Communication processing method and apparatus, terminal, and network side device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and discloses a communication processing method and apparatus, a terminal, and a network side device. The communication processing method in embodiments of the present application comprises: a first network node executes a first operation, wherein the first operation comprises at least one of the following: sending to a first target network node first information, used for requesting switching of a first connection of a terminal; receiving from a second network node second information, used for instructing the second network node to release a second connection of the terminal; during release of the second connection, the first network node maintaining the first connection of the terminal; receiving from the second network node third information, used for indicating that the second connection of the terminal is ready to be switched; before switching of the second connection has been completed, the first network node not performing switching of the first connection; and sending to the second network node fourth information, used for indicating that the first connection of the terminal is ready to be switched, wherein before switching of the first connection has been completed, the second network node does not perform switching of the second connection.

Description

Communication processing methods, devices, terminals and network-side equipment

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510011268.3, filed in China on January 3, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a communication processing method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side equipment. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of communication technology, dual-connectivity technologies, such as Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC), have been introduced into communication systems. MR-DC provides terminals with resources from two network nodes (or access network elements), one called the master node (MN) and the other a secondary node (SN). Each network node uses carrier aggregation (CA), configuring the terminal with a series of serving cells controlled by that node, also known as a cell group. All messages between SNs must be relayed through the MN. Therefore, the secondary cell group (SCG) connection relies on the master cell group (MCG) connection, including message relay and key distribution. This results in numerous signaling interactions during MCG or SCG connection switching. Thus, related technologies suffer from complex signaling interactions due to connection state changes in dual-connectivity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication processing method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device that can solve the problem of complex signaling interaction when the connection state changes in dual-connection and multi-connection scenarios.

[0006] Firstly, a communication processing method is provided, including:

[0007] The first network node performs a first operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0008] Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal;

[0009] Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0010] During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal;

[0011] Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched;

[0012] Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection;

[0013] Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched.

[0014] Wherein, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

[0015] Secondly, a communication processing method is provided, including:

[0016] The second network node performs a second operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0017] Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0018] Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch;

[0019] Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched;

[0020] Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch to the second connection;

[0021] Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal.

[0022] Wherein, the second network node is the source node for switching the second connection, and the second target network node is the target node for switching the second connection; the second connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0023] Thirdly, a communication processing method is provided, including:

[0024] If, during the first handover process, the terminal receives a third instruction, the terminal performs a third operation:

[0025] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following:

[0026] After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed;

[0027] Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed;

[0028] Ignore the second switch;

[0029] The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0030] Fourthly, a communication processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0031] A first transceiver module is configured to perform a first operation, the first operation including at least one of the following:

[0032] Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal;

[0033] Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0034] During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal;

[0035] Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched;

[0036] Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection;

[0037] Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched.

[0038] Wherein, the first connection is the connection between the first network node and the terminal, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

[0039] Fifthly, a communication processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0040] A second transceiver module is configured to perform a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0041] Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0042] Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch;

[0043] Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched;

[0044] Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch to the second connection;

[0045] Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal.

[0046] Wherein, the second target network node is the target node for switching the second connection; the second connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0047] Sixthly, a communication processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0048] The processing module is used to perform a third operation upon receiving a third instruction during the first handover process of the terminal:

[0049] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following:

[0050] After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed;

[0051] Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed;

[0052] Ignore the second switch;

[0053] The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, a communication processing apparatus is provided, the apparatus being configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the third aspect.

[0055] Eighthly, a terminal is provided, the terminal including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the third aspect.

[0056] Ninthly, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein,

[0057] The processor is configured to perform a third operation upon receiving a third instruction during the first handover process of the terminal:

[0058] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following:

[0059] After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed;

[0060] Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed;

[0061] Ignore the second switch;

[0062] The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0063] In a tenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, the network-side device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the first aspect, or implementing the steps of the method as described in the second aspect.

[0064] Eleventhly, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein,

[0065] When the network-side device is the first network node, the communication interface is used to perform a first operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0066] Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal;

[0067] Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0068] During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal;

[0069] Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched;

[0070] Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection;

[0071] Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched.

[0072] Wherein, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

[0073] When the network-side device is the second network node, the communication interface is used to perform a second operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0074] Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0075] Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch;

[0076] Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched;

[0077] Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch to the second connection;

[0078] Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal.

[0079] Wherein, the second target network node is the target node for switching the second connection; the second connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0080] In a twelfth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect.

[0081] In a thirteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal, a first network node, and a second network node network-side device, wherein the first network node is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, the second network node is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect, and the terminal is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the third aspect.

[0082] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run a program or instructions to implement the steps of the method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the third aspect.

[0083] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, the computer program / program product being stored in a storage medium, the computer program / program product being executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method as described in the third aspect.

[0084] This application embodiment performs a first operation through a first network node. The first operation includes at least one of the following: sending first information to a first target network node, the first information being used to request a switch of the terminal's first connection; receiving second information from a second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection; during the release of the second connection, the first network node maintains the terminal's first connection; receiving third information from the second network node, the third information being used to instruct the terminal's second connection to prepare for switching; before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not perform a switch of the first connection; sending fourth information to the second network node, the fourth information being used to instruct the terminal's first connection to prepare for switching, wherein the second network node does not perform a switch of the second connection before the first connection switch is completed; wherein the first network node is the source node for performing the switch of the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for performing the switch of the first connection, and the first connection is a secondary connection of the terminal. Thus, by clearly defining the interactive behavior of the switching or release process of the first and second connections, at least one connection can be guaranteed to exist, thereby avoiding data loss or transmission interruption of the terminal. At the same time, since the first and second connections are independent of each other, the signaling interaction complexity of connection state changes in dual and multiple connections is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0085] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the traditional cell handover process;

[0087] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 4 is an example diagram of a dual-connection switching scenario in which a communication processing method provided in an embodiment of this application is applied;

[0089] Figures 5 to 12 are schematic flowcharts of a communication processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figures 13 to 16 are schematic diagrams of a communication processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0094] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, "or" in this application indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, the scope of protection for "A or B" covers at least three scenarios: Scenario 1: including A but not B; Scenario 2: including B but not A; Scenario 3: including both A and B. In addition, the terms "A and / or B," "at least one of A and B," and "at least one of A or B" also cover at least the above three scenarios. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0095] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as the sender explicitly informing the receiver of specific information, the required operation, or the requested result in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as the receiver determining the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or making a judgment and determining the required operation or requested result based on the judgment result.

[0096] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and the term NR is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0097] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 can also be referred to as User Equipment (UE), and can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, flight vehicle, vehicle user equipment (VUE), shipboard equipment, pedestrian user equipment (PUE), smart home (home devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game console, personal computer (PC), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among these, in-vehicle devices can also be referred to as in-vehicle terminals, in-vehicle controllers, in-vehicle modules, in-vehicle components, in-vehicle chips, or in-vehicle units, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this application embodiment. Network-side equipment 12 may include access network equipment or core network equipment, wherein access network equipment may also be referred to as Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, radio access network function, or radio access network unit. Access network equipment may include base stations, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access points (APs), or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) nodes, etc.Among them, base stations can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), Next Generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), Access Point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Radio Base Station, Radio Transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Home Node B (HNB), Home Evolved Node B, Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) equipment (such as satellite or high altitude platform stations). The term "base station" can be any suitable term in the field, such as "station" or any other appropriate term in the relevant field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The term "base station" is not limited to specific technical terms. It should be noted that the embodiments of this application only use the base station in the NR system as an example for introduction, and do not limit the specific type of base station.

[0098] For ease of understanding, the following describes some aspects of the embodiments of this application:

[0099] I. Dual Connectivity (DC).

[0100] The terminal is provided with resources from two network nodes, one of which is called MN and the other is called SN. Carrier aggregation (CA) technology is used at each network node, which configures a series of serving cells, also known as cell groups, controlled by that node for the terminal.

