Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. In the technical solution provided in the present application, the method comprises: receiving a first message, wherein the first message comprises a first value, and the first value is used for indicating the maximum number of attempts to search for a first network; and when the number of attempts to search for the first network is greater than or equal to the first value and the first network is not found, reducing the priority of the first network, or disabling first network information. Therefore, frequent service interruptions of a UE in a roaming scenario is avoided.

Description

A communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411929602.5, filed on December 23, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] When a user is roaming, the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) of the user's equipment (UE) controls the UE's selection of a roaming network by setting priorities. The HPLMMN sets one or more timers, which start when the UE connects to a roaming network, and the UE must reselect a network when the timer expires.

[0004] When a UE selects a network, it may connect to a non-highest priority network. When the timer expires, the service will be interrupted and the network search will restart. If there is no highest priority network at the UE's location, the UE may connect to a non-highest priority network again and start the corresponding timer. When the timer expires again, the service will be interrupted again, and this cycle will repeat.

[0005] Therefore, how to avoid frequent service interruptions for UEs in roaming scenarios has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and a communication device to solve the problem of frequent interruptions of UE services in roaming scenarios.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a communication method applied to a UE, the method comprising:

[0008] Receive a first message, which includes a first value indicating the maximum number of attempts to search the first network;

[0009] If the number of attempts to search for the first network is greater than or equal to a first value, and the first network is not found, the priority of the first network is reduced, or the first network information is disabled. Before reducing the priority of the first network, the priority of the first network is the first priority.

[0010] As an example, this method can be executed by the UE, or by a chip system, hardware circuitry, and / or software module applied to the UE.

[0011] In this technical solution, by lowering the priority of networks that the UE cannot find or by directly enabling networks that cannot be found, the UE is ensured to stay on a network that can be connected, thereby avoiding frequent service interruptions for the UE.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in response to receiving the first value, a counter is started to count the number of search attempts for the first network. When no first network is found, the value of the counter is incremented by one.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, a first duration and / or a first count are obtained; the first duration indicates the duration for which the first network priority is reduced or the first network information is disabled; the first count indicates the number of times the network is searched after the first network information is disabled.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first condition is met, the first network is restored from the low priority to the first priority, or the information of the first network is re-enabled; the first condition is one or more of the following: the priority of the first network is reduced or the duration of de-enabled information of the first network is greater than or equal to the first duration, the number of times the network is searched after de-enabled information of the first network is greater than or equal to the first number of times, or the first network is found.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first duration and / or the first number of times transmitted by the home public land mobile network are received; or, the first duration and / or the first number of times are pre-configured.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first message is a registration acceptance message or a configuration message.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a UE, the method comprising:

[0018] A first message is received, including a second value indicating the maximum dwell time or maximum number of steps in the second network, wherein the maximum dwell time is greater than the duration of a timer associated with the second network. If the dwell time in the second network or the number of times the duration of the timer associated with the second network increases is greater than or equal to the second value, the second network is set to the highest priority. Before being set to the highest priority, the second network has the second priority.

[0019] In this technical solution, by setting the network where the UE stays to the highest priority, the UE is guaranteed to stay on a network that can be connected, thereby avoiding frequent service interruptions for the UE.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when searching for a network and connecting to the second network, and the most recent network connected to before searching for the network is also the second network, the duration of the timer associated with the second network is increased.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, a second duration and / or a second number are obtained; the second duration indicates the duration for which the second network is set to the highest priority; the second number indicates the number of times the network is searched after the second network is set to the highest priority.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the second condition is met, the second network is restored from the highest priority to the second priority; the second condition is one or more of the following: the duration for which the second network is set to the highest priority is greater than or equal to the second duration, and the number of times the network is searched after the second network is set to the highest priority is greater than or equal to the second number.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when connecting to a non-second network, the second value of the second network is set to the initial timer duration associated with the second network.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, a first duration is obtained, indicating the amount by which the duration of the timer associated with the second network is increased each time. The first duration is received from the network; or, the first duration is pre-configured.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when connected to the second network, the duration of the timer associated with the second network is increased by a first duration.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when connected to the second network, the duration of the timer associated with the second network is increased by the initial timer duration.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first message is a registration acceptance message or a configuration message.

