Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and provide a communication method and apparatus, capable of ensuring data security when a terminal device transmits, to a network side, data collected by the terminal device. The method comprises: a terminal device receives first information, so that when the terminal device is handed over to a first cell, first data can be retained or deleted on the basis of the first information, the first cell being a cell among at least one target cell; and then the terminal device is handed over to the first cell, wherein the first information is used for indicating the at least one target cell and whether the first data needs to be retained or deleted when the terminal device is handed over to a cell among the at least one target cell, and the first data is data collected by the terminal device.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510381600.5, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 26, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard specifies the mechanism for collecting radio measurement and related data from the Radio Access Network 2 (RAN2) working group; this data is used to train artificial intelligence (AI) models that run on the network side.

[0004] Specifically, the network side can configure the measurement signals for the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to collect data based on this configuration. The data collected by the terminal device can be used by the network side to train and / or infer AI models. Typically, the terminal device can report the data to the network side after collection is complete; however, if the terminal device switches to another cell before completing data collection, it may result in the terminal device being unable to report the collected data.

[0005] In one approach, the terminal device can retain the data it collects during handover and then send it to the target cell after handover to complete data reporting. However, this approach risks data leakage if the data collected by the terminal device contains privacy information about the serving cell. Therefore, ensuring data security when the terminal device transmits its collected data to the network side is a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can ensure data security when a terminal device transmits the data it has collected to the network side.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, a component within the terminal device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating at least one target cell and whether to retain or delete first data when the terminal device switches to one of the at least one target cell, the first data being data collected by the terminal device; and retaining or deleting the first data according to the first information when the terminal device switches to the first cell, the first cell being one of the at least one target cell.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus. A terminal device and its source serving cell need to agree on a set of cells. When the terminal device switches to a cell within this set, it needs to retain or delete the data it has collected (e.g., the source serving cell sends first information to the terminal device, the first information indicating at least one target cell, and specifying whether the terminal device needs to retain or delete first data when switching to a cell within the at least one target cell; the first data is the data collected by the terminal device). Therefore, when the terminal device needs to perform a cell handover (i.e., switch to the first cell), it can determine whether to retain or delete the collected data by judging whether the target cell (i.e., the first cell) it needs to switch to is a cell within a set of cells (i.e., at least one target cell) pre-indicated by its source serving cell.

[0009] For example, the source serving cell can be determined based on whether the cell is trustworthy. If a cell is trustworthy, reporting the first data to the network device belonging to that cell will not cause leakage of the serving cell's privacy data, even if the first data contains privacy data of the serving cell. Therefore, when the terminal device needs to switch to that cell (e.g., the first cell), the first data can be retained. After the switch is completed, the first data can be reported to the network device belonging to the first cell (i.e., the second network device) to achieve the reporting of the first data. If a cell is untrustworthy, reporting the first data to the first cell is considered as potentially causing leakage of the serving cell's privacy data. Therefore, it is determined not to report the first data to the first cell to reduce the risk of leakage of the serving cell's privacy data and ensure data security. Furthermore, deleting the first data can also be considered to save storage space for the terminal device.

[0010] In one possible design, the terminal device switches to the first cell, including: the first cell meets the handover conditions for conditional handover (CHO); or, the terminal device switches to the first cell based on an instruction from second information, the second information being used to indicate the handover to the first cell.

[0011] Based on this possible design, cell handover can be triggered based on the handover conditions of CHO, or it can be triggered based on the mobility of LTM, providing different implementation schemes for the terminal device to hand over to the first cell.

[0012] In one possible design, the terminal device switches to the first cell based on the instruction of the second information, including: receiving the second information; when the terminal device switches to the first cell, retaining or deleting the first data according to the first information, including: retaining or deleting the first data according to the second information and the first information.

[0013] Based on this possible design, in the LTM-based mobility-triggered cell handover process, the network device usually sends a handover command to the terminal device to trigger the handover. Therefore, the LTM-based mobility-triggered cell handover of the terminal device is actually based on the second information sent to it by the network device to trigger the handover, providing a possible implementation method for the terminal device to hand over to the first cell.

[0014] In one possible design, if the first cell meets the handover conditions of the Conditional Handover (CHO), then the first information is carried in the Conditional Configuration Information; if the terminal device hands over to the first cell based on the instruction of the second information, then the first information is carried in the candidate information of the Mobility Management (LTM) triggered by Layer 1 / Layer 2.

[0015] Based on this possible design, for different trigger handover methods, network devices will usually configure corresponding configuration information for terminal devices. Therefore, the first information can be included in the configuration information (e.g., when cell handover is triggered by handover conditions based on CHO, the first information can be included in the conditional configuration information; or, when cell handover is triggered by mobility based on LTM, the first information can be included in the LTM candidate information) to save signaling overhead.

[0016] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to instruct a first data collection configuration; and collecting first data based on the third information.

[0017] Based on this possible design, the terminal device needs to replace the collection and storage of the first data, providing a prerequisite for determining whether to retain or delete the first data based on the first information during switching.

[0018] In one possible design, the first data corresponds to one or more of the following use cases: energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) feedback, beam management, or positioning.

[0019] Based on this possible design, the first data can correspond to different use cases, thereby providing different application scenarios for the implementation of the communication method of this application.

[0020] In one possible design, if the first data is retained based on the first information, the method further includes: switching to the first cell; sending fourth information indicating that the first data is available.

[0021] Based on this possible design, after the handover, the terminal device can inform the second network device (i.e., the network device to which the first cell belongs) that the first data is available, so that the second network device knows that the terminal device has the first data to be acquired, thus providing a prerequisite for the terminal device to report the first data to the second network device.

[0022] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving fifth information based on fourth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the terminal device to report first data; and sending the first data.

[0023] Based on this possible design, after the terminal device reports that the first data is available, the second network device can obtain the first data from the terminal device and then forward the first data to the first network device, thereby enabling the terminal device to report the first data to the first network device.

[0024] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining whether a fifth message is received within a first time period, the fifth message being used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data; and deleting the first data if the fifth message is not received within the first time period.

[0025] Based on this possible design, if the terminal device does not receive information from the second network device to acquire the first data (i.e., the fifth information) within the first time period after reporting that the first data is available, it may consider deleting the first data to save storage space.

[0026] In one possible design, the method further includes deleting the first data when the terminal device switches from the first cell to the second cell, or when the terminal device switches from the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state to the RRC disconnected state.

[0027] Based on this possible design, if the terminal device switches over or switches to an RRC disconnected state after reporting that the first data is available, the first data can be deleted to save storage space.

[0028] In one possible design, the second cell is located outside at least one target cell.

[0029] Based on this possible design, since at least one of the target cells mentioned above are trusted and / or untrusted cells identified by the first network device, while the second cell has not been identified as trustworthy by the first network device, if the first data is reported to the network device to which the second cell belongs, there may be a risk of privacy data leakage for the first network device. Therefore, it is not considered to report the first data to the network device to which the second cell belongs. At this time, the terminal device can no longer complete the reporting of the first data, so it is possible to consider deleting the first data to save storage space for the terminal device.

