Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method provided by the present application comprises: a core network device determines, by combining at least one piece of cell state information of at least one cell and capability information of a terminal device, a cell which is in a non-barring state for the terminal device as a range in which a paging message is issued. In the present application, by screening for a cell in which a paging message is issued to a terminal device is screened, the paging message can be prevented from being sent to the terminal device in a cell which is in a barring state for the terminal device, which not only reduces the transmission overhead of the paging message, but also reduces the issuing range of the paging message, thereby improving paging efficiency.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411830476.8, filed on December 11, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the development of communication technology, terminal devices support more and more features and functions, and their capabilities are becoming increasingly rich. Cells typically implement different access restrictions for terminal devices with different capabilities, such as residency restrictions. When core network equipment needs to page a terminal device, it must send a paging message to all cells under all tracking areas (TAs) in the Tracking Area Identity (TAI) list.

[0004] Therefore, how to determine the scope of paging message distribution, reduce paging message transmission overhead, and improve paging efficiency are technical problems that urgently need to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that, by combining cell status information and terminal device capability information, determines the cells where the terminal device is unrestricted as the scope for paging message distribution. This application avoids sending paging messages to the terminal device in cells where the terminal device is in a restricted state, thus saving paging message transmission overhead, narrowing the paging message distribution scope, and improving paging efficiency.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by the core network side, or by other entities, and this application does not limit this. The core network side includes core network equipment, or chips or circuits within the core network equipment (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), or functional modules within the core network equipment capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, the following explanation uses core network equipment as an example.

[0007] This method is applied to a first core network device. The method includes receiving first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate at least one cell status information of at least one cell. The at least one cell status information of the first cell is used to enable a terminal device to determine whether the first cell is in a restricted or unrestricted state for itself. The first cell is one of the aforementioned at least one cell. The method also includes receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate capability information of the first terminal device. The core network device sends a first paging message to the network device to which the second cell belongs. The second cell is in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the core network equipment, according to the received instruction information, combined with cell status information and terminal equipment capability information, determines the cell to which the terminal equipment is in an unrestricted state, and sends a paging message to the network equipment belonging to that cell. This significantly narrows the scope of paging message transmission; the core network equipment only needs to send paging messages to the network equipment of the selected cells to which the terminal equipment is in an unrestricted state, instead of sending paging messages to the network equipment of all cells in the tracking area of ​​the terminal equipment. The technical solution disclosed in this application can reduce the scope of paging message distribution, which not only improves paging efficiency but also saves on the signaling overhead of paging messages.

[0009] It should be understood that the first indication information may indicate the status information of at least one cell in one or more cells in the tracking area corresponding to the first terminal device, and this application does not make any special limitation thereto.

[0010] It should be understood that a cell may have one or more cell status information, wherein at least one cell status information is used to enable the terminal device to determine whether it is restricted by the cell, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0011] It should be understood that the network device to which the second cell belongs may include a network device, and the second cell may be one of one or more cells in which the first terminal device is in an unrestricted state. This application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0012] It should be understood that a network device can manage one or more cells, and this application does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0013] It should be understood that the tracking area corresponding to the first terminal device includes the tracking area allocated to the first terminal device by the core network device when the first terminal device registers with the network, and is included in the registration area of ​​the first terminal device.

[0014] It should be understood that the second cell belongs to at least one cell indicated by the first instruction message, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes determining that the second cell is in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device based on the capability information of the first terminal device and the cell status information of at least one cell.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, the core network equipment determines whether one or more cells are restricted or unrestricted for the first terminal device based on the cell status information of one or more cells and the capability information of the first terminal device received. The core network equipment filters out the cells that are unrestricted for the first terminal device and sends paging messages to the network equipment managing these cells. In the technical solution disclosed in this application, the core network equipment filters out cells that are unrestricted for the terminal device based on the cell status information and the capability information of the terminal device, thus narrowing the scope of paging message transmission. This not only improves paging efficiency but also saves signaling overhead for paging messages.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information includes at least one cell status information corresponding to at least one tracking area information.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the first indication information includes at least one cell status information corresponding to at least one tracking area information. The core network equipment filters the range of paging messages to be sent based on the received at least one cell status information and the capability information of the terminal equipment. In the technical solution disclosed in this application, indicating at least one cell status information associated with each tracking area in at least one tracking area information through an information list is more efficient than indicating information alone and can further save on the signaling overhead of the indication information.

[0019] It should be understood that at least one tracking area information includes one or more tracking area information items, and multiple tracking area information items can also be sent in the form of a tracking area information list. This application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0020] It should be understood that the tracking area information can be either the tracking area code or the tracking area identifier, and is not limited thereto.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes the core network device determining a first tracking area based on the capability information of the first terminal device and at least one cell status information corresponding to at least one tracking area. The at least one cell status information corresponding to the first tracking area indicates an unrestricted state for the first terminal device. The method further includes the core network device allocating the first tracking area to the first terminal device and indicating the first tracking area information to the first terminal device.

[0022] Based on the above technical solution, the core network equipment determines the tracking area for the terminal device as an unrestricted cell based on the terminal device's capability information and cell status information. It then sends paging messages only to the network equipment belonging to the cell corresponding to that tracking area.

[0023] It should be understood that the core network equipment can indicate the first tracking area by sending indication information to the first terminal equipment, and can also allocate the first tracking area to the first terminal equipment through other signaling. This application does not make any special limitations on this.

[0024] It should be understood that the first tracking area information is used to indicate a tracking area to the first terminal device, which includes the first tracking area and / or one or more other tracking areas that are unrestricted to the first terminal device.

[0025] It should be understood that when at least one cell status information corresponding to one or more tracking areas is in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device, then the aforementioned one or more tracking areas are in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device.

[0026] It should be understood that when at least one cell status information corresponding to one or more cells is in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device, then the aforementioned one or more cells are in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second instruction information includes a first container. The first container includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

[0028] Based on the above technical solution, the instruction information received by the core network equipment includes a first container. The core network equipment parses this container to obtain the terminal device's capability information, and then filters unrestricted cells based on this capability information.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second indication information includes a first field and a first container. The first field is used to indicate all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device. The first field is outside the first container.

[0030] Based on the above technical solution, the instruction information received by the core network device includes a first field. The core network device can directly obtain the capability information of the terminal device based on the first field, without needing to additionally parse the content contained in the container.

[0031] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a base station or by other entities, and this application does not limit the scope of execution. The base station includes base station equipment, or chips or circuits within the base station equipment (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), or functional modules within the base station equipment capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, the following explanation uses a base station device as an example.