[0028] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method applied to a UE, the method comprising:

[0029] Receive connection-state control information for roaming and steering (SOR-CMCI);

[0030] After performing M network searches based on the roaming steering connection state control information, the roaming steering connection state control information is deenabled; M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, obtaining M includes: receiving M sent by the network;

[0032] Alternatively, a value for M can be pre-configured. Fourthly, this application provides a communication method applied to a UE, the method comprising:

[0033] Receive roaming turn connection state control information, which includes information about the third network and timer information associated with the third network;

[0034] During the Mth network search, the network is searched based on the information from the third network. When registering with the third network, the timer associated with the third network is started; M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0035] During the M+1th network search, the network is searched based on the information from the third network. When the network is registered with the third network, the timer associated with the third network is stopped.

[0036] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, obtaining M includes: receiving M sent by the network; or, pre-configuring the value of M.

[0037] Fifthly, this application provides a communication apparatus, including modules for executing any of the communication methods performed by the UE described above, such as a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to perform corresponding message sending and receiving actions, and the processing module can be used to perform all actions other than sending and receiving information.

[0038] Optionally, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device can perform any of the communication methods performed by the UE as described above.

[0039] In some possible designs, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may contain chips and other discrete components.

[0040] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the fifth aspects is a chip, the aforementioned sending action / function can be understood as an output, and the aforementioned receiving action / function can be understood as an input.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform the communication method described in any of the possible implementations above.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method described in any of the possible implementations above.

[0043] The technical effects that can be achieved by any of the second to seventh aspects above, and any possible design of any of the aspects above, are described in the description of the technical effects that can be achieved in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the SOR provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the SOR-CMCI provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0054] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0055] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0056] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. The terms "de-enable," "delete," "remove," and "remove" in the embodiments of this application can express the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Time Division-Synchronization Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), 3rd generation (3G) mobile communication systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Advanced (LTE-A) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, and 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems. The three major application scenarios of 5G mobile communication systems and 5G new radio (NR) communication systems are: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), as well as future 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems, such as high frequency, terahertz, optical communication, etc. This application does not impose specific limitations on these.

[0057] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Advanced (LTE-A) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, new radio (NR) systems, or other evolved communication systems. 5G systems typically include the following three major application scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC).

[0058] Taking 5G as an example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes terminal equipment, access network equipment, core network equipment, and data network.

[0059] Among them, terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), refers to equipment that provides voice / data connectivity to users. Currently, examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, etc., and this application does not specifically limit these.

[0060] Access network equipment can be a radio access network ((R)AN) used to implement radio access-related functions and located between the UE and the core network (CN). As an example, (R)AN can be a base station, relay station, or access point. A base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a node base station (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network, an evolved NB (eNB or eNodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, a base station device in a future 5G network, an access network device in a future evolved PLMN network, or a wearable device or vehicle-mounted device.

[0061] The core network equipment includes at least one of the following functional network elements: access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, application function (AF) network element, network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, authentication server function (AUSF) network element, unified data management (UDM) network element, and UPF network element.

[0062] As an example, the AMF network element, also known as Access and Mobility Management Function, Access and Mobility Management Equipment, Access and Mobility Management Network Element, Access Management Equipment, or Mobility Management Equipment, is mainly used for mobility management and access management. It can be used to implement functions other than session management within the Mobility Management Entity (MME) functionality, such as lawful monitoring, access authorization (or authentication), user equipment registration, mobility management, tracking area update procedures, reachability detection, selection of session management network elements, and mobility state transition management. For example, in 5G, the Access and Mobility Management network element can be an AMF network element. In future communications, such as 6G, the Access and Mobility Management network element can still be an AMF network element, or it may have other names; this application does not limit this. When the Access and Mobility Management network element is an AMF network element, the AMF network element can provide Namf services.

