. For example, the location of the first terminal device includes the coarse location of the first terminal device. For another example, the location of the second terminal device includes the coarse location of the second terminal device.

[0156] Third, the category of the terminal device:

[0157] The first terminal device refers to a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. The first terminal device is one or more terminal devices.

[0158] The second terminal device refers to a terminal device served by the first cell. The second terminal device is one or more terminal devices. It should be understood that the terminal device served by the first cell is one or more. The second terminal device can be understood as all terminal devices served by the first cell, or part of the terminal devices served by the first cell.

[0159] In the present application, the second terminal device includes the first terminal device.

[0160] The third terminal device refers to other terminal devices in the second terminal device except the first terminal device.

[0161] It should be understood that, in the present application, the first terminal device is included in the second terminal device, so there can be the following cases:

[0162] The first terminal device is the same as the second terminal device, in which case the third terminal device does not exist.

[0163] Or, in addition to the first terminal device, the second terminal device also includes other terminal devices, namely the third terminal device.

[0164] Fourth, the cell edge refers to the edge area of the cell. For example, the area with a distance greater than or equal to a certain threshold from the center of the cell, or the area with a distance less than or equal to a certain threshold from the boundary of the cell.

[0165] Next, in conjunction with FIG. 7, the communication method 700 proposed in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail:

[0166] S701, the first core network device determines the load state of the first cell.

[0167] Among them, the first core network device is introduced as follows:

[0168] Taking the 4G system as an example, the first core network device includes the MME network element.

[0169] Taking the 5G system as an example, the first core network device includes the AMF network element.

[0170] Among them, the load state of the first cell includes: the first cell is overloaded, or the first cell is not overloaded, or the load size of the first cell, etc.

[0171] For the first core network device, after the first core network device determines the load state of the first cell, S702 is executed:

[0172] S702, the first core network device sends second information to the first access network device according to the load state of the first cell. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0173] Among them, the second information indicates the location of the second terminal device. The second terminal device is the terminal device served by the first cell.

[0174] Exemplarily, the second information includes the identity of the second terminal device and the coarse location of the second terminal device. The identity of the second terminal device includes the S1 application protocol (S1 application, S1AP) identity. Among them, the S1 interface refers to the interface between the first access network device and the first core network device, such as the interface between the eNB and the MME.

[0175] Exemplarily, the second information is carried in a UE-level S1 message or an interface-level S1 message.

[0176] The implementation process of S702 includes:

[0177] In the case that the first cell is overloaded, the first core network device sends the second information to the first access network device, or in the case that the load size of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first core network device sends the second information to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can timely perform load balancing. Compared with the manner in the related art, i.e., the first core network device sends the positions of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in the present application, the first core network device sends the positions of the terminal devices of the overloaded cell, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0178] It should be understood that, for the first core network device, in the case that the first cell is not overloaded or the load size of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network device does not need to perform the sending of the second information, so as to reduce resource overhead.

[0179] For the first access network device, after receiving the second information, the first access network device performs S703.

[0180] S703, the first access network device sends eighth information to the first terminal device according to the second information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the eighth information from the first access network device.

[0181] The first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. The first terminal device is included in the second terminal device, for example, the first terminal device is one or more of the second terminal device.

[0182] The eighth information indicates entering an idle state, i.e., the eighth information indicates the first terminal device to enter the idle state. Exemplarily, the eighth information is carried in an RRC release (RRCRelease) message.

[0183] The implementation process of S703 includes: the first access network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal device according to the cell coverage range and the second information, and then sends the eighth information to the first terminal device. The cell coverage range includes the cell coverage range under the first access network device and the cell coverage range under other access network devices, which will be described in detail in the introduction of FIG. 15, and will not be described here.

[0184] Based on S701-S703, the first core network device determines whether to send the second information according to the load state of the first cell, thereby reducing the sending frequency of the second information, reducing resource overhead, and enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing based on the second information in a timely manner. Compared with the manner in the related art, that is, the first core network device sends the positions of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in the present application, the first core network device determines whether to send the second information according to the load state of the first cell, and resource overhead is small.

[0185] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0186] S704, the second terminal device sends its coarse position to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse position from the second terminal device.

[0187] Illustratively, the coarse position of the second terminal device is obtained by the second terminal device based on GNSS.

[0188] Illustratively, the coarse position of the second terminal device is carried in a NAS message.

[0189] It should be understood that the first core network device can first perform S704 and then perform S701. For example, when the second terminal device accesses the network, the second terminal device reports its coarse position to the first core network device through a NAS message.

[0190] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, S701 includes S701a or S701b:

[0191] S701a, the first access network device sends fourth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth information from the first access network device.

[0192] The fourth information indicates that the first cell is overloaded.

[0193] Exemplarily, the fourth information comprises an identity of the first cell and / or a first identity. The identity of the first cell comprises an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network cell global ID (ECGI). The first identity is used to identify a terminal device served by the first cell. For example, the first identity is one identity used to identify one terminal device served by the first cell. Alternatively, the first identity is a plurality of identities, each of which is used to identify one terminal device served by the first cell. For the first core network device, the first core network device can know terminal devices served by different cells, and determine which cell serves the terminal device identified by the first identity based on the first identity, so as to determine which cell is overloaded. That is, the first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded according to the first identity.