[0101] In this system, MN controls the Master Cell Group (MCG), and SN controls the Secondary Cell Group (SCG). Each cell group contains one Special Cell (SpCell) and a series of Secondary Cells (Scells). In the MCG, the Special Cell is called the Primary Cell (PCell), and in the SCG, it is called the Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell). Within a cell group, the SpCell uses the primary carrier, while other secondary cells use secondary carriers. Resource scheduling within a cell group is performed by the SpCell.

[0102] II. Conditional PSCell Addition or Change (CPAC) process.

[0103] 1. Conditional PSCell Addition (CPA).

[0104] The addition of primary and secondary cells is a process where the terminal evaluates the execution conditions and then adds primary and secondary cells once those conditions are met.

[0105] The CPA configuration includes the configuration and execution conditions for CPA candidate cells. The execution conditions may include one or two trigger conditions.

[0106] 2. Conditional PSCell Change (CPC).

[0107] The primary / secondary cell change is a process where the terminal evaluates and executes the change only after the conditions are met. The terminal begins evaluating the execution conditions after receiving the CPC configuration and stops evaluating them once the primary / secondary cell change is triggered.

[0108] The CPC configuration includes the configuration and execution conditions of CPC candidate cells. The execution conditions may include one or two trigger conditions. Once the primary and secondary cell change process is successfully completed, the terminal releases all stored CPC configurations.

[0109] CPC includes various scenarios, such as:

[0110] Changes to primary and secondary cell conditions within a secondary node (Intra-SN CPC);

[0111] The primary node initiates an inter-SN CPC (Member-initiated Inter-SN CPC) to change the conditions of the primary and secondary cells.

[0112] Inter-SN CPC initiated by a secondary node.

[0113] As shown in Figure 2, the process for changing the conditions of primary and secondary cells between secondary nodes initiated by the primary node includes the following steps:

[0114] Step 201, MN initiates CPAC. MN sends a secondary node add request to at least one target secondary node (Target-SN, T-SN);

[0115] Step 202: The T-SN sends a secondary node addition confirmation message to the MN, including the configuration of one or more candidate cells;

[0116] Step 203: MN sends early data forwarding information to the source auxiliary node (S-SN);

[0117] Step 204: The MN sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message to the terminal, which includes the CPAC command.

[0118] Step 205: The terminal sends a reconfiguration complete message to confirm receipt of the RRC reconfiguration message;

[0119] Step 205a: The terminal triggers the CPAC execution condition and sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message;

[0120] Step 206: MN sends delayed data forwarding information to the source auxiliary node S-SN;

[0121] Step 207: MN sends a secondary node reconfiguration complete message to T-SN;

[0122] Step 208: The terminal randomly connects to the T-SN.

[0123] It should be noted that in the relevant MR-DC technology, there is no interface between SNs; all messages between SNs (Inter-Nodes) must be relayed through the MN node. Therefore, SCG connections rely on MCG connections, including message relay and key distribution.

[0124] Therefore, the SN-initiated inter-SN CPC process can only involve the MN, resulting in numerous signaling interactions.

[0125] Furthermore, in MR-DC, the SCG connection relies on the MCG connection. If the MCG connection encounters problems or is released, the SCG may fail to function, leading to data transmission interruption. Therefore, the communication processing method described in this application is proposed.

[0126] The communication processing method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0127] Referring to FIG3, an embodiment of this application provides a communication processing method, as shown in FIG3, the communication processing method includes:

[0128] The first network node performs a first operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0129] Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal;

[0130] Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0131] During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal;

[0132] Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched;

[0133] Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection;

[0134] Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched.

[0135] Wherein, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

[0136] In this embodiment of the application, when switching the first connection, the first network node can directly send the first information to the first target node. Thus, since no interaction is required from the node of the second connection during the first connection switching process, the interaction flow is simplified, and signaling overhead is reduced.

[0137] Optionally, before releasing the second connection, the first network node can receive second information from the second network node, enabling the first network node to know the status of the second connection and determine its own behavior, such as whether to maintain the first connection. This simplifies the interaction process and reduces signaling overhead. Specifically, the first network node can maintain the terminal's first connection during the release of the second connection based on the second information. This avoids data transmission interruption.

[0138] In some embodiments, the second information described above may also implicitly indicate that the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal during the second connection release.

[0139] Optionally, in some embodiments, during the release of the second connection, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal, thereby avoiding data transmission interruption. At the same time, there is no need to re-establish the first connection after releasing the second connection, thus simplifying the interaction process and reducing signaling overhead.

[0140] Optionally, before switching the second connection, the second network node can send third information to the first network node, allowing the first network node to know the status of the second connection and determine its own behavior, such as whether to maintain the first connection. This simplifies the interaction process and reduces signaling overhead. Specifically, the first network node can choose not to switch the first connection until the second connection switching is complete, based on the third information. This avoids data transmission interruption.

[0141] In some embodiments, the aforementioned third information may also implicitly indicate that the first network node will not perform a first connection switch before the second connection switch is completed.

[0142] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network node does not switch the first connection before the second connection switch is completed, thereby avoiding data transmission interruption. At the same time, there is no need to re-establish the first connection after switching to the second connection, thus simplifying the interaction process and reducing signaling overhead.

[0143] Optionally, before performing the first connection handover, the first network node may send fourth information to the second network node. Based on this fourth information, the second network node may refrain from performing the second connection handover until the first connection handover is complete. This avoids data transmission interruption. Simultaneously, it prevents invalid signaling from occurring during the second connection handover due to the terminal's inability to simultaneously perform the first and second connection handovers, thus avoiding increased signaling overhead. In some embodiments, the fourth information may implicitly indicate that the second network node will not perform the second connection handover before the first connection handover is complete.

[0144] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, not performing the first connection switch can be understood or replaced by maintaining the first connection; similarly, not performing the second connection switch can be understood or replaced by maintaining the second connection.

[0145] It should be noted that the aforementioned first connection can also be referred to as the non-terminal primary connection, or a secondary connection, or a sub-connection. Alternatively, the first connection and the second connection can be referred to as two independent connections.

[0146] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first connection being an auxiliary connection of the terminal can also be understood as the establishment of the first connection being later than the second connection. For example, after the second connection is established, the first connection is established based on the second connection, or, after the second connection is established, an independent first connection is established (i.e., the first connection is not a connection established based on the second connection).

[0147] This application embodiment performs a first operation through a first network node. The first operation includes at least one of the following: sending first information to a first target network node, the first information being used to request a switch of the terminal's first connection; receiving second information from a second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection; during the release of the second connection, the first network node maintains the terminal's first connection; receiving third information from the second network node, the third information being used to instruct the terminal's second connection to prepare for switching; before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not perform a switch of the first connection; sending fourth information to the second network node, the fourth information being used to instruct the terminal's first connection to prepare for switching, wherein the second network node does not perform a switch of the second connection before the first connection switch is completed; wherein the first network node is the source node for performing the switch of the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for performing the switch of the first connection, and the first connection is a secondary connection of the terminal. Thus, by clearly defining the interactive behavior of the switching or release process of the first and second connections, at least one connection can be guaranteed to exist, thereby avoiding data loss or transmission interruption of the terminal. At the same time, since the first and second connections are independent of each other, the signaling interaction complexity of connection state changes in dual and multiple connections is reduced.

[0148] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network node is a secondary node, and the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection.

[0149] In this embodiment of the application, the aforementioned auxiliary node can be referred to as a slave node or child node.

[0150] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second connection satisfies at least one of the following: the second connection is a connection between the second network node and the terminal, and the second connection is a primary cell group (MCG) connection.

[0151] In this embodiment of the application, the second connection described above can also be referred to as the main connection.