[0063] SMF network elements, also known as SMF entities, are mainly used for the management of session-related services, such as session establishment and release. In future communication systems, session management function network elements can still be SMF network elements, or they can have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0064] UDM network elements, also known as UDM entities, are used to handle terminal device identification, access authentication, registration, and mobility management. In 5G, data management network elements can be UDM network elements or unified data management devices. In future communication systems, unified data management can still be UDM network elements, or it can have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0065] PCF network elements serve as policy decision points, providing rules based on business data flow and application detection, gating, quality of service (QoS), and flow-based charging control.

[0066] The AF network element is mainly responsible for interacting with the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) core network to provide services, and to influence service flow routing, access network capability opening, policy control, etc.

[0067] NSSF network elements primarily determine the network slice instances that a terminal is allowed to access based on the terminal's slice selection auxiliary information and subscription information; AUSF network elements are mainly used to provide authentication services.

[0068] UPF network elements are mainly responsible for packet routing and forwarding, mobility anchors, uplink classifiers to support routing traffic to the data network, and branch points to support multi-homed protocol data unit (PDU) sessions.

[0069] A data network (DN) refers to an operator's network that provides data transmission services to users, such as Internet Protocol Multimedia Service (IMS) and the Internet.

[0070] The UE can access the DN by establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session between the UE and the (R)AN, or between the UPF network element and the DN.

[0071] Referring to Figure 1, the UE can communicate with the AMF network element via the N1 interface, the (R)AN and AMF network element via the N2 interface, the (R)AN and UPF network element via the N3 interface, the UPF and SMF network element via the N4 interface, the PCF and AF network element via the N5 interface, the UPF and DN via the N6 interface, the SMF and PCF network element via the N7 interface, and the AMF and UDM network element via the N8 interface. UPF network elements can communicate with each other via the N9 interface; UDM network elements and SMF network elements can communicate via the N10 interface; AMF network elements and SMF network elements can communicate via the N11 interface; AMF network elements and AUSF network elements can communicate via the N12 interface; AUSF network elements and UDM network elements can communicate via the N13 interface; AMF network elements can communicate with each other via the N14 interface; AMF network elements and PCF network elements can communicate via the N15 interface; and AMF network elements and NSSF network elements can communicate via the N22 interface.

[0072] In some embodiments, the core network device may also include a network exposure function (NEF) element for providing external exposure of network functional capabilities.

[0073] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the functions of the communication device can be the communication device itself, or it can be a device that supports the communication device in implementing its functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the communication device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices, and the communication device can be a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

[0074] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of Steering of Roaming (SOR).

[0075] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Rel-15, as the first version of 5G, has a mandatory roaming-related feature called SOR. Here, "roaming" refers to roaming, and "steering" is like turning a steering wheel; combined, it means the HPLMN (Hypernetted Network Management Network) can guide / control the user's roaming. Simply put, when a user is roaming overseas, they might blindly search for a roaming network. However, the roaming contract rates between operators vary significantly. The HPLMN, which manages the home network (the operator to which the SIM card belongs in the user interface), naturally wants users to prioritize the cheaper roaming networks. Other considerations might include roaming network coverage. In short, the HPLMN aims to control the user's roaming network selection through prioritization, rather than forcing users to choose blindly.

[0076] SOR refers to the HPLMN directly or through the visited public land mobile network (VPLMN). For example, when a user goes abroad, they first access the local Vodafone (VDF) network. Then, China Mobile sends control information to the UE through the VDF network, that is, it sends a list (standardly called "Operator Controlled PLMN Selector with Access Technology list") to the UE to tell the UE which roaming network to choose first. This list is stored in the SOR container. In this application, SOR can refer to this list, and the two can be used interchangeably.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the UE receives the "network list" from the network in the connected state. The UE will remain in the connected state until the service is completed. After the service is completed, the UE will enter the idle state, and then the "network list" will take effect, and the UE will reselect a network based on the "network list". The time interval from receiving the "network list" to the "network list" taking effect is determined by the UE's service termination time; that is, the time when the service stops is the time when the "network list" takes effect.

