Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium, which can enable a terminal device to continue to report data to a network device, a link of which is interrupted, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data. The method comprises: a terminal device acquiring first data, and sending the first data to a second network device, wherein the first data is acquired by the terminal device as instructed by a first network device, the first network device is a network device accessed by the terminal device within a first time period, the second network device is a network device accessed by the terminal device within a current time period, and the first time period is earlier than the current time period.

Description

Communication methods, devices and storage media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411999310.9, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 31, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and Storage Medium", 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 communication methods, devices and storage media. Background Technology

[0003] In wireless communication networks, network-side data collection is crucial for performance monitoring and resource allocation optimization. Currently, data collection is primarily achieved through a base station-centric approach.

[0004] In related technologies, the base station-centric approach involves terminal devices measuring and reporting data to the base station they are connected to. While this method enables data collection on the network side, it is susceptible to the capabilities of the terminal devices and the conditions of the wireless channel. For example, during data reporting, the wireless link between the terminal device and the base station may be interrupted, causing data loss due to signaling interruption and preventing successful transmission to the base station, thus affecting the integrity and accuracy of the data. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium that enable terminal devices to continue reporting data to base stations with interrupted links, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component of the terminal device, such as its processor, chip, or chip system. It can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the terminal device's functions. Taking the method executed by a terminal device as an example, the method includes: the terminal device acquiring first data and sending the first data to a second network device. The first data is acquired by the terminal device at the instruction of a first network device, the first network device being the network device the terminal device accesses in a first time period, and the second network device being the network device the terminal device accesses in the current time period. The first time period is earlier than the current time period.

[0007] The first data can be a collection of data collected in real time by the terminal device according to the instructions of the first network device; or it can be a collection of data that the terminal device has already collected according to the instructions of the first network device. For example, the first data may include the location information of the terminal device, the status information of the terminal device itself, etc.

[0008] In the above technical solution, since the terminal device is currently connected to the second network device, and the first time period of the connection between the first network device and the terminal device is earlier than the current time period, the terminal device cannot directly send data to the disconnected first network device. Therefore, in this embodiment, after obtaining the first data, the terminal device sends the first data to the currently connected second network device. Since the first data was requested by the first network device, it indicates that the first data is the data that the first network device needs to collect. This allows the first data to be forwarded from the second network device to the first network device after being sent to the second network device, thus achieving the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the disconnected first network device. This enables the terminal device to continue reporting data to the network device with the broken link, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: a terminal device receiving first indication information from a second network device, the first indication information being used to instruct or configure the terminal device to acquire first data, or the first indication information being used to instruct or configure the terminal device to report first data.

[0010] For example, when the first instruction information instructs the terminal device to acquire the first data, the first instruction information may be a data collection configuration; when the first instruction information instructs the terminal device to report the first data, the first instruction information may be radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration information or data request information.

[0011] Based on this, the terminal device can collect or report data only after receiving the first instruction information, without having to continuously perform collection or reporting actions, thus reducing the terminal device's resource consumption and energy usage.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: a terminal device sending first information to a second network device, the first information including one or more of the following: information of the first network device, an identifier of the first data, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0013] The information of the first network device may be the identifier of the first network device, or the identifier of the cell accessed by the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the first network device in the first time period; the second indication information is used to indicate the network conditions associated with the first data, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that has not been sent to the first network device.

[0014] Based on this, the terminal device sends one or more of the following to the currently connected second network device: information about the disconnected first network device, the identifier of the first data, the second indication information, and the third indication information. This enables the second network device, upon receiving the information from the first network device, to know that it needs to forward the received data to the first network device, ensuring successful data forwarding. Furthermore, upon receiving at least one of the identifier of the first data, the second indication information, and the third indication information, it can know which data needs to be forwarded to the first network device, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the terminal device sends first data to the second network device, including: sending a radio resource control message or a radio link failure report to the second network device, wherein the radio resource control message includes the first data and the radio link failure report includes the first data.

[0016] For example, when a terminal device needs to switch the network device it is connected to, the terminal device can directly carry the first data in the radio resource control message and send it to the second network device; when a radio link failure (RLF) occurs between the terminal device and the first network device, the terminal device can send the first data carrier RLF report to the second network device.

[0017] Based on this, terminal devices can choose different methods to report the first data for different actual scenarios, ensuring that the data can be successfully reported.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned Radio Resource Control (RRC) message is either an RRC reconfiguration completion message or an RRC re-establishment completion message. In this way, the terminal device can further select different methods for reporting the first data based on different specific scenarios, ensuring successful data reporting.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second network device, or by a component of the second network device, such as its processor, chip, or chip system. It can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network device. Taking the method being executed by a second network device as an example, the method includes: receiving first data from a terminal device, wherein the first data is acquired by the terminal device at the instruction of the first network device, the first network device being a network device accessed by the terminal device in a first time period, the second network device being a network device accessed by the terminal device in the current time period, the first time period being earlier than the current time period, and then sending the first data to the first network device.

[0020] In the above technical solution, since the first data received by the second network device is obtained by the terminal device at the instruction of the first network device, it indicates that the first data is the data that the first network device needs to collect. Therefore, after receiving the first data, the second network device needs to forward the first data to the first network device, thereby achieving the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the first network device that has been disconnected, thus ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device to the network device with the broken link.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application further includes: a second network device sending first indication information to a terminal device, the first indication information being used to instruct or configure the terminal device to acquire first data, or the first indication information being used to instruct or configure the terminal device to report first data. Thus, the second network device can send indication information to the terminal device when it needs to acquire data, instructing the terminal device to collect or report data, without continuously receiving data reported by the terminal device, thereby reducing the resource consumption and energy usage of the second network device in receiving data.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application further includes: a second network device receiving second information from a first network device, the second information including one or more of the following: an identifier of a terminal device, an identifier of first data, fourth indication information, and fifth indication information. The fourth indication information indicates that the first data is data not sent to the first network device, and the fifth indication information indicates the data collection parameters configured by the first network device for the terminal device. Thus, upon receiving the identifier of the terminal device, the second network device can identify the terminal device that needs to be accessed; upon receiving at least one of the identifier of the first data, the fourth indication information, and the fifth indication information, it can identify which data needs to be forwarded to the first network device, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the second information is carried in the handover request information, and the first indication information is carried in the handover request confirmation information. The handover request information is used to request the terminal device to be switched from the first network device to the second network device, in order to prepare for access to the terminal device and ensure successful access. The handover request confirmation information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the second network device, informing the first network device that the terminal device is allowed to access, avoiding handover attempts by the terminal device when access is not allowed, and reducing the power consumption of the second network device.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application further includes: a second network device receiving first information from a terminal device, the first information including one or more of the following: information of the first network device, an identifier of the first data, second indication information, and third indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate the network conditions associated with the first data, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that was not sent to the first network device.

[0025] The network conditions associated with the first data refer to the association between the first network device and the first data. After receiving the network conditions associated with the first data, the second network device can determine the first data to be acquired / forwarded based on the network conditions.

[0026] Based on this, the second network device receives information from the first network device that has been disconnected from the terminal device, the identifier of the first data, the second indication information, and the third indication information, or one or more of these. This enables the second network device to know, upon receiving information from the first network device, that it needs to forward the received data to the first network device, ensuring successful data forwarding. Furthermore, upon receiving at least one of the identifier of the first data, the second indication information, and the third indication information, it can know which data needs to be forwarded to the first network device, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the second network device receiving first data from the terminal device includes: receiving a radio resource control message from the terminal device, the radio resource control message including the first data. Thus, the first data can be directly carried in the radio resource control message and received by the second network device without requiring separate additional transmission, reducing the resource consumption of data transmission.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the aforementioned radio resource control message is either a radio resource control reconfiguration completion message or a radio resource control re-establishment completion message. In this way, the second network device can further select different methods to receive the first data for different specific scenarios, ensuring successful data reception.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the second network device receives first data from the terminal device, including: receiving a wireless link failure report from the terminal device, the wireless link failure report including the first data. The second network device then sends the first data to the first network device, including: sending the wireless link failure report to the first network device. Thus, the first data can be directly carried within the wireless link failure report and received by the second network device without additional separate transmission, reducing the resource consumption of data transmission.

[0030] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device, or by a component of the first network device, such as the processor, chip, or chip system of the first network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. Taking the method being executed by the first network device as an example, the method includes: receiving first data from a second network device, wherein the first data is obtained by a terminal device at the instruction of the first network device, the first network device being the network device accessed by the terminal device in a first time period, the second network device being the network device accessed by the terminal device in the current time period, the first time period being earlier than the current time period, and then processing the first data.