[0032] This method is applied to a first network device. The method includes sending first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate at least one cell status information of at least one cell. The at least one cell status information of the first cell is used to enable a terminal device to determine whether the first cell is in a restricted or unrestricted state for itself, and that the first cell belongs to the first network device. The method further includes sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate capability information of the first terminal device.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes receiving capability information of the first terminal device. The network device determines second indication information, which includes a first container. The first container includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

[0034] Based on the above technical solution, the network device receives the capability information of the terminal device, parses the container, obtains the capability information of the terminal device, and reports the capability information of the terminal device to the core network device.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second indication information further includes a first field. The first field is used to indicate all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device. The first field is located outside the first container.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, the network device will parse the capability information of the terminal device obtained from the container and indicate it to the core network device through the first field. The core network device can obtain the capability information of the terminal device through the first field without having to parse the information in the container again.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, one or more cells managed by the first network device are in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device. The method also includes the first network device receiving a first paging message and sending a second paging message to the first terminal device.

[0038] Based on the above technical solution, the core network device determines, based on cell status information and terminal device capability information, that one or more cells managed by the first network device are unrestricted for the first terminal device. Then, the core network device sends a paging message to the first network device, which in turn sends a paging message to the terminal device.

[0039] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by the core network side, or by other entities, and this application does not limit this. The core network side includes core network equipment, or chips or circuits within the core network equipment (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), or functional modules within the core network equipment capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, the following explanation uses core network equipment as an example.

[0040] This method is applied to a first core network device. The method includes receiving second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate the capability information of a first terminal. The method also includes sending a third paging message. The third paging message includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

[0041] Based on the above technical solution, the core network equipment sends the received terminal equipment capability information via paging messages to the network equipment, indicating the terminal equipment's capability information. This allows the network equipment to determine whether to send a paging message to the terminal equipment based on its capability information. The technical method of this application further filters out network equipment that needs to send paging messages to terminal equipment in access network-level paging, improving paging efficiency and reducing signaling overhead.

[0042] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second instruction information includes a first container. The first container includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

[0043] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second indication information further includes a first field. The first field is used to indicate all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device. The first field is located outside the first container.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by the management and maintenance side, or by other entities; this application does not limit this. The management and maintenance side includes management devices, or chips or circuits within the management devices (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), or functional modules within the management devices capable of calling and executing programs. For ease of description, the following explanation uses a management device as an example.

[0045] The method is applied to a first management device. The method includes determining at least one tracking area. The method also includes sending first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate at least one cell status information corresponding to the at least one tracking area. The at least one cell status information of the first cell is used to enable the terminal device to determine whether the first cell is in a restricted or unrestricted state for itself. The first cell belongs to the aforementioned at least one tracking area.

[0046] Based on the above technical solution, the management device determines at least one tracking area and sends indication information to the core network device. This indication information indicates at least one cell status information corresponding to each tracking area. This allows the core network device to filter tracking areas consisting of cells where the terminal device is in an unrestricted state, based on the cell status information obtained from the management device and combined with the terminal device's capability information, thereby further narrowing the scope of paging message transmission.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, at least one tracking area includes a first tracking area. The first tracking area includes M cells, and the M cells correspond to at least one cell with the same cell status information. M is a natural number.

[0048] Based on the above technical solution, the management device groups one or more cells with the same cell status into a tracking area according to the status of at least one cell in each cell, and indicates at least one cell status information corresponding to each tracking area. At least one tracking area information entry is sent to the core network device. The management device can also send one or more tracking area information entries to the core network device via a tracking area information list. Each tracking area information entry indicates at least one cell status information for at least one tracking area. The cell status information of one or more cells included in each tracking area is the same.

[0049] It should be understood that tracking area information can also be used to indicate the mapping relationship between at least one cell status information and a tracking area code information or a tracking area identification information or one or more cells, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0050] Fifthly, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. The first device is used to perform the method provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The second device is used to perform the method provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] Sixthly, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a second device and a third device. The second device is used to perform the method provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The third device is used to perform the method provided in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] A seventh aspect provides a communication apparatus for performing the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects. Specifically, the apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects, such as processing units and / or communication units.

[0053] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as an intermediate node, a network device, or an auxiliary terminal device). When the device is a communication device, the communication 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.

[0054] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for a communication device (such as an intermediate node, a network device, or an auxiliary terminal device). When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for a communication device, the communication 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.

[0055] Eighthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor for executing a computer program or instructions to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a memory for storing the computer program or instructions. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a communication interface through which the processor reads the computer program or instructions.

[0056] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as an intermediate node, a network device, or an auxiliary terminal device).

[0057] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for communication devices (such as intermediate nodes, network devices, or auxiliary terminal devices).

[0058] Ninth aspect, a processor is provided for performing the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Optionally, the device further includes: a memory for storing a program; correspondingly, at least one processor for executing the computer program or instructions in the memory.

[0061] Optionally, the device also includes a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor and can be used to input information to the processor or output information from the processor.

[0062] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a device, the program code including methods for performing any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0063] Eleventhly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0064] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions from a memory through the communication interface and executing the method provided by any of the above implementations of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0065] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the method provided by any of the above implementations of any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0066] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of any of the implementation methods in the second to twelfth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the first aspect mentioned above and any of its possible implementation methods, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to this application.

[0068] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a RAN node applicable to this application.

[0069] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to this application.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the relationship between RNA and TA.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are provided.

[0078] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication information as indicating A, it can include whether the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication information includes A.

[0079] The information indicated by the instruction information is called the instruction-to-be-instructed information. In the specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the instruction-to-be-instructed information. The instruction-to-be-instructed information can be sent as a whole, or it can be divided into multiple sub-information messages and sent separately. Furthermore, the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0080] Second, in this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. 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. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0081] Third, 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.

[0082] Fourth, the term "and / or" in the embodiments of this application 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, and B existing alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects before and after it have an "or" relationship.

[0083] Fifth, the various message names or device names involved in the embodiments of this application are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. For example, messages may have different names, as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0084] Sixth, the terms "message", "information", or "information element (IE)" can be used interchangeably in this article. There are no restrictions on the names of messages or information, as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0085] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. Besides air interface transmission or reception signals implemented at the system level, such as network devices or terminal devices, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. For example, a modem or system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip transmits or receives signals. "Send" or "receive" can also be performed through device components, for example, by using buses, traces, or interfaces to transmit or receive signals through several parts, modules, or chips of a device.

[0086] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] 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), including integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, GNSS, and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a fourth-generation (4G) communication system (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a fifth-generation (5G) communication system (e.g., new radio (NR) system), and future mobile communication systems.

[0088] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to this application.

[0089] The communication system shown in the figure includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, a core network (CN) 200, and an Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node 110 (110a and 110b in the figure, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal 120 (120a-120j in the figure, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in the figure). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0090] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems, or future-oriented communication systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, or a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0091] Terminal 120 can also be referred to as terminal equipment, 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. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0092] Core network equipment refers to the equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support to terminals. 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 can be 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 similarly, an SMF entity can also be called an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity.