[0152] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0153] The first network node receives first configuration information from the second network node, the first configuration information including at least one of the following:

[0154] The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection;

[0155] Key configuration information for at least one secondary node;

[0156] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0157] Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

[0158] In this embodiment of the application, the aforementioned first configuration information can be referred to as SCG configuration information. The aforementioned first indication information indicating that the second network node supports an independent first connection can also be understood as the first indication information indicating that the second network node supports SCG handover without MN involvement, or in other words, the first indication information indicating that the second network node supports SN-initiated Inter-SN PSCell Change without MN involvement.

[0159] Optionally, the node identification information of the potential secondary node is used to indicate the candidate secondary node for potential SCG change, and the cell identification information of the potential primary and secondary cell PSCell is used to indicate the candidate cell for potential SCG change.

[0160] Optionally, the key configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0161] The node identification information of the auxiliary node;

[0162] At least one security key;

[0163] At least one security key counter value associated with a secondary node of the security key.

[0164] In this embodiment, the node identification information of the auxiliary node is used to indicate the auxiliary node corresponding to the key configuration information. For example, the auxiliary node corresponding to the key configuration information may include a first network node and / or a potential auxiliary node.

[0165] Optionally, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned SCG configuration information can be sent when the second network node establishes the first connection for the terminal (or when the second network node adds an auxiliary node).

[0166] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second network node can send SCG configuration information for each potential SN. This information includes the SN's corresponding key configuration information. This key configuration information is used when a terminal switches to or adds to that SN in the future.

[0167] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second network node establishes the first connection for the terminal (or, when the second network node adds an auxiliary node), the second network node sends key configuration information of multiple SNs to SN1. The multiple SNs include the added SN (i.e., SN1) and at least one potential SN (such as SN2, SN3).

[0168] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following:

[0169] The first network node;

[0170] At least one potential auxiliary node.

[0171] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0172] When the first configuration information includes key configuration information of the at least one potential secondary node, the first network node sends at least a portion of the first configuration information to the at least one potential secondary node.

[0173] In this embodiment, the first network node can send the entire first configuration information to each potential secondary node, or it can send only a portion of the first configuration information, such as the key configuration information corresponding to the potential secondary node. This allows the terminal to directly use the key configuration information corresponding to the potential secondary node when its first connection switches to that node.

[0174] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network node receiving the first configuration information from the second network node includes:

[0175] If the second condition is met, the second network node sends the first configuration information to the first network node;

[0176] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0177] The second network node establishes the first connection for the terminal;

[0178] The second network node adds an auxiliary node to the terminal;

[0179] Master node change.

[0180] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the second condition includes the second network node adding a secondary node to the terminal, the second condition further includes: the added secondary node has not yet been configured with a security key. For example, the SN added when establishing the SCG, and the target SN for SCG handover.

[0181] Optionally, after the master node changes, the master node can configure new security keys for the SN and potential SNs to ensure the reliability of subsequent communication.

[0182] It should be noted that the action of the second network node assigning a security key to the auxiliary node can be triggered actively by the second network node or based on a request from the first network node. For example, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0183] The first network node sends a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to request the configuration of the security key for the secondary node.

[0184] Optionally, in some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0185] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first network node supports an independent first connection;

[0186] Terminal identification information;

[0187] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0188] Cell identification information of at least one potential secondary node's potential PSCell.

[0189] In this embodiment of the application, the second indication information used to indicate that the first network node supports an independent first connection can be understood as the second indication information used to indicate that the first network node supports SCG handover without MN involvement. Alternatively, it can be understood as the second information used to indicate that the first network node supports SN-initiated Inter-SN PSCell Change without MN involvement.

[0190] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first network node sending fourth information to the second network node includes:

[0191] If the first condition is met, the first network node sends the fourth information to the second network node;

[0192] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0193] The first network node is preparing to perform the first connection switch;

[0194] At least one auxiliary node does not have a usable security key;

[0195] The Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) counter is toggled.

[0196] In this embodiment, the first network node requests the second network node to allocate a security key, thereby avoiding redundant allocation of security keys when they are not yet used up, thus preventing redundancy in security key allocation. Simultaneously, when no available security key is available, a fourth request can be made to allocate a security key, ensuring the reliability of security key usage.

[0197] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following:

[0198] The first target network node;

[0199] At least one potential auxiliary node.

[0200] In this embodiment of the application, the first network node can request to allocate a security key for the first target network node, and can also request in advance to allocate a security key for the potential auxiliary node. In this way, when the terminal switches to the potential auxiliary node, there is a usable security key.

[0201] Optionally, in some embodiments, before the first network node receives the second information from the second network node, the method further includes:

[0202] The first network node receives a first message from the second network node, the first message being used to indicate that the second connection is ready to be released.

[0203] In the application embodiment, when the second network node is preparing to release the second connection, the second network node can notify the first network node that the second connection is preparing to be released through a first message, so that the first network node can know the status of the second connection, thereby avoiding switching the first connection and ensuring the reliability of terminal transmission.

[0204] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0205] The first network node receives a second message from the second network node, the second message indicating that the second connection release is complete.

[0206] In this embodiment, after the second connection is released, the second network node can send a second message to the first network node. Based on this first message, the first network node can learn the status of the second connection and thus determine its own behavior. For example, the first connection can be switched to the second connection to maintain the reliability of subsequent communication.

[0207] Optionally, the first and second messages mentioned above can be understood as MN change notification messages.

[0208] Optionally, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0209] The first network node sends a fifth message to the terminal, the fifth message being used to instruct the terminal to release the second connection;

[0210] The first network node receives a sixth message from the terminal, the sixth message indicating that the second connection release is complete;

[0211] The first network node sends a third message to the second network node, the third message indicating that the second connection release is complete.

[0212] In this embodiment, the first network node can send a fifth message to the terminal to instruct the terminal to release the second connection. After releasing the second connection, the terminal can then send a sixth message to the first network node to report the release status of the second connection. Finally, the first network node sends a third message to the second network node to indicate the current status of the second connection.

[0213] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the fifth message mentioned above can be understood as a configuration message, and the sixth message mentioned above can be understood as a confirmation message.

[0214] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0215] Instructions for releasing the configuration of the second connection;

[0216] Reconfiguration information for the first connection;

[0217] Indication information for switching from the first connection to the second connection;

[0218] The switching configuration information of the second connection is used to switch the second connection of the terminal to the first connection.

[0219] In this embodiment of the application, when the second information includes the switching configuration information of the second connection, the second connection can be switched to the first connection. At this time, the previous first connection can be understood as the new second connection, that is, the first network node is converted into the new master node.

[0220] Optionally, in some embodiments, the reconfiguration information of the first connection includes at least one of the following:

[0221] Retain the configuration indication information of the first connection;

[0222] The key configuration information corresponding to the first connection.

[0223] In this embodiment of the application, the key configuration information corresponding to the first connection may include the key configuration information of the first network node, and may further include the key configuration information of potential auxiliary nodes.

[0224] Optionally, in some embodiments, after the first network node receives the third information from the second network node, the method further includes:

[0225] The first network node receives seventh information from the second target network node. The seventh information is used to indicate that the second connection handover of the terminal is complete. The second target network node is the target node for the terminal to perform the second connection handover.

[0226] The first network node sends an eighth message to the second target network node. The eighth message is used to request the configuration of a security key, which is used by the terminal to perform a first connection switch.

[0227] In this embodiment, the second target network node can be understood as a target master node. After the second connection switch of the terminal is completed, the second target network node can notify the first network node through the seventh message that the second connection switch has been completed. In this way, the first network node can request the allocation of a new security key through the eighth message to ensure the reliability of subsequent communication.

[0228] Optionally, in some embodiments, after the first network node sends the fourth information to the second network node, the method further includes:

[0229] The first network node receives a ninth message from the second network node, the ninth message being used to indicate confirmation that the fourth message has been received.