[0031] In the above technical solution, since the first data is obtained by the terminal device at the instruction of the first network device, it indicates that the first data is the data that the first network device needs to collect. Therefore, the first network device can receive the first data received from the terminal device forwarded by the second network device, thus realizing the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the first network device that has been disconnected, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device to the network device with the broken link.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application further includes: a first network device sending second information to a second network device, the second information including one or more of the following: an identifier of a terminal device, an identifier of first data, fourth indication information, and fifth indication information. The fourth indication information indicates that the first data is data not sent to the first network device, and the fifth indication information indicates the data collection parameters configured by the first network device for the terminal device. Thus, when the first network device sends the identifier of the terminal device, it can inform the second network device of the terminal device that needs to be accessed; when it sends at least one of the identifier of the first data, the fourth indication information, and the fifth indication information, it can inform the second network device which data needs to be forwarded to the first network device, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application further includes: a first terminal device receiving first indication information from a second network device, and sending the first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to acquire first data, or to instruct or configure the terminal device to report first data. Thus, by forwarding the received first indication information to the terminal device through the first terminal device, instructing the terminal device to collect or report data, the integrity and accuracy of the data reporting are ensured.

[0034] In conjunction with the third aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, the second information is carried in the handover request information, and the first indication information is carried in the handover request confirmation information. The handover request information is used to request the terminal device to be switched from the first network device to the second network device, in order to prepare for access to the terminal device and ensure successful access. The handover request confirmation information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to access the second network device, informing the first network device that the terminal device is allowed to access, avoiding handover attempts by the terminal device when access is not allowed, and ensuring that the terminal device can be successfully switched to the second network device.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the first network device receives first data from the second network device, including receiving a wireless link failure report from the second network device, the wireless link failure report including the first data. Thus, by receiving the wireless link failure report forwarded by the second network device, the first network device collects the first data, achieving the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the disconnected first network device.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0037] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transmission and / or reception functions in any of the above aspects and their possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuits, transceivers, transceivers, or communication interfaces. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and their possible implementations.

[0038] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods.

[0039] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the methods of any of the above aspects.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods of any of the above aspects.

[0041] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods of any of the preceding aspects. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory storing the computer program or instructions. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor.

[0042] The communication device in the fourth to seventh aspects can be: a terminal device in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, or a device including the terminal device, or a device included in the terminal device, such as a chip; the communication device in the fourth to seventh aspects can be: a second network device in the second aspect or any implementation thereof, or a device including the second network device, or a device included in the second network device, such as a chip; the communication device in the fourth to seventh aspects can be: a first network device in the third aspect or any implementation thereof, or a device including the first network device, or a device included in the first network device, such as a chip.

[0043] It is understood that when the communication device provided by any of the fourth to seventh 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.

[0044] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods of any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0045] Ninthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0046] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a terminal device for performing the method described in the first aspect, a second network device for performing the method described in the second aspect, or a first network device for performing the method described in the third aspect.

[0047] The technical effects of any of the implementation methods in aspects four through ten can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementation methods in aspects one through three, and will not be repeated here.

[0048] It is understandable that various possible implementations of any of the above aspects can be combined, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 is a framework diagram of the application of artificial intelligence in new wireless technology provided by related technologies;

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of artificial intelligence data collection on the terminal device side according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of artificial intelligence data collection on the terminal device side under an open wireless access network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0064] 1. In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement order of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0065] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As can be seen from the above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0066] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device. This configuration information can include, for example, but not limited to, radio resource control signaling, such as RRC signaling, medium access control (MAC) layer signaling, physical layer signaling, or downlink control information (DCI), or a combination of at least two of these.

[0067] 2. In the embodiments of this application, the descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., terminal device, first network device, or second network device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., terminal device, first network device, or second network device) to have a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0068] 3. In the embodiments of this application, the descriptions such as "first" and "second" are limited to their respective corresponding embodiments or drawings. The "first" and "second" in different embodiments or different drawings should be interpreted differently.

[0069] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0070] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following or similar expressions" refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b and / or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0071] Furthermore, 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 substantially 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.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, the words "for example" or "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "for example" or "for instance" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of the words "for example" or "for instance" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0073] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, throughout the specification, various embodiments do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0074] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0075] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0076] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies and terms of this application is given first.

[0077] RRC:

[0078] RRC is a key layer in the protocol stack of 3GPP standards (such as the 5th generation new radio (5G NR) in 5G mobile communication technology), responsible for managing radio resources between terminal devices and network devices (such as next-generation network baselines (gNBs)). It is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and releasing connections between terminal devices and network devices, ensuring smooth communication between them.

[0079] RLF:

[0080] In mobile communication networks, RLF (Remote Link Failure) refers to a significant degradation or complete loss of wireless link quality between a terminal device and network equipment. This is usually caused by a variety of factors, such as poor signal quality, interference, physical obstacles, or changes in the wireless environment. When a terminal device detects an RLF, it will attempt to initiate the RRC (Reconnection Re-establishment) procedure to ensure that the terminal device can normally access the new network equipment and restore services.

[0081] Currently, 3GPP has proposed applying artificial intelligence (AI) to communication systems. Taking the application of AI in new radio (NR) technology as an example, network devices can use AI to intelligently collect and analyze data, thereby improving network performance and user experience.

[0082] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an AI application framework in NR provided by related technologies. The application framework 100 includes: a data collection entity 110, a model training entity 120, a model inference entity 130, and an execution entity 140.

[0083] Data collection entity 110 is responsible for collecting data from various components in the network (such as gNBs), gNB centralized units (gNB-CUs), gNB distributed units (gNB-DUs), terminal equipment, etc.) and management entities. This data includes, but is not limited to, channel state information (CSI), user behavior data, network traffic data, and device status data.

[0084] The model training entity 120 is responsible for training an AI model using the training data obtained from the data collection entity 110 through machine learning or deep learning algorithms. The AI ​​model can be used to predict network performance, optimize resource allocation, and improve user experience.

[0085] The model inference entity 130 is responsible for using the AI ​​model trained by the model training entity 120 to predict the network operation status or make policy adjustment instructions based on real-time or near-real-time data input.

[0086] The execution entity 140 is responsible for receiving the policy adjustment instructions given by the model inference entity 130, and converting the policy adjustment instructions into specific network configuration or operation instructions, and sending them to the corresponding network entity for execution.

[0087] However, since high-quality training data is the foundation for AI model training and inference, the data collection entity 110 needs to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the acquired data so that subsequent steps can proceed smoothly.

[0088] The following six AI-based application scenarios have been launched on the radio access network (RAN) side of 3GPP: Among them, RAN3 includes energy saving, load balancing and mobility optimization; RAN1 includes enhanced channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) feedback, enhanced beam management and enhanced positioning accuracy.

[0089] Energy saving: By collecting load, energy consumption, and energy efficiency information of network devices and neighboring cells, as well as trajectory information and measurement results of terminal devices, network device load is predicted. Based on the prediction results and cell usage and key performance indicators (KPIs), energy-saving measures (such as cell deactivation, carrier shutdown, channel shutdown, time slot shutdown, and reduced transmit power) are implemented. When network coverage, terminal device access, or service demands are affected, the current energy-saving strategy needs to be modified, or the system needs to be restored to normal operation, and the load needs to be re-predicted or the AI ​​model needs to be modified for re-prediction.

[0090] Load balancing involves predicting network device load by collecting load, energy consumption, and energy efficiency information from network devices and neighboring cells, as well as trajectory information and measurement results from terminal devices. Based on the prediction results, cell usage, and KPI requirements, it rationally selects some terminal devices to switch to or receive terminal devices from neighboring cells to balance the load among network devices across the entire area, reducing situations where some network devices are overloaded and affect normal services while others are idle. However, since the accuracy of prediction is not 100%, it can lead to situations where terminal device selection is unreasonable, the target cell for handover is unreasonable, or handover fails, affecting terminal device services; or the load prediction is inaccurate, resulting in poor load balancing; or temporary abnormal load fluctuations make the original load balancing strategy no longer applicable. In these cases, it is necessary to exit or modify the current load balancing strategy and re-predict the load or change the AI ​​model used.

