Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method comprises: a terminal device receives first information from a first network device, and determines, on the basis of the first information, whether to send a measurement report to the first network device, wherein the first information comprises a first event and measurement configuration information, the first event is used for indicating whether the offset value between a first signal quality and a second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first signal quality is determined by the terminal device on the basis of the measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality is indicated by the first network device. For example, in a mobility management scenario, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report satisfies the first event, the terminal device does not need to send the measurement report to the first network device, thereby eliminating the reporting of the measurement report, and saving the signaling overhead between the terminal device and the first network device.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411692872.9, filed on November 22, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] Mobility management is a core function of mobile communication systems. It typically manages the movement and handover of terminal devices between different network nodes, ensuring seamless communication connectivity when traversing different network devices or cells. With the development of 5G communication systems, especially in high-density deployment and high-speed mobile scenarios, the complexity and importance of mobility management are constantly increasing. Currently, reducing the signaling overhead of mobility management has become a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method aimed at reducing signaling overhead between terminal devices and network devices in mobility management scenarios.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by, for example, a terminal device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system or a terminal device in a terrestrial network (TN) communication system. Unless otherwise specified, "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system; circuits or chips responsible for communication functions in NTN or TN communication devices (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips containing modem cores, or system-in-package (SIP) chips)), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by a terminal device as an example.

[0006] The method includes: receiving first information from a first network device, the first information including a first event and measurement configuration information, the first event indicating whether an offset between a first signal quality and a second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first signal quality being determined based on the measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality being indicated by the first network device; and determining, based on the first event, whether to send a measurement report to the first network device, the measurement report being determined based on the measurement configuration information, wherein the first network device is a source network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0007] It should be understood that the method provided in this application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks or terrestrial networks, and this application does not limit the specific application.

[0008] It should also be understood that the terminal device can be a terminal device used in a non-terrestrial network that communicates with non-terrestrial network devices; or it can be a terminal device used in a terrestrial network that communicates with terrestrial network devices.

[0009] For example, the second signal quality is indicated by the first network device, and the second information quality can be indicated by the first network device to the terminal device through a first event. Therefore, the second signal quality can be carried in the first event. Alternatively, the second signal quality can be sent by the first network device to the terminal device through separate signaling. Therefore, the second signal quality can also be carried in the newly added signaling.

[0010] According to this method, the first event is used to indicate whether the offset between the first signal quality and the second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold. The first signal quality is determined by the terminal device based on measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality is indicated by the first network device. For example, in a mobility management scenario, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report meets the first event, the terminal device does not need to send a measurement report to the first network device, thereby achieving report-free reporting and saving signaling overhead between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, determining whether to send the measurement report to the first network device based on the first event includes: if the measurement report satisfies the first event, it is not necessary to send the measurement report to the first network device.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, if the measurement report satisfies the first event, the method further includes: sending a first request message to a second network device, the first request message being used to request access to the second network device.

[0013] For example, the second network device can be the target network device for the first network device to perform a deterministic handover instruction for the terminal device.

[0014] For example, if the measurement report satisfies the first event, the terminal device may not need to send the measurement report to the first network device, but instead directly send a first request message for accessing the second network device.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, when the first event is met, the terminal device performs a deterministic handover without reporting a measurement report, thereby reducing the signaling overhead between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, sending the first request information to the second network device includes: receiving first candidate configuration information from the first network device, the first candidate configuration information including configuration information for accessing the second network device; and sending the first request information to the second network device according to the first candidate configuration information.

[0017] For example, the terminal device sends a first request message to the second network device based on the first candidate configuration information from the first network device.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first signal quality is determined based on the measurement configuration information, including: the first signal quality is determined by measurement based on the measurement configuration information, or the first signal quality is determined by measurement relaxation based on the measurement configuration information, or the first signal quality is determined by prediction based on the measurement configuration information.

[0019] For example, the quality of the first signal in the first event may be determined by the terminal device based on measurement configuration information, or determined by measurement relaxation, or predicted.

[0020] It should be understood that the measurement, relaxation, or prediction of the first signal quality by the terminal device are all internal operations of the terminal device.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first signal quality is determined by measurement relaxation based on the measurement configuration information, including: the first signal quality is determined by adjusting at least one of the measurement period, measurement frequency, or measurement duration of the first signal quality based on at least one of the clock information of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, or the measurement prediction capability of the terminal device (such as the measurement result prediction accuracy).

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first event is associated with one or more of the following: the target frequency of the network device under test, the target polarization of the network device under test, the cell identifier of the network device under test, the time period in which the network device under test is located, or the coverage area of ​​the network device under test.

[0023] For example, the network device to be measured may include at least one of the following network devices: a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, etc.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first event includes: the effective time of the first event and / or the effective region of the first event, and the method further includes: requesting an update of the first information if the effective time has expired and / or if the effective region has been exceeded.

[0025] For example, if the first event has an effective time and / or an effective region, and the effective time of the first event expires (or becomes expired), and / or the effective region of the first event is outside the effective region, the terminal device may request an update of the first information from the network device currently providing services to the terminal device (e.g., the first network device, the second network device, or the third network device).

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first information further includes timestamp information, the timestamp information including a first time, and the step of determining whether to send a measurement report to the first network device based on the first event includes sending the measurement report to the first network device before the first time if the measurement report does not satisfy the first event.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, the first information includes timestamp information. Before the first time specified in the timestamp information, the first network device reserves resources for the terminal device. After the first time, the first network device can assume the measurement report meets the first event. If the terminal device connects to the second network device, the first network device can release the resources reserved for the terminal device, thus avoiding the problem of wasted resources because the first network device has been reserving resources for the terminal device for a long time even though the terminal device has already connected to the second network device. Conversely, if the measurement report does not meet the first event, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device before the first time, preventing the first network device from releasing the resources reserved for the terminal device.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first time is any of the following: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time, frame number, superframe number, subframe, time slot, symbol, or timer.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, if the measurement report does not satisfy the first event, the method further includes: receiving second candidate configuration information from the first network device, the second candidate configuration information being determined based on the measurement report, the second candidate configuration information including configuration information for accessing a third network device.

[0030] Based on the above technical solution, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report does not meet the first event, the terminal device reports the measurement result to the first network device, so that the first network device can obtain the measurement result in a timely manner and instruct the target network device based on the measurement result.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, indication information is sent based on first configuration information and second configuration information. The indication information is used to indicate whether the second signal quality is valid at a first location, where the first location is the current location of the terminal device. The first configuration information comes from the first network device, and the second configuration information comes from the second network device, where the second network device is the target network device for the terminal device to perform a handover or reselection. The first configuration information or the second configuration information includes one or more of the following: the version number of the first event, the identifier of the first event, the effective time of the first event, or the effective area of ​​the first event.