[0030] In one possible design, when a terminal device switches from a first cell to a second cell, deleting the first data includes: the terminal device switching from the first cell to the second cell; receiving sixth information, the sixth information being used to instruct a second data collection configuration, the second data collection configuration being used by the terminal device to collect second data; and deleting the first data according to the sixth information.

[0031] Based on this possible design, when the terminal device receives the sixth message, it triggers the deletion of the first data. That is, upon receiving the sixth message, the terminal device can delete the first data to reserve storage space for the second data.

[0032] In one possible design, deleting the first data based on the sixth information includes: determining whether there are free resources in the storage area within the terminal device; and deleting the first data if there are no free resources in the storage area.

[0033] Based on this possible design, after receiving the sixth information, the terminal device can determine whether there is space available in its storage area; if there is no free space, the first data is deleted to reserve storage space for the second data.

[0034] In one possible design, the terminal device is in an RRC connected state; or, after receiving the first information and before retaining or deleting the first data according to the first information, the terminal device switches from an RRC disconnected state to an RRC connected state.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a first network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first network device" in this application can refer to the first network device itself, a component within the first network device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network device. The method includes: determining first information, the first information indicating at least one target cell and whether first data should be retained or deleted when the terminal device switches to a cell in the at least one target cell; the first data being data collected by the terminal device; and sending the first information.

[0036] Based on the second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus. A terminal device and its source serving cell need to agree on a set of cells. When the terminal device switches to a cell within this set, it needs to retain or delete the data it has collected (e.g., the source serving cell sends first information to the terminal device, the first information indicating at least one target cell, and specifying whether the terminal device needs to retain or delete first data when switching to a cell within the at least one target cell; the first data is the data collected by the terminal device). Therefore, when the terminal device needs to perform a cell handover (i.e., switch to the first cell), it can determine whether to retain or delete the collected data by judging whether the target cell (i.e., the first cell) it needs to switch to is a cell within a set of cells (i.e., at least one target cell) pre-indicated by its source serving cell.

[0037] For example, the source serving cell can be determined based on whether the cell is trustworthy. If a cell is trustworthy, reporting the first data to the network device belonging to that cell will not cause leakage of the serving cell's privacy data, even if the first data contains privacy data of the serving cell. Therefore, when the terminal device needs to switch to that cell (e.g., the first cell), the first data can be retained. After the switch is completed, the first data can be reported to the network device belonging to the first cell (i.e., the second network device) to achieve the reporting of the first data. If a cell is untrustworthy, reporting the first data to the first cell is considered as potentially causing leakage of the serving cell's privacy data. Therefore, it is determined not to report the first data to the first cell to reduce the risk of leakage of the serving cell's privacy data and ensure data security. Furthermore, deleting the first data can also be considered to save storage space for the terminal device.

[0038] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information being used to instruct a first data collection configuration, the first data collection configuration being used by the terminal device to collect first data.

[0039] In one possible design, the first data corresponds to one or more of the following use cases: energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) feedback, beam management, or positioning.

[0040] In one possible design, the terminal device is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; or, after sending the first information, the terminal device transitions from the RRC disconnected state to the RRC connected state.

[0041] The technical effects of any possible design in the second aspect can be referenced to the technical effects of the corresponding design in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated here.

[0042] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be applied to the terminal device described in the first aspect to realize the functions performed by the terminal device. The communication device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip (SoC) of the terminal device. The communication device can execute the functions performed by the terminal device through hardware or through corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations or cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; correspondingly, the processing module can independently complete the following processing operations or cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

[0043] The transceiver module is used to receive first information, which indicates at least one target cell and whether to retain or delete first data when the terminal device switches to one of the at least one target cell. The first data is data collected by the terminal device. The processing module is used to retain or delete the first data according to the first information when the terminal device switches to the first cell. The first cell is one of the at least one target cell.

[0044] Optionally, the transceiver module is also used to receive the second information; when the terminal device switches to the first cell, the processing module is also used to retain or delete the first data based on the second information and the first information.

[0045] Optionally, if the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to retain the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, the processing module is further configured to retain the first data according to the first information; if the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to delete the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, the processing module is further configured to delete the first data according to the first information.

[0046] Optionally, the transceiver module is also used to receive third information, which is used to indicate the first data collection configuration; the processing module is also used to collect the first data based on the third information.

[0047] Optionally, the processing module is also used to switch to the first cell; the transceiver module is also used to send fourth information, which indicates that the first data is available.

[0048] Optionally, the processing module is also used to receive fifth information based on the fourth information, the fifth information being used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data; the transceiver module is also used to send the first data.

[0049] Optionally, the transceiver module is also configured to determine whether a fifth message is received within a first time period, the fifth message being used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data; and to delete the first data if the fifth message is not received within the first time period.

[0050] Optionally, when the terminal device switches from the first cell to the second cell, or when the terminal device switches from the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state to the RRC disconnected state, the processing module is also used to delete the first data.

[0051] Optionally, the processing module is also used for the terminal device to switch from the first cell to the second cell; the transceiver module is also used for receiving the sixth information, which is used to instruct the second data collection configuration, which is used for the terminal device to collect the second data; the processing module is also used for deleting the first data according to the sixth information.

[0052] Optionally, the processing module determines whether there are free resources in the storage area within the terminal device; and if there are no free resources in the storage area, deletes the first data.

[0053] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in this example may also perform the corresponding functions in any possible design of the first aspect described above, as detailed in the method example, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the foregoing related content.

[0054] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be applied to the first network device described in the second aspect to realize the functions performed by the first network device. The communication device can be the first network device itself, or it can be a chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip (SoC) of the first network device. The communication device can execute the functions performed by the first network device through hardware or through corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations or cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; correspondingly, the processing module can independently complete the following processing operations or cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

[0055] The processing module is used to determine first information, which is used to indicate at least one target cell and whether to retain or delete first data when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells. The first data is data collected by the terminal device. The transceiver module is used to send the first information.

[0056] Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in this example may also perform the corresponding functions in any possible design of the second aspect described above, as detailed in the method example, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the aforementioned related content.

[0057] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including one or more processors; the one or more processors are configured to cause the method described in the first or second aspect to be executed by means of logic circuits and / or by running computer programs or instructions.

[0058] In one possible design, the communication device further includes one or more memories coupled to one or more processors, the memories used to store the aforementioned computer programs or instructions. In one possible implementation, the memories are located outside the communication device. In another possible implementation, the memories are located inside the communication device. In embodiments of this application, the processor and memory may also be integrated into a single device, i.e., the processor and memory may be integrated together. In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving and / or transmitting information.

[0059] In one possible design, the communication device further includes one or more communication interfaces coupled to one or more processors, and the communication interfaces are used to communicate with other modules outside the communication device.