[0091] Mobility optimization involves collecting historical trajectory and measurement information from terminal devices to predict their future trajectories. Based on these predictions, it can determine in advance whether a handover is needed and proactively send handover configurations and notify the target cell to prepare access resources, reducing latency during handover and lowering the probability of handover / access failures. However, since trajectory prediction accuracy is not 100%, incorrect predictions can lead to handover failures or service interruptions. In such cases, it is necessary to retrain the model and inference, or replace the AI ​​model.

[0092] CSI-RS feedback enhancement: The network device and the terminal device first exchange dictionaries (including encoders and quantizers). For example, based on the requirements of the network device and the capabilities of the terminal device, a pre-trained model is sent to the terminal device, along with the encoder and quantizer. Then, the terminal device, based on the measured channel matrix results and according to the dictionary sent by the network device, compresses and quantizes the matrix to be fed back and transmits it to the network device. Finally, the network device uses the dictionary and the data reported by the terminal device to reverse-engineer the original channel matrix.

[0093] Beam management enhancement involves training a sparse scan matrix by having a certain number of terminal devices report the results of full beam scanning of the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), with each sparse scan matrix corresponding to a cell. Then, the network device sends the sparse scan matrix to the terminal devices (e.g., via system information block (SIB) messages), and the terminal devices perform the first stage of beam scanning based on this matrix. Finally, based on the sparse scan results from the terminal devices, the network device infers the optimal CSI-RS beam for the second stage of scanning, and the terminal devices provide the optimal CSI-RS beam identity (ID).

[0094] Positioning accuracy enhancements: Raw data (such as location, signal strength, propagation time, etc.) is collected by using operator-controlled reference terminal equipment, and this data is used to train a positioning model in the location management function (LMF) to accurately infer the location (such as latitude and longitude) of the terminal equipment. Additionally, a positioning model is trained in the gNB to determine whether the signal propagation path is line of sight (LOS) or non-line of sight (NLOS), thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0095] For the six application scenarios of the aforementioned AI models, the terminal device can be configured to perform specific functions according to different application scenarios and requirements. For example, in the CSI feedback enhancement scenario, the terminal device can be configured to perform CSI channel prediction. However, regarding how to implement these specific functions, the terminal device can usually choose from several models with the same function (i.e., all of which can produce the desired output results). This selection can be configured by the network side or determined by the terminal device itself based on its internal implementation and conditions. The selection is mainly based on the application environment of the model, which currently includes one or more of the following:

[0096] ① Macroscopic physical attributes of terminal devices: speed, direction of movement, geographical location, and altitude.

[0097] ② Hardware and software attributes of the terminal device: effective power, computing power, storage space, and AI model compilation environment.

[0098] ③ The channel environment of the terminal device: urban macro (UMa), urban micro (Umi), and indoor hotspot (InH).

[0099] ④ Communication configuration of terminal equipment and network equipment: number of receiving antennas of terminal equipment and number of transmitting ports of network equipment.

[0100] ⑤ Time-frequency domain resources for air interface communication: carrier frequency, subcarrier spacing, and bandwidth.

[0101] Even models with the same functionality can exhibit significant performance differences across various application environments. Therefore, to ensure high performance and effectiveness, the most suitable model is typically selected based on the actual application environment of the terminal device. For example, selection can be based on environmental monitoring (which can be real-time or non-real-time) and data feedback from the terminal device.

[0102] In related technologies, for scenarios where model selection is based on data feedback from terminal devices, the collection of data from terminal devices is typically achieved through the following two methods:

[0103] One approach is a data collection method centered on operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM). This method uses the Minimization of Drive-Tests (MDT) mechanism to report data, automatically collecting measurement data from terminals and reporting it to the system side for assessing network quality and locating and resolving network problems.

[0104] Another approach is a network device-centric data collection method. This method relies primarily on the measurement capabilities and reporting mechanisms of the terminal devices, which are responsible for performing measurements and reporting the results to the network devices.

[0105] However, using either of these methods, the wireless link between the terminal device and the network device often becomes interrupted during data reporting. For example, if the terminal device undergoes a network device handover or an RLF occurs, the wireless link between the terminal device and the network device will be interrupted, and uplink data cannot be successfully transmitted to the network device, affecting the integrity and accuracy of the data.

[0106] In order to enable terminal devices to continue reporting data to network devices with interrupted links, thereby ensuring data integrity and accuracy, this application provides related communication methods, devices, and storage media. The implementation methods of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] The embodiments of this application can be applied to long-term evolution (LTE) systems or NR systems (also known as 5G systems), V2X systems, LTE and NR hybrid networking systems, device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems (such as narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems), and other next-generation communication systems. Alternatively, the communication system can also be a non-3GPP communication system, without limitation.

[0108] Furthermore, the communication architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0109] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the data collection sub-scenario in an AI scenario, as shown in Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of AI data collection on the terminal device side. The terminal device (such as a mobile phone 210) can collect various types of raw data (such as location information, speed information, environmental information, etc.) from the data center 220, then input the collected raw data into an internally trained AI model to output results, and finally report the AI ​​model's output results to the network device 230. Optionally, the terminal device can also use one or more sensors deployed on it when collecting raw data.

[0110] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 illustrates the communication system 300, which includes a terminal device 310, a first node 320, and a second network device 330. Data transmission can occur between the terminal device 310, the first node 320, and the second network device 330. Data transmission can also occur between the first node 320 and the second network device 330.

[0111] Optionally, the first node 320 can be a first network device or a first server. The first server can be a server on the terminal device 320 side.

[0112] In some embodiments, data transmission between the terminal device 320 and the first network device can utilize air interface resources. Optionally, air interface resources may include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources.

[0113] In other embodiments, data transmission between the terminal device 320 and the first server can be performed through the application layer.

[0114] In some embodiments, the second network device 330 can receive data reported by the terminal device 310 and forward the data to the first node 320 when the communication link between the first node 320 and the terminal device 310 is disconnected, thereby indirectly realizing communication between the terminal device 310 and the first node 320.

[0115] It is understandable that since the second network device 330 can act as a data relay device to forward the data sent by the terminal device 310 to the first node 320, thereby achieving the purpose of the terminal device 310 reporting data to the first node 320, it indicates that the time period during which the first node 320 and the terminal device 310 maintain a connection is different from the time period during which the second network device 330 and the terminal device 310 maintain a connection. Furthermore, during the time period during which the second network device 330 and the terminal device 310 maintain a connection, the first node 320 and the terminal device 310 are in a link interruption state.

[0116] For example, if the first node 320 is the node that the terminal device 310 accesses in the first time period, and the second network device 330 is the network device that the terminal device 310 accesses in the current time period, the first time period should be earlier than the current time period.

[0117] Optionally, the terminal device 310 in Figure 3 may have the functions of the terminal device shown in Figure 2, and the first node 320 or the second network device 330 in Figure 3 may have the functions of the network device 230 shown in Figure 2.

[0118] It is understood that the system diagram shown in Figure 3 is illustrated using an example of a communication system including one node, one network device, and one terminal device. Of course, a communication system may include more nodes, network devices, and terminal devices. Furthermore, wireless communication between devices may include: wireless communication between nodes, wireless communication between a node and a network device, wireless communication between a node and a terminal device, wireless communication between a network device and a terminal device, wireless communication between network devices, and wireless communication between terminal devices. This application does not specifically limit these aspects in its embodiments.

[0119] Furthermore, "wireless communication" in the embodiments of this application can also be simply referred to as "communication," and "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission." The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0120] Optionally, the network device in this application embodiment can also be referred to as an access network node, RAN node, RAN entity, or access node, etc., located on the network side of the aforementioned communication system, used to help terminal devices achieve wireless access, and is a device with wireless transceiver functionality, or a chip or chip system that can be set in the device. This network device includes, but is not limited to: base station (BS), eNodeB, access point (AP), transmission reception point (TRP or transmission point (TP), gNB, base station in future mobile communication systems, or access node in Wi-Fi systems, etc. The network device can be a macro base station, micro base station or indoor station, relay node or donor node, open radio access network (ORAN), or a wireless controller in a centralized radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The network device can also be one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a 5G base station, or it can be a network node constituting a gNB, TRP, TP, or transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), or a roadside unit (RSU) with base station functionality. Optionally, the network device can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the network device in V2X technology can be an RSU. All or part of the functions of the network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device functions.

[0121] In this network, CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that network equipment can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or a combination of CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network equipment within the access network (RAN) or within the network network (CN); there are no restrictions on this classification.

