Method and device for wireless RRC connection between user equipment side and network side, storage medium, electronic device, and computer program product

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and device for a wireless RRC connection between a user equipment side and a network side, a storage medium, an electronic device, and a computer program product. The method for a wireless RRC connection comprises: receiving a first connection request message from a user equipment side; in response to the first connection request message, sending a first connection message to the user equipment side to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment side; and before the wireless RRC connection between the user equipment side and a network side is disconnected, sending a first indication instruction to the user equipment side, the first indication instruction instructing the user equipment side to save or release AS context information.

Description

Wireless RRC connection methods and devices, storage media, electronic devices and computer program products between user equipment and network.

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510074706.0, filed on January 15, 2025, entitled "Wireless RRC Connection Method and Device, Storage Medium, Electronic Device and Computer Program Product between User Equipment and Network", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a wireless RRC connection method and device, storage medium, electronic device and computer program product for user equipment and network. Background Technology

[0004] Based on relevant communication technologies, user equipment can support three RRC (Radio Resource Control) states: RRC_IDLE (idle state), RRC_CONNECTED (connected state), and RRC_INACTIVE (intermediate state).

[0005] The RRC_IDLE state is the basic state for the user equipment (UE). No RRC connection is established with the network, no dedicated resources are allocated, and a low-power operating mode can be used. In the RRC_IDLE state, the UE's main functions include listening to system broadcast information, receiving paging messages, and performing cell reselection for mobility management. Mobility management is implemented based on a cell reselection mechanism autonomously controlled by the UE; the network's location awareness of the UE is limited to the tracking area level. The UE needs to periodically receive system information and request additional system information when necessary, and listen to the paging channel during a specified DRX period (Discontinuous Reception). When an RRC connection is needed, the UE must complete a full random access procedure to enter the RRC_CONNECTED state. In the RRC_IDLE state, all relevant context information of the UE on the radio access network is released.

[0006] The RRC_CONNECTED state represents a complete RRC connection established between the user equipment (UE) and the network. It features dedicated resource allocation, bidirectional data transmission, and full network control. In the RRC_CONNECTED state, mobility management is implemented via a handover mechanism on the network side. The UE needs to perform measurements according to network configuration and report these measurements, allowing the network to make handover decisions based on these reports.

[0007] RRC_INACTIVE is an intermediate state (also known as an inactive state). The user equipment (UE) is connected to the network but does not transmit data; context information is stored on both the UE and the gNodeB (5G base station). In the RRC_INACTIVE state, mobility management is implemented based on the RNA (RAN-based Notification Area) update mechanism. The UE can autonomously perform cell reselection within the RNA without reporting to the network; an update procedure is only triggered when crossing RNA boundaries.

[0008] However, the inventors of this invention discovered that although RRC_INACTIVE can reduce the signaling overhead required for frequent switching of RRC connection states and maintain low power consumption, since the user equipment defines three RRC states, it is necessary to maintain three sets of state machines. Furthermore, when designing other communication schemes for the user equipment, it is necessary to consider the implementation methods of these three RRC states separately and design three different processes accordingly. This increases the complexity of implementation on both the network side and the user equipment side.

[0009] The content of the background section is merely technology known to the public and does not necessarily represent existing technology in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a wireless RRC connection method between a user equipment terminal and a network terminal is provided, comprising: receiving a first connection request message from the user equipment terminal; responding to the first connection request message by sending a first connection message to the user equipment terminal to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal; and before the user equipment terminal disconnects the wireless RRC connection with the network terminal, sending a first indication instruction to the user equipment terminal, the first indication instruction instructing the user equipment terminal to save or release AS context information.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a wireless RRC connection method between a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, comprising: sending a first connection request message to the network terminal; receiving a first connection message generated by the network terminal in response to the first connection request message, so as to establish a wireless RRC connection with the network terminal; and before the user equipment terminal disconnects the wireless RRC connection with the network terminal, receiving a first instruction from the network terminal, the first instruction instructing the user equipment terminal to save or release AS context information.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a wireless RRC connection device for a user equipment terminal and a network terminal is provided. The wireless RRC connection device is located at the network terminal and includes: a first communication module, which receives a first connection request message from the user equipment terminal, responds to the first connection request message, and sends a first connection message to the user equipment terminal to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal; and a first information processing module, which sends a first instruction to the user equipment terminal before the user equipment terminal disconnects the wireless RRC connection with the network terminal, the first instruction instructing the user equipment terminal to save or release AS context information.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a wireless RRC connection device between a user equipment end and a network end. The wireless RRC connection device is located at the user equipment end and includes: a second communication module, which sends a first connection request message to the network end and receives a first connection message generated by the network end in response to the first connection request message, so as to establish a wireless RRC connection with the network end; and a second information processing module, which receives a first instruction from the network end before the user equipment end disconnects the wireless RRC connection with the network end, the first instruction instructing the user equipment end to save or release AS context information.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium is also provided. The storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, enables the implementation of the wireless RRC connection method as described above.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided. The electronic device includes: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to implement the wireless RRC connection method as described above.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided. The computer program product includes: a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium; the computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the wireless RRC connection method as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 shows a structural schematic diagram of a wireless RRC connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 shows another structural schematic diagram of the wireless RRC connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Wireless RRC connection device 1; First communication module 11; First information processing module 12. Wireless RRC connection device 2; Second communication module 21; Second information processing module 22. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0028] The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a full understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or other methods, components, materials, devices, etc. In these cases, well-known structures, methods, devices, implementations, materials, or operations will not be shown or described in detail.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0030] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order.