[0060] In one possible design, the communication device is a chip or chip system.

[0061] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes an interface circuit and a logic circuit; the interface circuit is used to input and / or output information; the logic circuit is used to perform the method described in the first or second aspect, and to process and / or generate information based on the information.

[0062] In one possible design, the communication device is a chip or chip system.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the methods described in the first or second aspect to be performed.

[0064] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing computer instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the methods described in the first or second aspect to be executed.

[0065] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods described in the first or second aspect to be executed.

[0066] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip, including: a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store programs or instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the methods described in the first or second aspect to be executed.

[0067] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through ten are similar to those in aspects one or two above, and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0068] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which may include communication devices for performing the communication described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, and communication devices for performing the communication described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of an AI model provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of a cell handover process provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication architecture provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication architecture provided in this application;

[0074] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application;

[0075] Figures 6 to 14 are schematic flowcharts of the communication method provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0079] Before describing the embodiments of this application, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0080] Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is a technology that simulates complex calculations by mimicking the human brain. With the improvement of data storage and computing power, AI is finding increasingly wider applications. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), in Release 17 (Rel17 or R17), adopted a study item (SI), proposing the application of AI to new radio (NR) to improve network performance and user experience through smartphones and data analysis.

[0081] Based on discussions within the 3GPP Radio Access Network 3 (RAN3) working group, a preliminary framework for the application of AI in NR has been defined. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1(a), the AI ​​framework includes a data collection entity, a model training entity, a model inference entity, and an actor entity.

[0082] Among them, the data collection entity can serve as a database for model training and data analysis inference, and is used to store data inputs from base stations (such as the evolved Node B (gNB), the centralized unit (gNB-CU), or the distributed unit (gNB-DU), etc.), terminal equipment (such as user equipment (UE)), or other management entities.

[0083] The model training entity analyzes the training data provided by the data collection entity to produce the optimal AI model. The model inference entity uses this AI entity, based on the data provided by the data collection entity, to make reasonable AI-based predictions about the network's operation, or to guide the network in making policy adjustments. These policy adjustments are planned uniformly by the execution entity and sent to multiple network entities for execution. Simultaneously, the network's specific performance after applying these policies is input into the data collection entity and stored.

[0084] AI-based application examples (use cases): The 3GPP Radio Access Network 1 (RAN1) working group has designed use cases for AI applications on the radio access network (RAN) side, including CSI-RS feedback enhancement, beam management enhancement, and positioning accuracy enhancement. The Radio Access Network 3 (RAN3) working group has designed use cases for AI applications on the RAN side, including energy saving, load balancing, and mobility optimization.

[0085] (1) CSI-RS feedback enhancement: The base station and UE exchange a dictionary in advance (usually the base station trains the AI ​​model in advance according to the UE's capabilities and its own requirements, obtains the dictionary (such as encoder and quantizer tools) and sends it to the UE); further, the UE compresses and quantizes the feedback matrix according to the dictionary based on the channel matrix results it has measured, and reports the result after processing according to the dictionary to the base station; thus, the base station recovers the original channel matrix based on the dictionary and the result reported by the UE.

[0086] (2) Enhanced Beam Management: A certain number of UEs report the results of full beam scanning of the synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SSB) to the base station, enabling the base station to train the sparse scanning matrix (i.e., the initial model); this matrix is ​​usually unique to each cell. The base station then sends this matrix to the UE (e.g., via system information block (SIB) messages), allowing the UE to perform beam scanning in phase P1 based on this matrix and report the scanning results to the base station. Further, the base station infers the optimal CSI-RS beam based on the scanning results and performs phase P2 beam scanning on the UE based on the CSI-RS beam, thus the UE feeds back the identifier (ID) of the optimal CSI-RS beam obtained from the scanning to the base station.

[0087] (3) Enhanced positioning accuracy: The original data is collected by the UE controlled by the operator, and the location management function (LMF) and the base station are trained respectively. Among them, the AI ​​model trained by the LMF can infer the final positioning information (such as latitude and longitude), and the AI ​​model trained by the base station can infer the line of sight (LOS) / non-line of sight (NLOS) judgment result.

[0088] (4) Energy saving: By collecting load, energy consumption, energy efficiency information of itself and neighboring cells, as well as UE movement path information and measurement results (such as measurement results obtained by UE through measurement) from the base station, the trend of its own load is predicted (i.e., using the above data to train an AI model and make predictions based on the AI ​​model); and in combination with the purpose of the cell and the requirements of key performance indicators (KPIs), energy saving measures are taken in a timely and appropriate manner without affecting network coverage and user access.

[0089] Specifically, the simplest energy-saving strategy includes directly deactivating the cell. Other energy-saving strategies may include carrier shutdown, channel shutdown, time slot shutdown, and reduced transmit power. More complex energy-saving strategies may combine some or all of the above strategies. Furthermore, when network coverage is affected or cannot meet UE access and service requirements, the current energy-saving strategy needs to be modified, or the energy-saving state should be directly turned off (i.e., restored to normal state), and the load should be re-predicted or the currently used AI model should be changed for re-inference.

[0090] (5) Load balancing: By collecting load, energy consumption, energy efficiency information of itself and neighboring cells, as well as UE movement path information and measurement results (such as measurement results obtained by UE through measurement), the base station predicts the trend of its own load (i.e., using the above data to train an AI model and make predictions based on the AI ​​model); and combined with cell purpose, key performance indicator (KPI) requirements, etc., reasonably select some UEs to switch to neighboring cells or receive UEs from neighboring cells, so that the load levels of base stations in the entire network are similar, reducing the situation where some base stations are overloaded and affect normal services, while some base station resources are idle.

[0091] However, since the accuracy of predictions is not 100%, it can lead to the selection of unsuitable UEs (or unreasonable UE selection) or unsuitable target cells for handover (or unreasonable target cells for handover), resulting in handover failures or disruptions to UE services (i.e., inaccurate load prediction leading to poor load balancing). Furthermore, temporary abnormal load fluctuations may occur in load balancing scenarios, rendering the original load balancing strategy inapplicable. When these problems occur, it is necessary to exit or modify the current load balancing strategy, consider re-predicting the load, or change the currently used AI model for re-inference.

[0092] (6) Mobility optimization: By collecting historical motion path information of the UE through the base station and combining it with the UE's measurement information, the future motion path of the UE is predicted (i.e., using the above data to train an AI model and making predictions based on the AI ​​model). Based on the predicted motion path, it is determined in advance whether the UE needs to hand over, and the handover configuration is issued in advance and the target cell is notified to prepare access resources, thereby reducing the delay of the UE during the handover process and reducing the probability of handover and access failure.

[0093] However, since motion path prediction accuracy is not 100%, errors in motion path prediction can lead to UE handover failures and service interruptions. In such cases, it is necessary to consider retraining the model and inference based on the aforementioned anomalies, or to consider replacing the AI ​​model to prevent similar anomalies from recurring in subsequent UEs.