[0230] In this embodiment of the application, when the second network node receives the fourth information, it can inform the first network node about the reception status of the fourth information through the ninth information.

[0231] To better understand this application, some examples are provided below.

[0232] Taking dual connectivity as an example, the terminal can establish a first connection and a second connection. As shown in Figure 4, while maintaining the second connection in cell 1, the terminal sequentially performs a first connection handover, switching from cell A to cell B, and then to cell C. While maintaining the first connection in cell C, it performs a second connection handover, switching from cell 1 to cell 2.

[0233] It is understood that, from the terminal's perspective, at least one connection exists at any given time, thus supporting uninterrupted data transmission. Mobile handover in embodiments of this application may include:

[0234] 1: Based on the 5G MR-DC architecture, the network node SN of the second connected SCG relies on the network node MN of the first connected MCG to provide the configuration of the security key.

[0235] 2. Based on independent dual-connectivity or multi-connectivity, each network node in a connection can generate and maintain the security key used in that connection. For example, multi-connectivity service-orientation breaks the limitation of the SN's dependence on the associated MN. It can support keeping the SCG unchanged when the MCG changes, without the UE needing to re-access the SCG, achieving uninterrupted data transmission for the UE.

[0236] Without loss of generality, in the following embodiments, the first connection is exemplified by an SCG connection, and the second connection by an MCG connection. The first node is exemplified by an SN, and the second node by an MN.

[0237] Without loss of generality, the following embodiments only use a two-connection example, but can also be applied to multiple connections. For example, a network node in the second connection sends information to a network node in the first connection, where the first connection can be replaced by other connections besides the second connection (such as a third connection or a fourth connection, etc.).

[0238] Example 1: MN pre-configured security key.

[0239] In this embodiment, in order for the SN to perform subsequent mobility procedures based on the security key provided by the MN without the MN's involvement, the MN pre-allocates the security key to the SN for use during subsequent mobility procedures. Thus, by pre-allocating the security key to the SN, the MN's involvement is eliminated during subsequent mobility procedures, reducing interactions between network nodes.

[0240] As shown in Figure 5, the steps include:

[0241] Step 501: The MN sends first SCG configuration information to the SN to configure the SN security key information. The first SCG configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0242] The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support independent SCG connections, support SCG handover without MN involvement, or support SN-initiated Inter-SN PSCell Change without MN involvement.

[0243] Terminal identification information;

[0244] Key configuration information for at least one SN; for example, it may include at least one of the following: SN identification information corresponding to the key configuration information, at least one security key, and at least one secondary node security key counter (sk-Counter) value associated with the security key;

[0245] At least one potential secondary node's node identification information, used to indicate the candidate secondary node for potential SCG changes;

[0246] Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node, wherein the cell identification information of the potential primary / secondary cell PSCell is used to indicate candidate cells for potential SCG changes.

[0247] Optionally, the MN sends the first SCG configuration information when establishing the first connection for the terminal, or when adding the SN.

[0248] In one implementation, the key configuration information is configured per SN, including at least one security key for that SN and an associated sk-Counter value.

[0249] For example, when the network-side device establishes an SCG connection for the terminal, MN adds SN1. MN sends SN1's key configuration information to SN1, including N security keys and the sk-counter associated with each security key.

[0250] In one implementation, the MN sends first SCG configuration information to each potential SN, which includes the SN's corresponding key configuration information. This key configuration information is used when a terminal switches to or adds to that SN in the future. In this way, each SN knows its own key configuration information, which is convenient for use when switching terminals to that SN.

[0251] In another implementation, when the network-side device establishes an SCG connection for the terminal, the MN adds SN1. The MN sends key configuration information for multiple SNs to SN1. These multiple SNs include the added SN (i.e., SN1) and at least one potential SN (such as SN2, SN3). Each SN (corresponding to SN1, SN2, SN3) is configured with at least one security key (K). SNThis includes the key configuration information of potential SNs, as well as the sk-counter associated with each security key. SN1 can store the key configuration information of potential SNs, ensuring that the potential SNs already have the necessary key configuration information when switching to a new potential SN. It can be understood that this SN can be the anchor SN or the master SN of the SCG connection, storing the terminal context. In this way, obtaining the key configuration information of other potential SNs through one SN reduces the number of signaling interactions between the MN and each SN.

[0252] Optionally, the first SCG configuration information is included in the SN Addition Request message.

[0253] Optionally, the conditions under which the MN configures the SN security key information for the SN include at least one of the following:

[0254] When establishing an SCG or the first connection;

[0255] When an SN is added, it is further noted that the SN has not yet been configured with a security key; for example, the SN added when the SCG is established, and the target SN for SCG switching.

[0256] When the MN changes, the new MN can configure new security keys for the SN and potential SNs.

[0257] Step 502, SN sends an acknowledgment message to MN for at least one of the following:

[0258] Confirm receipt of SN key configuration information;

[0259] SCG configuration information is used by the terminal to establish an SCG connection.

[0260] Optionally, MN initiates the establishment of an SCG connection.

[0261] Step 503: The terminal receives the RRC configuration information sent by the MN.

[0262] Step 504: The terminal sends a first completion message to the MN to confirm receipt of the RRC configuration information sent by the MN.

[0263] Step 505: MN sends a second completion message to SN to confirm that the terminal has received the RRC configuration information.

[0264] Step 506: Initiate a random access procedure, access the cell on the SN, and establish an SCG connection.

[0265] Example 2: SN requests MN to configure a security key.

[0266] In this embodiment of the application, based on 5G MR-DC, in order for the SN to conduct subsequent mobility processes based on the security key provided by the MN without the MN's participation, the SN requests the MN to allocate a key for use in subsequent mobility processes. In this way, the MN can provide the key according to the SN's request, without needing to participate in the SN's mobility processes, thus reducing interactions between network nodes.

[0267] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the following steps are included:

[0268] Step 601: The SN sends a request message to the MN, requesting the MN to configure the SN's security key information. The request message includes at least one of the following:

[0269] The second indication information is used to indicate support for independent SCG connections, support for SCG handover without MN involvement, or support for SN-initiated Inter-SN PSCell Change without MN involvement.

[0270] Terminal identification information;

[0271] At least one potential secondary node's node identification information, used to indicate the candidate secondary node for potential SCG changes;

[0272] The cell identifier of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node, wherein the cell identifier information of the potential primary / secondary cell PSCell is used to indicate candidate cells for potential SCG changes.

[0273] Optionally, the SN sends a request message when preparing for an SN change.

[0274] Optionally, the conditions under which the SN requests the MN to configure the SN security key information include at least one of the following:

[0275] The SN does not have a available security key, for example, the previously configured key has been used up, or no security key has been configured.

[0276] The PDCP counter flips. Understandably, the SN now requires a new security key.

[0277] Step 602: MN sends the first SCG configuration information to SN to configure SN security key information.

[0278] Optionally, the content included in the first SCG configuration information can be referred to in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0279] In one implementation, the MN sends first SCG configuration information to the at least one potential SN, which includes the SN's corresponding key configuration information. This key configuration information is used when a terminal switches to or adds to that SN in the future. In this way, each SN knows its own key configuration information, facilitating its use when switching a terminal to that SN.

[0280] Optionally, the request information is included in the SN Change Required message, and the first SCG configuration information is included in the SN Change Confirm message.

[0281] Example 3: The network node of the second connection notifies the network node of the first connection when a handover of the second connection occurs. This includes the second connection notifying the first connection when preparing for the handover and notifying the first connection after the handover is complete. Similarly, the network node of the first connection notifies the network node of the second connection when a handover of the first connection occurs. In this way, while one connection is handovering, another connection handover is avoided, thereby ensuring uninterrupted data transmission from the terminal.