[0122] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0123] The form of the network device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0124] Optionally, the base station in the embodiments of this application may include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base station, micro base station (also known as small station), relay station, access point, home base station, TRP, transmitting point (TP), mobile switching center, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit them.

[0125] Optionally, the terminal device involved in this application can also be referred to as a terminal, which can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a UE, where the UE includes handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal device can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, and so on.

[0126] In this application embodiment, the form of the terminal device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; or it can be a device that supports the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the nodes, network devices, and terminal devices in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as communication devices, which may be general-purpose devices or special-purpose devices. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the related functions of the nodes, terminal devices, or network devices in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0129] In specific implementations, the terminal device 310, the first node 320, and the second network device 330 shown in Figure 3 can all adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 4, or include the components shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 400 includes one or more processors 411. The processor 411 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., network device, terminal device, or chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs.

[0130] Alternatively, in one design, the processor 411 may include a program 413 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on the processor 411 to cause the communication device 400 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments.

[0131] Optionally, the communication device 400 may include one or more memories 412 storing a program 414 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 411 to cause the communication device 400 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0132] Optionally, the processor 411 and / or memory 412 may include AI modules 417 and 418, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RAN intelligence controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0133] Optionally, the processor 411 and / or memory 412 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0134] Optionally, the communication device 400 may further include a transceiver 415 and / or an antenna 416. The processor 411, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a network device or a terminal device). The transceiver 415, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 416.

[0135] Optionally, in this embodiment, the processor 411 is a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 411 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0136] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the memory 412 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it may also be a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and / or instructions; or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0137] Although not shown, as an optional implementation, the communication device 400 may also include output devices and input devices. For example, input devices may be devices such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and output devices may be devices such as a display screen or speaker.

[0138] It should be noted that the communication device 400 can be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a web server, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal, an embedded device, a chip system, or a device with a similar structure to that shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the composition shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0140] Furthermore, the actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referenced interchangeably without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages exchanged between the various devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation.

[0141] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4, and Figures 5 to 12 below.

[0142] It is understood that in the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between network elements are just examples, and other names may be used in other embodiments. The communication method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0143] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0144] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of the communication method provided in this application embodiment. The method is illustrated using the interaction between a terminal device, a first node, and a second network device as an example. Of course, the subject executing the actions of the terminal device in this method can also be a device / module in the terminal device; the subject executing the actions of the first node in this method can also be a device / module in the first node; the subject executing the actions of the second network device in this method can also be a device / module in the second network device, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0145] It is understood that the terminal device in the following embodiments may be the terminal device 310 in FIG3, the first node in the following embodiments may be the first node 320 in FIG3, and the second network device in the following embodiments may be the second network device 330 in FIG3.

[0146] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the communication method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0147] S501, The terminal device obtains the first data.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first data may be suggested or instructed by a first node (such as a first network device or a first server) to be obtained by the terminal device.

[0149] In one example, the first data may be suggested or instructed by the first network device to be obtained by the terminal device.

[0150] In another example, the initial data could be obtained from other network nodes. For instance, the terminal device could obtain the initial data from a server with which it can interact.

[0151] The first data may include one or more of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), beam identifier, phase information of reference signal, time information of reference signal, power information of reference signal, time and power pairing information, location information of data collection (such as latitude and longitude), and status information of terminal equipment (such as battery level).

[0152] For example, a terminal device can receive reference signals sent by network devices (such as cell reference signal (CRS) in LTE, SSB in NR, etc.), measure these reference signals to obtain RSRP; furthermore, it can obtain the total received power and calculate RSRQ based on RSRP and total received power.

[0153] For example, by measuring the received reference signal, the terminal device can also obtain other types of power information (such as average power, peak power, etc.).

[0154] For example, the terminal device can also perform phase measurement on the received reference signal to obtain the phase information of the reference signal.

[0155] For example, the terminal device can also timestamp the received reference signal to obtain the time information of the reference signal.

[0156] For example, a terminal device can calculate the SINR based on the signal power and the power of interference noise by measuring the signal power and the power of interference noise.

[0157] For example, a terminal device can determine the identifier of the currently used beam by receiving beam training signals or beam indication information from a network device.

[0158] For example, the terminal device can measure the received signal power at predetermined time intervals, and record the current timestamp and the corresponding signal power value at each measurement to obtain time and power pairing information.

[0159] For example, a terminal device can determine its location information by communicating with multiple network devices, or by using its own internal location sensors, or by communicating with multiple network devices and combining this with its internal location sensors.

[0160] For example, terminal devices can collect power consumption values ​​through their internal power meters.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first node is a node that the terminal device accesses during a first time period. During the time period when the terminal device accesses the first node, the terminal device can communicate bidirectionally with the first node. For example, the terminal device can receive downlink data (such as control signaling) sent by the first node; similarly, the first node can receive uplink data (such as location information) sent by the terminal device.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the first node can send a data collection configuration to the terminal device. After receiving the data collection configuration, the terminal device performs data collection according to the data collection configuration to obtain the first data.

[0163] In some embodiments, data collection configuration refers to a series of instructions and parameters sent by a network device to a terminal device to guide the terminal device in collecting and sending data.

[0164] For example, the data collection configuration may include parameters for the terminal device when collecting data, such as: RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, beam identifier, phase information of the reference signal, time information of the reference signal, power information of the reference signal, time and power pairing information, location information of data collection, and status information of the terminal device, or one or more of these.

[0165] Optionally, after acquiring the first data, the terminal device may send a data transmission request message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the data transmission request message from the terminal device. The data transmission request message is used to request the second network device to allow the terminal device to transmit data.

[0166] In one possible implementation, if the second network device sends a prohibition instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will stop sending data after receiving the prohibition instruction.

[0167] In another possible implementation, if the second network device sends a permission to send instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will start sending the first data after receiving the permission to send instruction.

[0168] For example, after receiving a permission to send instruction, the terminal device can execute S502:

[0169] S502, the terminal device sends first data to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second network device is the network device that the terminal device accesses during the current time period. During the time period when the terminal device accesses the second network device, the terminal device can perform bidirectional communication with the second network device. For example, the terminal device can receive downlink data (such as control signaling) sent by the second network device; similarly, the second network device can receive uplink data (such as location information) sent by the terminal device.

[0171] It is understandable that the first time period when the terminal device accesses the first node is earlier than the current time period when the terminal device accesses the second network device.

[0172] In one example, the terminal device can send the data (first data) that the first node indicated was not yet sent to the first node to the second network device during the current time period, so that the second network device can send the first data to the first node.

[0173] In another example, the terminal device can send the first data obtained from the server it is connected to to the second network device during the current time period, so that the second network device can send the first data to the first node.

[0174] In one possible implementation, after receiving the data collection configuration sent by the second network device, the terminal device can obtain the first data according to the acquisition rules in the data collection configuration, and directly send the first data to the second network device according to the reporting rules in the data collection configuration.

[0175] For example, the second network device sends a data collection configuration to the terminal device. The terminal device obtains the first data according to the data type specified in the data collection configuration, and periodically sends the first data to the second network device according to the reporting time interval specified in the data collection configuration.

[0176] In another possible implementation, the terminal device may send an RRC message to the second network device, the RRC message including the first data. It is understood that the terminal device may also send other messages capable of carrying the first data to the second network device, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0177] For example, the aforementioned RRC message could be an RRC reconfiguration complete message or an RRC re-establishment complete message.

[0178] In one example, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message can be an RRC reconfiguration complete message. The second network device can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device to configure it to directly include the first data in the RRC reconfiguration complete message for reporting. After receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, the terminal device can send an RRC reconfiguration complete message carrying the first data to the second network device.

[0179] In another example, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message can be an RRC Re-establishment Complete message. The terminal device can send an RRC Re-establishment Complete message carrying the first data to the second network device.

[0180] In another possible implementation, after receiving a data request message from the second network device, the terminal device may respond to the data request message by sending the first data to the second network device.

[0181] For example, if the terminal device does not carry the first data in the RRC reconfiguration complete message / RRC re-establishment complete message sent to the second network device, the second network device can send a data request message to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to report the first data. After receiving the data request message, the terminal device can send the first data to the second network device.

[0182] In another possible implementation, upon receiving an RLF report request message from a second network device, the terminal device may, in response to the RLF report request message, send an RLF report to the second network device, the RLF report including the first data.

[0183] For example, the second network device can send an RLF report request message to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to include first data in the RLF report. After receiving the RLF report request message, the terminal device can send an RLF report carrying the first data to the second network device.