[0031] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Currently, user equipment supports three RRC states: one RRC connected state and two non-RRC connected states. The inventors discovered that designing two non-RRC connected states for the user equipment not only requires maintaining an additional RRC state mechanism, but also necessitates maintaining more timers and different processing mechanisms, thus making implementation more complex.

[0033] Based on this, according to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a wireless RRC connection method between a user equipment end and a network end, the wireless RRC connection method being executed by the network end.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless RRC connection method 1000 may include steps S110-S130.

[0035] According to the example embodiment, in step S110, the network end receives a first connection request message from the user equipment end.

[0036] In step S120, the network terminal responds to the first connection request message and sends a first connection message to the user equipment terminal to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal.

[0037] For example, the process of establishing a wireless RRC connection between the network end and the user equipment end is similar to the existing RRC connection state establishment process. The first connection request message may include the identification information of the user equipment end, which will not be described in detail here.

[0038] In step S130, before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the network sends a first instruction to the user equipment. The first instruction instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

[0039] For example, the network end can generate a first instruction based on actual needs, instructing the user equipment end to save or release the AS context information. The first instruction may include an RRC release message. Before the user equipment end releases the RRC connection and enters a non-RRC connection state, the network end sends this RRC release message to the user equipment end. For example, the RRC release message can be indicated by an RRC Release message or a newly defined RRC message.

[0040] Optionally, the RRC release message may include an indication to the user equipment whether to save the existing AS context information after entering a non-RRC connection state.

[0041] Optionally, the RRC release message may also include ID information assigned by the network to the user equipment. Based on this ID information, the network can identify the corresponding user equipment, as well as the identification information of the access network node or the core network node that stores the AS context information of the user equipment.

[0042] For example, access network nodes may include base stations, CUs (centralized units), or DUs (distributed units). Core network nodes include AMFs (mobility management nodes), UPFs (user plane management nodes), and SMFs (session management nodes).

[0043] Optionally, the RRC release message may also include a retention period for the AS context information. For example, this retention period can be set to 48 hours.

[0044] Through the above embodiments, the present invention establishes a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment by receiving a first connection request message from the user equipment, responding to the first connection request message, and sending a first connection message to the user equipment. Furthermore, before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection with the network, the present invention can send a first instruction to the user equipment to instruct the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

[0045] With this configuration, the present invention allows the user equipment to support only one RRC connection state and one non-RRC connection state. When the user equipment is in a non-RRC connection state, it can quickly establish a connection with the network side based on the AS context information of the user equipment, thus enabling the user equipment to quickly enter the RRC connection state.

[0046] Figure 2 shows another schematic flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, before step S130, the wireless RRC connection method may further include steps S1210-S1211.

[0047] Optionally, in step S1210, the network end receives first auxiliary information from the user equipment end.

[0048] In step S1211, the network end generates a first indication instruction based on the first auxiliary information. The first auxiliary information includes at least: indication information indicating whether the user equipment expects to save AS context information, and / or, indication information indicating whether the user equipment has a fast connection requirement.

[0049] For example, the user equipment (UE) can send first auxiliary information to the network to inform the network whether the UE wants to save the AS context information, or to inform the network whether the UE needs to quickly establish a connection (e.g., the UE has an urgent communication service that requires a quick connection). This allows the network to make a decision based on the first auxiliary information and generate a first instruction.