[0282] As shown in Figure 7, taking SCG handover as an example, the SN notifies the MN of the following steps:

[0283] Step 701: The source SN (S-SN) prepares to initiate an SCG handover. Before the SCG handover, the source SN sends a fourth message to the MN to indicate the SCG handover information. For example, the fourth message may include a handover preparation indication to indicate that the handover is ready, and may further include the terminal's identification information.

[0284] Step 702, optionally, MN sends a ninth message to the source SN to confirm receipt of the fourth message.

[0285] In this embodiment of the application, MN does not initiate MCG switching before SCG switching is completed.

[0286] Step 703, SCG switching process.

[0287] Step 704: After the handover process is completed, the target SN (T-SN) sends the eleventh message to the MN to indicate that the SCG handover is complete.

[0288] Step 705, optionally, MN sends a twelfth message to the target SN to confirm receipt of the eleventh message.

[0289] The MN records the T-SN where the terminal is located as the serving SN. After the SCG handover is completed, the MN can initiate the MCG handover.

[0290] As shown in Figure 8, taking MCG handover as an example, the MN notifies the SN of the following steps:

[0291] Step 801: The source MN (S-MN) prepares to initiate an MCG handover. Before the MCG handover, the source MN sends third information to the SN to indicate MCG handover information. For example, the third information includes a handover preparation indication, indicating that a handover is being prepared. Furthermore, the third information also includes the terminal's identification information.

[0292] Step 802, optionally, SN sends thirteen messages to source MN to confirm receipt of the third message.

[0293] In this embodiment, the SN does not initiate an SCG handover or request key configuration from the MN before the MCG handover is completed.

[0294] Step 803, MCG switching process.

[0295] Step 804: After the MCG switching process is completed, the target MN (T-MN) sends the seventh message to the SN to indicate that the MCG switching is complete.

[0296] Step 805, optionally, SN sends an eighth message to the target MN to confirm receipt of the seventh message.

[0297] The SN records the T-MN where the UE is located as the serving MN. After the MCG handover is completed, the SN can initiate the SCG handover and request key configuration from the MN.

[0298] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal processing procedure is as follows:

[0299] If the terminal receives a switch command for the first connection while it is performing a switch for the second connection, the terminal performs one of the following operations:

[0300] The switching command for the first connection is processed only after the switching of the second connection is completed;

[0301] Send a third indication message to the network node of the first connection, indicating that the handover of the first connection failed, and optionally, carrying an indication of the reason that "the handover of the second connection is being performed";

[0302] Ignore the switching command for the first connection.

[0303] If the terminal receives a switch command for the second connection while it is performing a switch for the first connection, the process is similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0304] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the switching of the second connection and the switching of the first connection can be avoided simultaneously, thereby avoiding data transmission interruption.

[0305] Example 4: SN-initiated Inter-SN PSCell change without MN involvement (e.g., SN initiated Inter-SN PSCell change without MN involvement).

[0306] In this embodiment, the network interface supports interaction between SNs, and the MN provides multiple keys to the SNs. Without MCG configuration updates, the SN can execute an SN change process initiated by the SN based on the keys provided by the MN without the MN's involvement. This reduces interaction between network nodes during SCG connection changes, helping the SCG to operate independently within a certain range and reducing data interruptions caused by MCG connection deterioration.

[0307] Optionally, the network interface supports interaction between SNs. For example, through a service-oriented approach, SNs can interact directly, and messages between SN nodes do not need to be relayed through the MN.

[0308] As shown in Figure 9, taking the SN change initiated by the SN as an example, the corresponding detailed steps are as follows:

[0309] Step 901, optionally, execute the SN key configuration process, the same as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0310] Step 902: The source SN (S-SN) sends first information to the target SN (T-SN). This first information is used for SN-initiated SN changes. The first information includes SN security key information. The content of the SN security key information can be part or all of the first SCG configuration information, for example, including the security key of the target SN and the security keys of other potential SNs.

[0311] Step 903: The target SN (T-SN) sends an SN addition confirmation message to the S-SN, which includes RRC reconfiguration information for switching to the T-SN.

[0312] Step 904: SN sends an SN change notification to MN, instructing SCG to prepare for handover.

[0313] Step 905: The S-SN sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal for SCG handover. Optionally, the RRC reconfiguration message is sent via SRB3.

[0314] Step 906, optionally, the terminal sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the S-SN. Optionally, the S-SN sends an SN reconfiguration complete message to the T-SN to confirm that the terminal has received the RRC reconfiguration message. Optionally, the RRC reconfiguration complete message is sent via SRB3.

[0315] Step 907: The terminal initiates a random access procedure to access the T-SN.

[0316] Optionally, the terminal sends an SN reconfiguration complete message to the T-SN to confirm that the terminal has switched to the T-SN.

[0317] Optionally, the T-SN sends an SN change notification to the MN, indicating that the SCG handover is complete.

[0318] Optionally, perform the SN key configuration process (same as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2). This is used to configure keys for the T-SN and / or other potential SNs.

[0319] Step 908: The T-SN sends a UE Context release message to the S-SN, which is used by the S-SN to release the UE context of the terminal.

[0320] Without loss of generality, the above process applies to PSCell changes initiated by SN, conditional PSCell changes, and continuous conditional PSCell changes.

[0321] Example 5: Flowchart where SN remains unchanged when MN changes.

[0322] In this embodiment, the SN remains unchanged when the MN changes. Based on the key provided by the MN, the SN can execute the SN change process initiated by the SN without the MN's participation. This avoids SCG connection interruption during MN change, thereby preventing data transmission interruption at the terminal during this process.

[0323] As shown in Figure 10, the steps include:

[0324] Step 1001, optionally, execute the SN key configuration process, the same as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] Step 1002: The source MN (S-MN) sends a tenth message to the target MN (T-MN) to request a switch of the terminal to the T-MN. The tenth message includes the configured SN security key information associated with the terminal. The content of the SN security key information can be part or all of the first SCG configuration information, for example, including the security key of the target SN and the security keys of other potential SNs.

[0326] Step 1003: The target MN (T-MN) sends the fourteenth message to the S-MN, which contains RRC reconfiguration information for switching to the T-MN.

[0327] Step 1004, optionally, S-MN sends an MN change notification to SN, instructing MCG to prepare for handover.

[0328] Step 1005: S-MN sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal for MCG handover.

[0329] Step 1006: The terminal initiates a random access procedure to access the T-MN. The terminal sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the T-MN.

[0330] Step 1007, optionally, T-MN sends an MN change notification to SN, indicating that the MCG switchover is complete.

[0331] During the MCG switching process (i.e., between steps 1005 and 1007), the SCG is retained, meaning there is no need to release the SCG and then re-establish it.

[0332] Step 1008, optionally, perform the SN key configuration process (same as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2). This is used to configure keys for the T-SN and / or other potential SNs.

[0333] The SN key configuration process can be initiated by the T-MN or requested by the SN.

[0334] It should be noted that in this embodiment, during the MN change, the terminal maintains data transmission on the SCG.

[0335] Example 6: When the second connection is released (MCG), the first connection (SCG) is maintained. The first connection (SCG) can be converted into the terminal's second connection (MCG). In this way, the first connection is not interrupted when the second connection is released, thereby avoiding data transmission interruption of the terminal during this process.

[0336] As shown in Figure 11, the steps include:

[0337] Step 1101, optionally, MN sends an MN change notification (i.e., second information) to SN, instructing MCG to prepare for release.

[0338] Step 1102: The MN sends a configuration message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message, to the terminal to release the MCG. The configuration message includes at least one of the following:

[0339] Release MCG configuration;

[0340] SCG reconfiguration information includes at least one of the following: retaining the SCG configuration, and the key configuration information corresponding to the SCG (e.g., new key configuration information assigned to the SN).

[0341] Instructions to convert SCG to MCG;

[0342] The MCG switching configuration changes the terminal's MCG from MN to SN, where SN is referred to as the new MN.