[0194] The S701a comprises: after the first access network device determines that the first cell is overloaded, the first access network device sends the fourth information to the first core network device.

[0195] It should be understood that the fourth information can also have other names, such as a cell overloaded indication. In this application, the fourth information is taken as an example for introduction.

[0196] That is, the first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded based on the fourth information.

[0197] The S701b comprises: the first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded through other network devices.

[0198] The other network devices comprise an OAM network element.

[0199] The S701b comprises: the first core network device receives data from the other network devices, and determines that the first cell is overloaded according to the received data. For details, please refer to related technologies, which will not be described herein.

[0200] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the S702 comprises S702a-S702c:

[0201] The S702a comprises: the first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device according to the load state of the first cell. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device.

[0202] The second request is used to request a terminal device location. It can be understood that the second request is used to request a location of a terminal device served by the first cell.

[0203] Exemplarily, the second request is carried in a NAS message.

[0204] S702a, the first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device in a case that the first cell is overloaded, or sends the second request to the second terminal device in a case that the load size of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, to obtain the latest location information.

[0205] It should be understood that, for the first core network device, in a case that the first cell is not overloaded or the load size of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network device does not need to perform the sending of the second request, to reduce resource overhead.

[0206] It should be understood that the second request can also have other names, such as a coarse location request. In this application, the second request is taken as an example for introduction.

[0207] For the second terminal device, after receiving the second request, the second terminal device performs S702b:

[0208] S702b, the second terminal device sends location information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the location information from the second terminal device.

[0209] The location information indicates the location of the second terminal device. Exemplarily, the location information includes a coarse location of the second terminal device.

[0210] For the first core network device, after receiving the location information, the first core network device performs S702c:

[0211] S702c, the first core network device sends second information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0212] The second information includes the location information.

[0213] That is, considering that the terminal device is mobile, the location of the same terminal device at different times can be different, therefore, the first core network device can timely obtain the latest terminal device location based on the cell load state, to provide the latest terminal device location to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can more accurately determine the terminal device at the cell edge based on the latest terminal device location.

[0214] It should be understood that S702a-S702b are optional steps. If S702a-S702b are not performed, the second information sent by the first core network device includes the location information obtained last time, such as the coarse location in S704.

[0215] It should be understood that in S704 and S702a-S702b, the second terminal device is taken as an example for description. Since the second terminal device includes the first terminal device, or the second terminal device includes the first terminal device and the third terminal device, S704 can be understood as that the first terminal device and the third terminal device respectively send their coarse positions to the first core network device. S702a can be understood as that the first core network device respectively sends the second request to the first terminal device and the third terminal device. S702b can be understood as that the first terminal device and the third terminal device respectively send the location information to the first core network device.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first access network device further determines a second cell, and sends indication information to the first terminal device. The indication information indicates the second cell, or indicates the first terminal device to reselect to the second cell. The second cell is a cell recommended to reselect to. It can be understood that the first terminal device is recommended to reselect to the cell.

[0217] For example, the first access network device acquires a cell coverage range, such as a coverage range of a neighboring cell of the first cell, and then determines the second cell according to the location information, so as to send the indication information to the first terminal device. For example, the second information includes information of the second cell, such as one or more of a frequency, a carrier, a cell identifier, and a satellite identifier.

[0218] Next, the communication method 900 proposed in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail in combination with FIG. 9.

[0219] S901, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first request from the first access network device.

[0220] The first core network device can refer to the description of S701, and will not be described here.

[0221] The first request is used to request a location of a terminal device served by the first cell.

[0222] For example, the first request includes an identifier of the first cell and / or a first identifier. The identifier of the first cell includes an ECGI. The first identifier is used to identify the terminal device served by the first cell. For example, the first identifier is one or more identifiers, which can be seen from the description of S701a, and will not be described here. For the first core network device, the first core network device can know terminal devices served by different cells, and determine which cell serves the terminal device identified by the first identifier based on the first identifier, so as to determine which cell the first request requests the location of. That is, the first core network device determines the location of the terminal device served by the first cell according to the first identifier.

[0223] The implementation process of S901 includes the following steps:

[0224] In the case of overload of the first cell, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device, or in the case that the load size of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device, so that the first access network device can timely perform load balancing, or when the first access network device wants to obtain the location of the terminal device served by the first cell, the first access network device sends a first request to the first core network device.

[0225] For the first core network device, after receiving the first request, the first core network device performs S902:

[0226] S902, the first core network device sends second information to the first access network device according to the first request. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0227] The second information indicates the location of the second terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell, which can be referred to the introduction of S702 and will not be repeated.

[0228] For the first access network device, after receiving the second information, the first access network device performs S903:

[0229] S903, the first access network device sends eighth information to the first terminal device according to the second information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the eighth information from the first access network device.

[0230] The first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell. The first terminal device is included in the second terminal device, for example, the first terminal device is one or more of the second terminal device.

[0231] The eighth information indicates entering an idle state.

[0232] S903 can be referred to the introduction of S703 and will not be repeated.

[0233] Based on S901-S903, the first core network device sends the second information when receiving the first request, thereby reducing the frequency of sending the second information, reducing resource overhead, and enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing based on the second information in a timely manner. Compared with the manner in the related art, that is, the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in the present application, the first core network device determines whether to send the second information according to the first request, and the resource overhead is small.