[0078] However, it's important to note that the UE can only select a network in idle mode. This is because the UE can only receive the SOR in connected mode, but can only use it in idle mode. Therefore, in the scenario shown in Figure 2, if the UE first selects a roaming network 1 and enters connected mode on roaming network 1 to begin service, and roaming network 1 is not the roaming network that the HPLMN expects the UE to prioritize (for example, the HPLMN changes its roaming policy; or when the UE starts selecting a network, the HPLMN's preferred network—network 3—is currently unavailable, forcing the UE to connect to the second-best network), according to the SOR's characteristics, the UE will continue its service on roaming network 1 until it finishes its service and returns to idle mode, at which point the UE will refer to the SOR to reselect a network.

[0079] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the Steering of Roaming-connected mode control information (SOR-CMCI).

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the UE receives the "network + timer list" from the network while in the connected state. During the timer's operation, the UE remains in the connected state to perform services. After the timer expires (even if the service is not completed), the UE enters the idle state, and then the "network list" takes effect, allowing it to reselect a network based on the "network list". In other words, the home network can be controlled through the timer value.

[0081] With the development of 5G, the time that UEs spend in the connected state is increasing, potentially reaching a whole day. If the UE selects a less-than-optimal and more expensive network, it could lead to high network connection costs. Therefore, in Rel-17, an enhancement called SOR-CMCI was made to the SOR feature. Simply put, operators can configure a timer. During the timer's execution, the UE can remain in the connected state and continue its services. However, once the timer expires, even if the service is not completed, the UE must interrupt the service and enter the idle state to reselect a network according to SOR. While the SOR-CMCI mechanism has many details, the approach of requiring service interruption for network selection after the timer expires is not ideal. For example, if a user's UE is making an emergency call (110), the interruption could have serious consequences. Therefore, the SOR-CMCI timer can have multiple granularities. For example, if a user is dialing 110 (police emergency number), the corresponding timer duration might be "infinity." If the user is making a regular phone call, the corresponding timer duration might be 20 minutes. If the user is browsing a webpage, the corresponding timer might be 5 milliseconds. If the user is on an autonomous driving network slice, the corresponding timer duration is 1 hour. In short, while the diagram may appear to show timers as being per network, in reality, timers are per network per service / PDU session / session / slice. If multiple services are running simultaneously on the UE, different services will activate different timers according to rules. Only when all timers have expired can the UE return to idle mode and reselect a network. The following uses Figure 3 as an example to illustrate the technical problem solved by this application.

[0082] HPLMN sets a timer to force the UE to reselect a network when the timer expires. However, HPLMN cannot guarantee that the UE will select the highest priority network upon reselection. As shown in Figure 3, suppose the network sends a list to the UE with the following priority levels: first priority: roaming network 3; second priority: roaming network 1; third priority: roaming network 2. When the UE initially selects a network, if roaming network 3 is not available but roaming network 1 is, it can only connect to roaming network 1 according to priority. The UE then conducts services on roaming network 1, and after the SOR-CMCI control timer expires (e.g., 5 minutes), it interrupts the service and re-searches for a network. If roaming network 3 is not available, the UE has to return to roaming network 1, re-register, and re-initiate services. Then, after 5 minutes, the cycle continues.

[0083] Therefore, how to avoid UEs repeatedly selecting high-priority networks in roaming scenarios, which would lead to frequent service interruptions, has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0084] In view of this, this application provides a network selection method and apparatus for roaming scenarios, so that the UE can switch to a cell that is allowed to be accessed.

[0085] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a method provided in one embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0086] 401. The home network sends a first message to the UE, which includes a first value. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first message from the home network.