[0184] S503, the second network device sends the first data to the first node. Correspondingly, the first node receives the first data from the second network device.

[0185] In some embodiments, after receiving the first data sent by the terminal device, the second network device can forward the first data to the first node, so as to realize the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the first node that has been disconnected.

[0186] For example, if both the second network device and the first node are base stations, the second network device can send the first data to the first node through the inter-base station interface.

[0187] In one possible implementation, if the second network device receives the first data sent by the terminal device, it can directly forward the first data to the first node.

[0188] In another possible implementation, when the second network device receives an RRC reconfiguration complete message or an RRC re-establishment complete message sent by the terminal device, it can first parse the RRC reconfiguration complete message or the RRC re-establishment complete message to obtain the first data, and then send the first data to the first node.

[0189] In another possible implementation, if the second network device receives an RLF report sent by the terminal device, it can directly forward the RLF report to the first node, which can then parse the RLF report to obtain the first data.

[0190] Optionally, the first node may also process the first data received from the second network device.

[0191] In some embodiments, after obtaining the first data, the first node can parse the first data to obtain the information carried therein, or it can store the first data for backup storage.

[0192] For example, the first node can parse the first data to obtain the location information (such as latitude and longitude) and / or status information (such as battery level) of the terminal device.

[0193] Furthermore, after parsing and obtaining the location information and / or status information of the terminal device, the first node can store the location information and / or status information in a storage medium for long-term preservation or for subsequent tracing and investigation.

[0194] Based on this scheme, since the terminal device is currently connected to the second network device, and the first time period of the connection between the first node and the terminal device is earlier than the current time period, the terminal device cannot directly send data to the first node, which has already lost connection. Therefore, in this embodiment, after obtaining the first data, the terminal device sends the first data to the currently connected second network device. Since the first data was obtained at the instruction of the first node, it indicates that the first data is the data that the first node needs to collect. This allows the second network device to forward the first data to the first node after it is sent to the first data, thus achieving the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the first node, which has already lost connection. This enables the terminal device to continue reporting data to the network device with the broken link, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data.

[0195] Optionally, as described in S502 above, in one possible implementation, after receiving the data collection configuration sent by the second network device, the terminal device can obtain the first data according to the acquisition rules in the data collection configuration, and directly send the first data to the second network device according to the reporting rules in the data collection configuration; in one example, the second network device can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to directly carry the first data in the RRC reconfiguration completion message for reporting. After receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, the terminal device can send an RRC reconfiguration completion message carrying the first data to the second network device. The following describes in detail the above two methods of the terminal device sending the first data to the second network device in the embodiments of this application with reference to FIG6.

[0196] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes the following steps:

[0197] S601, the first node sends second information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the second information from the first node.

[0198] In this embodiment, the second information may be included in the handover request information. This handover request information is used to request a handover of the terminal device from the first node to the second network device.

[0199] In some embodiments, when the terminal device transmits data with the first node, the first node may need to switch the terminal device to a more suitable network device (such as a second network device) due to factors such as signal quality or the movement of the terminal device. In this case, the first node will send a switching request to the second network device.

[0200] In this embodiment of the application, the second information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the terminal device, the identifier of the first data, the fourth instruction information, and the fifth instruction information.

[0201] Among them: the identifier of the terminal device is used by the second network device to identify the terminal device.

[0202] The identifier of the first data is used by the second network device to know the data that needs to be received and processed.

[0203] The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that has not been sent to the first node. The fourth indication information can also be called the terminal device side data availability indication information, or the terminal device side data transmission incomplete indication information.

[0204] The fifth instruction information is used to indicate the data collection parameters configured by the first node for the terminal device. The fifth instruction information can also be referred to as the data collection configuration as described in S501 above.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the second information may include at least the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the first data. After receiving the second information, the second network device can identify the terminal device that needs to access based on the identifier of the terminal device, and identify the data that needs to be received and processed based on the identifier of the first data.

[0206] In another possible implementation, the second information may include at least the identifier of the terminal device and the fifth instruction information. After receiving the second information, the second network device can identify the terminal device that needs to access based on the identifier of the terminal device, and determine parameters such as the frequency and format of data collection based on the fifth instruction information, so as to instruct the terminal device to collect data according to the specified frequency and format.

[0207] In another possible implementation, the second information may include at least the identifier of the terminal device and the fourth indication information. After receiving the second information, the second network device can identify the terminal device that needs to be accessed based on the identifier of the terminal device, and obtain the data (such as the first data) in the terminal device that has not been sent to the first node based on the fourth indication information.

[0208] Optionally, after receiving the second information, the second network device may, in response to the second information, send a first indication message to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication message from the second network device.

[0209] In this embodiment of the application, the first instruction information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to obtain the first data, or the first instruction information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to report the first data.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the second network device can directly send the first instruction information to the terminal device.

[0211] In another possible implementation, the second network device can first send the first instruction information to the first node, and then forward the first instruction information to the terminal device through the first node.

[0212] For example, the following embodiment illustrates the use of a second network device forwarding first instruction information to a terminal device through a first node.

[0213] S602, the second network device sends a first indication message to the first node. Correspondingly, the first node receives the first indication message from the second network device.

[0214] In this embodiment, the first indication information may be included in the handover request confirmation information. This handover request confirmation information is used to indicate that the terminal device is permitted to access the second network device. It is understood that the first indication information may also be included in other information capable of carrying data, and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0215] In some embodiments, after receiving the handover request information sent by the first node, if the second network device confirms that the terminal device can access the network, it will send a handover request confirmation message to the first node to inform the first node that the terminal device is allowed to access the second network device.

[0216] In one optional implementation, after receiving the first indication information from the second network device, the first node can receive a measurement report reported by the terminal device, and after determining that the terminal device meets the handover conditions based on the measurement report, request first data from the terminal device. At this time, the terminal device can directly respond to the request and report the first data to the first node.

[0217] In another alternative implementation, after receiving the first indication information sent by the second network device, the first node can forward the first indication information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to obtain or report the first data.

[0218] In one example, if the second information includes the identifier of the terminal device, the identifier of the first data, and / or the fifth indication information, and if the terminal device has moved to a new location or network conditions have changed, the second network device can send the first indication information to the first node, which will then forward the first indication information to the terminal device. In this case, the first indication information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to acquire the first data. The first indication information can be new data collection parameters, which are reconfigured by the second network device based on the fifth indication information.

[0219] In another example, where the second information includes the identifier of the terminal device and the fourth indication information, the second network device can send the first indication information to the first node, and the first node forwards the first indication information to the terminal device. In this case, the first indication information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to report first data. The first indication information can be an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0220] Optionally, in another optional implementation as described in S602 above, after receiving the first indication information sent by the second network device, the first node can forward the first indication information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to obtain or report the first data. In this case, the first node can execute the following S603:

[0221] S603, the first node sends a first instruction message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction message from the first node.

[0222] For example, if the first node is a base station, since the base station is still the base station accessed by the terminal device in the first time period, the base station can forward the received first indication information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can obtain the first data or report the first data according to the first indication information.

[0223] For example, when the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to acquire the first data, the first indication information may be a new data collection parameter configured by the second network device for the terminal device.

[0224] For example, when the first indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data, the first indication information can be an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0225] S501, The terminal device obtains the first data.

[0226] In one possible implementation, if the first instruction information is a new data collection parameter configured by the second network device for the terminal device, the terminal device collects data according to the data collection parameter to obtain the first data.

[0227] In another alternative implementation, when the first indication information is an RRC reconfiguration message, the terminal device can identify data that has not been sent to the first node as the first data.

[0228] Optionally, after acquiring the first data, the terminal device may send a data transmission request message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the data transmission request message from the terminal device. The data transmission request message is used to request the second network device to allow the terminal device to transmit data.

[0229] In one possible implementation, if the second network device sends a prohibition instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will stop sending data after receiving the prohibition instruction.

[0230] In another possible implementation, if the second network device sends a permission to send instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will start sending the first data after receiving the permission to send instruction.

[0231] For example, after receiving a permission to send instruction, the terminal device can execute S502:

[0232] S502, the terminal device sends first data to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0233] In one possible implementation, after the terminal device collects data according to the data collection parameters and obtains the first data, it can report the first data to the second network device.

[0234] In another possible implementation, when the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message (i.e., the first indication information) sent by the first node, it can send the first data to the second network device in the RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0235] S503, the second network device sends the first data to the first node. Correspondingly, the first node receives the first data from the second network device.