[0234] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0235] S904, the second terminal device sends its coarse position to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse position from the second terminal device.

[0236] Wherein, S904 can refer to the introduction of S704, and will not be repeated.

[0237] It should be understood that the first core network device can perform S904 first, and then perform S901. For example, when the second terminal device accesses the network, the second terminal device reports the coarse position of the second terminal device to the first core network device through a NAS message.

[0238] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, S902 includes S902a-S902c:

[0239] S902a, the first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device according to the first request. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device.

[0240] Wherein, the second request is used to request the position of the terminal device. It can be understood that the second request is used to request the position of the terminal device served by the first cell.

[0241] Exemplarily, the second request is carried in a NAS message.

[0242] Exemplarily, the first core network device sends the second request to the second terminal device upon receiving the first request.

[0243] It should be understood that for the first core network device, in the case where the first request is not received, the first core network device does not need to perform the sending of the second request, so as to reduce resource overhead.

[0244] For the second terminal device, after receiving the second request, the second terminal device performs S902b:

[0245] S902b, the second terminal device sends the position information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the position information from the second terminal device.

[0246] Wherein, the position information indicates the position of the second terminal device.

[0247] Wherein, S902b can refer to the introduction of S702b, and will not be repeated.

[0248] For the first core network device, after receiving the position information, the first core network device performs S902c:

[0249] S902c. The first core network device sends second information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the second information from the first core network device.

[0250] The second information includes location information.

[0251] It should be understood that S902a-S902b are optional steps. If S902a-S902b are not performed, the second information sent by the first core network device includes the last obtained location information, such as the coarse position in S904.

[0252] It should be understood that in S904 and S902a-S902b, the second terminal device is taken as an example for description. Since the second terminal device includes the first terminal device, or the second terminal device includes the first terminal device and the third terminal device, S904 can be understood as that the first terminal device and the third terminal device respectively send their own coarse positions to the first core network device. S902a can be understood as that the first core network device respectively sends second requests to the first terminal device and the third terminal device. S902b can be understood as that the first terminal device and the third terminal device respectively send location information to the first core network device.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first access network device further determines a second cell and sends indication information to the first terminal device. The indication information indicates the second cell or indicates the first terminal device to reselect to the second cell, which is described in the communication method 700 and will not be repeated here.

[0254] Next, the communication method 1100 proposed in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in combination with FIG. 11.

[0255] S1101. The first core network device determines a load state of a first cell.

[0256] S1101 can be referred to the description of S701 and will not be repeated here.

[0257] For the first core network device, after the first core network device determines the load state of the first cell, S1102 is performed:

[0258] S1102. The first core network device sends third information to the first access network device according to the load state of the first cell. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third information from the first core network device.

[0259] The third information indicates the first terminal device. The first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0260] Exemplarily, the third information comprises an identity of the first terminal device. The identity of the first terminal device comprises an S1AP identity.

[0261] Exemplarily, the third information is carried in a UE level S1 message or an interface level S1 message.

[0262] Exemplarily, the third information comprises a location of the first terminal device. The first access network device determines which of the first terminal devices to release to the IDLE state based on the location of the first terminal device for load balancing.

[0263] The implementation process of S1102 comprises:

[0264] In a case that the first cell is overloaded, the first core network device sends the third information to the first access network device, or in a case that the load size of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first core network device sends the third information to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can timely perform load balancing. Compared with the manner in the related art, i.e., the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in the present application, the first core network device indicates the terminal devices at the edge of the overloaded cell to the first access network device, thereby reducing resource overhead.

[0265] It should be understood that, for the first core network device, in a case that the first cell is not overloaded or the load size of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network device does not need to perform the sending of the third information, so as to reduce resource overhead.

[0266] For the first access network device, after receiving the third information, the first access network device performs S1103.

[0267] S1103, the first access network device sends eighth information to the first terminal device according to the third information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the eighth information from the first access network device.

[0268] The first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0269] The eighth information indicates entering the IDLE state, i.e., indicates the first terminal device to enter the IDLE state. Exemplarily, the eighth information is carried in an RRC release (RRCRelease) message.

[0270] As shown in S1101-S1103, the third information indicates the terminal devices at the cell edge. Compared to the method where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, this method incurs less resource overhead. Furthermore, the first core network device determines whether to send the third information based on the load status of the first cell, thereby reducing the transmission frequency of the third information and enabling the first access network device to perform load balancing processing in a timely manner based on the third information. Compared to the method in related technologies, where the first core network device sends the locations of all terminal devices under the first access network device, the method in this application where the first core network device determines whether to send the third information based on the load status of the first cell results in less resource overhead.

[0271] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG12, this application further includes the following operations:

[0272] S1104. The second terminal device sends its coarse location to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse location from the second terminal device.

[0273] For S1104, please refer to the description of S704, which will not be repeated here.

[0274] It should be understood that the first core network device can execute S1104 first, and then execute S1101. For example, when the second terminal device joins the network, it reports the coarse location of the second terminal device to the first core network device through NAS messages.

[0275] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG12, this application further includes the following operations:

[0276] S1105, the first access network device sends the fifth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fifth information from the first access network device.