[0050] Figure 3 shows another schematic flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, before step S130, the wireless RRC connection method may further include steps S1220-S1221.

[0051] Optionally, in step S220, the network end receives second auxiliary information from the core network end.

[0052] In step S1221, the network terminal generates a first instruction based on the second auxiliary information. The second auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: user equipment terminal mobility information, quality of service information, traffic flow prediction information, and instruction information indicating whether the network terminal wishes to save AS context information.

[0053] For example, the network end (such as a wireless access node) can receive second auxiliary information from the core network end to obtain user equipment mobility information, quality of service information, traffic flow prediction information, and whether it is recommended to save AS context information, etc. This allows the network end to make decisions based on the first auxiliary information and generate a first instruction.

[0054] Optionally, the first instruction includes first instruction information, which instructs the user equipment to save or release all AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection with the network or after entering a non-RRC connection state.

[0055] Optionally, the first instruction includes second instruction information, which instructs the user equipment to partially save or partially release the AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection with the network or after entering a non-RRC connection state.

[0056] For example, the user equipment can save all or part of the currently configured AS context information based on the first instruction from the network. Alternatively, the user equipment can release all or part of the currently configured AS context information.

[0057] For example, the currently configured AS context information may include the current default bearer configuration, SRB1 configuration (signaling radio bearer configuration), and current security configuration, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0058] Optionally, the first connection request message includes at least the user equipment's identification information and / or, third indication information. The third indication information includes at least indication information indicating whether the user equipment has or has not stored AS context information, or type indication information of the first connection request message.

[0059] For example, if the user equipment (UE) stores AS context information, its identification information is the identification information assigned to it by the access network. If the UE does not store AS context information, its identification information is the identification information assigned to it by the core network. If the UE does not store AS context information and has not been assigned identification information by the network, its identification information is a random number.

[0060] For user equipment (UE) devices in non-RRC connected state, there are two scenarios: either the UE retains the previously configured RRC AS context information, or it does not. Under normal circumstances, the behavior of the UE and the network is consistent. That is, if the network instructs the UE to retain the AS context information, the network will also retain it. However, anomalies may occur where their behaviors do not match, such as the UE retaining the AS context information, but the network not retaining it.

[0061] Therefore, to help the network side understand whether the user equipment side has saved the AS context information, this invention also provides another indication method. For example, two types of first connection request messages can be defined.

[0062] For example, if the user equipment does not save the AS context information, the first connection request message is a first type of request message (such as RRC Setup Request1), used to indicate that the user equipment has not saved the AS context information.

[0063] Furthermore, if the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the first connection request message is a second type of request message (such as RRC Setup Request2), used to indicate that the user equipment has saved the AS context information.

[0064] Based on the above scheme, the aforementioned third indication information can be understood as a message type indication. When the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a first type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request1), it indicates that the user equipment has not saved the AS context information. When the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a second type of request message (such as RRC Setup Request2), it indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information.

[0065] As an example, in step S110, the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a first type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request 1). Then, the user equipment sends the first connection request message to the network, indicating that the user equipment has not saved the AS context information.

[0066] Figure 4 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, when the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method may further include steps S141-S161.

[0067] In step S141, the network end determines the target network element that stores AS context information based on the identification information of the user equipment end.

[0068] In step S151, the network end obtains AS context information through the target network element.

[0069] In step S161, if the network fails to obtain AS context information through the target network element, it sends a second indication command to the user equipment. The second indication command instructs the user equipment to discard the AS context information. Alternatively, if the network fails to obtain AS context information through the target network element, it sends a second connection message to the user equipment to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment.

[0070] For example, in this embodiment, the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a second type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request 2), indicating that the user equipment terminal stores AS context information. The network terminal can determine the target network element storing the AS context information based on the identification information contained in the first connection request message. The target network element can be an access network element or a core network element connected to the access network element.

[0071] Because the behavior of the network end and the user equipment end may be inconsistent, there is a possibility that the network end does not have AS context information. For example, the network end may determine that the user equipment end has saved AS context information based on the received message type (such as a second-type indication message) and the user equipment end's identification information. However, the network end may not be able to obtain this AS context information based on the information provided by the user equipment end. The reason for not being able to obtain this AS context information may be that the network end cannot establish a connection with the network element node that has saved the AS context information, or that the network element node that saved the AS context information has deleted the AS context information.

[0072] If the network fails to obtain AS context information through the target network element, the network may allow the user device to access the network. The network may instruct the user device to discard the AS context information or re-establish a wireless RRC connection by sending a second connection message to the user device.