[0032] Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device is connected to the target network device from the source network device. The terminal device sends an indication message to the target network device to indicate whether the second signal quality is valid at the current location of the terminal device. This helps the target network device determine whether it needs to update the first event for the terminal device. This avoids the situation where the first event received by the terminal device from the source network device is valid, but the target network device still updates the first event for the terminal device. This supports the reuse of the first event and saves signaling overhead.

[0033] Suppose that the terminal device determines that the second signal quality is valid based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information, and this indication information is used to indicate that the second signal quality is valid at the first location, and the target network device does not need to update the first event; or suppose that the terminal device determines that the second signal quality is invalid based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information, and this indication information is used to indicate that the second signal quality is invalid at the first location, and the target network device provides the terminal device with an updated first event based on the indication information.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the terminal device sends its capability information to the first network device, the capability information being used to determine the first event.

[0035] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the capability information includes one or more of the following: the type of the terminal device, the speed of the terminal device, the measurement and prediction capability of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, or the environmental information of the terminal device.

[0036] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device. Unless otherwise specified, "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, or a component within the first network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device). For ease of description, the following description uses the execution by a first communication device as an example.

[0037] The method includes: determining first information, the first information including a first event and measurement configuration information, the first event being used to indicate whether an offset value between a first signal quality and a second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first signal quality being determined according to the measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality being indicated by a first network device; and sending the first information to a terminal device, wherein the first network device is a source network device providing services to the terminal device.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first signal quality is determined based on the measurement configuration information, including: the first signal quality is determined by measurement based on the measurement configuration information; the first signal quality is determined by measurement relaxation based on the measurement configuration information; or, the first signal quality is determined by prediction based on the measurement configuration information.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first signal quality is determined by measurement relaxation based on the measurement configuration information, including: the first signal quality is determined by adjusting at least one of the measurement period, measurement frequency, or measurement duration of the first signal quality based on at least one of the clock information of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, or the measurement prediction capability of the terminal device (such as the measurement result prediction accuracy).

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first event is associated with one or more of the following: the target frequency of the network device under test, the target polarization of the network device under test, the cell identifier of the network device under test, the time period in which the network device under test is located, or the coverage area of ​​the network device under test.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first event includes: the effective time of the first event and / or the effective region of the first event, and the method further includes: receiving information requesting to update the first information if the effective time has expired and / or the effective region has been exceeded.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the method further includes: sending first candidate configuration information to the terminal device, the first candidate configuration information including configuration information for accessing a second network device, the second network device being the target network device for the terminal device to perform switching or reselection.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first information further includes timestamp information, the timestamp information including a first time, and the step of sending the first candidate configuration information to the terminal device includes: if the measurement report has not been received before the first time, sending the first candidate configuration information to the terminal device.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the method further includes: receiving the measurement report from the terminal device; sending second candidate configuration information to the terminal device, the second candidate configuration information being determined based on the measurement report, the second candidate configuration information including configuration information for accessing a third network device.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first information further includes timestamp information, the timestamp information including a first time, and receiving the measurement report from the terminal device includes: receiving the measurement report before the first time.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first time is any of the following: UTC time, frame number, superframe number, subframe, time slot, symbol, or timer.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, determining the first information includes: receiving capability information of the terminal device; and determining the first event in the first information based on the capability information of the terminal device.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the capability information includes one or more of the following: the type of the terminal device, the speed of the terminal device, the measurement and prediction capability of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, or the environmental information of the terminal device.

[0049] The technical effects of the methods shown in the second aspect above can be referenced in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0050] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for performing the method provided in the first aspect. Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in any of the above implementations of the first aspect, such as a processing unit and an acquisition unit.

[0051] In one implementation, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0052] In another implementation, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0053] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method provided in the second aspect. Specifically, the communication apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in the second aspect, such as a processing unit and an acquisition unit.

[0054] In one implementation, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0055] In another implementation, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0056] Fifthly, this application provides a processor for executing the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0057] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a device, the program code including a method for performing any of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0059] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0060] Eighthly, a chip is provided, the chip including one or more processors and a communication interface, wherein the processor reads a computer program or instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0061] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0062] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including the communication device described in the third aspect and the communication device described in the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0064] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0065] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another satellite communication scenario applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0067] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a cell handover method.

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0071] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0072] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0073] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0074] Second, in this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "S910" are merely identifiers for descriptive convenience and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0075] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0076] Fourth, the term "storage" in the embodiments of this application can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others can be integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0077] Fifth, in the implementation of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as New Radio (NR) protocols and related protocols applied in future communication systems, which are not limited in this application.

[0078] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)", "corresponding", and "associate" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0079] Seventh, in the embodiments of this application, "under the circumstances", "when", and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0080] Eighth, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0081] Ninth, in the embodiments of this application, the names of messages and devices are merely examples. This application does not impose any limitations on message names, device names, etc., as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0082] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples include integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a 4th generation (4G) communication system (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system (e.g., new radio (NR) system), and future mobile communication systems.

[0084] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication system includes at least one network device and at least one terminal. Terminals include ground-based mobile terminals, drones, etc. Both network devices and terminals are sometimes referred to as communication devices; for example, the network device in Figure 1 can be understood as a communication device with base station functionality, and the terminal can be understood as a communication device with terminal functionality.

[0085] It should be understood that Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of a communication scenario in which this application can be applied, using examples of communication between an access network device and a terminal device, and between an access network device and a core network device. It does not limit other scenarios in which this application can be applied. It should also be understood that Figure 1 is only a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding. This communication system may also include other network devices or other terminal devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0086] The terminal in this application embodiment can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. Terminals typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing these communication functions.

[0087] The network devices in this application embodiment may sometimes be referred to as access network devices, open radio access network (RAN) entities, or access nodes, etc., constituting part of the communication system to help terminals achieve wireless access. The communication system may include multiple network devices, which may be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types.

[0088] In one possible scenario, network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. Network equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station or indoor station, a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller. Optionally, network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0089] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with each device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, these network devices could be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as the baseband unit (BBU). The CU and DU nodes separate the gNB's protocol layers; some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed across the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0090] The CU is deployed with the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer in the protocol stack; the DU is deployed with the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer (PHY) in the protocol stack.

[0091] The CU has RRC, PDCP, and SDAP processing capabilities. The DU has RLC, MAC, and PHY processing capabilities.