[0094] Based on the six use cases mentioned above, it is clear that the base station needs the UE to collect and report data when training and / or inferring AI models. Therefore, the Radio Access Network 2 (RAN2) working group is standardizing mechanisms for collecting radio measurement and related data (such as the data collected by the UE mentioned above, such as measurement results). This data is used to train AI models executed on the network side (such as AI Markup Language (AIML) models) and / or for inference based on AI models. In other words, RAN2 is standardizing data collection for AI models executed on the network side. Furthermore, given the unique characteristics of data collection for AI models, the RAN2 working group is also standardizing some enhancements.

[0095] Specifically, to enable the AI ​​model to collect data, the network side can configure the measurement signals for the UE (e.g., in the AIMI model-based beam management (enhanced) use case, the UE will be configured with the CSI-RS resources it should measure). The UE can then perform measurements based on this configuration and record the results in its memory. After a period of time, the network side can request the UE to transmit the collected data (such as measurement results) to the network side. The end time of this period can be determined by the network side itself, or it can be the moment the network side receives an indication message from the UE (i.e., the UE sends an indication message to the network side within this period). This indication message indicates that the UE has stored the data required by the network side (or, in other words, it indicates that the UE has stored data waiting to be retrieved by the network side). Therefore, the UE can transmit the collected data to the network side based on the network side's request, allowing the network side to train the AI ​​model based on this data, or for the network side to further forward the data to Operations and Maintenance (OAM).

[0096] However, due to UE mobility, there may be situations where the UE needs to hand over to another base station after collecting data. Since the handover (HO) process is highly sensitive to latency, the UE's source station (e.g., serving cell) may not have enough time to transmit the collected data to the source station before a handover occurs. Therefore, to avoid data loss, the RAN2 working group agreed that the UE should retain log data during handover, and during handover, the UE should also indicate to the target station (e.g., target cell) that it has stored data that needs to be transmitted to the source station but has not yet been transmitted (or, in other words, indicate that it has stored data that needs to be transmitted to the source station but is yet to be retrieved).

[0097] Specifically, when the UE is in the radio resource control (RRC) connected state, the handover process after the UE collects data is shown in Figure 1(b). At this time, the UE can transmit the collected data to the source station based on steps S101 to S106 as shown in Figure 1(b):

[0098] S101, the source station sends configuration information to the UE, and the UE receives the configuration information from the source station accordingly. The configuration information indicates the configuration for collecting data used to train the AI ​​model.

[0099] For example, the configuration information may include AI data collection configuration. This AI data collection configuration refers to the settings used to collect data for training AI models. Furthermore, the configuration information may include RRC reconfiguration information.

[0100] S102. The UE collects data based on the configuration information. The data collected by the UE needs to be transmitted to the source station so that the source station can use the data to train an AI model.

[0101] S103, The source station sends a handover command to the UE; correspondingly, the UE receives the handover command from the source station. The handover command instructs the UE to hand over from the source station to the target station.

[0102] S104. The UE performs a handover according to the handover command.

[0103] S105, the UE sends feedback information to the target station; correspondingly, the target station receives the feedback information from the UE. The feedback information indicates that the UE has stored data that needs to be transmitted to the source station (i.e., the data described in step S102) that has not yet been transmitted (or, in other words, indicates that the UE has stored data that needs to be transmitted to the source station but is yet to be acquired).

[0104] For example, step S105 is performed after the UE handover is completed. For instance, feedback information is also used to indicate that the handover is complete.

[0105] S106. The target station obtains the data from the UE.

[0106] For example, after receiving the feedback information, the target station can obtain the data from the UE based on the feedback information. Specifically, the target station can configure resources for the UE to transmit the data, so that the UE can send the data to the target station on the resources.

[0107] For example, transmitting the data to the target station indicates that the terminal device has completed the data reporting (i.e., the data has been reported to the network); thus, devices in the network (such as the source station, OAM, etc.) can train AI models or perform corresponding inference based on the data.

[0108] Based on the data transmission process shown in Figure 1(b), the UE can report data to the network through the target station. However, if the data contains the source station's private data (such as information about the model / algorithm used by the network provider, information that can infer about the cell radio configuration, etc.), it is easy for this private data to be leaked to the target station.

[0109] For example, if the source and target stations belong to different network providers, the source station's network provider may not want data collected within its coverage area (i.e., data collected by the UE within the source station's coverage area) to be known by other network providers. Even if the target station transparently forwards the data to the source station, the standardized structure of the message carrying the data during transmission can still lead to the data being parsed by the target station's network provider, resulting in information leakage. Therefore, ensuring data security when the UE transmits its collected data to the base station is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

[0110] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus. A set of cells needs to be agreed upon between a terminal device and its source serving cell. When the terminal device switches to a cell within this set, it needs to retain or delete the data it has collected (e.g., the source serving cell sends first information to the terminal device, the first information indicating at least one target cell, and specifying whether the terminal device needs to retain or delete first data when switching to a cell within the at least one target cell; the first data is the data collected by the terminal device). Therefore, when the terminal device needs to perform a cell handover (i.e., switch to the first cell), it can determine whether to retain or delete the collected data by judging whether the target cell (i.e., the first cell) it needs to switch to is a cell within a set of cells (i.e., at least one target cell) pre-indicated by its source serving cell.

[0111] For example, the source serving cell can be determined based on whether the cell is trustworthy. If a cell is trustworthy, reporting the first data to the network device belonging to that cell will not cause leakage of the serving cell's privacy data, even if the first data contains privacy data of the serving cell. Therefore, when the terminal device needs to switch to that cell (e.g., the first cell), the first data can be retained. After the switch is completed, the first data can be reported to the network device belonging to the first cell (i.e., the second network device) to achieve the reporting of the first data. If a cell is untrustworthy, reporting the first data to the first cell is considered as potentially causing leakage of the serving cell's privacy data. Therefore, it is determined not to report the first data to the first cell to reduce the risk of leakage of the serving cell's privacy data and ensure data security. Furthermore, deleting the first data can also be considered to save storage space for the terminal device.

[0112] The communication method provided in this application can be used in any communication system, such as a 3GPP communication system, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) system, or a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, a hybrid LTE and 5G network system, a new radio (NR) system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (IoT) system, a narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), and various types of future communication systems. It can also be used in non-terrestrial communication networks. Network (NTN) systems (such as satellite communication systems) and non-3GPP communication systems are not restricted.

[0113] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the application is not limited to these systems. This will be explained in detail here and will not be repeated below.

[0114] Referring to Figure 2, a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. Further, the communication system may also include a core network (CN). Optionally, different terminal devices can communicate with each other. In Figure 2, network element 110 (such as network elements 110a and 110b) can be a radio access network node, and terminal 120 (such as terminals 120a to 120j) can be a terminal device.