[0073] The second connection message can instruct the user equipment to release the AS context information. Alternatively, the second connection message can also include RRC configuration messages, such as SRB configuration information, to instruct the user equipment to perform a new RRC configuration.

[0074] Figure 5 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, when the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method may further include steps S142-S162.

[0075] In step S142, the network end determines the target network element that stores AS context information based on the identification information of the user equipment end.

[0076] In step S152, the network end obtains AS context information through the target network element.

[0077] In step S162, if the network successfully obtains the AS context information through the target network element, it sends a third instruction to the user equipment. The third instruction instructs the user equipment to restore and save the AS context information. Alternatively, if the network successfully obtains the AS context information through the target network element, it sends a third connection message to the user equipment to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment.

[0078] For example, in this embodiment, the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a second type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request2), indicating that the user equipment terminal stores AS context information. The network terminal can determine the target network element storing the AS context information based on the identification information contained in the first connection request message. For example, the target network element can be an access network element or a core network element connected to the access network element.

[0079] Based on the received message type (such as the second type of indication message) and the identification information of the user equipment, the network end determines that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, identifies the target network element that has saved the AS context information, and obtains the AS context information from the target network element.

[0080] If the network successfully obtains the AS context information through the target network element, the network instructs the user equipment to restore and save the AS context information, or re-establishes the wireless RRC connection with the user equipment by sending a third connection message to the user equipment.

[0081] For example, the third connection message may include an RRC recovery message, instructing the user equipment to restore the AS context information. Alternatively, the third connection message may also include an RRC configuration update message, such as a measurement configuration update message or a key configuration update message, to instruct the user equipment to execute the updated RRC configuration.

[0082] Optionally, the network end includes a first access network element, and the target network element further includes a second access network element, a third access network element, and a core network element. The core network element further includes a first core network element and a second core network element.

[0083] Optionally, in step S152, the network end obtaining AS context information through the target network element may include: when the target network element is a second access network element adjacent to the first access network element, the network end obtains AS context information through the interface between access network elements.

[0084] For example, if the network determines that the AS context information is stored in a second access network element (such as the second base station) adjacent to the first access network element (such as the first base station), the network can obtain the AS context information from the adjacent access network element through the interface between the access network elements.

[0085] Optionally, in step S152, the network end obtaining AS context information through the target network element may further include: when the target network element is a third access network element and the third access network element and the first access network element cannot communicate through the interface between the access network elements, the network end sends a first information acquisition request to the core network element to obtain AS context information through forwarding by the core network element.

[0086] For example, the network determines that the AS context information is stored in a third access network element (such as a third base station), but the first access network element cannot obtain the AS context information from this third access network element through the interface between access network elements. In this case, the network sends a request for the user equipment's AS context information and the corresponding user equipment identification information to the core network element. The core network element then obtains the AS context information from other core network elements or from the third access network element based on the user equipment's identification information. After obtaining the AS context information, the core network element forwards it to the first access network element.

[0087] Optionally, in step S152, the network end obtaining AS context information through the target network element may further include: when the target network element is the first core network element, the network end obtains AS context information in the first core network element through the interface between the first access network element and the first core network element.

[0088] For example, if the network determines that the AS context information is stored in the first core network element, then the first access network element obtains the AS context information from the first core network element through the interface with the first core network element.

[0089] Optionally, in step S152, the network end obtaining AS context information through the target network element may further include: when the target network element is the second core network element, the network end sends a second information acquisition request to the first core network element through the first access network element, so that the AS context information can be obtained in the second core network element based on the identification information through the first core network element.

[0090] For example, the network determines that the AS context information is stored in the second core network element, but the first access network element only has an interface with the first core network element. In this case, the network sends a request to obtain the user equipment's AS context information, along with the corresponding user equipment identification information, to the first core network element. The first core network element then retrieves the AS context information from the second core network element based on the user equipment's identification information. After obtaining the AS context information, the first core network element forwards it to the first access network element.

[0091] Optionally, if the service type supported or the service type of interest to the user equipment changes, the network end may send a fourth instruction to the user equipment. The fourth instruction instructs the user equipment to no longer store the AS context information.

[0092] For example, if the first auxiliary information changes, and the changed first auxiliary information includes: an indication that the user equipment no longer expects to save the AS context information; and / or an indication that the user equipment no longer has a need for fast connection. Then, the network end generates a decision instruction based on the changed first auxiliary information and sends a fourth indication instruction to the user equipment, instructing the user equipment to release the RRC configuration or no longer save the AS context information after entering the non-RRC connection state.