[0093] RAN node 110, sometimes referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and assists terminals in achieving wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0094] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, RAN node 110 is also referred to as network equipment, base station, etc., and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0095] In one possible scenario, RAN node 110 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 communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. RAN nodes can be macro base stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), relay nodes or donor nodes, or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0096] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CU), distributed units (DU), CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio units (RU), etc.

[0097] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a RAN node applicable to this application.

[0098] 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 in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. As one implementation, the CU deploys the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer from the protocol stack; the DU deploys the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical Layer (PHY) from the protocol stack. Thus, the CU has the processing capabilities for RRC, PDCP, and SDAP. The DU has the processing capabilities for RLC, MAC, and PHY. It is understood that the above functional division is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the CU and DU. The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0099] The CU can also be divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane (PDCP-C) function of the PDCP layer. CU-UP is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane (PDCP-U) function of the PDCP layer.

[0100] In the diagram, E1 is the interface between CU-CP and CU-UP, F1 is the interface between CU and DU, F1-C is the interface between CU-CP and DU, and F1-U is the interface between CU-UP and DU.

[0101] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU can also have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), and RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP). It should be understood that the O-RAN system aims to achieve an intelligent and open access network. The main feature of the O-RAN system is the separation of hardware and software, realizing the virtualization of network functions and the standardization of hardware. In addition, the O-RAN system can also introduce artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML).

[0102] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to this application.

[0103] An ORAN system may include one or more O-CUs, O-DUs, O-RUs, etc. Specific protocol layer functions are shown in Table 1.

[0104] Table 1. Correspondence between access network equipment (network element modules) and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system.

[0105] Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. In the ORAN system, any of the O-CU (or O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP), O-DU, and O-RU units in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0106] It is understood that the segmentation of the protocol layer functions of the RAN nodes shown in Table 1 is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on CU, DU, and RU.

[0107] As shown in Figure 3, the communication system 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.

[0108] 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 the diagram, please refer to existing standards; further details are omitted here.

[0109] One possible example is that the first network unit can be a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), which functions similarly to a network management system. Alternatively, it can be a network unit with similar functions to the SMO, without limitation.

[0110] One possible example is that the second network unit can be a non-real-time RIC (Non-RT RIC), used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions. This enables AI / ML workflows including model training and updates, and guides applications / functions within the Near-RT RIC based on policies. The Non-RT RIC resides within the SMO module. The second network unit can also be a network unit with similar functionality to the Non-RT RIC; this is not limited.

[0111] One possible example is that the third network unit could be a near-real-time RIC (Near-RT RIC) used to achieve near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, it enables near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources. The third network unit could also be a network unit with similar functionality to the Near-RT RIC; this is not limited.

[0112] Below is a brief description of the interfaces involved in the O-RAN architecture and the 3GPP interfaces.

[0113] A1 Interface: The interface between Non-RT RIC and Near-RT RIC, used for intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to Near-RT RIC through the A1 interface, while Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to Non-RT RIC through the A1 interface.

[0114] E2 Interface: The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include, for example, CU and DU in 5G, O-RAN compatible eNB in ​​4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP) in O-RAN, and / or O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data collection and feedback from the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0115] O1 Interface: The interface between the management entity in the SMO and the O-RAN module, used for operation management. FCAPS management, software management, and file management are implemented through this interface.

[0116] O2 Interface: The interface between the SMO and the infrastructure management framework that supports O-RAN virtual network functionality.

[0117] The Open Fronthaul CUS-Plane interface includes the control plane (C-Plane), user plane (U-Plane), and synchronization plane (S-Plane). The control plane is used for real-time control between the O-DU and O-RU, such as transmitting beamforming weights from the O-DU to the O-RU or performing power control from the O-DU to the O-RU. The user plane is used to transmit communication data between the DU and RU for access network devices and terminals. The synchronization plane is used by the O-DU to provide clock synchronization for the O-RU.

[0118] With the development of communication technology, the types of terminal devices are increasing, and their capabilities are becoming more diverse. A cell's state may differ for terminal devices with different capabilities. When a core network device needs to page a terminal device, it must send a paging message across all cells registered with the terminal device; that is, the core network device must send the paging message across all cells under all tracking areas (TAs) in the Tracking Area Identity (TAI) list.

[0119] To facilitate understanding, some concepts or terms involved in this application will be explained first.

[0120] 1. The community is under restriction / prohibited status.

[0121] Cell prohibition state, also known as cell restricted state, means that if a cell is in a prohibited state, terminals will be prohibited from camping on that cell. UEs determine whether a cell is in a prohibited state in two ways: one is through an explicit indication of a prohibited state, and the other is through the UE's own perception that the cell has entered a prohibited state.

[0122] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the restricted state of a cell is also referred to as the restricted state of a cell, or the restricted state of a cell, etc., and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0123] As an example, and not a limitation, a cell can indicate whether its state is prohibited through a master information block (MIB) message or a system information block type 1 (SIB1) message. When the UE meets the ignore condition for a cell state element, it ignores the element, i.e., it does not evaluate the cell state element; otherwise, the UE evaluates the cell state element. When a cell state element is missing or its value is set to "barred," the UE determines that the cell is prohibited. When the UE determines that a cell is prohibited, the UE cannot select or retransmit to the current cell, and even emergency calls cannot be made. Table 2 shows some cell states defined in the current protocol and their corresponding ignore conditions.

[0124] Table 2. Community Status Information

[0125] The ignore condition NA in the table indicates that there is no ignore condition, and all UEs need to read the field of this information element.

[0126] As an example rather than a limitation, the cell status information element cellBarred indicated by the MIB message has a value range of {barred, not barred}, and is ignored if the UE supports non-terrestrial network (NTN), integrated access and backhaul mobile termination (IAB-MT), or network-controlled repeater mobile termination (NCR-MT).

[0127] As an example and not a limitation, when terminal device 1 receives the cellBarred information element included in the system message MIB broadcast by the cell, in a specific implementation, if terminal device 1 supports one or more of NTN, IAB-MT, and NCR-MT, then terminal device 1 ignores it and does not need to read the value of the information element.

[0128] In another specific implementation, if terminal device 1 does not support any of NTN, IAB-MT, or NCR-MT, then terminal device 1 reads the cell and evaluates that the cell value is barred. In this case, terminal device 1 determines that the cell is in a prohibited state for itself.

[0129] In another specific implementation, if terminal device 1 does not support any of NTN, IAB-MT, or NCR-MT, then terminal device 1 reads the cell and evaluates that the cell value is not barred. In this case, terminal device 1 determines that the cell is not in a prohibited state for itself.

[0130] 2. Call

[0131] When a UE registers with the network, the core network assigns each UE a list of tracking area identities (TAIs) as its UE registration area. When a UE moves to a cell that is not in that TAI list, it actively accesses the network (including the core network) and performs a non-access stratum (NAS) registration update. The core network registers the UE's location and updates the UE's UE registration area, i.e., it reassigns a list of TAIs containing the tracking area (TA) of the cell to which the UE is currently located. When the UE is in RRC idle state, in order for the network to find the UE, the core network needs to send paging messages (5GC paging) to all cells under all TAs in the TAI list; this can be referred to as core network-level terminal tracking.