[0115] Optionally, the terminal device can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities or a chip or chip system that can be configured on the device, allowing users to access the network and providing voice and / or data connectivity to users. The terminal device can also be referred to as UE, subscriber unit, terminal, mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0116] For example, a terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. Terminal devices can also be user stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminal devices, mobile terminal devices, user terminal devices, wireless communication devices, user agents, user devices, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices, processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in the Internet of Things (IoT), home appliances, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (Light UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. Wireless terminals in the home, vehicles with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication capabilities, intelligent connected vehicles, vehicle devices (such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs), etc.), drones with UAV-to-UAV (U2U) communication capabilities, terminal devices in future networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs) are not restricted.

[0117] Terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit (SU), subscriber station (SS), mobile station (MB), mobile station (Mobile), remote station (RS), access point (AP), remote terminal (RT), access terminal (AT), user terminal (UT), user agent (UA), user device (UD), or UE.

[0118] Optionally, the network device can be any device deployed in the access network capable of wireless communication with terminal devices. It can also be a chip or chip system configurable within the aforementioned device, a logical node or module, or a function implemented in software. Its main responsibilities include air interface-side wireless physical control, resource scheduling, wireless resource management, quality of service management, data compression and encryption, wireless access control, and mobility management. Specifically, the network device can be either a wired access device or a wireless access device.

[0119] For example, a network device can consist of one or more access network (AN) / RAN nodes. AN / RAN nodes can be various types of base stations, such as: satellite base stations, gNBs, transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved NodeBs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), NodeBs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs, or home NodeBs (HNBs), macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, balloon stations, drone stations, wireless backhaul nodes, base band units (BBUs), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points (APs), etc. It is understood that network devices can be ground-based or non-ground-based devices (such as satellites, drones, high-altitude communication equipment, etc.). Furthermore, in communication systems employing different wireless access technologies, the names of network devices with base station functions may differ, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0120] Optionally, the roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative. For example, in Figure 2, terminal 120i and terminal 120j, since terminal 120j needs to access the wireless access network device 110a through terminal 120i, terminal 120i can be configured as a wireless access network device relative to terminal 120j; while relative to wireless access network device 110a, terminal 120i is a terminal device, meaning that wireless access network device 110a and terminal 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Optionally, network device 110a and terminal 120i can also communicate via a network device-to-network device interface protocol. In this case, terminal 120i also acts as a wireless access network device relative to network device 110a. Optionally, communication between network devices and terminal devices, between network devices, or between terminal devices can be conducted via licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both licensed and unlicensed spectrum simultaneously. Optionally, communication between network devices and terminal devices, between network devices, or between terminal devices can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, or using spectrum above 6 GHz, or simultaneously using spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0121] In another example, the network equipment may include a BBU and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different places; for example, the RRU can be moved remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is located in the central equipment room. The BBU and RRU can also be located in the same equipment room. The BBU and RRU can also be different components under the same rack.

[0122] In another example, the network device can be a device that includes centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or both CU and DU nodes. Specifically, when the first network element is a terminal device, the second network element is a DU.

[0123] One CU can be associated with one or more DUs. As shown in Figure 3, base stations #1 and #2 each contain a CU and multiple DUs. Base stations #1 and #2 can communicate with each other, and they can also communicate with the core network. Specifically, the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer are located in the CU, while the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical (PHY) layer are located in the DU, which are centrally controlled by the CU. CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in a BBU. Furthermore, the centralized unit CU can be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP).

[0124] In another example, the network device may also be a device that includes a radio unit (RU), or a device that includes a CU, a DU, and a RU. The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as an RRU, an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0125] It is understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0126] In combination with the two embodiments described above, optionally, the communication system shown in Figure 2 may further include an AI network element; the AI ​​network element is a module with machine learning computing capabilities. In this application, the AI ​​network element can be used to predict the measurement results of the target neighboring cell (i.e., perform inter-frequency prediction). The AI ​​network element can be located in the OAM (Operational Aspect-Oriented Module), or in network equipment (such as a base station) or CU (Combined Unit), or in some terminal equipment, or it can be referred to as a separate network element entity.

[0127] Specifically, in wireless communication systems, the main function of AI network elements is to perform a series of AI calculations based on input data (such as network operation data provided by the RAN or monitored by OAM, including network load and channel quality), including model building, model training, training approximation, and reinforcement learning. The trained models provided by AI network elements have predictive capabilities for changes in the RAN-side network and can typically be used for load prediction and UE path prediction. Furthermore, AI network elements can also use the predicted RAN network performance results from the trained models to perform policy reasoning from the perspectives of network energy saving and mobility optimization, in order to obtain reasonable and efficient energy-saving strategies and mobility optimization strategies.

[0128] When the AI ​​network element is located in the OAM, its communication with the RAN-side gNB can reuse the current northbound interface. When the AI ​​network element is located in the gNB or CU, it can reuse the current F1, Xn, Uu, and other interfaces. When the AI ​​network element becomes an independent network entity, a new communication link needs to be established with the OAM and RAN sides, for example, based on a wired link or a wireless link. When the CP and UP of the CU are separated, the CP is usually responsible for receiving the AI ​​model and subsequent AI inference and policy generation functions. When the CU-CP is further divided into CU-CP1 and CU-CP2, CU-CP1 is usually responsible for receiving the model and subsequent AI inference functions and generating specific interaction signaling, which is then sent by CU-CP2.

[0129] Referring to Figure 4, a schematic diagram of a communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). This RIC includes a near-real-time RIC (near-RT RIC) and a non-real-time RIC (non-RT RIC). The near-real-time RIC is used for model training and inference. For example, it is used to train an artificial intelligence (AI) model and then use that AI model for inference. The near-real-time RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from network devices (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and / or RU) and / or terminal devices. This information can be used as training data or inference data.

[0130] Optionally, the near real-time RIC can deliver inference results to network devices and / or terminal devices. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between the CU and DU, and / or between the DU and RU. For example, the near real-time RIC delivers inference results to the DU, and the DU sends them to the RU. This is used to achieve near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0131] For example, a non-real-time RIC is used for model training and inference. For instance, it can be used to train an AI model and then use that model for inference. The non-real-time RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and / or RU) and / or terminal devices. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to the network devices and / or terminal devices. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CUs and DUs, and / or between DUs and RUs; for example, the non-real-time RIC delivers the inference results to the DU, which then forwards them to the RU.

[0132] For example, near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC can also be set up as separate network elements.

[0133] Optionally, near real-time RICs and non-real-time RICs can also be part of other devices. For example, near real-time RICs can be set in network devices (e.g., CU, DU), while non-real-time RICs can be set in OAM, cloud servers, CN, or other network devices.

[0134] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is provided only and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions described in this embodiment.

[0135] Network devices and / or terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located. Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware or general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal devices and network devices.