[0093] Similarly, if the types of services supported or of interest to the user equipment remain unchanged, the network will continue to send the first instruction to the user equipment.

[0094] Through the above embodiments, the present invention allows the user equipment (UE) to support only one RRC connection state and one non-RRC connection state. In this invention, the UE can decide whether to save the AS context information based on instructions from the network, and the network can also save the UE's AS context information. When an RRC connection is required, the network can instruct the UE to quickly restore the AS context information, thereby enabling the UE to quickly establish a connection with the network.

[0095] Furthermore, the user equipment (UE) can send auxiliary information to the network to inform whether the UE wants to retain AS context information or whether the UE has a need for fast connection. This allows the network to make decisions on whether to retain the AS context for the UE based on resource scarcity and the UE's service or energy-saving requirements, thereby improving resource utilization and RRC configuration efficiency.

[0096] According to another aspect of the present invention, a wireless RRC connection method between a user equipment terminal and a network terminal is provided, the wireless RRC connection method being executed by the user equipment terminal.

[0097] Figure 6 shows another flowchart of the wireless RRC connection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the wireless RRC connection method 2000 may include steps S210-S230.

[0098] According to the example embodiment, in step S210, the user equipment sends a first connection request message to the network.

[0099] In step S220, the user equipment receives a first connection message generated by the network in response to the first connection request message, in order to establish a wireless RRC connection with the network.

[0100] For example, the first connection request message may include an initial message from the user equipment. Exemplarily, this initial message includes, but is not limited to, the service type supported by the user equipment, QoS (Quality of Service) requirements, and energy-saving requirements. The first connection message sent from the network to the user equipment includes, but is not limited to, a paging configuration message.

[0101] For example, the process of establishing a wireless RRC connection between the network end and the user equipment end is similar to the existing RRC connection state establishment process. The first connection request message may include the identification information of the user equipment end, which will not be described in detail here.

[0102] In step S230, before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, it receives a first instruction from the network. The first instruction instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

[0103] For example, the network end can generate a first instruction based on actual needs, instructing the user equipment end to save or release the AS context information. The first instruction may include an RRC release message. Before the user equipment end releases the RRC connection and enters a non-RRC connection state, the network end sends this RRC release message to the user equipment end. For example, the RRC release message can be indicated by an RRC Release message or a newly defined RRC message.

[0104] Optionally, the RRC release message may include an indication to the user equipment whether to save the existing AS context information after entering a non-RRC connection state.

[0105] Optionally, the RRC release message may also include ID information assigned by the network to the user equipment. Based on this ID information, the network can identify the corresponding user equipment, as well as the identification information of the access network node or the core network node that stores the AS context information of the user equipment.

[0106] For example, access network nodes may include base stations, CUs (centralized units), or DUs (distributed units). Core network nodes include AMFs (mobility management nodes), UPFs (user plane management nodes), and SMFs (session management nodes).

[0107] Optionally, the RRC release message may also include a retention period for the AS context information. For example, this retention period can be set to 48 hours.

[0108] This invention allows user equipment (UE) to support only one RRC connection state and one non-RRC connection state. When the UE is in a non-RRC connection state, it can quickly establish a connection with the network side based on the UE's AS context information, thus enabling the UE to quickly enter the RRC connection state.

[0109] Optionally, before step S230, the user equipment sends first auxiliary information to the network, so that the network generates a first indication instruction based on the first auxiliary information. The first auxiliary information includes at least: indication information indicating whether the user equipment expects to save AS context information, and / or, indication information indicating whether the user equipment has a fast connection requirement.

[0110] For example, the user equipment (UE) can send first auxiliary information to the network to inform the network whether the UE wants to save the AS context information, or to inform the network whether the UE needs to quickly establish a connection (e.g., the UE has an urgent communication service that requires a quick connection). This allows the network to make a decision based on the first auxiliary information and generate a first instruction.

[0111] Optionally, the first instruction includes first instruction information, which instructs the user equipment to save or release all AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection with the network or after entering a non-RRC connection state.

[0112] Optionally, the first instruction includes second instruction information, which instructs the user equipment to partially save or partially release the AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection with the network or after entering a non-RRC connection state.

[0113] For example, the user equipment can save all or part of the currently configured AS context information based on the first instruction from the network. Alternatively, the user equipment can release all or part of the currently configured AS context information.