[0092] It should be understood that the above functional division (or segmentation) is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on CU and DU in this application. That is to say, there may be other ways to divide functions between CU and DU, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0093] The functions of a CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the functions of a CU can be further divided, such as separating the control plane (CP) and the user plane (UP), i.e., the CU control plane (CU-CP) and the CU user plane (CU-UP). CU-CP and CU-UP can be implemented by different functional entities, and they can be coupled with DUs to jointly complete the functions of the network device. The CU control plane CU-CP can also include a further divided architecture, namely, dividing CU-CP into CU-CP1 and CU-CP2. CU-CP1 includes various radio resource management functions, while CU-CP2 only includes RRC functions and PDCP-control (C) functions (i.e., the basic functions of control plane signaling at the PDCP layer).

[0094] In one possible implementation, CU-CP handles control plane functions, primarily including RRC and PDCP-C. PDCP-C is mainly responsible for control plane data encryption / decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission. CU-UP handles user plane functions, primarily including SDAP and PDCP-user (U). SDAP is mainly responsible for processing core network data and mapping data flows to bearers. PDCP-U is mainly responsible for data plane encryption / decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via an E1 interface. CU-CP represents the gNB and connects to the core network via the Ng interface. It connects to the DU via F1-C (control plane). CU-UP connects to the DU via F1-U (user plane). Another possible implementation is that PDCP-C is also located within CU-UP.

[0095] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, a radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture. In an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (open CU-CP, O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (open CU-UP, O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0096] To facilitate understanding, the O-RAN architecture designed in this application is briefly introduced with reference to Figure 2. As can be seen from Figure 2, the O-RAN architecture includes: a first network unit, a second network unit, a third network unit, an O-eNB, an O-CU-CP, an O-CU-UP, an O-DU, an O-RU, and an O-cloud.

[0097] The aforementioned network elements (also referred to as nodes) can be interconnected. For example, the first network unit connects to the O-cloud via the O2 interface; the first network unit connects to the third network unit, O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU via the O1 interface; the first network unit connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface; the O-DU connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface and the open fronthaul C / U / S-Plane interface; the third network unit connects to the O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, and O-DU via the E2 interface; the O-CU-CP connects to the O-DU via the F1-c interface; the O-CU-UP connects to the O-DU via the F1-u interface; and the O-CU-CP connects to the O-CU-UP via the E1 interface. For a detailed description of the interfaces shown in Figure 2, please refer to existing standards; further details are omitted here.

[0098] One possible example is that the first network unit could be a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), or a network unit with similar functionality to an SMO; there is no limitation on which one.

[0099] One possible example is that the second network element can be a Non-RT RIC, or a network element with similar functionality to a Non-RT RIC; there is no limitation on this.

[0100] One possible example is that the third network unit could be a Near-RT RIC, or a network unit with similar functionality to a Near-RT RIC; there is no limitation on this.

[0101] O-RAN aims to achieve an intelligent and open access network. A key feature of the O-RAN architecture is the separation of hardware and software, enabling the virtualization of network functions and the standardization of hardware. Furthermore, O-RAN incorporates artificial intelligence (AI).

[0102] In the ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0103] In this embodiment, the communication system may also include core network equipment, i.e., equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support to the terminal. Examples of core network equipment include: access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, session management function (SMF) entities, user plane function (UPF) entities, etc., which will not be listed here. The AMF entity is responsible for terminal access management and mobility management; the SMF entity is responsible for session management, such as user session establishment; and the UPF entity is a user plane function entity, primarily responsible for connecting to external networks. It should be noted that in this application, entities can also be referred to as network elements or functional entities. For example, an AMF entity can also be called an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity, and an SMF entity can also be called an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity, etc.

[0104] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future communication networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0105] Currently, 5G has moved from the standardization phase to the commercial deployment phase. The NR standard was designed specifically for terrestrial communication, offering high-speed, high-reliability, and low-latency communication for user terminals. Compared to terrestrial communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication features large coverage areas and flexible networking. Currently, various research institutes, communication organizations, and companies are involved in researching NTN communication technologies and standards, striving to build a unified communication network integrating air, space, and ground communication. Depending on the payload type, NTN commonly employs two architectures: regenerative architecture and transparent architecture.

[0106] For example, the network devices and terminals in Figure 1 are devices in a satellite communication system, such as devices in a converged network architecture of NTN and terrestrial networks.

[0107] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, some basic concepts involved in this application will be briefly explained.

[0108] 1. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN): These include networks utilizing equipment such as drones, high-altitude platforms, or satellites to provide data transmission and voice communication services to the UE. High-altitude platform equipment is generally located at an altitude of 8–50 km above the ground. Based on the satellite's orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be divided into three types: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems (also known as synchronous orbit satellite systems); medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite communication systems; and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. GEO satellites orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km, and their main advantage is that they remain relatively stationary compared to the ground and provide a large coverage area. However, GEO satellite communication also has significant disadvantages:

[0109] 1) GEO satellites are far from Earth, resulting in high free-space propagation loss and tight communication link budgets. To increase transmit / receive gain, satellites need to be equipped with larger aperture antennas.

[0110] 2) The communication transmission delay is large, reaching about 500ms round-trip delay, which cannot meet the needs of low-latency services;

[0111] 3) GEO orbital resources are relatively scarce, launch costs are high, and it cannot provide coverage for the polar regions of the Earth.

[0112] MEO satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 2000 to 35786 km. Their advantage lies in achieving global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites. However, their orbital altitude is higher than LEO satellites, resulting in significantly longer transmission latency. Considering both advantages and disadvantages, MEO satellites are primarily used for positioning and navigation. LEO satellites, on the other hand, orbit at altitudes between 300 and 2000 km. Lower than MEO and GEO orbits, LEO satellites offer advantages such as lower data propagation latency, less transmission loss, and lower launch costs. Therefore, LEO satellite communication has gained increasing attention in recent years.

[0113] Furthermore, we note that satellite equipment is limited by manufacturing and launch costs, restricting onboard data processing capabilities and transmission power. Currently, satellite communication networks cannot provide UEs with communication rates comparable to terrestrial communication networks. To overcome these limitations and improve the overall signal processing capabilities and communication throughput of satellite networks, satellite operators are preparing to launch giant low-Earth orbit constellations, compensating for the limitations of individual satellite communication capabilities by increasing the number of satellites. In future NTN communication systems, after a UE accesses the system, it will be "visible" to multiple communicable satellites for a period of time. At this time, multiple satellites can provide communication services to the UE, providing the foundation for multi-satellite collaborative transmission.