[0277] The fifth piece of information indicates the cell coverage area. For example, the fifth piece of information indicates the cell coverage area of ​​the first access network device and the cell coverage area of ​​other access network devices. Other access network devices are adjacent to the first access network device; for example, other access network devices include the second access network device.

[0278] For example, since the first cell is a cell under the first access network device, the fifth information indicates the coverage area of ​​the first cell. Exemplarily, the fifth information includes the cell ID of the first cell and the cell coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0279] Since the second cell can be a cell under the first access network device or a cell under the second access network device, the fifth information indicates a coverage range of the second cell. Similarly, since the third cell can be a cell under the first access network device or a cell under the second access network device, the fifth information indicates a coverage range of the third cell.

[0280] It should be understood that the fifth information can also have other names, such as a cell coverage report. In this application, the fifth information is taken as an example for introduction.

[0281] It should be understood that S1105 is an optional step, and the first core network device can obtain the fifth information from the first access network device or from other network devices such as an OAM network element, which is not limited. The fifth information can be used to determine the terminal device at the edge of the first cell, which will be described in detail in the introduction of S1102c, and will not be described here.

[0282] It should be understood that the first core network device can first perform S1104 and then perform S1105, or first perform S1105 and then perform S1104, or simultaneously perform S1104 and S1105.

[0283] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, S1101 includes S1101a or S1101b:

[0284] S1101a, the first access network device sends the fourth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth information from the first access network device. Wherein, the fourth information indicates that the first cell is overloaded.

[0285] S1101b, the first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded through other network devices. Wherein, the other network devices include an OAM network element.

[0286] Wherein, S1101a-S1101b can refer to the introduction of S701a-S701b, which will not be described here.

[0287] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, S1102 includes S1102a-S1102d:

[0288] S1102a, the first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device according to the load state of the first cell. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device. Wherein, the second request is used to request the terminal device position.

[0289] S1102b. The second terminal device sends location information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the location information from the second terminal device. The location information indicates a location of the second terminal device.

[0290] S1102a-S1102b can refer to the description of S702a-S702b, and will not be described here.

[0291] S1102c. The first core network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal device according to the location information.

[0292] For example, the first core network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal device according to the location information and a coverage range of the first cell.

[0293] S1102d. The first core network device sends third information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third information from the first core network device. The third information indicates the first terminal device.

[0294] That is, considering that the terminal device is mobile, the location of the same terminal device at different times can be different, therefore, the first core network device can obtain the latest terminal device location in time based on the cell load state, and determine the terminal device at the cell edge according to the latest terminal device location, thereby more accurately determining the terminal device at the cell edge.

[0295] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0296] S1106. The first core network device sends sixth information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the sixth information from the first core network device.

[0297] The sixth information indicates the second cell and / or the third cell.

[0298] The second cell is a cell recommended to be reselected to. It can be understood as a cell that the first terminal device is recommended to be reselected to. For example, the second cell can be denoted as recommended cell.

[0299] For example, the sixth information includes information of the second cell, such as one or more of frequency, carrier, cell identifier, satellite identifier.

[0300] The third cell is a cell that is prohibited to be reselected to. It can be understood as a cell that the first terminal device is prohibited to be reselected to. For example, the third cell can be denoted as restricted cell.

[0301] Exemplarily, the sixth information comprises information of the third cell, such as one or more of frequency, carrier, cell identity, satellite identity.

[0302] The sixth information can be carried in a UE-level S1 message or an interface-level S1 message.

[0303] It should be understood that the first terminal device can be a plurality of terminal devices. If the sixth information is carried in an interface-level S1 message, each terminal device can correspond to one second cell in the same message, i.e., in a one-to-one mapping (1:1 mapping) manner, or a plurality of terminal devices can correspond to one second cell in the same message, i.e., in a many-to-one mapping (N:1 mapping) manner.

[0304] Similarly, the above mapping manners also apply to the third cell. That is, if the sixth information is carried in an interface-level S1 message, each terminal device can correspond to one third cell in the same message, i.e., in a one-to-one mapping (1:1 mapping) manner, or a plurality of terminal devices can correspond to one third cell in the same message, i.e., in a many-to-one mapping (N:1 mapping) manner.

[0305] Exemplarily, the sixth information and the third information can be carried in the same message.

[0306] In some embodiments, the first access network device further sends indication information to the first terminal device. The indication information indicates the second cell, or indicates the first terminal device to reselect to the second cell. The second cell is a cell suggested to reselect to.

[0307] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the present application further comprises the following operations:

[0308] S1107, the first core network device sends seventh information to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the seventh information from the first core network device.

[0309] The seventh information indicates the first cell.

[0310] The first cell is a cell that is prohibited to reselect to. It can be understood as a cell that the terminal device of the second access network device is prohibited to reselect to. For example, the first cell can be recorded as a restricted cell.

[0311] Exemplarily, the seventh information comprises information of the first cell, such as one or more of frequency, carrier, cell identity, satellite identity.

[0312] Exemplarily, the seventh information is carried in an S1 message.

[0313] That is, the first core network device sends the seventh information to the second access network device, so as to suggest the terminal device of the second access network device to prohibit reselecting to the first cell and to reselect to other cells, thereby improving the probability of reselection success of the terminal device and also helping to reduce the load of the first cell.