[0236] In one possible implementation, if the second network device receives the first data, it directly forwards the first data to the first node.

[0237] In another possible implementation, when the second network device receives an RRC reconfiguration complete message, it can first parse the RRC reconfiguration complete message to obtain the first data, and then send the first data to the first node.

[0238] For further details on S501 to S503 in the method shown in Figure 6, please refer to the description of S501 to S503 in the method shown in Figure 5. They will not be repeated here.

[0239] Based on this, since congestion in the wireless link between the terminal device and the first node can affect the first node's ability to receive data from the terminal device, in this embodiment, when the first node needs to collect first data, it sends a handover request to the second network device to request the terminal device to be switched to the second network device. Furthermore, the first node also sends at least one piece of information to the second network device for mapping the first data, enabling the second network device to know which data needs to be forwarded to the first node. This allows the terminal device, after switching to the second network device, to send the first data obtained as instructed by the first node to the second network device, which then forwards it to the first node. This achieves the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the disconnected first node, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device to the network device with the interrupted link.

[0240] Optionally, as described in S502 above, in another possible implementation, after receiving a data request message sent by the second network device, the terminal device may, in response to the data request message, send first data to the second network device. In one example, the second network device may send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device to configure the terminal device to directly carry the first data in the RRC reconfiguration completion message for reporting. After receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, the terminal device may send an RRC reconfiguration completion message carrying the first data to the second network device. The following describes in detail, with reference to Figure 7, the above two methods of the terminal device sending the first data to the second network device in this embodiment of the application.

[0241] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes the following steps:

[0242] S701, the first node sends second information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the second information from the first node.

[0243] In this embodiment, the second information may be included in the handover request information. The second information may include the identifier of the terminal device. The second network device can identify the terminal device based on the identifier. It is understood that the second information may also be included in other information capable of carrying data, and this application does not limit this.

[0244] Optionally, after receiving the second information, the second network device may, in response to the second information, send a first indication message to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication message from the second network device.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the second network device can directly send the first instruction information to the terminal device.

[0246] In another possible implementation, the second network device can first send the first instruction information to the first node, and then forward the first instruction information to the terminal device through the first node.

[0247] For example, the following embodiment illustrates the use of a second network device forwarding first instruction information to a terminal device through a first node.

[0248] S702, the second network device sends a first indication message to the first node. Correspondingly, the first node receives the first indication message from the second network device.

[0249] In this embodiment, the first indication information may be included in the handover request confirmation information. The first indication information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to report first data. For example, the first indication information may be an RRC reconfiguration message. It is understood that the first indication information may also be included in other information capable of carrying data, and this application does not limit this.

[0250] In one optional implementation, after receiving the first indication information from the second network device, the first node can receive a measurement report reported by the terminal device, and after determining that the terminal device meets the handover conditions based on the measurement report, request first data from the terminal device. At this time, the terminal device can directly respond to the request and report the first data to the first node.

[0251] In another optional implementation, after receiving the first indication information sent by the second network device, the first node can forward the first indication information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to report the first data.

[0252] Optionally, in another optional implementation as described in S702 above, after receiving the first indication information sent by the second network device, the first node can forward the first indication information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to report the first data. In this case, the first node can execute the following S703:

[0253] S703, the first node sends a first instruction message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction message from the first node.

[0254] For example, if the first node is a base station, since the base station is still the base station accessed by the terminal device in the first time period, the base station can forward the received first indication information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can report the first data according to the first indication information.

[0255] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first instruction information from the first node, the terminal device can directly send the data that was not yet sent to the first node (the first data) in the RRC reconfiguration completion message to the second network device, and the second network device will then send the first data to the first node.

[0256] In another possible implementation, after receiving the first indication information from the first node, the terminal device can send an RRC reconfiguration complete message without carrying the first data to the second network device. At this time, the second network device needs to send a request to the terminal device to request the terminal device to report the first data.

[0257] For example, the following embodiment illustrates the scenario where a second network device sends a request to a terminal device, requesting the terminal device to report first data.

[0258] S704. The terminal device sends first information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0259] In this embodiment of the application, the first information includes one or more of the following: information of the first node, identifier of the first data, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0260] The information from the first node is used by the second network device to identify the first node.

[0261] In one example, the information of the first node can be the identifier of the first node (such as the NR cell global identifier (NCGI)).

[0262] In another example, the information of the first node can be the identifier of the cell, which is the cell that the terminal device accesses in the first time period within the coverage area of ​​the first node.

[0263] The identifier of the first data is used by the second network device to know the data that needs to be received and processed.

[0264] The second indication information is used to indicate the network conditions associated with the first data. For example, the second indication information may include an association identifier.

[0265] For example, the network conditions associated with the first data may include one or more of the following: network load, quality of service, etc. The association identifier establishes a relationship between the network conditions and the first data, allowing the second network device to identify the associated first data based on the association identifier.

[0266] The third indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that has not been sent to the first node. The third indication information can also be called the terminal device side data availability indication information, or the terminal device side data transmission incomplete indication information.

[0267] In one possible implementation, the first information may include at least the information of the first node and the identifier of the first data. After receiving the first information, the second network device can identify the data that needs to be forwarded to the first node based on the information of the first node, and identify the data that needs to be received and processed based on the identifier of the first data.

[0268] In another possible implementation, the first information may include at least the information of the first node and the second indication information. After receiving the first information, the second network device can identify, based on the information of the first node, that data needs to be forwarded to the first node, and based on the second indication information, determine the first data that needs to be received or processed.

[0269] In another possible implementation, the first information may include at least the information of the first node and the third indication information. After receiving the first information, the second network device can identify, based on the information of the first node, that data needs to be forwarded to the first node, and based on the third indication information, it can learn about the data (such as the first data) in the terminal device that has not been sent to the first node.

[0270] Alternatively, the first information can also be sent in the RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0271] S501, The terminal device obtains the first data.

[0272] In some embodiments, the terminal device may identify data that has not been sent to the first node as the first data.

[0273] Optionally, after acquiring the first data, the terminal device may send a data transmission request message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the data transmission request message from the terminal device. The data transmission request message is used to request the second network device to allow the terminal device to transmit data.

[0274] In one possible implementation, if the second network device sends a prohibition instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will stop sending data after receiving the prohibition instruction.

[0275] In another possible implementation, if the second network device sends a permission to send instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will start sending the first data after receiving the permission to send instruction.

[0276] For example, after receiving a permission to send instruction, the terminal device can execute S502:

[0277] S502, the terminal device sends first data to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0278] In some embodiments, if the first information sent by the terminal device to the second network device does not carry the first data, the terminal device may send the first data to the second network device after receiving the data request information sent by the second network device.

[0279] For example, the first message could be an RCC reconfiguration completion message. This includes information about the first node, as well as second and / or third indication information.

[0280] S503, the second network device sends the first data to the first node. Correspondingly, the first node receives the first data from the second network device.

[0281] For further details on S501 to S503 in the method shown in Figure 7, please refer to the description of S501 to S503 in the method shown in Figure 5. They will not be repeated here.

[0282] Based on this, since congestion in the wireless link between the terminal device and the first node can affect the first node's ability to receive data from the terminal device, in this embodiment, when the first node needs to collect first data, it sends a handover request to the second network device to request a switchover to the second network device. Furthermore, the terminal device also sends at least one piece of information to the second network device for mapping the first data, enabling the second network device to know which data needs to be forwarded to the first node. This allows the terminal device, after switching to the second network device, to send the first data obtained as instructed by the first node to the second network device, which then forwards it to the first node. This achieves the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the disconnected first node, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device to the network device with the interrupted link.

[0283] Optionally, as described in S502 above, in another possible implementation, the terminal device may, after receiving a data request message sent by the second network device, send first data to the second network device in response to the data request message; in another example, the terminal device may send an RRC re-establishment completion message carrying the first data to the second network device; in yet another possible implementation, the terminal device may, upon receiving an RLF report request message sent by the second network device, send an RLF report to the second network device in response to the RLF report request message, the RLF report including the first data. The following, with reference to FIG8, describes in detail the above three methods by which the terminal device sends the first data to the second network device in the embodiments of this application.

[0284] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes the following steps:

[0285] S801, the terminal device sends first information to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0286] In this embodiment of the application, the first information may include one or more of the following: information of the first node, identifier of the first data, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0287] It is understandable that detailed descriptions of the information of the first node, the identifier of the first data, the second indication information, and the third indication information can be found in the above-mentioned S704, which describes the relevant information of the first node, the identifier of the first data, the second indication information, and the third indication information. They will not be repeated here.