[0114] 2. Satellite communication system beam operating mode:

[0115] Taking satellite communication as an example, based on the working model of the payload (e.g., beam), satellite communication systems can generally be divided into staring systems (earth-fixed or quasi-earth fixed) or non-staring systems (earth-moving).

[0116] In a staring system, the satellite beam coverage area moves along with the satellite's movement over a period of time. In a non-staring system, the satellite dynamically adjusts its beam direction to ensure that the beam approximately covers the same area of ​​the ground; that is, the area covered by the satellite does not move with the satellite's movement.

[0117] For example, Figure 3(1) can be seen as a scenario diagram of a staring system. As shown in Figure 3(1), as the satellite moves over time, the coverage area of ​​the satellite beam also moves along with it; Figure 3(2) can be seen as a scenario diagram of a non-staring system. As shown in Figure 3(2), as the satellite moves over time, the coverage area of ​​the satellite beam can be approximately regarded as not moving.

[0118] 3. Mobility Management:

[0119] In LEO satellite communication systems, the movement of satellite nodes can cause group handover (connected UEs) or group reselection (idle UEs) within a specific area's beam. Taking group handover as an example, as shown in Figure 4, a UE cluster, UE-G1, exists within a single beam in Zone-2. UE-G1 can contain multiple UEs. At time T1, UE-G1 is served by one or more beams of satellite SAT-2. At time T2, the movement of satellite SAT-2 causes that beam to become unserviceable, and one or more beams of satellite SAT-1 take over the service from UE-G1. Therefore, UE cluster UE-G1 experiences group handover. Furthermore, due to the relatively high speed of satellites (approximately 7.5 km / s), group handover occurs approximately every few seconds to tens of seconds. In other words, in hopping-beam LEO satellite networks, network mobility-triggered group handovers are the norm.

[0120] The following section, using Figure 5 as an example, will exemplify the handover process of a terrestrial network.

[0121] As shown in Figure 5, the method may include the following steps:

[0122] 501. The source network device sends measurement configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the measurement configuration information from the source network device.

[0123] The measurement configuration information includes measurement configurations for multiple cells. These cells can include the serving cell currently providing services to the terminal device and neighboring cells (or neighboring cells). The source network device is the network device corresponding to the serving cell.

[0124] For example, this measurement configuration information can be carried in an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0125] 502. The terminal device determines the measurement report based on the measurement configuration information.

[0126] For example, the terminal device receives measurement configuration information from the source network device, performs measurements on the cell based on the measurement configuration information, and determines a measurement report.

[0127] For example, the terminal equipment measures the signal quality of the cell based on the measurement configuration and a reference signal. Parameters measuring signal quality include reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or reference signal received quality (RSRQ). This reference signal can be a synchronization signal block (SSB), such as a cell-defining SSB (CD-SSB). Typically, the transmission period of this SSB signal is 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms.

[0128] It should be understood that the detailed description of the measurement report determined by the terminal device based on the measurement configuration information can be found in existing solutions.

[0129] 503, The terminal device sends a measurement report to the source network device. Correspondingly, the source network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

[0130] For example, after determining the measurement result, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the source network device. Accordingly, the source network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device and performs a handover decision based on the report.

[0131] Optionally, the terminal device may periodically send measurement reports to the source network device, or the terminal device may send measurement reports to the network device based on the triggering of a certain event.

[0132] The terminal device periodically sends measurement reports, and the sending period can be predefined or preconfigured, or indicated by the source network device.

[0133] The terminal device sends a measurement report based on a specific event, the triggering condition of which is related to the signal quality in the measurement results. For example, this specific event can be any one or more items from Table 1:

[0134] Table 1

[0135] It should be understood that the thresholds #1 to #7 in Table 1 above are all non-negative numbers, and the magnitude of thresholds #1 to #7 is not limited in this application. Specifically, the event that triggers the terminal device to send the measurement result can be one of the events in Table 1 above, or a combination of multiple events.

[0136] Suppose that the terminal device sends a measurement report to the source network device based on the triggering of the A5 event. Specifically, the terminal device determines the measurement report based on the measurement configuration information. According to the measurement report, the terminal device determines that the signal quality of the serving cell is lower than the threshold #5, and the signal quality of the neighboring cells is higher than the threshold #6. The terminal device determines that the measurement report meets the A5 event and reports the determined measurement report to the source network device.

[0137] 504, the source network device executes a handover decision based on the measurement report.

[0138] For example, the source network device selects a target network device for the terminal device to switch to based on the measurement report, and exchanges relevant information about the terminal device switching with the target network device, such as one or more of the terminal device's context information, access control information, reserved resources, etc.

[0139] 505, The source network device sends handover control information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the handover control information from the source network device.

[0140] For example, the source network device performs a handover decision, selecting a target network device for the terminal device. The target network device corresponds to the target cell. The source network device station instructs the terminal device on handover-related information from the serving cell to the target cell, enabling the terminal device to access the target network device.

[0141] Optionally, the handover control information is used to instruct the terminal device to switch from the source network device to the target network device.

[0142] Optionally, the switching control information includes information related to the terminal device accessing the target network device.

[0143] 506, The terminal device performs a handover and connects to the target network device.

[0144] For example, after receiving handover control information, the terminal device prepares to access the target network device based on the handover control information. For instance, during handover, the terminal device may use a dedicated random access preamble, which differs from the contention-based random access preamble used during initial access.

[0145] The time domain period of the random access channel (RACH) during terminal device handover can be configured as 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms, etc., which is the same as the RACH period configuration for initial access.

[0146] Based on the method shown in Figure 5 above, when a terminal device performs cell handover, it needs to determine a measurement report based on the measurement configuration information of the source network device and send the measurement report to the source network device. Further, the source network device performs a handover decision based on the received measurement report and instructs the terminal device to perform the handover.

[0147] As can be seen, for each handover, the terminal device needs to send a measurement report to the source network device. Only after receiving the handover control information from the source network device based on the measurement report can the terminal device access the target network device. Whether in a TN or NTN network scenario, how to reduce signaling overhead is currently a hot research topic.

[0148] For example, in the NTN network scenario, because the satellite (or network equipment) moves relatively fast relative to the ground, the frequency of ground user mobility management (such as cell handover) is about once every few seconds or once every ten seconds. This results in more frequent signaling interactions between terminal equipment and network equipment. In the NTN network scenario, the signaling overhead between terminal equipment and network equipment is particularly large.