[0314] It should be understood that the first core network device performs S1101 first and then performs S1107.

[0315] For S1101-S1102, as a possible alternative, the first core network device determines the third information and sends the third information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the third information from the first core network device. The third information indicates the first terminal device. The third information and the first terminal device can be referred to the introduction of S1102 and will not be repeated here.

[0316] That is, the first core network device sends the third information to the first access network device without needing to be based on the load state of the first cell. In this way, the first cell can include all cells under the first core network device.

[0317] For the first access network device, after receiving the third information, the first access network device sends the eighth information to the first terminal device according to the third information. For details, see the introduction of S1103, which will not be repeated here.

[0318] That is, the third information indicates the terminal device at the edge of the cell, which can enable the first access network device to perform load balancing based on the third information in a timely manner.

[0319] Next, the communication method 1300 proposed by the embodiment of the application will be described in detail in combination with FIG. 13.

[0320] S1301, the first core network device determines the load state of the first cell.

[0321] The S1301 can be referred to the introduction of S701 and will not be repeated here.

[0322] For the first core network device, after determining the load state of the first cell, the first core network device performs S1302:

[0323] S1302, the first core network device sends the first information to the first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first information from the first core network device.

[0324] The first information indicates entering the idle state, that is, instructing the first terminal device to enter the idle state. The first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0325] Exemplarily, the first information is carried in a NAS message.

[0326] The implementation process of S1302 includes:

[0327] In a case that the first cell is overloaded, the first core network device sends the first information to the first terminal device, or in a case that the load size of the first cell exceeds a certain threshold, the first core network device sends the first information to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device enters the idle state in time, which helps to reduce the load of the first cell.

[0328] It should be understood that, for the first core network device, in a case that the first cell is not overloaded or the load size of the first cell does not exceed a certain threshold, the first core network device does not need to perform the sending of the first information, so as to reduce resource overhead.

[0329] For the first terminal device, after receiving the first information, the first terminal device performs S1303.

[0330] S1303, the first terminal device enters the idle state in response to the first information.

[0331] Based on S1301-S1303, the first core network device determines whether to send the first information to the first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell, so as to instruct the first terminal device at the edge of the first cell to enter the idle state, reduce the sending frequency of the first information, reduce resource overhead, and also help to achieve load balancing of the first cell. Compared with the manner in the related art, that is, the first core network device sends the positions of all terminal devices under the first access network device, in the present application, the first core network device determines whether to send the first information to the first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell, without the need for processing by the first access network device, thereby reducing the impact on the first access network device.

[0332] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0333] S1304, the second terminal device sends its coarse position to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the coarse position from the second terminal device.

[0334] S1304 can be referred to the introduction of S704, and will not be repeated here.

[0335] It should be understood that the first core network device can perform S1304 first and then perform S1301. For example, when the second terminal device enters the network, the second terminal device reports the coarse position of the second terminal device to the first core network device through a NAS message.

[0336] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0337] S1305. The first access network device sends fifth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fifth information from the first access network device. The fifth information indicates a cell coverage range.

[0338] S1305 can refer to the description of S1105, and details are not repeated.

[0339] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, S1301 includes S1301a or S1301b:

[0340] S1301a. The first access network device sends fourth information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth information from the first access network device. The fourth information indicates that the first cell is overloaded.

[0341] S1301b. The first core network device determines that the first cell is overloaded through another network device. The another network device includes an OAM network element.

[0342] S1301a-S1301b can refer to the description of S701a-S701b, and details are not repeated.

[0343] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, S1302 includes S1302a-S1302d:

[0344] S1302a. The first core network device sends a second request to the second terminal device according to the load state of the first cell. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second request from the first core network device. The second request is used to request a terminal device location.

[0345] S1302b. The second terminal device sends location information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the location information from the second terminal device. The location information indicates a location of the second terminal device.

[0346] S1302c. The first core network device determines the first terminal device from the second terminal device according to the location information.

[0347] S1302a-S1302c can refer to the description of S702a-S702c, and details are not repeated.

[0348] S1302d. The first core network device sends first information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the first information from the first core network device. The first information indicates that the first terminal device enters an idle state.

[0349] That is, considering that the terminal device is mobile, the location of the same terminal device at different time points can be different, therefore, the first core network device can timely acquire the latest terminal device location based on the cell load state, and determine the terminal device at the cell edge according to the latest terminal device location, so as to more accurately instruct the corresponding terminal device to enter the idle state.

[0350] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0351] S1306, the first core network device sends the sixth information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the sixth information from the first core network device.

[0352] The sixth information indicates the second cell and / or the third cell, the second cell is a cell recommended to reselect to, and the third cell is a cell prohibited to reselect to.

[0353] S1306 can refer to the introduction of S1106, and will not be repeated here.

[0354] Exemplarily, the sixth information and the first information can be carried in the same message.

[0355] In some embodiments, after the first terminal device enters the idle state, the cell reselection is performed, such as reselecting to the second cell.

[0356] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0357] S1307, the first core network device sends the seventh information to the second access network device. Correspondingly, the second access network device receives the seventh information from the first core network device. The seventh information indicates the first cell.

[0358] S1307 can refer to the introduction of S1107, and will not be repeated here.