[0087] It's important to note that the home network refers to the HPLMN mentioned earlier, which can be understood as the operator to which the SIM card in the UE belongs. The roaming network refers to a network outside the HPLMN operator's contracted home network when the UE moves to a location other than its contracted home network.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the home network sends the first message to the UE via the roaming network.

[0089] The first message includes a first value and a network list. The first value indicates the maximum number of attempts to search for the first network. This first value can be carried in the SOR container, SOR-CMCI container, or SOR container with SOR-CMCI information in the first message. After receiving the first value from the SOR container, SOR-CMCI container, or SOR container with SOR-CMCI information, the UE starts a counter for each network in the network list, initially with counter = 0. Then, the UE enters an idle or inactive state (possibly forced into idle state by SOR-CMCI and / or enters idle state automatically after normal service termination) to search. When the UE does not find a network in the above network list in the environment, the counter for that network is incremented by 1.

[0090] It should be noted that the number of network searches counted can be: all network searches caused by various circumstances (e.g., network searches triggered by signaling interruptions due to poor signal quality, network searches caused by the terminal re-searching due to the current base station actively releasing the terminal device connection for network load control, network searches after the terminal returns to idle state after the service ends, and network searches initiated by the terminal actively terminating its ongoing process due to the expiration of the SOR-CMCI timer). Another possible implementation is to only count "network searches initiated by the terminal actively terminating its ongoing process due to the expiration of the SOR-CMCI timer".

[0091] In one possible implementation, in response to receiving the first value, a counter is started to count the number of attempts to find the first network. When no first network is found, the value of the counter is incremented by one.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the first value is the maximum number of attempts. This can be understood as each network in the network list corresponding to a maximum number of attempts. For example, the roaming networks are prioritized from highest to lowest as follows:

[0093] Table 1: Information on Roaming Networks

[0094] In one possible implementation, the first message is either a Registration Accept message or a Configuration message.

[0095] 402. If the number of attempts by the UE to search for the first network is greater than or equal to the first value and the first network is still not found, the priority of the first network is reduced, or the first network information is disabled.

[0096] It should be noted that when the UE searches for networks, it will count each network in the list. For example, if the UE fails to find network2 in 10 consecutive network searches, it will lower the priority of network2 in the network list and maintain it for a period of time, or maintain it for a certain number of times, or disable network2 information.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the first network information can be network-related information from the PLMN list in the SOR container, such as PLMN ID and RAT (radio access type).

[0098] In one possible implementation, when there are multiple networks in the network list, the network with the highest number of attempts can be downgraded. For example, it could be downgraded to the second priority, placing network2 after network1. Alternatively, it could be downgraded to the lowest priority, placing network2 after network3. When there is only one network in the network list, that network can be deenabled. Deactivating it can be understood as ceasing further attempts to search for that network.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the duration of maintaining the lowest priority, or the number of network searches maintained, can be configured in the HPLMN, predefined by the standard, or stored locally by the UE.

[0100] (Optional) 403, when the first condition is met, restore the network from low priority to the priority in the network list, or re-enable the information of the first network.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the first condition is one or more of the following:

[0102] 1. Reduce the priority of the first network or disable the duration of the first network information to be greater than or equal to the first duration;

[0103] 2. The number of network searches is greater than or equal to the number of searches performed the first time;

[0104] 3. The first network was found.

[0105] The first duration / first count can be received from the network, such as an HPLMN or roaming network. It can also be pre-configured locally by the UE. This application does not limit this.

[0106] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a method provided in one embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0107] 501. The home network sends a first message to the UE, which includes a second value. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first message from the home network.

[0108] It's important to note that the home network refers to the HPLMN mentioned earlier, which can be understood as the operator to which the SIM card in the UE belongs. The roaming network refers to a network outside the HPLMN operator's contracted home network when the UE moves to a location other than its contracted home network.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the home network sends the first message to the UE via the roaming network.