[0149] This application provides a communication method that aims to reduce signaling overhead while ensuring a high success rate of handover.

[0150] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to systems that communicate using multi-antenna technology, such as the communication system shown in the accompanying drawings. This communication system may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. More specifically, the communication method provided in this application can be applied to NTN communication scenarios, such as the satellite communication scenario shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4. Alternatively, the communication method provided in this application can also be applied to TN communication scenarios. The embodiments shown below do not limit the application scenarios of the method provided in this application.

[0151] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0152] For example, the method provided in this application embodiment can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component of the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core)), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution by a terminal device as an example.

[0153] For example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a first network device, or by a component of the first network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as a circuit or chip in the first network device responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core)), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device.

[0154] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, it may include the following steps:

[0155] 601, the first network device sends first information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the first network device.

[0156] For example, a first network device determines first information and sends the first information to a terminal device. Here, the first network device is a source network device that provides services to the terminal device.

[0157] The first information includes a first event and measurement configuration information. The first event is used to indicate whether the offset between the first signal quality and the second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0158] For example, the first signal quality is determined by the terminal device based on measurement configuration information, or the first signal quality is determined by the terminal device based on measurement configuration information, or the first signal quality is predicted by the terminal device based on measurement configuration information.

[0159] As an example, the first signal quality is determined by measurement by the terminal device. The terminal device can determine the first signal quality by measuring the received reference signal (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, or quasi-co-located signal) based on measurement configuration information. The reference signal received by the terminal device comes from one or more network devices, such as a first network device, a second network device, and a third network device.

[0160] As another example, the first signal quality is determined by the measurement relaxation of the terminal device. The terminal device can adaptively adjust the measurement period, frequency, and duration based on at least one of the following: its own clock time information, its own location information, its own measurement prediction capability (such as the accuracy / precision of the measurement result prediction), signal quality, etc. For example, when the terminal device is close to the reference position of the measurement cell, for example, when the distance between the terminal device and the reference position of the measurement cell is less than or equal to a predefined threshold, the terminal device can appropriately increase the measurement period, such as from 20ms to 320ms or 640ms, etc. As another example, when the distance between the terminal device and the reference position of the measurement cell is greater than the predefined threshold (or the distance between the terminal device and the reference position of the first measurement cell is greater than a second threshold and the distance between the terminal device and the reference position of the second measurement cell is less than or equal to the second threshold), the terminal device can appropriately decrease the measurement period, such as from 60ms to 40ms or 20ms; For example, when the terminal device When the clock is within a pre-configured time period [T1, T2], the terminal device can increase the measurement frequency and / or measurement duration. When the clock of the terminal device is not within the pre-configured time period [T1, T2], the terminal device can maintain or reduce the measurement frequency and / or measurement duration. For example, when the measurement prediction capability of the terminal device is high, such as when the measurement result prediction accuracy / precision of the terminal device within a given time period is greater than or equal to a predefined threshold, the terminal device can also reduce the measurement frequency and / or measurement duration. When the measurement result prediction accuracy / precision of the terminal device within a given time period is less than a predefined threshold, the terminal device can also increase the measurement frequency and / or measurement duration.

[0161] As another example, the first signal quality is predicted by the terminal device. The terminal device can predict the measurement result at a future time based on the measurement results at a historical time; the terminal device can also predict the measurement result of another beam set (e.g., a second beam set) based on the measurement results of a certain beam set (e.g., a first beam set); the terminal device can also predict the measurement result of another frequency point set / polarization direction set based on the measurement results of a certain frequency point set / polarization set, wherein the frequency point set includes one or more frequency points, and the polarization set includes one or more polarizations; the terminal device can also predict the measurement result of a second position / azimuth / elevation angle set based on the measurement results of a first position / azimuth / elevation angle set. The prediction method of the terminal device can be deep learning, machine learning, random forest, etc., and this invention does not specifically limit it.

[0162] For example, the second signal quality is indicated by the first network device. This second signal quality can be indicated by the first network device to the terminal device via a first event, or it can be indicated by the first network device to the terminal device via separate signaling. The second signal quality can also be configured or described using methods such as radio maps, coverage maps, coverage information, and radio coverage.

[0163] For example, if the first signal quality is predicted by the terminal device or determined by measurement relaxation, the second signal quality can also be determined by the terminal device based on actual measurements using measurement configuration information.

[0164] It should be understood that the offset between the first signal quality and the second signal quality can be positive, zero, or negative. When the offset between the first and second signal quality is negative, the absolute value of the negative number must be taken before comparing it with the first threshold.

[0165] It should also be understood that the first threshold may be predefined or preconfigured by the system, or determined by the first network device itself, and the specific value of the first threshold is not limited in this application.

[0166] It should also be understood that the measurement configuration information in the first information is used by the terminal device to measure or predict the quality of the first signal, and the specific content included is not limited in this application.

[0167] Optionally, the first event may be associated with one or more of the following: the target frequency of the network device under test, the target polarization of the network device under test, the time period in which the network device under test is located, and the coverage area of ​​the network device under test.

[0168] It should be understood that the target polarization can be elliptical polarization, linear polarization, right-handed circular polarization (RHCP), left-handed circular polarization (LHCP), or cross polarization, etc.; the specific manifestation of the coverage area of ​​the network device under test can be one or more of the following: wave position, geographic grid identifier, geographic region, geographic location, or a certain reference position and distance threshold, etc.

[0169] Optionally, the first event may further include the effective time and / or the effective region of the first event. Specifically, when the effective time of the first event expires and / or the effective region is exceeded, the terminal device may request an update to the first information from the network device currently providing services to the terminal device. For example, if the first network device provides services to the terminal device when the effective time of the first event expires and / or the effective region is exceeded, the terminal device may request an update to the first information from the first network device; further, if the terminal device's serving network device has switched from the first network device to the second network device when the effective time of the first event expires and / or the effective region is exceeded, i.e., the second network device provides services to the terminal device, the terminal device may request an update to the first information from the second network device.

[0170] As an example, the parameters and configuration associated with this first event are shown in Table 2:

[0171] Table 2

[0172] Optionally, the first information may also include timestamp information, which includes the first time. The specific form of the first time can be any of the following: UTC time, frame number, superframe number, subframe, time slot, symbol, or timer, etc.

[0173] It should be understood that, prior to step 601, the method shown in Figure 6 may further include:

[0174] The terminal device sends its capability information to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the capability information from the terminal device.