[0132] For UEs in RRC Inactive state, in order to further save on paging message transmission overhead, a "RAN-based notification area (RNA)" call range, which is smaller than the TA range, is introduced.

[0133] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the relationship between RNA and TA.

[0134] The RNA is managed by the next-generation NodeB (gNodeB). The gNodeB can locate the UE by paging it via RNA (RAN paging), which can be referred to as radio access network-level terminal tracking. When RAN paging is triggered, the paging message is sent to all external cells in the RNA1 area to which the UE belongs that have an Xn connection with the last serving gNodeB and whose RNA identity (ID) is RNA1.

[0135] In core network paging and RAN paging, the gNB that receives the paging message sends a paging message to the UE.

[0136] SIB1 includes paging channel configuration parameters. The UE in RRC idle state or RRC inactive state calculates the monitoring time based on the paging channel configuration parameters and receives the paging message at the corresponding monitoring time, indicating whether the message contains its own paging UE ID.

[0137] 3. Enhanced downlink coverage

[0138] NR introduces beam scanning to cover the entire cell. This means the base station can transmit a beam direction at a given moment, and then transmit different beams at several intervals to cover different directions. These beams are called synchronization signal block (SSB) beams. When the UE moves within the system, it continuously performs cell search and measurement based on the SSB, selecting the appropriate SSB beam to achieve initial UE access and mobility management. The SSB period can be 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms. This period is indicated in SIB1, but during the initial cell search, the UE has not yet received SIB1, so it searches for SSBs using the default 20ms period. This allows the UE to know how long to stay on each frequency point before concluding that the SSB does not exist, and then move to the next frequency point for searching. Since the UE searches according to the 20ms defined by the 3GPP protocol by default, if the SSB period of a cell is greater than 20ms, then this part of the cell may not be found by the UE. However, if the UE increases the search duration of this frequency point, it will affect the access latency. Therefore, the SSB period of the cell is usually recommended to be 20ms.

[0139] The current discussion focuses on NTN downlink coverage enhancement features, which include dynamic power sharing between satellite beams or beam footprints. Therefore, not all beams or beam footprints are activated simultaneously. Downlink coverage enhancement also includes SSB period extension, which may be extended to 160ms, 320ms, 640ms, or even longer. When a UE does not support this NTN downlink coverage enhancement feature, it evaluates the "cellBarredNTN" cell to determine whether the cell is considered disabled. A new cell state cell is introduced. For UEs supporting this NTN downlink coverage feature, the "cellBarredNTN" cell is ignored, and the new cell state cell is evaluated to determine whether the cell is disabled.

[0140] When the core network pages a UE, it needs to send paging messages to all cells in the UE's registration area, i.e., all cells under all TAs in the TAI list. Most of these cells in the registration area may be cells that the UE considers to be in a restricted state. Paging messages sent by restricted cells cannot be received by the UE, resulting in high paging message transmission overhead. For example, when the core network calls an NTN UE, it sends a paging message to a cell. The cell will send a paging message over the air interface to page the UE. However, if the SIB indicator cellBarredNTN broadcast by the cell has the value "barred," the UE cannot camp on that NTN cell and will not receive the paging message.

[0141] The cell status differs for UEs with different capabilities. For example, the cellBarred information cell is set to "barred," while the cellBarredNTN information cell is set to "not barred." For UEs that support NTN, the cellBarred information cell is ignored, and cellBarredNTN is evaluated, determining the cell to be in a non-barred state. For UEs that do not support NTN, the cellBarred information cell is evaluated, determining the cell to be in a barred state.

[0142] In summary, the technical solution provided in this application, during paging, combines cell status information and terminal device capability information to determine the cells where the terminal device is unrestricted as the scope for sending paging messages. This application can avoid sending paging messages to the terminal device in cells where the terminal device is in a restricted state, which not only saves the transmission overhead of paging messages but also narrows the scope of paging message distribution, thereby improving paging efficiency.

[0143] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0144] S501: At least one network device sends instruction information 1 to the core network device.

[0145] Network devices 1 through n send indication information 1 to the core network device. Indication information 1 is used to indicate the status information of at least one cell of one or more cells managed by network devices 1 through n. n is a natural number.

[0146] One or more cells managed by network devices 1 to n belong to the tracking area 1 of the terminal device.

[0147] It should be understood that the number of network devices shown in the figure is only for illustrative purposes, and n can be a natural number such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The number of network devices in this application is not specifically limited.

[0148] It should be understood that each network device can manage one or more cells, and the number of cells managed by each network device can be the same or different. This application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0149] In the embodiments of this application, multiple cell status information elements are introduced. The terminal device determines whether the cell is in a restricted state for itself by using the cell status information elements. When a cell status information element is missing, or when the cell status information element is set to "barred" or "reserved", the terminal device considers the cell to be in a prohibited state when evaluating these information elements.

[0150] In one specific implementation, network devices 1 to n indicate at least one cell prohibition status information corresponding to the cell they manage to the core network device through indication information 1.

[0151] In another specific implementation, network devices 1 to n indicate at least one cell status information corresponding to the cell they manage to the core network device through indication information 1. The cell status information is not limited to information on the restricted status of the cell, but may also include information on the unrestricted status of the cell.

[0152] As an example and not a limitation, core network equipment includes, but is not limited to, access and mobility management function (AMF) entities.

[0153] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the restricted state of a terminal device in a cell is also referred to as the prohibited state, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0154] It should be understood that in some specific implementations, the unrestricted state of a cell for terminal devices is also referred to as the non-prohibited state, and this application does not make any special limitation on this.

[0155] It should be understood that instruction information 1 is a specific implementation of the first instruction information in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0156] It should be understood that the terminal device is a specific implementation of the first terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0157] It should be understood that the core network device is a specific implementation of the first core network device in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0158] It should be understood that tracking region 1 is a specific implementation of at least one tracking region in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0159] S502a: The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1.

[0160] The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1. The capability information is used to report the UE's air interface capability information.

[0161] Network device 1 includes the network device currently connected to the terminal device.

[0162] S502b: Network device 1 sends instruction information 2 to the core network device.

[0163] Network device 1 sends indication information 2 to the core network device. Indication information 2 is used to indicate the UE's air interface capability information.

[0164] In one specific implementation, the indication information 2 includes container 1, which contains all or part of the UE's capability information. The core network device obtains the terminal device's capability information by parsing container 1.

[0165] The core network sends all or part of the air interface capability information reported by the UE to the core network equipment, including it in container 1. The core network parses the container to obtain the UE's air interface capability information.