[0343] Step 1103: The terminal sends an acknowledgment message to the MN, such as an RRC reconfiguration completion message, to confirm that the MCG release is complete.

[0344] Step 1104, optionally, MN sends an MN change notification to SN, indicating that the MCG release is complete.

[0345] For steps 1102, 1103, and 1104, another approach is as follows: After receiving the release instruction from the MN, the SN sends a configuration message to the terminal to release the MCG; the terminal sends a confirmation message to the SN to confirm that the MCG release is complete; then, the SN sends an instruction to the MN indicating that the MCG release is complete.

[0346] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the network node (MN or SN) sends a configuration message to release the MCG, and during the MCG release, the terminal maintains data transmission on the SCG.

[0347] Referring to FIG12, this application embodiment also provides a communication processing method, as shown in FIG12, the communication processing method includes:

[0348] Step 1201, the second network node performs a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0349] Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0350] Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch;

[0351] Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched;

[0352] Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch to the second connection;

[0353] Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal.

[0354] The first connection is not the terminal's primary connection.

[0355] Optionally, the second network node is the master node, and the second connection is the master cell group (MCG) connection.

[0356] Optionally, the first connection satisfies at least one of the following: the first connection is a connection between the first network node and the terminal, and the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection.

[0357] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0358] The second network node sends first configuration information to the first network node, the first configuration information including at least one of the following:

[0359] The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection;

[0360] Key configuration information for at least one secondary node;

[0361] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0362] Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

[0363] Optionally, the key configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0364] The node identification information of the auxiliary node;

[0365] At least one security key;

[0366] At least one security key counter value associated with a secondary node of the security key.

[0367] Optionally, the at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following:

[0368] The first network node;

[0369] At least one potential auxiliary node.

[0370] Optionally, the second network node sending the first configuration information to the first network node includes:

[0371] If the second condition is met, the second network node sends the first configuration information to the first network node;

[0372] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0373] The second network node establishes the first connection for the terminal;

[0374] The second network node adds an auxiliary node to the terminal;

[0375] Master node change.

[0376] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0377] The second network node receives and sends a fourth message from the first network node, the fourth message being used to request the configuration of the security key of the secondary node.

[0378] Optionally, the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0379] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first network node supports an independent first connection;

[0380] Terminal identification information;

[0381] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0382] Cell identification information of at least one potential secondary node's potential PSCell.

[0383] Optionally, before the second network node sends the second information to the first network node, the method further includes:

[0384] The second network node sends a first message to the first network node, the first message indicating that the second connection is ready to be released.

[0385] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0386] The second network node sends a second message to the first network node, the second message indicating that the second connection release is complete.

[0387] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0388] Instructions for releasing the configuration of the second connection;

[0389] Reconfiguration information for the first connection;

[0390] Indication information for switching from the first connection to the second connection;

[0391] The switching configuration information of the second connection is used to switch the second connection of the terminal to the first connection.

[0392] Optionally, the reconfiguration information for the first connection includes at least one of the following:

[0393] Retain the configuration indication information of the first connection;

[0394] The key configuration information corresponding to the first connection.

[0395] Referring to FIG13, this application embodiment also provides a communication processing method, as shown in FIG13, the communication processing method includes:

[0396] Step 1301: If the terminal receives a third instruction during the first handover process, the terminal performs a third operation:

[0397] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following:

[0398] After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed;

[0399] Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed;

[0400] Ignore the second switch;

[0401] The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0402] Optionally, the fourth indication information includes a reason indication, which indicates that the terminal is performing the first handover.

[0403] Optionally, the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection, and the second connection is a primary cell group (MCG) connection.

[0404] The communication processing method provided in this application can be executed by a communication processing device. This application uses the example of a communication processing device executing the communication processing method to illustrate the communication processing device provided in this application.

[0405] This application provides a communication processing apparatus. As an example, the communication processing apparatus may be a communication device or a component within a communication device, such as a chip. The communication device may be a terminal, a network-side device, or a server, etc. Exemplarily, the terminal may include, but is not limited to, the type of terminal 11 listed above, and the network-side device may include, but is not limited to, the type of network-side device 12 listed above. This application does not impose specific limitations.

[0406] The communication processing device includes a receiving module, a transmitting module, and a processing module. These modules can be implemented in software or hardware. When implemented in hardware, the processing module can be implemented by a processor. For example, the processor can include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, etc., such as central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), artificial intelligence (AI) processors, graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), network processors (NPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, gate circuits, transistors, discrete hardware components, etc. The receiving and transmitting modules can be implemented by a communication interface, which can include one or more of the following: transceivers, pins, circuits, buses, radio frequency units, etc.

[0407] Specifically, referring to Figure 14, when the communication processing device is a terminal or a component within a terminal, the communication processing device 1400 includes:

[0408] Processing module 1400 is used to perform a third operation when it receives a third instruction message during the first handover process of the terminal:

[0409] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following:

[0410] After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed;

[0411] Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed;

[0412] Ignore the second switch;

[0413] The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0414] Optionally, the fourth indication information includes a reason indication, which indicates that the terminal is performing the first handover.

[0415] Optionally, the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection, and the second connection is a primary cell group (MCG) connection.

[0416] Referring to Figure 15, when the communication processing device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication processing device 1500 includes:

[0417] The first transceiver module 1501 is configured to perform a first operation, the first operation including at least one of the following:

[0418] Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal;

[0419] Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0420] During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal;

[0421] Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched;

[0422] Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection;

[0423] Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched.

[0424] Wherein, the first connection is the connection between the first network node and the terminal, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

[0425] Optionally, the first connection is a connection between a first network node and a terminal, the first network node is a secondary node, and the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection.

[0426] Optionally, the second connection satisfies at least one of the following: the second connection is a connection between the second network node and the terminal, and the second connection is a primary cell group (MCG) connection.

[0427] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is further configured to receive first configuration information from the second network node, the first configuration information including at least one of the following:

[0428] The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection;

[0429] Key configuration information for at least one secondary node;

[0430] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0431] Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

[0432] Optionally, the key configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0433] The node identification information of the auxiliary node;

[0434] At least one security key;

[0435] At least one security key counter value associated with a secondary node of the security key.

[0436] Optionally, the at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following:

[0437] The first network node;

[0438] At least one potential auxiliary node.

[0439] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is further configured to send at least a portion of the first configuration information to the at least one potential auxiliary node when the first configuration information includes the key configuration information of the at least one potential auxiliary node.

[0440] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is further configured to send fourth information to the second network node, the fourth information being used to request the configuration of the security key of the auxiliary node.

[0441] Optionally, the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0442] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first network node supports an independent first connection;

[0443] Terminal identification information;

[0444] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0445] Cell identification information of at least one potential secondary node's potential PSCell.

[0446] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is specifically used to: send fourth information to the second network node when the first condition is met;

[0447] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0448] The first network node is preparing to perform the first connection switch;

[0449] At least one auxiliary node does not have a usable security key;

[0450] The Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) counter is toggled.

[0451] Optionally, the first information includes key configuration information for at least one secondary node.

[0452] Optionally, the at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following:

[0453] The first target network node;

[0454] At least one potential auxiliary node.

[0455] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is further configured to receive a first message from the second network node, the first message being used to indicate that the second connection is ready to be released.

[0456] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is further configured to receive a second message from the second network node, the second message being used to indicate that the second connection release is complete.

[0457] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0458] Send a fifth message to the terminal, the fifth message being used to instruct the terminal to release the second connection;

[0459] The terminal receives a sixth message, which indicates that the second connection release is complete.

[0460] A third message is sent to the second network node, the third message indicating that the second connection release is complete.

[0461] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0462] Instructions for releasing the configuration of the second connection;

[0463] Reconfiguration information for the first connection;

[0464] Indication information for switching from the first connection to the second connection;

[0465] The switching configuration information of the second connection is used to switch the second connection of the terminal to the first connection.