[0175] For example, this capability information includes one or more of the following: the type of terminal device, the speed of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, the predictive capability of the terminal device (such as the accuracy or precision of measurement prediction), or the environmental information of the terminal device. The type of terminal device may be, for example, a very small aperture terminal (VSAT), handheld, or other types; the environmental information may be, for example, rural, urban, outdoor, indoor, or densely populated urban.

[0176] It should be understood that the first network device receives the capability information of the terminal device and determines the first event in the first information based on the capability information.

[0177] Optionally, the first information may also be referred to as measurement control information, and this application does not limit the specific name of the first information.

[0178] 602. Based on the first event, the terminal device determines whether to send a measurement report to the first network device.

[0179] For example, after receiving the first information, the terminal device determines a measurement report based on the measurement configuration information in the first information. This measurement report may be obtained by the terminal device through actual measurement based on the measurement configuration information, or it may be predicted. The terminal device further determines whether the measurement report satisfies a first event.

[0180] Scenario 1

[0181] In one possible implementation, if the measurement report satisfies the first event, the terminal device does not need to send the measurement report to the first network device.

[0182] For example, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report meets the first event, the terminal device performs a deterministic handover. Assume that the second network device is a target network device pre-configured for the terminal device by the first network device. The terminal device can perform the following step 603:

[0183] 603, the terminal device sends a first request message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first request message from the terminal device.

[0184] For example, if a terminal device determines that the measurement result meets the first event, the terminal device does not need to send a measurement report to the first network device; instead, it can directly send a first request message to the second network device. This first request message is used by the terminal device to request access to the second network device.

[0185] It should be understood that the second network device is the target network device provided by the first network device for the terminal device to perform a deterministic handover, or it can be understood as the second network device being a target network device pre-planned by the first network device for the terminal device. Before the terminal device requests access to the second network device, the first network device and the second network device engage in signaling interaction, such as exchanging the context information of the terminal device and the first network device requesting the second network device to reserve resources for the terminal device's access, facilitating the subsequent access of the terminal device.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the first request information based on first candidate configuration information from the first network device, and sends the first request information to the second network device. The first candidate configuration information includes configuration information for accessing the second network device.

[0187] For example, the first candidate configuration information includes one or more of the following: L1 / L2 triggered mobility channel state information resource configuration (LTM CSI resource configuration), radio resource configuration, measurement configuration, random access channel configuration (RACH configuration), and non-terrestrial network configuration (NTN configuration).

[0188] The LTM CSI resource configuration includes resource identification information and / or CSI / SSB resource set information corresponding to the LTM candidate cell; the radio resource configuration includes one or more of the following: signaling bearer, data bearer, or bandwidth part (BWP) configuration; the measurement configuration includes one or more of the following: SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC), measurement interval (gap), measurement reporting method, or measurement reporting resource configuration; the RACH configuration includes one or more of the following: access timing, preamble, etc.; and the NTN configuration includes one or more of the following: ephemeris information, scheduling information K_offset, timing advance TA information, effective service time t_service, uplink synchronization validity period, etc.

[0189] It should be understood that the first candidate configuration information may be sent to the terminal device by the first network device through separate signaling before step 603, or it may be sent to the terminal device in existing signaling. This application does not limit this.

[0190] Optionally, prior to step 603, the method may further include:

[0191] 604, the first network device sends a first handover instruction to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first handover instruction from the first network device.

[0192] For example, assuming the first information includes timestamp information, if the first network device has not received a measurement report from the terminal device before a first time specified in the timestamp information, the first network device sends a first handover instruction to the terminal device. This first handover instruction instructs the terminal device to hand over to the second network device. Accordingly, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report satisfies a first event, it does not need to send the measurement report to the first network device, but waits to receive the first handover instruction from the first network device and sends a request to the second network device based on the first handover instruction.

[0193] For example, after receiving a first handover instruction from a first network device, the terminal device performs a conditional handover (CHO) based on the first handover instruction to determine a second network device.

[0194] Optionally, the first switching indication information includes first candidate configuration information.

[0195] Optionally, the first switching indication information can be carried in the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0196] Scenario 2

[0197] In one possible implementation, if the measurement report does not meet the first event, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device.

[0198] For example, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report does not meet the first event, the terminal device performs a nondeterministic handover. Assuming that the second network device is a target network device pre-configured for the terminal device by the first network device, and the terminal device determines that the signal quality corresponding to the second network device does not meet the first event, the terminal device can execute the following step 605:

[0199] 605, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

[0200] For example, the terminal device determines a measurement report based on the measurement configuration information in the first information. If the measurement report does not meet the first event, the terminal device sends the measurement report to the first network device.

[0201] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes timestamp information, the terminal device determines that the measurement report does not meet the first event, and the terminal device sends the measurement report to the first network device before the first time in the timestamp information.

[0202] It should be understood that the terminal device determines the detailed description of the measurement report based on the measurement configuration information. For details, please refer to the description of the existing solution, which will not be elaborated here.

[0203] 606, The first network device determines the third network device based on the measurement report.

[0204] For example, a first network device receives a measurement report from a terminal device and performs a nondeterministic handover based on the measurement report, determining a third network device as the target network device for the terminal device. The third network device is not a target network device pre-planned by the first network device for the terminal device. The third network device is the target network device determined by the first network device for the terminal device based on the measurement report.

[0205] It should be understood that the first network device receives a measurement report from the terminal device indicating that the signal quality of the target network device (the second network device) for deterministic handover provided by the first network device to the terminal device does not meet the first event. The first network device needs to perform a non-deterministic handover to provide the terminal device with a new target network device. The third network device is the target network device provided by the first network device for the terminal device to perform non-deterministic handover. Before the terminal device requests access to the third network device, the first network device and the third network device engage in signaling interaction, such as exchanging context information of the terminal device and the first network device requesting the third network device to reserve resources for the terminal device's access, facilitating subsequent access for the terminal device.

[0206] 607. The first network device sends a second handover instruction to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second handover instruction from the first network device.

[0207] For example, the first network device determines a third network device based on a measurement report and indicates this third network device as the target network device for the terminal device. The second handover indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to hand over to the third network device. Correspondingly, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report does not meet the first event, the terminal device sends the measurement report to the first network device, waits to receive the second handover indication information from the first network device, and sends a request message to the third network device based on the second handover indication information.

[0208] Optionally, the second handover indication information includes second candidate configuration information. This second candidate configuration information includes configuration information for accessing the third network device.

[0209] For example, the second candidate configuration information includes one or more of the following: L1 / L2 triggered mobility channel state information resource configuration (LTM CSI resource configuration), radio resource configuration, measurement configuration, random access channel configuration (RACH configuration), and non-terrestrial network configuration (NTN configuration).