[0166] It should be understood that container 1 is a specific implementation of the first container in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0167] In another specific implementation, the indication information 2 includes container 1 and field 1. Container 1 includes all or part of the UE's capability information, and field 1 is used to indicate the UE's air interface capabilities to the core network equipment.

[0168] After receiving the instruction information 2, network device 1 determines field 1 according to the instruction information 2. Field 1 includes all or part of the capability information of the terminal device.

[0169] It should be understood that network device 1 includes the air interface capability information reported by the UE in a container, and additionally indicates the UE's air interface capability information through fields outside the container, in order to notify the core network device of the UE's air interface capability.

[0170] It should be understood that field 1 includes all or part of the UE air interface capability information.

[0171] It should be understood that field 1 is a specific implementation of the first field in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not impose any special limitations on it.

[0172] It should be understood that instruction information 2 is a specific implementation of the second instruction information in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0173] S503: The terminal device enters the RRC idle state.

[0174] The terminal device enters the RRC idle state (RRC_idle) to receive paging messages from the cell.

[0175] S504: The core network equipment initiates a paging process.

[0176] Based on the received indication information 1 and indication information 2, the core network equipment determines the cell in which the terminal device is in an unrestricted state.

[0177] The core network equipment filters out cells that are unrestricted for the UE pair based on the UE's air interface capability information and the restricted status information of cells in the TAI list.

[0178] As an example rather than a limitation, the core network equipment determines one or more cells that are unrestricted for the terminal device based on the terminal device's capability information and the cell's restricted status information.

[0179] It should be understood that, for example, cell 1 is determined to be in an unrestricted state for terminal devices. Cell 1 is one of one or more cells that are in an unrestricted state for terminal devices, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0180] It should be understood that Cell 1 is a specific implementation of the second cell in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0181] S505: The core network device sends a paging message to one or more network devices.

[0182] The core network equipment sends paging messages 1 to the network equipment of the cells to which the terminal equipment is identified as being in an unrestricted state.

[0183] It should be understood that when a core network device sends a paging message 1 to network device a, one or more cells managed by network device a are in an unrestricted state for that terminal device.

[0184] In one specific implementation, cell 1 is one of one or more cells managed by network device a, and the core network device sends paging message 1 to network device a.

[0185] It should be understood that network device a is one of one or more network devices, and network device a belongs to network devices 1 to n.

[0186] It should be understood that paging message 1 is a specific implementation of the first paging message in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0187] It should be understood that network device a is a specific implementation of the first network device in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0188] S506: Network device a sends a paging message 2 to the terminal device.

[0189] After receiving a paging message from the core network equipment, network device A sends paging message 2 to the terminal device over the air interface. One or more cells managed by network device A are in an unrestricted state for the terminal device.

[0190] It should be understood that paging message 2 is a specific implementation of the second paging message in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0191] The method described in this application adds a filtering mechanism for the paging message transmission range of the core network equipment. Based on the terminal's capability information and the restricted status information of cells within the tracking area, the core network equipment filters out cells where the terminal equipment is not in a restricted state, and only needs to send paging messages to these unrestricted cells. This avoids the core network equipment sending paging messages to cells prohibited by the UE through the NG interface, and also avoids further sending paging messages to cells prohibited by the UE via the air interface. This not only saves on call message transmission overhead but also further narrows the scope of paging message distribution, improving paging efficiency.

[0192] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0193] S601: The management device sends configuration information to the network device.

[0194] The management device sends configuration information 1 to network devices 1 to n. Configuration information 1 is used to configure cell status information for the network devices.

[0195] It should be understood that configuration information 1 is used to instruct network devices to configure at least one cell status information for one or more cells under their management.

[0196] At least one cell status information is used to enable the terminal device to determine whether the cell is restricted or unrestricted for itself.

[0197] As an example and not a limitation, cell status information includes the defined cell status for UEs with different capabilities, including but not limited to the cell status information defined in Table 2 above.

[0198] As an example and not a limitation, the management of equipment includes, but is not limited to, operation administration and maintenance (OAM) entities.

[0199] It should be understood that the management device is a specific implementation of the first management device in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0200] S602: The management device determines the tracking area information 1 based on the cell status information.

[0201] The management device determines the tracking area information based on the cell status information. The tracking area information is used to indicate the status information of at least one cell in the corresponding tracking area.

[0202] As an example and not a limitation, the management device groups at least one cell with the same cell state into a tracking area (TA), denoted as tracking area 1. It then determines tracking area information 1, which indicates the cell state information of at least one cell within tracking area 1.

[0203] As an example rather than a limitation, the management device determines the corresponding tracking area information for different tracking zones and combines the tracking area information corresponding to multiple tracking zones into a tracking area information list.

[0204] It should be understood that tracking region 1 is a specific implementation of at least one tracking region in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0205] S603: The management device sends tracking area information to the network device.

[0206] The management device sends the corresponding tracking area information to the network device to which each tracking area belongs, in order to indicate the status information of at least one cell of at least one cell under management to the network device.

[0207] As an example and not a limitation, tracking area information includes, but is not limited to, tracking area code (TAC) and tracking area identity (TAI).

[0208] As an example and not a limitation, the management device sends tracking area information 1 to network device a. Tracking area information 1 corresponds to tracking area 1, and is used to indicate the cell status of tracking area 1 to network device a. Tracking area 1 is the cell managed by network device a.

[0209] It should be understood that the management device can also send corresponding tracking area information to other network devices, which is not shown in the accompanying drawings of this application.

[0210] It should be understood that tracking area information 1 is a specific implementation of at least one tracking area information in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0211] S604: The management device sends instruction information to the core network device.

[0212] The management device sends indication information 3 to the core network device. Indication information 3 indicates at least one cell status information of at least one cell. The at least one cell status information is used by the terminal device to determine whether the cell is in a restricted or unrestricted state for itself.

[0213] The indication information 3 includes a tracking area information list 1, which includes at least one tracking area information and is used to indicate at least one cell status information of at least one tracking area.

[0214] As an example and not a limitation, the regional information list 1 includes, but is not limited to, the TAC list and the TAI list.

[0215] The tracking area information list 1 may include one or more tracking area information entries. The management device indicates to the core network device the mapping relationship between each tracking area information entry in the tracking area information list 1 and the cell status.

[0216] As an example and not a limitation, the management device indicates to the core network the status of at least one cell corresponding to each tracking area information in Area Information List 1.

[0217] As an example and not a limitation, Tracking Area Information List 1 includes Tracking Area Information 1. The management device uses Tracking Area Information 1 to indicate to the core network device the status information of at least one cell in at least one cell within Tracking Area 1 corresponding to Tracking Area 1.

[0218] It should be understood that instruction information 3 is another specific implementation of the first instruction information in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0219] S605a: The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1.

[0220] The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1. The capability information is used to report the UE's air interface capability information.

[0221] Network device 1 includes the network device currently connected to the terminal device.