[0114] For example, the currently configured AS context information may include the current default bearer configuration, SRB1 configuration (signaling radio bearer configuration), and current security configuration, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0115] Optionally, the first connection request message includes at least the user equipment's identification information and / or, third indication information. The third indication information includes at least indication information indicating whether the user equipment has or has not stored AS context information, or type indication information of the first connection request message.

[0116] For example, if the user equipment (UE) stores AS context information, its identification information is the identification information assigned to it by the access network. If the UE does not store AS context information, its identification information is the identification information assigned to it by the core network. If the UE does not store AS context information and has not been assigned identification information by the network, its identification information is a random number.

[0117] For user equipment (UE) devices in non-RRC connected state, there are two scenarios: either the UE retains the previously configured RRC AS context information, or it does not. Under normal circumstances, the behavior of the UE and the network is consistent. That is, if the network instructs the UE to retain the AS context information, the network will also retain it. However, anomalies may occur where their behaviors do not match, such as the UE retaining the AS context information, but the network not retaining it.

[0118] Therefore, to help the network side understand whether the user equipment side has saved the AS context information, this invention also provides another indication method. For example, two types of first connection request messages can be defined.

[0119] For example, if the user equipment does not save the AS context information, the first connection request message is a first type of request message (such as RRC Setup Request1), used to indicate that the user equipment has not saved the AS context information.

[0120] Furthermore, if the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the first connection request message is a second type of request message (such as RRC Setup Request2), used to indicate that the user equipment has saved the AS context information.

[0121] Based on the above scheme, the aforementioned third indication information can be understood as a message type indication. When the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a first type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request1), it indicates that the user equipment has not saved the AS context information. When the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a second type of request message (such as RRC Setup Request2), it indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information.

[0122] As an example, in step S210, the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a first type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request 1). Then, the user equipment sends the first connection request message to the network, indicating that the user equipment has not saved the AS context information.

[0123] Optionally, if the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method 2000 may further include: the user equipment receiving a second indication instruction from the network, the second indication instruction instructing the user equipment to discard the AS context information. Alternatively, the user equipment receiving a second connection message from the network to establish a wireless RRC connection with the network.

[0124] For example, in this embodiment, the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a second type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request 2), indicating that the user equipment terminal stores AS context information. The network terminal can determine the target network element storing the AS context information based on the identification information contained in the first connection request message. The target network element can be an access network element or a core network element connected to the access network element.

[0125] Because the behavior of the network end and the user equipment end may be inconsistent, there is a possibility that the network end does not have AS context information. For example, the network end may determine that the user equipment end has saved AS context information based on the received message type (such as a second-type indication message) and the user equipment end's identification information. However, the network end may not be able to obtain this AS context information based on the information provided by the user equipment end. The reason for not being able to obtain this AS context information may be that the network end cannot establish a connection with the network element node that has saved the AS context information, or that the network element node that saved the AS context information has deleted the AS context information.

[0126] If the network fails to obtain AS context information through the target network element, the network may allow the user device to access the network. The network may instruct the user device to discard the AS context information or re-establish a wireless RRC connection by sending a second connection message to the user device.

[0127] The second connection message can instruct the user equipment to release the AS context information. Alternatively, the second connection message can also include RRC configuration messages, such as SRB configuration information, to instruct the user equipment to perform a new RRC configuration.

[0128] Optionally, if the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method 2000 may further include: the user equipment receiving a third indication instruction from the network, the third indication instruction instructing the user equipment to restore the saved AS context information. Alternatively, the user equipment receiving a third connection message from the user terminal to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment.

[0129] For example, in this embodiment, the third indication information indicates that the first connection request message is a second type of connection request message (such as RRC Setup Request2), indicating that the user equipment terminal stores AS context information. The network terminal can determine the target network element storing the AS context information based on the identification information contained in the first connection request message. For example, the target network element can be an access network element or a core network element connected to the access network element.

[0130] Based on the received message type (such as the second type of indication message) and the identification information of the user equipment, the network end determines that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, identifies the target network element that has saved the AS context information, and obtains the AS context information from the target network element.

[0131] If the network successfully obtains the AS context information through the target network element, the network instructs the user equipment to restore and save the AS context information, or re-establishes the wireless RRC connection with the user equipment by sending a third connection message to the user equipment.

[0132] For example, the third connection message may include an RRC recovery message, instructing the user equipment to restore the AS context information. Alternatively, the third connection message may also include an RRC configuration update message, such as a measurement configuration update message or a key configuration update message, to instruct the user equipment to execute the updated RRC configuration.