[0359] In addition, in some embodiments, the communication method provided by the present application is applicable to an open access network, which can refer to the introduction of FIG. 2. In the open access network, the RIC is mainly responsible for the management and control of the network. For example, the RIC manages the coverage range of each cell, and the first access network device (such as eNB) obtains the coverage range of each cell through the RIC. The scheme in which the first access network device (such as eNB) obtains the cell coverage range through the RIC is shown in FIG. 15:

[0360] Step 1, the RIC determines the cell coverage range.

[0361] The cell coverage range includes a cell coverage range of the first access network device and a cell coverage range of other access network devices. The other access network devices are adjacent to the first access network device. The other access network devices can include a second access network device.

[0362] It should be understood that, in the present application, since the first cell is a cell under the first access network device, the cell coverage range determined by the RIC includes the coverage range of the first cell. Similarly, since the second cell is a cell under the first access network device or the second access network device, the cell coverage range determined by the RIC includes the coverage range of the second cell. Since the third cell is a cell under the first access network device or the second access network device, the cell coverage range determined by the RIC includes the coverage range of the third cell.

[0363] Exemplarily, before step 1, the first access network device sends ninth information to the RIC. Correspondingly, the RIC receives the ninth information from the first access network device. The ninth information includes one or more of the beam direction, the channel state, and the channel strength of the first access network device. For example, the ninth information is carried in an E2 message. Then, the RIC determines the cell coverage range according to the ninth information.

[0364] In step 2, the RIC sends tenth information to the first access network device. Correspondingly, the first access network device receives the tenth information from the RIC.

[0365] The tenth information indicates the cell coverage range. For example, the tenth information indicates the cell coverage range of the first access network device and the cell coverage range of the other access network devices.

[0366] Exemplarily, the tenth information includes the cell ID and the cell coverage of each cell. For example, the tenth information includes the following information: the cell ID of the first cell, the cell coverage of the first cell, the cell ID of the second cell, the cell coverage of the second cell, the cell ID of the third cell, the cell coverage of the third cell, and the like.

[0367] Exemplarily, the tenth information is carried in an E2 message.

[0368] For the first access network device, after obtaining the tenth information, the first access network device can determine the first terminal device according to the tenth information, which is described in detail in the communication method 700 and the communication method 900; or send fifth information to the first core network device according to the tenth information, so that the first core network device can timely learn the cell coverage range, which is described in detail in the communication method 1100 and the communication method 1300, and will not be described here.

[0369] It should be understood that, in the present application, the cell recommended for reselection can also be described as, for example, a cell recommended for reselection. The cell prohibited for reselection can also be described as, for example, a cell not recommended for reselection, or a cell not recommended for reselection.

[0370] It can be understood that, in each of the above embodiments, the method and / or steps implemented by each communication device can also be implemented by a component (for example, a processor, a chip, a chip system, a circuit, a logic module, or software) available to the communication device. The communication device includes the first core network device, the first terminal device, or the first access network device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or the chip system can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0371] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application 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 the present application.

[0372] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above-mentioned method embodiments. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical functional division. Actual implementation can have another division manner.

[0373] FIG. 16 shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 1600. The communication device 1600 includes a processing module 1601 and a transceiver module 1602. The communication device 1600 can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned communication device.

[0374] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 further includes a storage module (not shown in FIG. 16) for storing program instructions and data.

[0375] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1602, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 1602 can be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0376] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1602 may include a receiving module and a sending module, respectively configured to perform the receiving and sending steps performed by the communication device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1601 may be configured to perform the processing steps (e.g., determination) performed by the communication device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0377] The communication device includes a first core network device, a first terminal device, or a first access network device.

[0378] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first core network device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0379] Processing module 1601 is used to determine the load status of the first cell.

[0380] The transceiver module 1602 is used to send first information to the first terminal device according to the load status of the first cell, or to send second or third information to the first access network device according to the load status of the first cell.

[0381] Wherein, the first terminal device is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell, and the first information indicates entering an idle state; the second information indicates the location of the second terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell; the third information indicates the first terminal device, which is a terminal device serving the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

[0382] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first core network device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0383] The transceiver module 1602 is used to receive a first request from a first access network device, wherein the first request is used to request the location of a terminal device serving the first cell.

[0384] The transceiver module 1602 is further configured to send second information to the first access network device according to the first request, the second information indicating the location of the second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device serving the first cell. The second information is generated by the processing module 1601.

[0385] In one possible design, taking the communication device 1600 as the first terminal device in the above method embodiment as an example:

[0386] The transceiver module 1602 is used to receive first information from the first core network device, the first information indicating that it has entered an idle state.

[0387] The processing module 1601 is configured to enter an idle state in response to the first information.

[0388] In a possible design of the method, the communication apparatus 1600 is taken as an example of the first access network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0389] The processing module 1601 is configured to determine a load state of the first cell.

[0390] The transceiver 1602 is configured to send, to the first core network device, fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded, in a case where the first cell is overloaded.

[0391] In a possible design of the method, the communication apparatus 1600 is taken as an example of the first access network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0392] The transceiver 1602 is configured to receive third information from the first core network device, the third information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by the first cell and located at an edge of the first cell.