[0222] S605b: Network device 1 sends instruction information 2 to the core network device.

[0223] Network device 1 sends indication information 2 to the core network device. Indication information 2 is used to indicate the UE's air interface capability information.

[0224] In one specific implementation, the indication information 2 includes container 1, which contains all or part of the UE's capability information. The core network device obtains the terminal device's capability information by parsing container 1.

[0225] In another specific implementation, the indication information 2 includes container 1 and field 1. Container 1 includes all or part of the UE's capability information, and field 1 is used to indicate the UE's air interface capabilities to the core network equipment.

[0226] It should be understood that step S605 is similar to step S502, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be described again here.

[0227] S606: List of tracking area information for core network equipment 2.

[0228] The core network equipment determines the tracking area information list 2 based on indication information 2 and indication information 3.

[0229] Based on at least one cell status information of at least one cell and the UE's capability information, the core network equipment allocates a tracking area information list 2 to the terminal device. The tracking area information list 2 includes at least one tracking area information, and the tracking area corresponding to this tracking area information is in an unrestricted state for the terminal device.

[0230] As an example and not a limitation, the regional information list 2 includes, but is not limited to, the TAC list and the TAI list.

[0231] As an example and not a limitation, the core network equipment assigns a tracking area information list 2 to the terminal device based on the UE's air interface capabilities. Tracking area information list 2 includes tracking area information 2, which indicates at least one cell status information corresponding to tracking area 2. The cells included in tracking area 2 are in an unrestricted state for the terminal device. Tracking area 2 includes cell 2.

[0232] It should be understood that cell 2 is one of one or more cells in which the terminal device is in an unrestricted state, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0233] It should be understood that tracking region 2 is a specific implementation of the first tracking region in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0234] It should be understood that cell 2 is one of the M cells in this application embodiment, and is a specific implementation of the M cells in this application embodiment. This application does not make any special limitations on it.

[0235] S607: The terminal device enters the RRC idle state.

[0236] The terminal device enters the RRC idle state (RRC_idle) to receive paging messages from the cell.

[0237] S608: Core network equipment sends paging message to network equipment 1.

[0238] The core network equipment sends paging messages 1 to the network equipment of the cells to which the terminal equipment is identified as being in an unrestricted state.

[0239] In one specific implementation, tracking area 2 includes one or more cells managed by network device a, and the core network device sends paging message 1 to network device a.

[0240] In another specific implementation, cell 2 is one of one or more cells managed by network device a, and the core network device sends paging message 1 to network device a.

[0241] S609: Network device a sends a paging message 2 to the terminal device.

[0242] After receiving a paging message from the core network equipment, network device A sends paging message 2 to the terminal device over the air interface. One or more cells managed by network device A are in an unrestricted state for the terminal device.

[0243] It should be understood that steps S607, S608 and S609 are similar to steps S503, S505 and S506, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described again here.

[0244] The method described in this application constructs tracking areas based on cell states and indicates the mapping relationship between tracking areas and cell states to the core network equipment. The core network equipment assigns a list of tracking areas to the terminal equipment, indicating which tracking areas are unrestricted for that terminal equipment. This avoids sending paging messages to cells prohibited by the UE via the NG interface in the core network, and also avoids further sending paging messages over the air interface to cells prohibited by the UE. This saves call message transmission overhead, narrows the scope of paging message distribution, and improves paging efficiency.

[0245] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0246] S701a: The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1.

[0247] The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1. The capability information is used to report the UE's air interface capability information.

[0248] Network device 1 includes the network device currently connected to the terminal device.

[0249] S701b: Network device 1 sends instruction information 2 to the core network device.

[0250] Network device 1 sends indication information 2 to the core network device. Indication information 2 is used to indicate the UE's air interface capability information.

[0251] In one specific implementation, the indication information 2 includes container 1, which contains all or part of the UE's capability information. The core network device obtains the terminal device's capability information by parsing container 1.

[0252] In another specific implementation, the indication information 2 includes container 1 and field 1. Container 1 includes all or part of the UE's capability information, and field 1 is used to indicate the UE's air interface capabilities to the core network equipment.

[0253] It should be understood that step S701 is similar to step S502, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be described again here.

[0254] S702: The terminal device enters the RRC idle state.

[0255] The terminal device enters the RRC idle state (RRC_idle) to receive paging messages from the cell.

[0256] S703: The core network equipment initiates a paging process.

[0257] Core network equipment transmits paging messages through the NG port to initiate core network paging.

[0258] S704: The core network device sends a paging message to at least one network device.

[0259] The core network equipment sends paging message 3 to network equipment 2 to n. Paging message 3 includes the capability information of the terminal equipment. Paging message 3 includes field 2, which is used to indicate the capability information of the terminal equipment.

[0260] It should be understood that the capability information of the terminal device indicated by field 2 may be all or part of the capability information reported by the terminal device, and the capability information of the terminal device indicated by field 2 is related to paging.

[0261] As an example and not a limitation, the terminal device capability information included in paging message 3 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a field indicating whether the terminal device supports non-terrestrial networks (NTN), a field indicating whether the terminal device supports NTN downlink coverage enhancement, parameter information for NTN downlink coverage enhancement, a field indicating whether the terminal device supports network energy savings (NES), and a field indicating whether the terminal device supports reduced capability (RedCap), etc.

[0262] It should be understood that paging message 3 is a specific implementation of the third paging message in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0263] S705: The network device identifies the cell where the terminal device is in an unrestricted state.

[0264] Network devices 2 to n receive paging messages carrying terminal device capability information, and based on the terminal device capability information and the cell status information of the cells they manage, determine whether the managed cell is in a restricted or unrestricted state for the terminal device.

[0265] As an example rather than a limitation, network device a determines, based on the received paging message 3, that the cell it manages is unrestricted for the terminal device.

[0266] S706: Network device a sends a paging message 2 to the terminal device.

[0267] Network device A, based on the received paging message carrying terminal device capability information, determines that the cell it manages is unrestricted for the terminal device. Network device A then sends paging message 2 to the terminal device. Network device A includes network devices belonging to the cell to which the terminal device is unrestricted.

[0268] It should be understood that network device a is one or more network devices from network device 2 to n, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0269] It should be understood that one or more of the network devices 2 to n may be in an unrestricted state for the terminal device and send paging messages to the terminal device, which are not shown in the accompanying drawings of this application.

[0270] It should be understood that paging message 2 is a specific implementation of the second paging message in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0271] The method of this application allows a network device to determine whether a cell it manages is an unrestricted cell for the terminal device based on a received paging message including terminal device capability information and the cell status of the cells it manages. Only network devices belonging to unrestricted cells send paging messages to the terminal device. This avoids sending paging messages over the air interface to cells where the terminal device is in a restricted state. The method provided in this application saves call message transmission overhead, narrows the scope of paging message distribution, and improves paging efficiency.