[0110] The first message includes a second value and a network list. The second value indicates the maximum dwell time or maximum number of steps in the second network, with the maximum dwell time exceeding the duration of the timer associated with the second network. The second value can be carried in the SOR container, SOR-CMCI container, or SOR container with SOR-CMCI information in the first message. It should be noted that the timer is per network, per service / PDU session / session / slice. It should also be noted that SOR-CMCI can be understood as a special type of SOR, the difference being that SOR does not contain timer-related information, while SOR-CMCI does. Furthermore, both SOR and SOR-CMCI can be understood to include at least network information (e.g., network ID, network priority, etc.). When describing UE network selection based on network information, SOR and SOR-CMCI can be used interchangeably. When emphasizing the timer, SOR-CMCI is typically used.

[0111] After the UE receives the second value from the SOR container, SOR-CMCI container, or SOR container with SOR-CMCI information, for example, if the UE returns to idle or inactive state from network1 (one possibility is that returning to idle or inactive state counts under any circumstances, and another possibility is that it only counts if requested to return to idle or inactive state by SOR-CMCI), and starts searching for networks, but still returns to the same network1, then the timer duration associated with that network must be increased.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the timer duration can be changed in one or more of the following ways:

[0113] 1. New timer value = current timer value + step size;

[0114] 2. New timer value = current timer value * coefficient;

[0115] 3. The new timer value is a random value between the current timer value and the maximum value;

[0116] 4. New timer value = a random value between the initial timer value and the maximum value.

[0117] It should be noted that there may be other modifications, and the embodiments in this application are not limited thereto.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the first value is either the maximum dwell time or the maximum number of steps. It's understood that each network in the network list will correspond to a maximum dwell time or a maximum number of steps. For example, the roaming networks are prioritized from highest to lowest as follows:

[0119] Table 2: Information on Roaming Networks

[0120] In one possible implementation, the first message is either a Registration Accept message or a Configuration message.

[0121] 502. If the dwell time of the second network or the number of times the duration of the timer associated with the second network increases is greater than or equal to the second value, the second network is set to the highest priority.

[0122] In one possible implementation, when searching for a network and connecting to a second network, and the most recent network connected to before searching for the network was also the second network, the duration of the timer associated with the second network is increased.

[0123] In one possible implementation, a second duration and / or a second count are obtained; the second duration indicates the duration for which the second network is set to the highest priority; the second count indicates the number of times the second network is set to the highest priority.

[0124] In one possible implementation, when the second condition is met, the second network is restored from the highest priority to the first priority. The second condition is one or more of the following:

[0125] The duration of the second network set to the highest priority is greater than or equal to the second duration.

[0126] In one possible implementation, if the timer value associated with a certain network has reached its maximum value / or the step size has reached its maximum step size, but the network search still returns to this network, that is, if the timer value can no longer be increased, then this network is adjusted to the highest priority.

[0127] In one possible implementation, when connecting to a non-second network, the second value of the second network is set to the initial timer duration associated with that second network. It's important to note that setting the second value of the second network to the initial timer duration associated with that network does not depend on setting that network to the highest priority. For example, if the timer duration hasn't reached its maximum value during a network search, and another network is visited during a network search, the climbing process terminates, and the timer duration reverts to the initial duration.

[0128] (Optional) 503, if the UE searches for a network on another network, the timer value associated with that network will be restored to the original timer value, and the priority will also be restored to the original priority.

[0129] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a method provided in one embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0130] 601, The home network sends roaming redirection connection state control information (SOR-CMCI) to the UE.