[0288] Alternatively, the first information can also be sent in the RRC re-establishment completion message.

[0289] In some embodiments, if an RLF (Recurrent Link Fault) occurs during the connection process between the terminal device and the first node, the terminal device will reconnect to a new network device (such as a second network device). The terminal device may first send an RRC (Recurrent Reconnection Request) message to the second network device. In response to the RRC Reconnection Request message, the second network device sends an RRC Reconnection message to the terminal device. In response to the RRC Reconnection message, the terminal device sends an RRC Reconnection Complete message to the second network device to inform the second network device that the terminal device has successfully reconnected.

[0290] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can directly send the data that was not yet sent to the first node (the first data) in the RRC re-establishment completion message to the second network device, and the second network device will then send the first data to the first node.

[0291] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can send an RRC re-establishment completion message without carrying the first data to the second network device. In this case, the second network device needs to send a request to the terminal device to request the terminal device to report the first data.

[0292] For example, the following embodiment illustrates the scenario where a second network device sends a request to a terminal device, requesting the terminal device to report first data.

[0293] S501, The terminal device obtains the first data.

[0294] In some embodiments, the terminal device may identify data that has not been sent to the first node as the first data.

[0295] Optionally, after acquiring the first data, the terminal device may send a data transmission request message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the data transmission request message from the terminal device. The data transmission request message is used to request the second network device to allow the terminal device to transmit data.

[0296] In one possible implementation, if the second network device sends a prohibition instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will stop sending data after receiving the prohibition instruction.

[0297] In another possible implementation, if the second network device sends a permission to send instruction to the terminal device after receiving the data transmission request information, the terminal device will start sending the first data after receiving the permission to send instruction.

[0298] For example, after receiving a permission to send instruction, the terminal device can execute S502:

[0299] S502, the terminal device sends first data to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0300] In one possible implementation, if the RRC re-establishment completion message sent by the terminal device to the second network device includes information about the first node, as well as second and / or third indication information, but does not directly carry the first data, the second network device may send a data request message to the terminal device. After receiving the data request message, the terminal device sends the first data to the second network device.

[0301] In another possible implementation, if the RRC re-establishment completion message sent by the terminal device to the second network device does not include the information of the first node, the second indication information, the third indication information, and the first data, the second network device may send an RLF report request message to the terminal device. After receiving the RLF report request message, the terminal device sends an RLF report to the second network device, which includes the first data.

[0302] S503, the second network device sends the first data to the first node. Correspondingly, the first node receives the first data from the second network device.

[0303] In one possible implementation, if the second network device receives the first data, it directly forwards the first data to the first node.

[0304] In another possible implementation, when the second network device receives an RRC re-establishment complete message, it can first parse the RRC re-establishment complete message to obtain the first data, and then send the first data to the first node.

[0305] In another possible implementation, if the second network device receives an RLF report, it directly forwards the RLF report to the first node, which then parses the RLF report to obtain the first data.

[0306] For further details on S501 to S503 in the method shown in Figure 8, please refer to the description of S501 to S503 in the method shown in Figure 5. They will not be repeated here.

[0307] Therefore, when an RLF (Relational Link Fault) occurs between the terminal device and the first node, the first node will be unable to directly receive the data sent by the terminal device. Thus, in this embodiment, the terminal device sends at least one piece of information to the second network device for mapping the first data. This allows the second network device to know which data needs to be forwarded to the first node. Consequently, after switching to the second network device, the terminal device can send the first data, as instructed by the first node, to the second network device, which then forwards it to the first node. This achieves the purpose of the terminal device reporting data to the disconnected first node, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data reported by the terminal device to the network device with the broken link.

[0308] Optionally, as described in S602 and S702 above, in one optional implementation, after receiving the first indication information sent by the second network device, the first node can receive the measurement report reported by the terminal device, and after determining that the terminal device meets the handover conditions based on the measurement report, request first data from the terminal device. At this time, the terminal device can directly respond to the request and report the first data to the first node. The following, with reference to Figure 9, describes the detailed steps of the measurement report reported by the terminal device and the reporting of the first data according to the request of the first node.

[0309] For example, taking the first node as the first network device, as shown in Figure 9, the communication method provided in this embodiment of the application further includes the following steps:

[0310] S901, The terminal device sends a measurement report to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the measurement report from the terminal device.

[0311] The measurement report includes measurement results for the target cell and / or serving cell. For example, measurement results may include signal strength and signal quality.

[0312] In some embodiments, the terminal device may send the signal strength and signal quality of the target cell and / or serving cell in a measurement report to the first network device, so that the first network device can determine whether to switch the terminal device to the second network device based on the measurement report.

[0313] Optionally, the terminal device may first receive reference signals from the target cell and / or the serving cell, then estimate the channel state between the terminal device and the target cell and / or the serving cell based on the reference signals, and measure the signal strength and signal quality of the reference signals to obtain a measurement report.

[0314] The reference signal is used to assist terminal equipment in channel estimation, synchronization, and measuring the signal strength and signal quality of the target cell and / or serving cell. For example, the type of reference signal may include pilot signals, synchronization signals, or other specific reference signals.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first network device may switch the terminal device to the second network device if the measurement report meets the switching conditions.

[0316] S902, the first network device sends a data request message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the data request message from the first network device.

[0317] Among them, the data request information is used to request the terminal device to report the first data.

[0318] In some embodiments, if the first network device determines that the measurement report reported by the terminal device meets the handover conditions, the first network device may send a data request message to the terminal device to request the terminal device to report the first data before the handover.

[0319] It is understandable that a detailed description of the first data mentioned above can be found in the relevant description of the first data in S501 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0320] S903, the terminal device sends first data to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0321] Understandably, before step 901 above, the first network device can execute step S701 above, and the second network device can execute step S702 above.

[0322] Thus, by sending a data request message to the terminal device before switching to the second network device, and collecting the first data collected by the terminal device in a timely manner, the integrity and accuracy of the data collected by the first network device are ensured.

[0323] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the data collection sub-scenario in the AI ​​scenario under the ORAN architecture, as shown in Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of UE-side AI data collection under the ORAN architecture. In this scenario, the terminal device (such as mobile phone 1010) can collect various types of raw data (such as location information, speed information, environmental information, etc.) from the data center 1020 through various internal sensors. The collected raw data is then input into a pre-trained AI model to output results, which are then sent to the O-RU 1030. Upon receiving the results, the O-RU 1030 first parses and verifies them to ensure their completeness and accuracy. It can also perform format conversion and compression operations on the results, mapping the converted and compressed results to a specific communication protocol or data structure before sending them to the O-DU 1040. Finally, the O-DU 1040 further processes and analyzes the results received by the O-RU to support various wireless communication applications and services.

[0324] The following provides a detailed description of the implementation of the communication method of this application in the ORAN architecture. It is understood that in the ORAN architecture, the first network device can be a first CU, and the second network device can be a second CU. The second CU can communicate with the terminal device through O-DU and O-RU, and the second CU and the first CU can communicate with each other through an inter-base station interface (such as an X2 interface).

[0325] For example, referring to Figure 6 and as shown in Figure 11, the communication method provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0326] S1101, the first CU sends second information to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the second information from the first CU.

[0327] S1102, the second CU sends a first instruction message to the first CU. Correspondingly, the first CU receives the first instruction message from the second CU.

[0328] S1103, the first CU sends first instruction information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction information from the first CU.

[0329] Understandably, the detailed descriptions of S1101 to S1103 above can be found in the relevant descriptions of S601 to S603 in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] S1104, The terminal device obtains the first data.

[0331] S1105, The terminal device sends the first data to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0332] S1106, the second CU sends the first data to the first CU. Correspondingly, the first CU receives the first data from the second CU.

[0333] Understandably, the detailed descriptions of S1104 to S1106 above can be found in the descriptions of S501 to S503 in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0334] For example, referring to Figure 7 and as shown in Figure 12, the communication method provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0335] S1201, the first CU sends second information to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the second information from the first CU.

[0336] S1202, the second CU sends a first instruction message to the first CU. Correspondingly, the first CU receives the first instruction message from the second CU.

[0337] S1203, the first CU sends first instruction information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction information from the first CU.

[0338] S1204. The terminal device sends the first information to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0339] Understandably, the detailed descriptions of S1201 to S1204 above can be found in the relevant descriptions of S701 to S704 in Figure 7 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0340] S1205, The terminal device obtains the first data.