[0272] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0273] S801: The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1.

[0274] The terminal device sends capability information to network device 1. The capability information is used to report the UE's air interface capability information.

[0275] Network device 1 includes the network device currently connected to the terminal device.

[0276] S802: The terminal device enters the RRC idle state.

[0277] The terminal device enters the RRC idle state (RRC_idle) to receive paging messages from the cell.

[0278] S803: Network device 1 initiates paging.

[0279] Network device 1 transmits a paging message through the Xn port to initiate RAN paging.

[0280] Network device 1 is the network device that provided the previous service. In its own tracking area information list, network device 1 initiates a paging to the network devices of other cells associated with the tracking area information in the list.

[0281] S804: Network device 1 sends a paging message 4 to at least one network device.

[0282] Network device 1 sends paging message 4 to network devices 2 through n. Paging message 4 includes the capability information of the terminal devices. Paging message 4 includes field 2, which is used to indicate the capability information of the terminal devices.

[0283] It should be understood that the capability information of the terminal device indicated by field 2 may be all or part of the capability information reported by the terminal device, and the capability information of the terminal device indicated by field 2 is related to paging.

[0284] As an example and not a limitation, the terminal device capability information included in paging message 4 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a field indicating whether the terminal device supports non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), a field indicating whether the terminal device supports NTN downlink coverage enhancement, parameter information for NTN downlink coverage enhancement, a field indicating whether the terminal device supports network energy savings (NES), and a field indicating whether the terminal device supports reduced capability (RedCap), etc.

[0285] Network devices 1 to n belong to the same tracking area information list.

[0286] S805: The network device identifies the cell where the terminal device is in an unrestricted state.

[0287] Network devices 2 to n receive paging messages carrying terminal device capability information, and based on the terminal device capability information and the cell status information of the cells they manage, determine whether the managed cell is in a restricted or unrestricted state for the terminal device.

[0288] As an example, and not a limitation, network devices 1 through n belong to the same tracking area information list. This tracking area information list includes at least two tracking area information entries. One tracking area information entry maps to network device 1 as the managing device for the tracking area, and the other tracking area information entry maps to network device a as the managing device for the tracking area. Based on the received paging message 4, network device a determines that the cell it manages is unrestricted for the terminal device.

[0289] S806: Network device a sends a paging message 2 to the terminal device.

[0290] Network device A, based on the received paging message carrying terminal device capability information, determines that the cell it manages is unrestricted for the terminal device. Network device A then sends paging message 2 to the terminal device. Network device A includes network devices belonging to the cell to which the terminal device is unrestricted.

[0291] It should be understood that network device a is one or more network devices from network device 2 to n, and this application does not make any special limitation in this regard.

[0292] It should be understood that one or more of the network devices 2 to n may be in an unrestricted state for the terminal device and send paging messages to the terminal device, which are not shown in the accompanying drawings of this application.

[0293] It should be understood that paging message 2 is a specific implementation of the second paging message in the embodiments of this application, and this application does not make any special limitation on it.

[0294] The method of this application allows a network device to determine whether a cell it manages is an unrestricted cell for the terminal device based on a received paging message including terminal device capability information and the cell status of the cells it manages. Only network devices belonging to unrestricted cells send paging messages to the terminal device. This avoids sending paging messages over the air interface to cells where the terminal device is in a restricted state. The method provided in this application saves call message transmission overhead, narrows the scope of paging message distribution, and improves paging efficiency.

[0295] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0296] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The transceiver unit 1010 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1010 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. The processing unit 1020 can be used to determine resources and generate information. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1010 may include a receiving unit and a sending unit, whereby the receiving unit performs the function of receiving data and the sending unit performs the function of sending data.

[0297] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1020 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0298] The communication device 1000 can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or it can be a chip used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. It should be understood that the communication device 1000 can correspond to the terminal device in the implementation described in Figures 5 to 8 of this application, and the communication device 1000 can execute the steps corresponding to the terminal device in the implementation described in Figures 5 to 8 of this application.

[0299] In one possible design, the processing unit 1020 is used to put the terminal device into an RRC idle state. The transceiver unit 1010 can be used to send its own capability information; the transceiver unit 1010 can also be used to receive a second paging message; the transceiver unit 1010 can also be used to receive a tracking area information list 2.

[0300] The communication device 1000 can be any of the network devices described in the above method embodiments, or it can be a chip used to implement the functions of any of the network devices described in the above method embodiments. It should be understood that the communication device 1000 can correspond to any of the network devices in the implementations described in Figures 5 to 8 of this application, and the communication device 1000 can perform the steps corresponding to any of the network devices in the implementations described in Figures 5 to 8 of this application.

[0301] In one possible design, the processing unit 1020 is used to parse the capability information reported by the terminal device; the processing unit 1020 is also used to track the capability information of the terminal device to determine the cell that is in an unrestricted state for the terminal device; the processing unit 1020 is also used to initiate paging. The transceiver unit 1010 is used to send a first indication message to the core network device; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send a second indication message to the core network device; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send a second paging message to the terminal device; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send paging message 4 to other network devices; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to receive the capability information of the terminal device; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to receive the first paging message; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to receive configuration information 1; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to receive tracking area information 1; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to receive a third paging message.

[0302] The communication device 1000 may be a core network device in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip used to implement the functions of the core network device in the above method embodiments. It should be understood that the communication device 1000 may correspond to the core network device in the implementation described in Figures 5 to 8 of this application, and the communication device 1000 may execute the steps corresponding to the core network device in the implementation described in Figures 5 to 8 of this application.

[0303] In one possible design, the processing unit 1020 is used to determine, based on cell status information and terminal capability information, which cells are in an unrestricted state for the terminal device; the processing unit 1020 is also used to initiate paging; the processing unit 1020 is also used to determine the tracking area information list 2. The transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive first indication information; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to receive second indication information; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send a first paging message; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send the tracking area information list 2; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send a third paging message.

[0304] The communication device 1000 can be the management device in the above method embodiments, or it can be a chip used to implement the functions of the management device in the above method embodiments. It should be understood that the communication device 1000 can correspond to the management device in the implementation described in FIG6 of this application, and the communication device 1000 can execute the steps corresponding to the management device in the implementation described in FIG6 of this application.

[0305] In one possible design, the processing unit 1020 is used to determine first tracking area information based on cell status information. The transceiver unit 1010 is used to send configuration information 1; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send tracking area information 1; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send first indication information.

[0306] It should also be understood that the communication device 1000 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0307] The communication device 1000 of each of the above schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device, network device, core network device, or management device in the above methods. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., 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, each executing the transmission and reception operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0308] In addition, the transceiver unit 1010 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 1020 may be a processing circuit.

[0309] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0310] The communication device 2000 shown in Figure 10 may include a processor 2010.