[0131] In one possible implementation, SOR-CMCI includes network information and network-associated timer information. During the Mth network search, the network is searched according to SOR-CMCI. When registered with a network, the timer associated with that network is started; M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. During the (M+1)th network search, the network is searched according to SOR-CMCI (or SOR). When registered with a network, the timer associated with that network is continuously started. In other words, according to existing technology, a timer is started when a service is initiated. However, in this implementation, when a service is initiated during the (M+1)th network search and registration, the timer is not started.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the SOR-CMCI includes network information and network-associated timer information. During the Mth network search, the network is searched according to the SOR-CMCI. When registering with a network, the timer associated with that network is started; M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; the UE then disables / deletes the SOR-CMCI. This can be understood as the SOR-CMCI only being effective M times.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the UE initiates a timer based on SOR-CMCI. After the timer expires, it falls back to idle state from network1 to search for a new network. If it returns to network1 again, the timer is not initiated again.

[0134] One possible implementation involves the following two scenarios. Scenario 1: After the UE selects a network via SOR-CMCI, it establishes a PDU session, starts a timer, and registers after the timer expires, entering an idle state.

[0135] Scenario 2: After the UE selects a network (if the network found is a Registered PLMN, which is the same as a previously registered network), there is no description of starting a timer when the UE establishes a PDU session.

[0136] This can also be understood as meaning that no matter which network is found next time, even the highest priority network2, the timer will not be started again. Alternatively, after SOR-CMCI searches for networks and registers, the UE will delete SOR-CMCI.

[0137] 602. After performing M search network operations based on SOR-CMCI, de-enable SOR-CMCI. M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0138] De-enable can also be understood as deletion.

[0139] In one possible implementation, the UE receives M from the network. Alternatively, the value of M is pre-configured.

[0140] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a method provided in one embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0141] 701. The home network sends a first message to the UE, which includes charges. Correspondingly, the UE receives the first message from the home network.

[0142] It's important to note that the home network refers to the HPLMN mentioned earlier, which can be understood as the operator to which the SIM card in the UE belongs. The roaming network refers to a network outside the HPLMN operator's contracted home network when the UE moves to a location other than its contracted home network.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the home network sends the first message to the UE via the roaming network.

[0144] The first message includes a fee and a network list. The fee indicates the maximum number of attempts to search the first network. This fee can be carried in the SOR container, SOR-CMCI container, or SOR container with SOR-CMCI information in the first message.

[0145] It's understandable that each network in the network list will correspond to a fee.

[0146] 702, UE selects a network based on cost.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the UE selects which network to prefer based on the cost in the SOR (System Origin and Response). Further, it selects the duration of stay on that network, etc.

[0148] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the device 800 may include a receiving module 810, a sending module 820, and a processing module 830. The receiving module 810 is used to perform corresponding message receiving actions, the sending module 820 is used to perform corresponding message sending actions, and the processing module can be used to perform all actions other than sending and receiving information. For the specific functions of the receiving module 810, the sending module 820, and the processing module 830, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the device 800 can be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the UE, the roaming network, or the home network in Figures 4-7.

[0150] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to another embodiment of this application. The device 900 shown in Figure 9 can be used to implement the method performed by the UE, roaming network, or home network in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0151] As shown in Figure 9, the device 900 of this embodiment includes a memory 910, a processor 920, a communication interface 930, and a bus 940. The memory 910, processor 920, and communication interface 930 are interconnected via the bus 940.

[0152] The memory 910 may be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 910 may store programs, and when the program stored in the memory 910 is executed by the processor 920, the processor 920 is used to perform the various steps / operations performed by the first terminal, the second terminal, or the various core network elements in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0153] The processor 920 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the communication method shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0154] The processor 920 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the communication method shown in the embodiments of this application can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor 920 or by software instructions.

[0155] The processor 920 described above can also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0156] The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be combined to create new embodiments of this application, which are equally effective. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 910. The processor 920 reads the information in memory 910 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the communication device of this application. For example, it can execute the various steps / functions executed by the first terminal, the second terminal, or various core network elements in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0157] Alternatively, the memory 910 and the processor 920 can be integrated together.

[0158] The communication interface 930 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 900 and other devices or apparatuses.

[0159] Bus 940 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 900 (e.g., memory 910, processor 920, communication interface 930).

[0160] Some embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the foregoing embodiments. Some embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the foregoing embodiments.