[0136] Optionally, the AI ​​network element can be deployed in one or more of the following locations within the communication system: network devices, terminal devices, or core network devices, etc. Alternatively, the AI ​​network element can be deployed independently, for example, in a location other than any of the aforementioned devices, such as in the host or cloud server of an over-the-top (OTT) system. The AI ​​network element can communicate with other devices in the communication system, which can be one or more of the following: network devices, terminal devices, or core network elements, etc.

[0137] It is understood that this application does not limit the number of AI network elements. For example, when there are multiple AI network elements, these elements can be divided based on function, such as different AI network elements being responsible for different functions.

[0138] It can also be understood that AI network elements can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to achieve different functions. Alternatively, they can be network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the aforementioned AI network elements.

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the AI ​​network element can be referred to as an AI node or an AI module.

[0140] Optionally, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by the aforementioned terminal device or network device, or by components of the terminal device or network device, such as by application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or software (such as program code in memory) deployed in the terminal device or network device components, without limitation.

[0141] In specific implementation, as shown in Figure 2, each terminal device and network device can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 5, or include the components shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 can be a terminal device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal device; it can also be a network device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a network device. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 includes a processor 501, a transceiver 502, and a communication line 503.

[0142] Furthermore, the communication device 500 may also include a memory 504. The processor 501, memory 504, and transceiver 502 can be connected via a communication line 503.

[0143] Wherein, processor 501 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or a neural processing unit (NPU), or any combination thereof. Processor 501 may also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0144] Transceiver 502 is used to communicate with other communication devices or other communication networks. These other communication networks can be Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Transceiver 502 can be a communication module, interface circuit, input / output interface, chip pins, a transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0145] Communication line 503 is used to transmit information between the components included in communication device 500.

[0146] Memory 504 is used to store instructions. These instructions can be computer programs.

[0147] The memory 504 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and / or instructions; it can also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and / or instructions; it can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0148] It is understood that memory 504 can exist independently of processor 501, or it can be integrated with processor 501. Memory 504 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. Memory 504 can be located within communication device 500, or it can be located in...

[0149] Apart from the communication device 500, there are no restrictions. The processor 501 is used to execute instructions stored in the memory 504 to implement the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0150] In one example, processor 501 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 5.

[0151] As an optional implementation, the communication device 500 may include multiple processors, for example, in addition to the processor 501 in FIG. 5, it may also include a processor 507.

[0152] As an optional implementation, the communication device 500 also includes an output device 505 and an input device 506. For example, the input device 506 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 505 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0153] It is understood that the communication device 500 can be any of the aforementioned terminal devices, network devices, such as desktop computers, portable computers, network servers, mobile phones, tablet computers, wireless terminals, embedded devices, chip systems, or devices with a similar structure to that shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the composition shown in Figure 5 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 5, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0154] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0155] Furthermore, the actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referenced interchangeably without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages exchanged between the various devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation.

[0156] The communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described below with reference to the communication system shown in Figure 2, taking a terminal device, a first network device, and a second network device as examples. The first network device includes the serving cell of the terminal device, and the second network device includes the first cell (i.e., the target cell) to which the terminal device is switched. The terminal device can be any terminal device in the communication system shown in Figure 2, and the serving cell and target cell of the terminal device belong to different network devices in the communication system shown in Figure 2. The terminal device and network device described in the following embodiments can include the components shown in Figure 4.

[0157] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0158] Referring to Figure 6, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, the method may include the following steps:

[0159] S601, The first network device sends first information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the first network device.

[0160] Wherein, the first network device is the serving network device of the terminal device, the first information is used to indicate at least one target cell, and whether the terminal device should retain or delete (or, can be replaced by discarding) the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, and the first data is the data collected by the terminal device.

[0161] For example, the first network device is the serving network device of the terminal device, which can be understood as: the cell controlled by the first network device includes the serving cell of the terminal device. Therefore, before step S601, the first network device also needs to determine (or generate) the first information.

[0162] For example, the first information is used to indicate at least one target cell, including: the first information contains the identifier of at least one target cell.

[0163] Specifically, cell identifiers include, but are not limited to: physical cell identifier (PCI) and cell global identifier (CGI).

[0164] For ease of description, the "instruction information for indicating whether to retain or delete the first data when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells" will be referred to as "data instruction" for short, and will not be elaborated further here. For example, "whether to retain or delete the first data when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells" can include the following two possible implementations:

[0165] In one possible implementation, at least one target cell corresponds to either retaining or deleting the first data.

[0166] For example, retaining or deleting the first data in at least one target cell can be understood as retaining or deleting the first data in each of the at least one target cell. In other words, when the terminal device switches to any of the at least one target cell, the first data must be retained or deleted.

[0167] Specifically, taking at least one target cell containing cells #1 to #3 as an example, cells #1 to #3 can retain the first data, that is, the first data must be retained when the terminal device switches to any one of cells #1 to #3; or, cells #1 to #3 can delete the first data, that is, the first data must be deleted when the terminal device switches to any one of cells #1 to #3.

[0168] In one example, the data indication may be pre-agreed upon between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0169] For example, it could be assumed that the first data is retained when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells, or that the first data is deleted when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells. In this case, the first information instructs whether the first data should be retained or deleted when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells. This can also be understood as: the first information implicitly instructs whether the first data should be retained or deleted when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells (i.e., the first information does not contain data indication). That is, regardless of which cell the first information indicates (i.e., at least one target cell), the first data must be retained or deleted when the terminal device switches to that cell.

[0170] In another example, the first information may include a data indication that instructs the terminal device to retain or delete the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells. That is, at least one target cell corresponds to retaining or deleting the first data, which can be understood as: at least one target cell corresponds to indication #1. Therefore, when the terminal device switches to at least one of the target cells, it must retain or delete the first data according to the indication of indication #1.

[0171] In another possible implementation, at least some cells in the target cell retain the first data, while other cells delete the first data.

[0172] For example, in this possible implementation, when the terminal device switches to any cell in the part of cells, the first data must be retained; when the terminal device switches to another part of cells, the first data must be deleted.

[0173] Optionally, the first information may include data indication #1 and data indication #2, with data indication #1 corresponding to a portion of the target cells and data indication #2 corresponding to another portion of the cells; wherein, data indication #1 is used to indicate that the terminal device should retain the first data when switching to a cell in at least one of the target cells, and data indication #2 is used to indicate that the terminal device should delete the first data when switching to a cell in at least one of the target cells.

[0174] For example, taking at least one target cell including cell #1 to cell #3 as an example, cell #1 and cell #2 can correspond to data indicator #1, and cell #3 can correspond to data indicator #2. That is, when the terminal device switches to cell #1 or cell #2, the first data needs to be retained; when the terminal device switches to cell #3, the first data needs to be deleted.