[0210] It should be understood that the second candidate configuration information is similar to the first candidate configuration information mentioned above, and the specific content included in the second candidate configuration information can be found in the description of the first candidate configuration information mentioned above.

[0211] 607, the terminal device sends a second request message to the third network device. Correspondingly, the third network device receives the second request message from the terminal device.

[0212] For example, the terminal device receives a second handover indication from the first network device and sends a second request to the third network device based on the second handover indication. The second request is used by the terminal device to request access to the third network device.

[0213] As an example, suppose the second handover indication information includes second candidate configuration information, and the terminal device sends a second request message to the third network device based on the second handover indication information; or suppose the second handover indication information does not include the second candidate configuration information, and the terminal device sends a second request message to the third network device based on both the second handover indication information and the second candidate configuration information. Wherein, if the second handover indication information does not include the second candidate configuration information, the second candidate configuration information may be sent to the terminal device by the first network device through other signaling; this application does not limit the specific signaling.

[0214] It should be understood that, as shown in Figure 6, the method may further include:

[0215] 608, The terminal device sends a first instruction message to the target network device. Correspondingly, the target network device receives the first instruction message from the terminal device.

[0216] If the measurement report meets the first event, the target network device is the second network device in the above-mentioned situation one; if the measurement report does not meet the first event, the target network device is the third network device in the above-mentioned situation two.

[0217] For example, the terminal device sends a first indication message based on first configuration information and second configuration information. This first indication message indicates whether the second signal quality associated with the first event is valid at a first location. The first location is the current location of the terminal device. The first configuration information comes from a first network device, and the second configuration information comes from a second or third network device, which are the target network devices for the terminal device to perform a handover or reselection. For instance, if the network device providing services to the terminal device changes from the first network device to the second network device, the second configuration information comes from the second network device; and if the network device providing services to the terminal device changes from the first network device to the third network device, the second configuration information comes from the third network device.

[0218] The first configuration information includes one or more of the following: the version number of the first event, the identifier of the first event, the effective time of the first event, or the effective region of the first event.

[0219] It should be understood that after receiving the first instruction information from the terminal device, the target network device determines whether to update the first event on the terminal device side based on the first instruction information.

[0220] As an example, suppose the first indication information is used to indicate that the second signal quality is valid at the first location, then there is no need to update the first event; suppose the first indication information is used to indicate that the second signal quality is invalid at the first location, then the target network device (the second network device or the third network device) will send the updated first event to the terminal device.

[0221] It should be understood that step 608 can be performed after the terminal device has connected to the target network device.

[0222] It should be understood that, as shown in Figure 6, the method may further include:

[0223] 609. The terminal device sends a second instruction message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the second instruction message from the terminal device.

[0224] The second indication information is used to indicate whether the measurement report determined by the terminal device satisfies the first event.

[0225] As an example, suppose that the measurement report meets the first event, and the terminal device sends a second indication message to the first network device, the second indication message indicating that the measurement report meets the first event. Accordingly, the first network device performs a deterministic handover based on the second indication message. Alternatively, suppose that the measurement report does not meet the first event, and the terminal device sends a second indication message to the first network device, the second indication message indicating that the measurement report does not meet the first event. Accordingly, the first network device performs a non-deterministic handover based on the second indication message.

[0226] For example, the second indication information can use the value of 1 bit to indicate whether the measurement report meets the first event. Assume that when the 1 bit is 0, it means the measurement report meets the first event; and assume that when the 1 bit is 1, it means the measurement report does not meet the first event. Alternatively, assume that when the 1 bit is 1, it means the measurement report meets the first event; and assume that when the 1 bit is 0, it means the measurement report does not meet the first event.

[0227] It should be understood that step 609 may be performed before step 603, or before step 605, or simultaneously with step 606, and this application does not limit this.

[0228] According to the method shown in Figure 6 above, the first network device sends first information to the terminal device. The first event in the first information is used by the terminal device to determine whether to send a measurement report to the first network device. Wherein, if the terminal device determines that the measurement report meets the first event, the terminal device does not need to send a measurement report to the first network device. The terminal device can directly request access to the second network device, thereby achieving measurement report-free reporting and saving signaling overhead between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0229] Meanwhile, if the first information includes timestamp information, the first network device reserves resources for the terminal device before the first time specified in the timestamp information. After the first time, the first network device can assume that the measurement report meets the first event, and the terminal device connects to the second network device. The first network device can then release the resources reserved for the terminal device. This avoids the problem of resource waste caused by the first network device continuously reserving resources for the terminal device even though it has already connected to the second network device, while the terminal device has not received a measurement report from the terminal device for a long time.

[0230] In addition, if the measurement report meets the first event, the terminal device can access the second network device based on the first candidate configuration information from the first network device; if the measurement report does not meet the first event, the terminal device can access the third network device based on the second candidate configuration information from the first network device, thereby ensuring the success rate of terminal device handover / reselection.

[0231] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0232] It should also be understood that, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions in the various embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced interchangeably. Furthermore, technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0233] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figure 6. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of interaction between various entities. It can be understood that, in order to realize the above functions, the terminal device, the first network device, the second network device, the third network device, etc., include the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for performing each function.

[0234] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving 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 this application.

[0235] The communication device provided in this application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for details not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above; for brevity, some details are omitted.

[0236] This application embodiment can divide the terminal device and the first network device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0237] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 10 includes a transceiver unit 11 and a processing unit 12. The transceiver unit 11 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 12 is used for data processing. In other words, the transceiver unit 11 is used to perform operations related to receiving and sending, while the processing unit 12 is used to perform other operations besides receiving and sending. The transceiver unit 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0238] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage unit 13, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 12 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can perform the operation of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0239] In one design, the device 10 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a component of the terminal device (such as a chip).

[0240] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver unit 11 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 12 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0241] In one possible implementation, transceiver unit 11 is configured to receive first information from a first network device. The first information includes a first event and measurement configuration information. The first event indicates whether the offset between a first signal quality and a second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold. The first signal quality is determined based on the measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality is indicated by the first network device. Processing unit 12 is configured to determine, based on the first event, whether to send a measurement report to the first network device. The measurement report is determined based on the measurement configuration information.

[0242] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG6, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps 601, 604, 603, 605, 607, or 608; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step 602.

[0243] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0244] In another design, the device 10 may correspond to the first network device in the above method embodiment, or a component of the first network device (such as a chip).