[0341] S1206, The terminal device sends the first data to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0342] S1207, the second CU sends the first data to the first CU. Correspondingly, the first CU receives the first data from the second CU.

[0343] Understandably, the detailed descriptions of S1205 to S1207 above can be found in the relevant descriptions of S501 to S503 in Figure 7 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0344] For example, referring to Figure 8 and as shown in Figure 13, the communication method provided in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0345] S1301, The terminal device sends the first information to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0346] Understandably, the detailed description of S1301 above can be found in the relevant description of S801 in Figure 8 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0347] S1302, The terminal device obtains the first data.

[0348] S1303, The terminal device sends the first data to the second CU. Correspondingly, the second CU receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0349] S1304, the second CU sends the first data to the first CU. Correspondingly, the first CU receives the first data from the second CU.

[0350] Understandably, the detailed descriptions of S1302 to S1304 above can be found in the relevant descriptions of S501 to S503 in Figure 8 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0351] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of network element interaction. Correspondingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be a network device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above network device, or a component usable in a network device; or, this communication device can be a terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the above terminal device, or a component usable in a terminal device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0352] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be understood that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0353] For example, Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a transceiver module 1410 and optionally a processing module 1420. The transceiver module 1410, also known as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transceiver function. For example, it can be a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver device, or a communication interface.

[0354] Taking the communication device 1400 as an example of the terminal device described in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0355] Processing module 1420 is used to acquire first data, which is instructed by a first network device to be acquired by the terminal device. The first network device is the network device that the terminal device accesses in the first time period. Transceiver module 1410 is used to send the first data to a second network device, which is the network device that the terminal device accesses in the current time period. The first time period is earlier than the current time period.

[0356] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is used to receive first indication information from the second network device. The first indication information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to acquire first data, or to instruct or configure the terminal device to report first data.

[0357] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is used to send first information to the second network device. The first information includes one or more of the following: information of the first network device, an identifier of the first data, second indication information, and third indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate the network conditions associated with the first data, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that has not been sent to the first network device.

[0358] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is specifically used to send a radio resource control message or a radio link failure report to the second network device. The radio resource control message includes first data, and the radio link failure report includes first data.

[0359] Taking the communication device 1400 as the second network device described in the above method embodiment as an example, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0360] The transceiver module 1410 is used to receive first data from a terminal device. The first data is obtained by the terminal device at the instruction of a first network device. The first network device is the network device that the terminal device accesses in a first time period, and the second network device is the network device that the terminal device accesses in the current time period. The first time period is earlier than the current time period. The transceiver module 1410 is also used to send the first data to the first network device.

[0361] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is used to send first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to obtain first data, or to instruct or configure the terminal device to report first data.

[0362] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is used to receive second information from the first network device. The second information includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the terminal device, the identifier of the first data, fourth indication information, and fifth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that has not been sent to the first network device, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate the data collection parameters configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

[0363] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is used to receive first information from the terminal device. The first information includes one or more of the following: information about the first network device, an identifier of the first data, second indication information, and third indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate the network conditions associated with the first data, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that has not been sent to the first network device.

[0364] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is specifically used to receive a radio resource control message from the terminal device, the radio resource control message including first data.

[0365] In another possible implementation, transceiver module 1410 is specifically used to receive a wireless link failure report from a terminal device, the wireless link failure report including first data. Transceiver module 1410 is also specifically used to send the wireless link failure report to a first network device.

[0366] Taking the communication device 1400 as an example of the first network device described in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0367] The transceiver module 1410 is used to receive first data from a second network device. The first data is instructed by the first network device to be acquired by the terminal device. The first network device is the network device that the terminal device accesses in a first time period, and the second network device is the network device that the terminal device accesses in the current time period. The first time period is earlier than the current time period. The processing module 1420 is used to process the first data.

[0368] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is used to send second information to the second network device. The second information includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the terminal device, the identifier of the first data, fourth indication information, and fifth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that has not been sent to the first network device, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate the data collection parameters configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

[0369] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is configured to receive first indication information from the second network device. The first indication information is used to instruct or configure the terminal device to acquire the first data, or to instruct or configure the terminal device to report the first data. The transceiver module 1410 is also configured to send the first indication information to the terminal device.

[0370] In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 1410 is specifically used to receive a wireless link failure report from a second network device, the wireless link failure report including first data.

[0371] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to in the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 1420 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module.

[0372] In this embodiment, the communication device 1400 is presented as an integrated functional module. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device can take the form of the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4.

[0373] For example, the processor 411 in the communication device 400 shown in Figure 4 can call the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 412 to cause the communication device 400 to execute the communication method in the above method embodiment.

[0374] Specifically, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1410 and processing module 1420 in Figure 14 can be implemented by the processor 411 in the communication device 400 shown in Figure 4 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 412. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1420 in Figure 14 can be implemented by the processor 411 in the communication device 400 shown in Figure 4 calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 412, and the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1410 in Figure 14 can be implemented by the transceiver 415 in the communication device 400 shown in Figure 4.

[0375] Since the communication device provided in this application embodiment can execute the above communication method, the technical effects it can obtain can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0376] It should be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a system-on-chip (SoC) or ASIC, or it can be a stand-alone semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), PLDs (programmable logic devices), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0377] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0378] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system), which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data, and the processor can call the program code stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be included in the communication device. When the communication device is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0379] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0380] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the network device and the terminal device described in the above method embodiments.

[0381] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This 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 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 accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video disks (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0382] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0383] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Acquire first data, wherein the first data is acquired by the terminal device at the instruction of the first network device, and the first network device is the network device that the terminal device accesses in the first time period; The first data is sent to a second network device, which is the network device that the terminal device accesses in the current time period, and the first time period is earlier than the current time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives a first indication message from the second network device, the first indication message being used to instruct the terminal device to acquire the first data, or the first indication message being used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information to the second network device, the first information including one or more of the following: Information about the first network device; The identifier of the first data; The second indication information is used to indicate the network conditions associated with the first data; The third indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that was not sent to the first network device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Sending the first data to the second network device includes: Send a radio resource control message or a radio link failure report to the second network device, wherein the radio resource control message includes the first data and the radio link failure report includes the first data.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radio resource control message is either a radio resource control reconfiguration complete message or a radio resource control re-establishment complete message.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second network device, the method includes: Receive first data from a terminal device, wherein the first data is obtained by the terminal device at the instruction of a first network device, the first network device is the network device accessed by the terminal device in a first time period, the second network device is the network device accessed by the terminal device in the current time period, and the first time period is earlier than the current time period; Send the first data to the first network device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first instruction message to the terminal device, the first instruction message being used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the first data, or the first instruction message being used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from the first network device, the second information including one or more of the following: The identifier of the terminal device; The identifier of the first data; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that was not sent to the first network device; The fifth instruction information is used to indicate the data collection parameters configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the handover request information, and the first indication information is carried in the handover request confirmation information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information from the terminal device, the first information including one or more of the following: Information about the first network device; The identifier of the first data; The second indication information is used to indicate the network conditions associated with the first data; The third indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that was not sent to the first network device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The receiving of the first data from the terminal device includes: Receive a radio resource control message from the terminal device, the radio resource control message including the first data.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The radio resource control message is either a radio resource control reconfiguration complete message or a radio resource control re-establishment complete message.

13. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The receiving of the first data from the terminal device includes: Receive a wireless link failure report from the terminal device, the wireless link failure report including the first data; Sending the first data to the first network device includes: Send the wireless link failure report to the first network device.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first network device, the method includes: Receive first data from a second network device, wherein the first data is obtained by the terminal device at the instruction of the first network device, the first network device is the network device accessed by the terminal device in a first time period, the second network device is the network device accessed by the terminal device in the current time period, and the first time period is earlier than the current time period; The first data is processed.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the second network device, the second message including one or more of the following: The identifier of the terminal device; The identifier of the first data; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the first data is data that was not sent to the first network device; The fifth instruction information is used to indicate the data collection parameters configured by the first network device for the terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first indication information from the second network device, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the first data, or the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data; The first instruction information is sent to the terminal device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second information is carried in the handover request information, and the first indication information is carried in the handover request confirmation information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, The receiving of the first data from the second network device includes: Receive a wireless link failure report from the second network device, the wireless link failure report including the first data.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A functional unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-18; wherein the action performed by the functional unit is implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run computer programs or instructions, or to use logic circuitry to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-18.

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