[0175] Combining the two possible implementations described above, optionally, the first network device can determine the at least one target cell based on whether the cell is trustworthy. For example, the first network device can determine some or all of the cells it has identified as trustworthy cells as the at least one target cell, in which case the at least one target cell retains the first data; or, it can determine some or all of the cells it has identified as untrustworthy cells as the at least one target cell, in which case the at least one target cell deletes the first data; or, it can determine some or all of the cells it has identified as trustworthy cells as some of the cells in the at least one target cell, and determine some or all of the cells it has identified as untrustworthy cells as another part of the cells in the at least one target cell, so that the at least one target cell includes both trustworthy and untrustworthy cells; wherein, trustworthy cells retain the first data, and untrustworthy cells delete the first data.

[0176] For example, the first network device can identify trusted cells that belong to the same operator (or the same network provider) as the serving cell, and untrusted cells that belong to different operators (or different network providers) as the serving cell.

[0177] Optionally, the data collected by the terminal device may be data for model training (or, or simply: training data), and / or data for inference (or, for model inference) (or, or simply: inference data); that is, the first data includes, but is not limited to, training data and / or inference data.

[0178] Optionally, the first information can be carried in any of the following: RRC signaling, medium access control (MAC)-control element (MAC-CE) signaling, or downlink control information (DCI). For example, the first information can be carried in RRC reconfiguration information.

[0179] S602. When the terminal device switches to the first cell, the terminal device retains or deletes the first data according to the first information.

[0180] The first cell is one of at least one target cell.

[0181] For example, when a terminal device needs to perform a handover, and the cell it is handing over to is a cell among at least one of the target cells (i.e., the first cell), the terminal device can perform step S602, that is, retain or delete the first data according to the first information. Furthermore, if the cell the terminal device is handing over to is not the first cell (or, in other words, the cell the terminal device is handing over to is a cell other than at least one target cell), the method described in Figure 1(b) above can be used, or any other possible method can be used, which is not limited in this application.

[0182] Specifically, the terminal device can retain or delete the first data according to the instructions of the first information in step S601 above. For example, if the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to retain the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, the terminal device retains the first data according to the first information; if the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to delete the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, the terminal device deletes the first data according to the first information, thereby saving storage space for the terminal device.

[0183] Optionally, after step S602, as shown in Figure 7, the communication method further includes the following step S603:

[0184] S603, the terminal device switches to the first cell.

[0185] For example, a terminal device can disconnect from its serving cell and synchronize with a first cell, thereby switching to the first cell.

[0186] Optionally, after the terminal device switches to the first cell, it can consider reporting the first data to the network device (i.e., the second network device) to which the first cell belongs, so that the first data can be reported to the network through the second network device. Thus, devices in the network (such as the first network device, OAM, etc.) can use this first data for model training and / or inference (such as AI models). The cells controlled by the second network device include the first cell.

[0187] For example, the first network device can use the first data to train and / or infer a model (such as an AI model); or, the first network device can use the first data to train a model through OAM (i.e., the first network device sends the first data to OAM for OAM to train the model, and then the first network device can perform inference based on the trained model).

[0188] Specifically, the implementation of the first data reporting (or transmission) to the second network device can be found in the relevant description of the following embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] This application provides a communication method and apparatus. A terminal device and its source serving cell need to agree on a set of cells (i.e., at least one target cell). When the terminal device switches to a cell within this set, it needs to retain or delete its collected data (e.g., the source serving cell sends first information to the terminal device, the first information indicating at least one target cell, and specifying whether the terminal device needs to retain or delete first data when switching to a cell within the at least one target cell; the first data is data collected by the terminal device). Therefore, when the terminal device needs to perform a cell handover (i.e., switch to the first cell), it can determine whether to retain or delete its collected data by judging whether the target cell (i.e., the first cell) it needs to switch to is a cell within the set of cells (i.e., at least one target cell) pre-indicated by its source serving cell.

[0190] For example, the source serving cell can be determined based on whether the cell is trustworthy. If a cell is trustworthy, reporting the first data to the network device belonging to that cell will not cause leakage of the serving cell's privacy data, even if the first data contains privacy data of the serving cell. Therefore, when the terminal device needs to switch to that cell (e.g., the first cell), the first data can be retained. After the switch is completed, the first data can be reported to the network device belonging to the first cell (i.e., the second network device) to achieve the reporting of the first data. If a cell is untrustworthy, reporting the first data to the first cell is considered as potentially causing leakage of the serving cell's privacy data. Therefore, it is determined not to report the first data to the first cell to reduce the risk of leakage of the serving cell's privacy data and ensure data security. Furthermore, deleting the first data can also be considered to save storage space for the terminal device.

[0191] The above is a general description of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The implementation of "terminal device switching to the first cell" involved in the above embodiments will be described in detail below. For example, the terminal device switching to the first cell may include the following two possible implementations:

[0192] In one possible implementation, the first cell meets the handover conditions for conditional handover (CHO). That is, when the first cell meets the CHO handover conditions, the terminal device hands over to the first cell.

[0193] Optionally, the first network device may pre-configure at least one candidate cell (the at least one candidate cell includes the first cell, and further, the at least one candidate cell includes some or all of the cells in the at least one target cell) and the handover conditions of the CHO for each of the at least one candidate cell; thereby, the terminal device may evaluate the at least one candidate cell, and when the first cell meets its CHO handover conditions, it indicates that the terminal device is handing over to the first cell.

[0194] For example, the first network device can configure at least one candidate cell and the handover conditions for the CHO of each of the at least one candidate cell for the terminal device through information #1. For example, the RRC reconfiguration information may include the identifier of the at least one candidate cell and the handover conditions for the CHO of each of the at least one candidate cell.

[0195] Specifically, information #1 can be carried in any of the following: RRC signaling, MAC-CE signaling, or DCI. For example, information #1 can be carried in RRC reconfiguration information.

[0196] Optionally, during the time from receiving information #1 to executing step S602, the terminal device may remain in the RRC connected state; or, the terminal device may switch from the RRC connected state to the RRC disconnected state (such as the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state) and then switch back to the RRC connected state.

[0197] For example, network devices typically configure relevant parameters for terminal devices when the terminal device is in RRC connected state (e.g., sending information #1 to the terminal device). Therefore, if the terminal device is always in RRC connected state, it means that after receiving information #1, the terminal device can begin to evaluate at least one candidate cell, and then hand over to the first cell when the first cell meets the handover conditions of CHO.

[0198] If a terminal device transitions from an RRC connected state to an RRC disconnected state and then back to an RRC connected state, it indicates that: after receiving information #1, the terminal device may experience a connection failure (such as a radio link failure (RLF)), causing it to transition to an RRC disconnected state. Subsequently, the terminal device initiates an RRC re-establishment process, causing its state to transition back to the RRC connected state. During the RRC re-establishment process, the terminal device can evaluate at least one candidate cell based on information #1, and then handover to the first cell if the first cell meets the CHO handover conditions.