[0311] Optionally, the device 2000 further includes a transceiver 2020 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 2010 controls the transceiver 2020 to receive and / or transmit signals. Optionally, the transceiver 2020 may include a receiver for receiving signals and a transmitter for transmitting signals.

[0312] The processor 2010 may be coupled to the memory 2030, which is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 2010 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 2030, or to read the data stored in the memory 2030, in order to perform the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0313] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 2010.

[0314] Optionally, the memory 2030 may be one or more.

[0315] Alternatively, the memory 2030 can be integrated with the processor 2010, or it can be set up separately.

[0316] As an example, processor 2010 may have the functions of processing unit 1020 shown in FIG9, memory 2030 may have the functions of storage unit, and transceiver 2020 may have the functions of transceiver unit 1010 shown in FIG9.

[0317] For example, the communication device 2000 can be used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0318] In one possible design, the processor 2010 is used to put the terminal device into an RRC idle state. The transceiver 2020 can be used to transmit its own capability information; the transceiver 2020 can also be used to receive a second paging message; the transceiver 2020 can also be used to receive a tracking area information list 2.

[0319] For example, the communication device 2000 can also be used to implement the operations performed by the network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0320] In one possible design, the processor 2010 is used to parse the capability information reported by the terminal device; the processor 2010 is also used to track the capability information of the terminal device to determine the cell that is in an unrestricted state for the terminal device; the processor 2010 is also used to initiate paging. The transceiver 2020 is used to send a first indication message to the core network device; the transceiver 2020 is also used to send a second indication message to the core network device; the transceiver 2020 is also used to send a second paging message to the terminal device; the transceiver 2020 is also used to send paging message 4 to other network devices; the transceiver 2020 is also used to receive the capability information of the terminal device; the transceiver 2020 is also used to receive the first paging message; the transceiver 2020 is also used to receive configuration information 1; the transceiver 2020 is also used to receive tracking area information 1; the transceiver 2020 is also used to receive a third paging message.

[0321] For example, the communication device 2000 can be used to implement the operations performed by the core network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0322] In one possible design, the processor 2010 is used to determine, based on cell status information and terminal capability information, cells that are in an unrestricted state for the terminal device; the processor 2010 is also used to initiate paging; the processor 2010 is also used to determine a tracking area information list 2. The transceiver 2020 is used to receive first indication information; the transceiver 2020 is also used to receive second indication information; the transceiver 2020 is also used to send a first paging message; the transceiver 2020 is also used to send the tracking area information list 2; the transceiver 2020 is also used to send a third paging message.

[0323] For example, the communication device 2000 can be used to implement the operations performed by the management device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0324] In one possible design, the processor 2010 is used to determine tracking area information 1 based on cell status information. The transceiver 2020 is used to transmit configuration information 1; the transceiver 2020 is also used to transmit tracking area information 1; the transceiver 2020 is also used to transmit first indication information.

[0325] It should be understood that the specific process by which each transceiver and processor performs 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.

[0326] This application also provides a processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, or reading data / signaling stored in a memory, to perform the methods in the above-described method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors.

[0327] This application also provides a chip, including a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface and executes the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0328] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0329] 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 network device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0330] 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 network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0331] This application also provides a communication system, including the terminal device, core network device, and network device described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0332] Furthermore, the communication system may also include a management device in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0333] This application also provides another communication system, including the terminal device and network device described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0334] Furthermore, the communication system may also include the core network equipment in any of the embodiments described above.

[0335] Furthermore, the communication system may also include a management device in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0336] 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.

[0337] 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.

[0338] Optionally, the communication method steps provided in the embodiments of this application may be appropriately adjusted, for example, by adjusting the order of the steps, adding or removing steps, etc.

[0339] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0340] 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.

[0341] 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.

[0342] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0343] 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, Applied to the first core network equipment, including: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one cell status information of at least one cell; Wherein, at least one cell status information of the first cell is used to enable the terminal device to determine whether the first cell is in a restricted state or an unrestricted state for itself, and the first cell is one of the at least one cells; Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the capability information of the first terminal device; A first paging message is sent to the network equipment of the second cell, where the second cell is in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on the capability information of the first terminal device and the status information of at least one cell of the at least one cell, it is determined that the second cell is in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first indication information includes at least one cell status information corresponding to at least one tracking area information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on the capability information of the first terminal device and the at least one cell status information corresponding to the at least one tracking area information, a first tracking area is determined, wherein the at least one cell status information corresponding to the first tracking area is an unrestricted state for the first terminal device. Indicate the first tracking area information to the first terminal device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a first container, which includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a first field and a first container. The first field is used to indicate all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device, and the first field is outside the first container.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network device, including: Send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate at least one cell status information of at least one cell; Wherein, at least one cell status information of the first cell is used to enable the terminal device to determine whether the first cell is in a restricted state or an unrestricted state for itself, and the first cell belongs to the first network device; Send a second instruction message, which is used to indicate the capability information of the first terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive capability information from the first terminal device; The second indication information is determined, the second indication information includes a first container, the first container includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The second indication information also includes a first field; The first field is used to indicate all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device, and the first field is outside the first container.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: One or more cells managed by the first network device are in an unrestricted state for the first terminal device. Receive the first paging message; Send a second paging message to the first terminal device.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first core network equipment, including: Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the capability information of the first terminal device; Send a third paging message, which includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second indication information includes a first container, which includes all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second indication information also includes a first field, which is used to indicate all or part of the capability information of the first terminal device, and the first field is outside the first container.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first management device, including: Identify at least one tracking region; Send a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate at least one cell status information corresponding to the at least one tracking area; The cell status information of at least one cell in the first cell is used to enable the terminal device to determine whether the first cell is in a restricted or unrestricted state for itself, and the first cell belongs to the at least one tracking area.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one tracking area includes a first tracking area, which includes M cells, wherein at least one cell with the same status information is corresponding to the M cells, and M is a natural number.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes a first device and a second device, wherein, The first device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The second device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, Including a second device and a third device, wherein, The second device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10. The third device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 14 to 15.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, said processor being configured to, by executing computer programs or instructions, or by using logic circuits, The communication device is made to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6; or, The communication device is made to perform the method of any one of claims 7 to 10; or, The communication device is made to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 13; or, This causes the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 14 to 15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer... This causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 to be performed; or, This causes the method of any one of claims 7 to 10 to be performed; or, This causes the method of any one of claims 11 to 13 to be performed; or, This causes the method of any one of claims 14 to 15 to be performed.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, This causes the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 to be performed; or, This causes the method of any one of claims 7 to 10 to be performed; or, This causes the method of any one of claims 11 to 13 to be performed; or, This causes the method of any one of claims 14 to 15 to be performed.

21. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes a processor, a memory, and input / output ports. The memory stores computer programs; the processor executes the computer programs stored in the memory. So that the processor performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; or, So that the processor performs the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 10; or, So that the processor performs the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 13; or, So that the processor performs the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 15.

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