[0393] The transceiver 1602 is further configured to send, to the first terminal device, eighth information indicating to enter an idle state according to the third information, the eighth information being generated by the processing module 1601.

[0394] In a possible design of the method, the communication apparatus 1600 is taken as an example of the first access network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0395] The transceiver 1602 is configured to receive second information from the first core network device, the second information indicating a location of a second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device of the first cell.

[0396] The transceiver 1602 is further configured to send, to a first terminal device, eighth information indicating to enter an idle state according to the second information, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by the first cell and located at an edge of the first cell, and the second terminal device including the first terminal device, the eighth information being generated by the processing module 1601.

[0397] The foregoing method embodiments involve all related contents of the steps, which can be referred to the function description of the corresponding functional modules, and will not be repeated here.

[0398] Optionally, in this application, the transceiver module receives / transmits information, which can also be understood as the processing module receiving / transmitting information through the transceiver module. The processing module receiving / transmitting information through the transceiver module can also be understood as: the processing module controls the transceiver module to receive / transmit information. Alternatively, the processing module transmitting information through the transceiver module can be understood as: the processing module outputs information to the transceiver module, and the transceiver module transmits the information; the processing module receiving information through the transceiver module can be understood as: the transceiver module receives information and inputs the information to the processing module.

[0399] In this application, the communication apparatus 1600 can be in the form of an integrated manner to divide various functional modules. The "module" here can refer to a specific application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and a memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0400] In some embodiments, when the communication apparatus 1600 in FIG. 16 is a chip or a chip system, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1602 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1601 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0401] Since the communication apparatus 1600 provided by the embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can obtain can refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] As a possible product form, the communication apparatus described in the embodiments of the present application can also be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0403] As another possible product form, the communication apparatus described in embodiments of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of illustration, refer to FIG. 17, which is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus 1700 provided by embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus 1700 includes a processor 1701 and a transceiver 1702. The communication apparatus 1700 can be a first core network device, or a chip or chip system therein; or the communication apparatus 1700 can be a first access network device, or a chip or module therein; or the communication apparatus 1700 can be a first terminal device, or a chip or module therein. FIG. 17 only shows main components of the communication apparatus 1700. In addition to the processor 1701 and the transceiver 1702, the communication apparatus 1700 can further include a memory 1703 and an input / output device (not shown in the figure).

[0404] Optionally, the processor 1701 is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, and controlling the whole communication apparatus, executing software programs, and processing data of the software programs. The memory 1703 is mainly used for storing software programs and data. The transceiver 1702 can include radio frequency circuitry and an antenna. The radio frequency circuitry is mainly used for conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals, and processing of the radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used for transceiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0405] Optionally, the processor 1701, the transceiver 1702, and the memory 1703 can be connected through a communication bus.

[0406] It should be noted that the memory 1703 can exist independently of the processor 1701, or can be integrated with the processor 1701. The memory 1703 can be located inside the communication apparatus 1700, or can be located outside the communication apparatus 1700, without limitation.

[0407] When the communication apparatus is powered on, the processor 1701 can read software programs in the memory 1703, interpret and execute instructions of the software programs, and process data of the software programs. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1701 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted, and outputs baseband signals to the radio frequency circuitry. The radio frequency circuitry performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signals, and transmits radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is transmitted to the communication apparatus, the radio frequency circuitry receives radio frequency signals through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signals into baseband signals, and outputs the baseband signals to the processor 1701. The processor 1701 converts the baseband signals into data and processes the data.

[0408] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and the antenna can be provided separately from the processor that performs baseband processing, for example in a distributed scenario where the radio frequency circuitry and the antenna can be arranged remotely from the communication device.

[0409] In some embodiments, on hardware implementation, those skilled in the art can conceive that the above-mentioned communication device 1600 can take the form of the communication device 1700 shown in Figure 17.

[0410] As an example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1601 in Figure 16 can be implemented by the processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown in Figure 17 invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1703. The functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1602 in Figure 16 can be implemented by the transceiver 1702 in the communication device 1700 shown in Figure 17.

[0411] As another possible product form, the communication device in the present application can adopt the constituent structure shown in Figure 18, or include the components shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 is a constituent diagram of a communication device 1800 provided in the present application.

[0412] As shown in Figure 18, the communication device 1800 includes at least one processor 1801. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface 1802.

[0413] When the program instructions involved are executed in the at least one processor 1801, the communication device 1800 can be caused to implement the method provided by any of the preceding embodiments and any possible design thereof. Alternatively, the processor 1801 is used to implement the method provided by any of the preceding embodiments and any possible design thereof by logic circuit or execution of code instructions.

[0414] The communication interface 1802 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor, or the communication interface 1802 can be used for the communication device 1800 to communicate with other communication devices, such as interaction control signaling and / or service data, etc. Illustratively, the communication interface 1802 can be used to receive signals from other devices outside the communication device 1800 and transmit them to the processor 1801 or send signals from the processor 1801 to other communication devices outside the communication device 1800.

[0415] Optionally, the communication interface 1802 can be a code and / or data read-write interface circuit, or the communication interface 1802 can be a signal transmission interface circuit between the communication processor and the transceiver, or a pin of the chip.

[0416] Optionally, the communication device 1800 further includes at least one memory 1803, which can be used to store required program instructions and / or data.