[0245] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first network device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver unit 11 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the first network device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 12 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the first network device in the above method embodiments.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 11 is used to send first information; the processing unit 12 is used to determine the first information, the first information including a first event and measurement configuration information, the first event being used to indicate whether the offset value between the first signal quality and the second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first signal quality being determined according to the measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality being indicated by the first network device.

[0247] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG6, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps 601, 604, 605, or 607; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step 606.

[0248] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0249] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0250] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may specifically be a mobility management network element in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management network element in the above method embodiments; or, device 10 may specifically be a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0251] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the entities (such as terminal devices, first network devices) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0252] In addition, the transceiver unit 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0253] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 20 includes a processor 21, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 22, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, to perform the methods in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0254] Optionally, as shown in FIG8, the device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21 or may be separately configured. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 22.

[0255] Optionally, as shown in FIG8, the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0256] As one option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device or the first network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0257] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be one or more combinations of other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), or neural processing units (NPUs); or, the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be an ASIC or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0258] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be cache or random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0259] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0260] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0261] This application also provides a chip system (or processing system) including logic circuits and input / output interfaces.

[0262] The logic circuit can be a processing circuit in the chip system. The logic circuit can be coupled to a memory cell, calling instructions from the memory cell, enabling the chip system to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0263] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0264] For example, the logic circuit is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the above method embodiments; the input / output interface is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, or the third communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0265] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a terminal device or a first network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0266] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the terminal device or the first network device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0267] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by a terminal device or a first network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0268] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned terminal device or first network device.

[0269] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0271] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0272] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0273] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0274] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0275] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0276] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: (The method is applied to a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.) Receive first information from a first network device, the first information including a first event and measurement configuration information, the first event being used to indicate whether the offset value between a first signal quality and a second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first signal quality being determined according to the measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality being indicated by the first network device; Based on the first event, it is determined whether to send a measurement report to the first network device, the measurement report being determined based on the measurement configuration information. The first network device is the source network device that provides services to the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to send the measurement report to the first network device based on the first event includes: If the measurement report satisfies the first event, it is not necessary to send the measurement report to the first network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the measurement report satisfies the first event, the method further includes: Send a first request message to the second network device, the first request message being used to request access to the second network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Sending the first request information to the second network device includes: Receive first candidate configuration information from the first network device, the first candidate configuration information including configuration information for accessing the second network device; Based on the first candidate configuration information, the first request information is sent to the second network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first signal quality is determined based on the measurement configuration information, including: The quality of the first signal is determined based on the measurement configuration information. The first signal quality is determined by measuring relaxation based on the measurement configuration information; or, The first signal quality is predicted and determined based on the measurement configuration information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first signal quality is determined based on the measurement configuration information, including: The first signal quality is determined by adjusting at least one of the measurement period, measurement frequency, or measurement duration of the first signal quality based on at least one of the clock information of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, or the measurement prediction capability of the terminal device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first event is associated with one or more of the following: The target frequency of the network device under test, the target polarization of the network device under test, the cell identifier of the network device under test, the time period of the network device under test, or the coverage area of ​​the network device under test.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first event includes: the effective time of the first event and / or the effective region of the first event; the method further includes: If the effective time has expired and / or the effective area has been exceeded, an update to the first information is requested.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first information also includes timestamp information, which includes a first time. The step of determining whether to send a measurement report to the first network device based on the first event includes... If the measurement report does not meet the first event, the measurement report is sent to the first network device before the first time.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first time belongs to any of the following: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), frame number, superframe number, subframe, time slot, symbol, or timer.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, If the measurement report does not meet the first event, the method further includes: The system receives second candidate configuration information from the first network device, the second candidate configuration information being determined based on the measurement report, and the second candidate configuration information including configuration information for accessing the third network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information, an indication information is sent. The indication information is used to indicate whether the second signal quality is valid at a first location, where the first location is the current location of the terminal device. The first configuration information comes from the first network device, and the second configuration information comes from the second network device, which is the target network device for the terminal device to perform a handover or reselection. The first configuration information or the second configuration information includes one or more of the following: the version number of the first event, the identifier of the first event, the effective time of the first event, or the effective region of the first event.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The capability information of the terminal device is sent to the first network device, and the capability information is used to determine the first event.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The capability information includes one or more of the following: the type of the terminal device, the speed of the terminal device, the measurement and prediction capability of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, or the environmental information of the terminal device.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, which involves applying a chip to a first network device or a chip in a first network device, includes: First information is determined, including a first event and measurement configuration information. The first event is used to indicate whether the offset between a first signal quality and a second signal quality is less than or equal to a first threshold. The first signal quality is determined based on the measurement configuration information, and the second signal quality is indicated by the first network device. Send the first information to the terminal device. The first network device is the source network device that provides services to the terminal-side device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first signal quality is determined based on the measurement configuration information, including: The quality of the first signal is determined based on the measurement configuration information. The first signal quality is determined by measuring relaxation based on the measurement configuration information; or, The first signal quality is predicted and determined based on the measurement configuration information.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first event is associated with one or more of the following: The target frequency of the network device under test, the target polarization of the network device under test, the cell identifier of the network device under test, the time period of the network device under test, or the coverage area of ​​the network device under test.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The first event includes: the effective time of the first event and / or the effective region of the first event; the method further includes: If the effective time expires and / or the effective area is exceeded, a request to update the first information is received.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first candidate configuration information to the terminal device. The first candidate configuration information includes configuration information for accessing a second network device. The second network device is the target network device for the terminal device to perform switching or reselection.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first information also includes timestamp information, which includes a first time. Sending the first candidate configuration information to the terminal device includes: If the measurement report is not received before the first time, the first candidate configuration information is sent to the terminal device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the measurement report from the terminal device; Send second candidate configuration information to the terminal device. The second candidate configuration information is determined based on the measurement report. The second candidate configuration information includes configuration information for accessing the third network device.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first information also includes timestamp information, the timestamp information including a first time, and receiving the measurement report from the terminal device includes: The measurement report is received before the first time.

23. The method according to claim 20 or 22, characterized in that, The first time belongs to any of the following: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), frame number, superframe number, subframe, time slot, symbol, or timer.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, The determination of the first information includes: Receive the capability information of the terminal device; The first event in the first information is determined based on the capability information of the terminal device.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The capability information includes one or more of the following: the type of the terminal device, the speed of the terminal device, the measurement and prediction capability of the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device, or the environmental information of the terminal device.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the apparatus includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor coupled to a memory for storing computer programs or instructions, and the processor for executing the computer programs or instructions in the memory, causing the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

29. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, include: At least one processor is configured to retrieve and run a computer program from memory, causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 25.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

Images