[0161] It should be noted that the modules or components shown in the above embodiments can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Furthermore, when a module is implemented by a processing element calling program code, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processors capable of calling program code, such as a controller. Additionally, these modules can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0162] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, software modules, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0163] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0164] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned process numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a screen in a roaming scene, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first message, the first message including a first value, the first value being used to indicate the maximum number of attempts to search the first network; If the number of attempts to search for the first network is greater than or equal to the first value and the first network is not found, the priority of the first network is reduced, or the information of the first network is disabled.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of attempts to search the first network being greater than or equal to the first value includes: In response to receiving the first value, a counter is started to count the number of attempts to the first network; When the first network is not found, the value of the counter is incremented by one.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain a first duration and / or a first count; the first duration indicates the duration for which the first network priority is reduced or the first network information is disabled; the first count indicates the number of times the network is searched after the first network information is disabled.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first message also includes a first priority of the first network, and the method further includes: When the first condition is met, the first network is restored from the low priority to the first priority, or the information of the first network is re-enabled; The first condition is one or more of the following: The priority of the first network is reduced or the duration of enabling the first network information is greater than or equal to the first duration. After enabling the first network information, the number of times the network is searched is greater than or equal to the first number of times, or the first network is found.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first duration and / or the first count includes: Receive the first duration and / or the first number of times transmitted by the home public land mobile network; Alternatively, the first duration and / or the first number of times can be pre-configured.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first message is either a registration acceptance message or a configuration message.

7. A method for selecting a screen in a roaming scene, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first message, the first message including a second value, the second value being used to indicate the maximum dwell time or maximum number of steps in the second network, the maximum dwell time being greater than the duration of the timer associated with the second network; If the dwell time in the second network or the number of times the duration of the timer associated with the second network increases is greater than or equal to the second value, the second network is set to the highest priority.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of times the duration of the timer associated with the second network increases is greater than or equal to the second value, including: When transitioning from a connected state to an inactive state connected to the second network, the duration of the timer associated with the second network is increased.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain a second duration and / or a second count; the second duration indicates the duration for which the second network is set to the highest priority; the second count indicates the number of times the second network is set to the highest priority.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The first message also includes a first priority of the second network, and the method further includes: When the second condition is met, the second network is restored from the highest priority to the first priority; The second condition is one or more of the following: The duration of the second network set to the highest priority is greater than or equal to the second duration, and the duration of the second network set to the highest priority is greater than or equal to the second number of times.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: When connected to a network other than the second network, the second value of the second network is set to the initial timer duration associated with the second network.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the second duration, which indicates the amount by which the timer duration associated with the second network is increased each time.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The acquisition of the second duration includes: The second duration received from the network; Alternatively, the second duration can be pre-configured.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7-13, characterized in that, The dwell time or step size in the second network being greater than or equal to the second value includes: When connected to the second network, the timer duration associated with the second network is increased by a first duration.

15. The method according to any one of claims 7-14, characterized in that, The first message is either a registration acceptance message or a configuration message.

16. A method for selecting a screen in a roaming scene, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive connection-state control information for roaming and turning; After performing M network searches based on the roaming steering connection state control information, the roaming steering connection state control information is deenabled; M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Get M; The acquisition of M includes: Receive the M sent by the network; Alternatively, the value of M can be pre-configured.

18. A method for selecting a screen in a roaming scene, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive roaming turning connection state control information, the roaming turning connection state control information including information of a third network and timer information associated with the third network; During the Mth network search process, the network is searched based on the information from the third network. When registering with the third network, a timer associated with the third network is started; M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. During the (M+1)th network search, the network is searched based on the information from the third network. When the network is registered with the third network, the timer associated with the third network is stopped.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Get M; The acquisition of M includes: Receive the M sent by the network; Alternatively, the value of M can be pre-configured.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes various functional modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, which, when invoked by the processor, causes the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

23. A computer-readable medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable medium stores program code for computer execution, the program code including instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

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