[0417] It should be noted that the memory 1803 can exist independently of the processor 1801, or can be integrated with the processor 1801. The memory 1803 can be located within the communication device 1800, or can be located outside the communication device 1800, without limitation.

[0418] Optionally, the communication device 1800 further includes a power supply circuit 1804, which can be used to supply power to the processor 1801. The power supply circuit 1804 can be located in the same chip as the processor 1801, or can be located in another chip outside the chip where the processor 1801 is located.

[0419] Optionally, the communication device 1800 further includes a bus 1805, through which various parts of the communication device 1800 can be interconnected.

[0420] In some embodiments, in hardware implementation, those skilled in the art can conceive that the communication device 1600 shown in Figure 16 can take the form of the communication device 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0421] As an example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1601 in Figure 16 can be implemented by the processor 1801 in the communication device 1800 shown in Figure 18 invoking computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1803. The functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1602 in Figure 16 can be implemented by the communication interface 1802 in the communication device 1800 shown in Figure 18.

[0422] It should be noted that the structure shown in Figure 18 does not constitute a specific limitation on the communication device. For example, in other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or different component arrangements. The components shown can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0423] Optionally, the processor in the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, or discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or the processor can also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0424] Optionally, the memory in the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (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 SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), or direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0425] Optionally, the power supply circuit described in the embodiments of the present application includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a power supply circuit, a power supply system, a power management chip, a power consumption management processor, or a power consumption management control circuit.

[0426] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus further includes a processor configured to implement the method in any one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0427] As one possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store necessary computer programs and data. The computer programs can include instructions, and the processor can invoke the instructions in the computer programs stored in the memory to instruct the communication apparatus to perform the method in any one of the preceding method embodiments. Of course, the memory can not be in the communication apparatus.

[0428] As another possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive computer execution instructions (the computer execution instructions are stored in the memory, and can be read directly from the memory or can pass through other devices) and transmit to the processor.

[0429] As yet another possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a communication interface configured to communicate with modules outside the communication apparatus.

[0430] It can be understood that the communication apparatus can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication apparatus is a chip system, the communication apparatus can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices. The embodiments of the present application do not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0431] The present application further provides a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0432] The present application further provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0433] Those skilled in the art can understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the system, apparatus and unit described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the preceding method embodiments, which will not be described herein.

[0434] It can be understood that the systems, apparatuses and methods described in the present application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, another division manner can be used, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be omitted or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms. The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, that is, can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. The components shown as units can or can not be physical units. Part or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments to implement the embodiments. In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. In the above embodiments, all or part can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by a software program, all or part can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through a wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or data storage device including one or more servers, data centers, etc. integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state drive (SSD)), etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the computer can include the apparatus described above. Although the present application is described in conjunction with the embodiments, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes to the disclosed embodiments by referring to the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims in the implementation of the claimed present application.In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first core network device, and the method comprises: determining a load state of a first cell; sending first information to a first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell, or sending second information or third information to a first access network device according to the load state of the first cell; wherein the first terminal device is a terminal device served by the first cell and located at an edge of the first cell, the first information indicates entering an idle state; the second information indicates a position of a second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device served by the first cell; and the third information indicates the first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by the first cell and located at the edge of the first cell.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the first information to the first terminal device according to the load state of the first cell comprises: sending the first information to the first terminal device in a case where the first cell is overloaded; or sending the second information to the first access network device according to the load state of the first cell comprises: sending the second information to the first access network device in a case where the first cell is overloaded; or sending the third information to the first access network device according to the load state of the first cell comprises: sending the third information to the first access network device in a case where the first cell is overloaded.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determining of the load state of the first cell comprises: receiving fourth information, the fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The fourth information comprises an identifier of the first cell and / or a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify terminal devices served by the first cell.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein corresponding to the sending of the first information, the method further comprises: sending sixth information to the first terminal device; corresponding to the sending of the third information, the method further comprises: sending sixth information to the first access network device; wherein the sixth information indicates a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell being a cell recommended to be reselected to, and the third cell being a cell forbidden to be reselected to.

6. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first access network device, and the method comprises: receiving third information from a first core network device, the third information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by a first cell and located at an edge of the first cell; sending eighth information to the first terminal device according to the third information, the eighth information indicating entering an idle state.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving sixth information from the first core network device, the sixth information indicating a second cell and / or a third cell, the second cell being a cell recommended to be reselected to, and the third cell being a cell forbidden to be reselected to.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining a load state of the first cell; sending fourth information to the first core network device in a case where the first cell is overloaded, the fourth information indicating that the first cell is overloaded.

9. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first core network device, and the method comprises: determining third information, the third information indicating a first terminal device, the first terminal device being a terminal device served by a first cell and located at an edge of the first cell; sending the third information to a first access network device.

10. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5, or to perform the method of any one of claims 6-8, or to perform the method of claim 9.

11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, The computer program or instructions, when run, cause the method of any one of claims 1-5 to be implemented, or cause the method of any one of claims 6-8 to be implemented, or cause the method of claim 9 to be implemented.

12. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product, when run, causes the method of any one of claims 1-5 to be implemented, or causes the method of any one of claims 6-8 to be implemented, or causes the method of claim 9 to be implemented.

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