[0466] Optionally, the reconfiguration information for the first connection includes at least one of the following:

[0467] Retain the configuration indication information of the first connection;

[0468] The key configuration information corresponding to the first connection.

[0469] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1501 is further configured to receive seventh information from the second target network node, the seventh information being used to indicate that the second connection switch of the terminal is completed, the second target network node being the target node for the terminal to perform the second connection switch; and to send eighth information to the second target network node, the eighth information being used to request the configuration of a security key, the security key being used by the terminal to perform the first connection switch.

[0470] Referring to Figure 16, when the communication processing device is a network-side device or a component within a network-side device, the communication processing device 1600 includes:

[0471] The second transceiver module 1601 is configured to perform a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0472] Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0473] Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch;

[0474] Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched;

[0475] Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch to the second connection;

[0476] Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal.

[0477] Wherein, the second target network node is the target node for switching the second connection; the second connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0478] Optionally, the second connection is a connection between the second network node and the terminal, the second network node is the master node, and the second connection is the master cell group (MCG) connection.

[0479] Optionally, the first connection satisfies at least one of the following: the first connection is a connection between the first network node and the terminal, and the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection.

[0480] Optionally, the second transceiver module 1601 is further configured to send first configuration information to the first network node, the first configuration information including at least one of the following:

[0481] The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection;

[0482] Key configuration information for at least one secondary node;

[0483] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0484] Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

[0485] Optionally, the key configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0486] The node identification information of the auxiliary node;

[0487] At least one security key;

[0488] At least one security key counter value associated with a secondary node of the security key.

[0489] Optionally, the at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following:

[0490] The first network node;

[0491] At least one potential auxiliary node.

[0492] Optionally, the second transceiver module 1601 is specifically used to: send the first configuration information to the first network node when the second condition is met;

[0493] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0494] The second network node establishes the first connection for the terminal;

[0495] The second network node adds an auxiliary node to the terminal;

[0496] Master node change.

[0497] Optionally, the second transceiver module 1601 is further configured to receive and send fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to request the configuration of a security key for the secondary node.

[0498] Optionally, the fourth information includes at least one of the following:

[0499] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first network node supports an independent first connection;

[0500] Terminal identification information;

[0501] Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node;

[0502] Cell identification information of at least one potential secondary node's potential PSCell.

[0503] Optionally, the second transceiver module 1601 is further configured to send a first message to the first network node, the first message being used to indicate that the second connection is ready to be released.

[0504] Optionally, the second transceiver module 1601 is further configured to send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to indicate that the second connection release is complete.

[0505] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0506] Instructions for releasing the configuration of the second connection;

[0507] Reconfiguration information for the first connection;

[0508] Indication information for switching from the first connection to the second connection;

[0509] The switching configuration information of the second connection is used to switch the second connection of the terminal to the first connection.

[0510] Optionally, the reconfiguration information for the first connection includes at least one of the following:

[0511] Retain the configuration indication information of the first connection;

[0512] The key configuration information corresponding to the first connection.

[0513] The communication processing device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiments of Figures 3 to 13 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0514] As shown in Figure 17, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1700, including a processor 1701 and a memory 1702. The memory 1702 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1701. When the program or instructions are executed by the processor 1701, they implement the various steps of the above-described communication processing method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0515] This application also provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the method embodiment shown in FIG13. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above-described terminal-side method embodiment, and all implementation processes and methods of the above-described method embodiments can be applied to this terminal embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The terminal may be the communication processing device shown in FIG16. Specifically, FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal implementing an embodiment of this application.

[0516] The terminal 1800 includes, but is not limited to, at least some of the following components: radio frequency unit 1801, network module 1802, audio output unit 1803, input unit 1804, sensor 1805, display unit 1806, user input unit 1807, interface unit 1808, memory 1809, and processor 1810.

[0517] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terminal 1800 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) for powering various components. The power supply can be logically connected to the processor 1810 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. The terminal structure shown in Figure 18 does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0518] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the input unit 1804 may include a graphics processor 18041 and a microphone 18042. The graphics processor 18041 processes image data of still images or videos obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The display unit 1806 may include a display panel 18061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, or the like. The user input unit 1807 includes at least one of a touch panel 18071 and other input devices 18072. The touch panel 18071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 18071 may include a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 18072 may include, but are not limited to, physical keyboards, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackballs, mice, and joysticks, which will not be described in detail here.

[0519] In this embodiment, after receiving downlink data from the network-side device, the radio frequency unit 1801 can transmit it to the processor 1810 for processing; in addition, the radio frequency unit 1801 can send uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the radio frequency unit 1801 includes, but is not limited to, antennas, amplifiers, transceivers, couplers, low-noise amplifiers, duplexers, etc.

[0520] The memory 1809 can be used to store software programs or instructions, as well as various data. The memory 1809 may primarily include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data. The first storage area may store the operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 1809 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 1809 in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0521] Processor 1810 may include one or more processing units; optionally, processor 1810 integrates an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles operations involving the operating system, user interface, and applications, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the aforementioned modem processor may also not be integrated into processor 1810.

[0522] The radio frequency unit 1801 is used to perform a third operation when it receives a third indication information during the first handover process of the terminal:

[0523] The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following:

[0524] After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed;

[0525] Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed;

[0526] Ignore the second switch;

[0527] The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0528] It is understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant description of the terminal side method embodiment and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0529] This application also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the method embodiments shown in FIG3 or FIG12. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the above-described network-side device method embodiment. All implementation processes and methods of the above-described method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0530] Specifically, this application embodiment also provides a network-side device, which may be the communication processing device shown in FIG14 or 15. As shown in FIG19, the network-side device 1900 includes: an antenna 1901, a radio frequency device 1902, a baseband device 1903, a processor 1904, and a memory 1905. The antenna 1901 is connected to the radio frequency device 1902. In the uplink direction, the radio frequency device 1902 receives information through the antenna 1901 and sends the received information to the baseband device 1903 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 1903 processes the information to be transmitted and sends it to the radio frequency device 1902, which processes the received information and then transmits it through the antenna 1901.

[0531] The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiments can be implemented in the baseband device 1903, which includes a baseband processor.

[0532] The baseband device 1903 may include at least one baseband board, on which multiple chips are disposed, as shown in FIG19. One of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor, which is connected to the memory 195 via a bus interface to call the program or instructions in the memory 195 to execute the network-side device operation shown in the above method embodiment.

[0533] The network-side device may also include a network interface 196, such as a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0534] When the network-side device is the first network node, the radio frequency device 1902 is used to perform a first operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0535] Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal;

[0536] Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0537] During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal;

[0538] Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched;

[0539] Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection;

[0540] Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched.

[0541] Wherein, the first connection is the connection between the first network node and the terminal, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

[0542] When the network-side device is a second network node, the radio frequency device 1902 is used to perform a second operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0543] Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection;

[0544] Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch;

[0545] Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched;

[0546] Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch to the second connection;

[0547] Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal.

[0548] Wherein, the second target network node is the target node for switching the second connection; the second connection is the terminal's main connection.

[0549] In addition, the network-side device 1900 of this application embodiment also includes: a program or instructions stored in memory 1905 and executable on processor 1904. Processor 1904 calls the program or instructions in memory 1905 to execute the methods executed by the modules shown in FIG14 or 15 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0550] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described communication processing method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0551] The processor mentioned above is either the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments or the processor in the network-side device. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0552] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described communication processing method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0553] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0554] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which includes computer instructions. The computer program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described communication processing method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0555] This application also provides a wireless communication system, including: a terminal, a first network node, and a second network node. The terminal can be used to execute the steps of the communication processing method on the terminal side as described above, the first network node can be used to execute the steps of the communication processing method on the first network node side as described above, and the second network node can be used to execute the steps of the communication processing method on the second network node side as described above.