[0133] Optionally, the user equipment receives a fourth instruction from the network. This fourth instruction is generated by the network when the service type supported by the user equipment or the service type of interest has changed. The fourth instruction instructs the user equipment to no longer store the AS context information.

[0134] For example, if the first auxiliary information changes, and the changed first auxiliary information includes: an indication that the user equipment no longer expects to save the AS context information; and / or an indication that the user equipment no longer has a need for fast connection. Then, the network end generates a decision instruction based on the changed first auxiliary information and sends a fourth indication instruction to the user equipment, instructing the user equipment to release the RRC configuration or no longer save the AS context information after entering the non-RRC connection state.

[0135] Similarly, if the types of services supported or of interest to the user equipment remain unchanged, the network will continue to send the first instruction to the user equipment.

[0136] Through the above embodiments, the present invention allows the user equipment (UE) to support only one RRC connection state and one non-RRC connection state. In this invention, the UE can decide whether to save the AS context information based on instructions from the network, and the network can also save the UE's AS context information. When an RRC connection is required, the network can instruct the UE to quickly restore the AS context information, thereby enabling the UE to quickly establish a connection with the network.

[0137] Furthermore, the user equipment (UE) can send auxiliary information to the network to inform whether the UE wants to retain AS context information or whether the UE has a need for fast connection. This allows the network to make decisions on whether to retain the AS context for the UE based on resource scarcity and the UE's service or energy-saving requirements, thereby improving resource utilization and RRC configuration efficiency.

[0138] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a wireless RRC connection device between a user equipment end and a network end, wherein the wireless RRC connection device is located at the network end.

[0139] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless RRC connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, the wireless RRC connection device 1 may include a first communication module 11 and a first information processing module 12.

[0140] The first communication module 11 receives a first connection request message from the user equipment terminal, responds to the first connection request message, and sends a first connection message to the user equipment terminal to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal.

[0141] Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the first information processing module 12 sends a first instruction to the user equipment. The first instruction instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

[0142] For example, the specific implementation of the wireless RRC connection method performed by the wireless RRC connection device 1 has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0143] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a wireless RRC connection device between a user equipment end and a network end, wherein the wireless RRC connection device is located at the user equipment end.

[0144] Figure 8 shows another structural schematic diagram of the wireless RRC connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the wireless RRC connection device 2 may include a second communication module 21 and a second information processing module 22.

[0145] The second communication module 21 sends a first connection request message to the network end and receives a first connection message generated by the network end in response to the first connection request message, so as to establish a wireless RRC connection with the network end.

[0146] Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the second information processing module 22 receives a first instruction from the network. The first instruction instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

[0147] For example, the specific implementation of the wireless RRC connection method performed by the wireless RRC connection device 2 has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0148] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium is also provided. The storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, enables the implementation of the wireless RRC connection method as described above.

[0149] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided. The electronic device includes: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to implement the wireless RRC connection method as described above.

[0150] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided. The computer program product includes: a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium; the computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the wireless RRC connection method as described above.

[0151] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions of the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wireless RRC connection method between a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the wireless RRC connection method comprising: Receive a first connection request message from the user equipment. In response to the first connection request message, a first connection message is sent to the user equipment terminal to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal; Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, a first instruction is sent to the user equipment, which instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

2. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 1, wherein, Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the wireless RRC connection method further includes: Receive first auxiliary information from the user equipment terminal; Generate the first instruction based on the first auxiliary information; The first auxiliary information includes at least: Indication information indicating whether the user equipment expects to save AS context information; and / or Indication information indicating whether the user equipment has a need for fast connection.

3. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 1, wherein, Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the wireless RRC connection method further includes: Receive second auxiliary information from the core network; The first instruction is generated based on the second auxiliary information. The second auxiliary information includes at least: The user equipment terminal's mobility information, quality of service information, traffic flow prediction information, and indication information indicating whether the network terminal wants to save AS context information are at least one of the following:

4. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 1, wherein, The first instruction includes: The first instruction information is used to instruct the user equipment terminal to save or release all the AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection with the network terminal or after entering a non-RRC connection state; or The second instruction information is used to instruct the user equipment to partially save or partially release the AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection from the network or after entering a non-RRC connection state.

5. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 1, wherein, The first connection request message includes at least: The identification information of the user equipment terminal; and / or Third instruction information; The third indication information includes at least: Indication information indicating whether the user equipment terminal has or has not stored the AS context information; or The type indication information of the first connection request message.

6. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 5, wherein, When the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method further includes: The target network element storing the AS context information is determined based on the identification information of the user equipment terminal; The AS context information is obtained through the target network element; If the AS context information is not successfully obtained through the target network element, a second indication instruction is sent to the user equipment terminal, the second indication instruction instructing the user equipment terminal to discard the AS context information; or If the AS context information is not successfully obtained through the target network element, a second connection message is sent to the user equipment terminal to establish the wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal.

7. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 5, wherein, When the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method further includes: The target network element storing the AS context information is determined based on the identification information of the user equipment terminal; The AS context information is obtained through the target network element; If the AS context information is successfully obtained through the target network element, a third instruction is sent to the user equipment terminal, the third instruction instructing the user equipment terminal to restore and save the AS context information; or If the AS context information is successfully obtained through the target network element, a third connection message is sent to the user equipment terminal to establish the wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal.

8. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 7, wherein, The network terminal includes a first access network element, and the target network element further includes a second access network element, a third access network element, and a core network element. The core network element further includes a first core network element and a second core network element. Obtaining the AS context information through the target network element includes: When the target network element is a second access network element adjacent to the first access network element, the AS context information is obtained through the interface between access network elements; or If the target network element is the third access network element, and the third access network element and the first access network element cannot communicate through the interface between access network elements, a first information acquisition request is sent to the core network element to obtain the AS context information through forwarding by the core network element; or When the target network element is the first core network element, the AS context information is obtained from the first core network element through the interface between the first access network element and the first core network element; or When the target network element is the second core network element, a second information acquisition request is sent from the first access network element to the first core network element, so that the AS context information can be obtained from the second core network element based on the identification information through the first core network element.

9. A wireless RRC connection method between a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, the wireless RRC connection method comprising: Send a first connection request message to the network terminal; Receive a first connection message generated by the network terminal in response to the first connection request message, so as to establish a wireless RRC connection with the network terminal; Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, it receives a first instruction from the network, which instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

10. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 9, wherein, Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the wireless RRC connection method further includes: Send first auxiliary information to the network terminal so that the network terminal generates the first instruction based on the first auxiliary information; The first auxiliary information includes at least: Indication information indicating whether the user equipment expects to save AS context information; and / or Indication information indicating whether the user equipment has a need for fast connection.

11. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 9, wherein, The first instruction includes: The first instruction information is used to instruct the user equipment terminal to save or release all the AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection with the network terminal or after entering a non-RRC connection state; or The second instruction information is used to instruct the user equipment to partially save or partially release the AS context information after disconnecting the wireless RRC connection from the network or after entering a non-RRC connection state.

12. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 9, wherein, The first connection request message includes at least: The identification information of the user equipment terminal; and / or Third instruction information; The third indication information includes at least: Indication information indicating whether the user equipment terminal has or has not stored the AS context information; or The type indication information of the first connection request message.

13. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 12, wherein, When the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method further includes: Receive a second instruction from the network end, the second instruction instructing the user equipment end to discard the AS context information; or Receive a second connection message from the network end to establish the wireless RRC connection with the network end.

14. The wireless RRC connection method according to claim 12, wherein, When the third indication information indicates that the user equipment has saved the AS context information, the wireless RRC connection method further includes: Receive a third instruction from the network terminal, the third instruction instructing the user equipment terminal to restore and save the AS context information; or Receive a third connection message from the user terminal to establish the wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal.

15. A wireless RRC connection device between a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, wherein the wireless RRC connection device is located at the network terminal, and the wireless RRC connection device comprises: The first communication module receives a first connection request message from the user equipment terminal, responds to the first connection request message, and sends a first connection message to the user equipment terminal to establish a wireless RRC connection with the user equipment terminal. Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the first information processing module sends a first instruction to the user equipment, which instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

16. A wireless RRC connection device between a user equipment terminal and a network terminal, wherein the wireless RRC connection device is located at the user equipment terminal, and the wireless RRC connection device comprises: The second communication module sends a first connection request message to the network terminal and receives a first connection message generated by the network terminal in response to the first connection request message, so as to establish a wireless RRC connection with the network terminal. Before the user equipment disconnects the wireless RRC connection from the network, the second information processing module receives a first instruction from the network, which instructs the user equipment to save or release the AS context information.

17. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the wireless RRC connection method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the wireless RRC connection method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

18. An electronic device comprising: One or more processors; Storage device for storing one or more programs; When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the wireless RRC connection method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or the one or more processors implement the wireless RRC connection method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

19. A computer program product comprising a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the wireless RRC connection method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or cause the computer to perform the wireless RRC connection method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

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