[0556] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0557] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of computer software products plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, they can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes several instructions to cause the terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0558] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other implementations under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these implementations are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication processing method, comprising: The first network node performs a first operation, which includes at least one of the following: Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal; Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection; During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal; Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched; Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection; Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched. Wherein, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first network node is a secondary node, and the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second connection satisfies at least one of the following: the second connection is a connection between the second network node and the terminal, and the second connection is a primary cell group (MCG) connection.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The first network node receives first configuration information from the second network node, the first configuration information including at least one of the following: The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection; Key configuration information for at least one secondary node; Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node; Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The key configuration information includes at least one of the following: The node identification information of the auxiliary node; At least one security key; At least one security key counter value associated with a secondary node of the security key.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following: The first network node; At least one potential auxiliary node.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: When the first configuration information includes key configuration information of the at least one potential secondary node, the first network node sends at least a portion of the first configuration information to the at least one potential secondary node.

8. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The first network node sends a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to request the configuration of the security key for the secondary node.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The fourth piece of information includes at least one of the following: The second indication information is used to indicate that the first network node supports an independent first connection; Terminal identification information; Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node; Cell identification information of at least one potential secondary node's potential PSCell.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The first network node sends the fourth information to the second network node, including: If the first condition is met, the first network node sends the fourth information to the second network node; The first condition includes at least one of the following: The first network node is preparing to perform the first connection switch; At least one auxiliary node does not have a usable security key; The Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) counter is toggled.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first information includes key configuration information for at least one secondary node.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following: The first target network node; At least one potential auxiliary node.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Before the first network node receives the second information from the second network node, the method further includes: The first network node receives a first message from the second network node, the first message being used to indicate that the second connection is ready to be released.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The first network node receives a second message from the second network node, the second message indicating that the second connection release is complete.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: The first network node sends a fifth message to the terminal, the fifth message being used to instruct the terminal to release the second connection; The first network node receives a sixth message from the terminal, the sixth message indicating that the second connection release is complete; The first network node sends a third message to the second network node, the third message indicating that the second connection release is complete.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: Instructions for releasing the configuration of the second connection; Reconfiguration information for the first connection; Indication information for switching from the first connection to the second connection; The switching configuration information of the second connection is used to switch the second connection of the terminal to the first connection.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The reconfiguration information for the first connection includes at least one of the following: Retain the configuration indication information of the first connection; The key configuration information corresponding to the first connection.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, After the first network node receives the third information from the second network node, the method further includes: The first network node receives seventh information from the second target network node. The seventh information is used to indicate that the second connection handover of the terminal is complete. The second target network node is the target node for the terminal to perform the second connection handover. The first network node sends an eighth message to the second target network node. The eighth message is used to request the configuration of a security key, which is used by the terminal to perform a first connection switch.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, After the first network node sends the fourth information to the second network node, the method further includes: The first network node receives a ninth message from the second network node, the ninth message being used to indicate confirmation that the fourth message has been received.

20. A communication processing method, comprising: The second network node performs a second operation, which includes at least one of the following: Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection; Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch; Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched; Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch to the second connection; Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal. Wherein, the second network node is the source node for switching the second connection, and the second target network node is the target node for switching the second connection; the second connection is the terminal's main connection.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The second network node is the master node, and the second connection is the master cell group (MCG) connection.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The first connection satisfies at least one of the following: the first connection is a connection between the first network node and the terminal, and the first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the method further comprises: The second network node sends first configuration information to the first network node, the first configuration information including at least one of the following: The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection; Key configuration information for at least one secondary node; Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node; Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The key configuration information includes at least one of the following: The node identification information of the auxiliary node; At least one security key; At least one security key counter value associated with a secondary node of the security key.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The at least one auxiliary node includes at least one of the following: The first network node; At least one potential auxiliary node.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The second network node sends the first configuration information to the first network node, including: If the second condition is met, the second network node sends the first configuration information to the first network node; The second condition includes at least one of the following: The second network node establishes the first connection for the terminal; The second network node adds an auxiliary node to the terminal; Master node change.

27. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: The second network node receives and sends a fourth message from the first network node, the fourth message being used to request the configuration of the security key of the secondary node.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the fourth information comprises at least one of the following: The second indication information is used to indicate that the first network node supports an independent first connection; Terminal identification information; Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node; Cell identification information of at least one potential secondary node's potential PSCell.

29. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, Before the second network node sends the second information to the first network node, the method further includes: The second network node sends a first message to the first network node, the first message indicating that the second connection is ready to be released.

30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising: The second network node sends a second message to the first network node, the second message indicating that the second connection release is complete.

31. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: Instructions for releasing the configuration of the second connection; Reconfiguration information for the first connection; Indication information for switching from the first connection to the second connection; The switching configuration information of the second connection is used to switch the second connection of the terminal to the first connection.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The reconfiguration information for the first connection includes at least one of the following: Retain the configuration indication information of the first connection; The key configuration information corresponding to the first connection.

33. A communication processing method, comprising: If, during the first handover process, the terminal receives a third instruction, the terminal performs a third operation: The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following: After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed; Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed; Ignore the second switch; The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The fourth indication information includes a reason indication, which indicates that the terminal is performing the first handover.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein, The first connection is a secondary cell group (SCG) connection, and the second connection is a primary cell group (MCG) connection.

36. A communication processing apparatus, comprising: A first transceiver module is configured to perform a first operation, the first operation including at least one of the following: Send first information to the first target network node, the first information being used to request a handover of the first connection to the terminal; Receive second information from the second network node, the second information being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection; During the second connection release, the first network node maintains the first connection of the terminal; Receive third information from the second network node, the third information being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to be switched; Before the second connection switch is completed, the first network node does not switch the first connection; Send a fourth message to the second network node, the fourth message being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched, wherein the second network node does not switch the second connection before the first connection is switched. Wherein, the first connection is the connection between the first network node and the terminal, the first network node is the source node for switching the first connection, the first target network node is the target node for switching the first connection, and the first connection is the auxiliary connection of the terminal.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein, The first transceiver module is further configured to: receive first configuration information from the second network node, the first configuration information including at least one of the following: The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection; Key configuration information for at least one secondary node; Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node; Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

38. A communication processing apparatus, comprising: A second transceiver module is configured to perform a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following: Send a second message to the first network node, the second message being used to instruct the second network node to release the terminal's second connection; Send a third message to the first network node, the third message being used to indicate that the terminal's second connection is ready to switch; Receive fourth information from the first network node, the fourth information being used to indicate that the terminal's first connection is ready to be switched; Before the first connection switch is completed, the second network node does not switch the second connection; Send a tenth message to the second target network node. The tenth message is used to request a second connection switch for the terminal. The tenth message includes the security key information configured on the auxiliary node associated with the terminal. Wherein, the second target network node is the target node for switching the second connection; the second connection is the terminal's main connection.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein, The second transceiver module is further configured to: send first configuration information to the first network node, wherein the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: The first instruction information is used to instruct the second network node to support an independent first connection; Key configuration information for at least one secondary node; Node identification information of at least one potential secondary node; Cell identification information of at least one potential primary / secondary cell PSCell of a potential secondary node.

40. A communication processing apparatus, comprising: The processing module is used to perform a third operation upon receiving a third instruction during the first handover process of the terminal: The third indication information is used to indicate the execution of a second handover, wherein one of the first handover and the second handover is a first connection handover and the other is a second connection handover, and the third operation includes any one of the following: After the first switch is completed, the second switch is executed; Send a fourth indication message to the source network node associated with the second handover, the fourth indication message indicating that the second handover was not performed; Ignore the second switch; The first connection is the terminal's main connection.

41. A terminal comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication processing method as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 35.

42. A network-side device, comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the communication processing method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32.

43. A readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 35.

44. A computer program product comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 35.

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