[0199] Furthermore, if information #1 and the first information are carried in the same signaling message (such as RRC reconfiguration information), the terminal device remains in the RRC connected state throughout steps S601 to S602. Alternatively, after step S601 and before step S602, the terminal device transitions from the RRC connected state to the RRC disconnected state and then back to the RRC connected state.

[0200] For example, after step S601 and before step S602, the terminal device changes from an RRC connected state to an RRC disconnected state and then back to an RRC connected state; this can also be simplified as: after step S601 and before step S602, the terminal device changes from an RRC disconnected state to an RRC connected state. Since step S601 needs to be executed while the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, it can be assumed that the terminal device needs to change from an RRC connected state to an RRC disconnected state before changing from an RRC disconnected state to an RRC connected state.

[0201] Optionally, when the first cell meets the handover conditions for CHO, the terminal device typically separates from its serving cell and begins synchronization with the candidate cell. Therefore, in this possible implementation, step S602 can also be replaced by: when the terminal device determines that it is beginning synchronization with the first cell, it retains or deletes the first data based on the first information. Here, the first cell meets the handover conditions for CHO.

[0202] Optionally, in this possible implementation, the first information can be carried in conditional configuration information. For example, the conditional configuration information may be located in the conditional reconfiguration (CondReconfigToAddMod IE) field, which can be part of the RRC reconfiguration information.

[0203] In another possible implementation, the terminal device switches to the first cell based on an indication of second information. The second information is used to indicate the switch to the first cell.

[0204] For example, the terminal device switching to the first cell based on the instruction of the second information can also be replaced by: the terminal device receiving the second information, i.e., switching to the first cell.

[0205] For example, the first network device can send a handover command (i.e., the second information) to the terminal device, so that after receiving the handover command, the terminal device triggers a handover (i.e., a handover to the first cell). That is, as shown in Figure 8(a), the method further includes step S600:

[0206] S600, the first network device sends the second information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information from the first network device.

[0207] For example, the second information can be carried in the signaling of layer 1 (L1) / layer 2 (L2); thus, it can also be considered that the terminal device triggers the handover based on the signaling of L1 / L2; at this time, the handover process of the terminal device can also be called: L1 / L2 triggered mobility (LTM).

[0208] Specifically, the second information can be carried in RRC signaling or MAC-control element (MAC-CE) signaling.

[0209] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the order of steps S600 and S601; specifically, step S600 may be executed before step S601, or step S600 may be executed after step S601, or step S600 may be executed simultaneously with step S601.

[0210] Optionally, in this possible implementation, step S602 can be replaced by: the terminal device retaining or deleting the first data based on the first information and the second information. That is, after receiving the second information, the terminal device retains or deletes the first data based on the instruction of the first information.

[0211] Optionally, the terminal device remains in the RRC connected state throughout steps S601 to S602. Alternatively, after step S601 and before step S602, the terminal device transitions from the RRC connected state to the RRC disconnected state and then back to the RRC connected state.

[0212] For example, network devices typically configure relevant parameters for terminal devices (such as sending first information to the terminal device) when the terminal device is in RRC connected state. Therefore, if the terminal device is always in RRC connected state, it means that after receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine whether to trigger a handover (i.e., whether to perform LTM). If it hands over to the first cell, it retains or deletes the first data according to the first information.

[0213] If a terminal device transitions from an RRC connected state to an RRC disconnected state and then back to an RRC connected state, it indicates that: after receiving the first information, the terminal device may experience a connection failure (such as an RLF), causing it to transition to an RRC disconnected state. Subsequently, the terminal device initiates an RRC re-establishment process, causing its state to transition back to the RRC connected state. During the RRC re-establishment process, the terminal device may attempt LTM based on the second information and retain or delete the first data according to the first information.

[0214] For example, after step S601 and before step S602, the terminal device changes from an RRC connected state to an RRC disconnected state and then back to an RRC connected state; this can also be simplified as: after step S601 and before step S602, the terminal device changes from an RRC disconnected state to an RRC connected state. Since step S601 needs to be executed while the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, it can be assumed that the terminal device needs to change from an RRC connected state to an RRC disconnected state before changing from an RRC disconnected state to an RRC connected state.

[0215] Optionally, in this possible implementation, the first information can be carried in the candidate information of the LTM. For example, the candidate information of the LTM is located in the LTM-candidate (IE) field, which can be located in the RRC reconfiguration information.

[0216] Based on the two possible implementation methods mentioned above, cell handover can be triggered based on the handover conditions of CHO, or cell handover can be triggered based on the mobility of LTM, providing different implementation schemes for the terminal device to hand over to the first cell.

[0217] The above describes the implementation of "terminal device switching to the first cell". The implementation of "first data" involved in the above embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0218] Optionally, the first data may be collected by the terminal device before step S601. For example, as shown in FIG8(b), the communication method may further include steps S604 to S605 before step S601:

[0219] S604. The first network device sends third information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information from the first network device. The third information is used to instruct on the first data collection configuration.

[0220] For example, the implementation of the first data collection configuration is similar to that of the data collection configuration described above. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0221] S605, The terminal device collects the first data based on the third information.

[0222] For example, the data collected by the terminal device according to the first data collection configuration is the first data.

[0223] Optionally, the indication used to instruct the terminal device to retain or delete the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells may be configured for the first data collection configuration.

[0224] In one example, when the first data collection configuration is enabled or a data indication is configured, the terminal device retains or deletes the first data based on the first information only when switching to the first cell. That is, step S602 can be replaced by: when the first data collection configuration is enabled or a data indication is configured, and the terminal device switches to the first cell, the terminal device retains or deletes the first data based on the first information (or the data indication indicated by the first information).

[0225] Wherein, if the data indication is used to instruct the terminal device to retain the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, the terminal device retains the first data; if the terminal device needs to delete the first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, the terminal device deletes the first data.

[0226] In another example, when the first data collection configuration is not enabled or no data indication is configured, the terminal device, upon switching to the first cell, may retain or delete the first data based on the first information, which may include:

[0227] If a data indication is used to instruct the terminal device to delete first data when switching to at least one of the target cells, and the first data collection configuration is not enabled or no data indication is configured, then the terminal device may retain the first data.

[0228] For ease of description, the following embodiments will be described using the example of enabling the first data collection configuration or indicating the configuration data. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated.

[0229] Combining the two examples above, it can be understood that network devices typically configure different data collection configurations for terminal devices depending on the use case. Therefore, data indication can serve as a common configuration for data collection across all use cases. That is, the first data collection configuration can include data collection configurations for one or more of the following use cases: power saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, CSI-RS feedback (e.g., enhanced CSI-RS feedback), beam management (e.g., enhanced beam management), or location (e.g., enhanced location accuracy). In this case, it can also be considered that the first data corresponds to one or more use cases among power saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, CSI-RS feedback, beam management, or location.

[0230] Alternatively, the data indication can serve as a configuration for the data collection configuration of a specific use case. That is, the first data collection configuration can be a data collection configuration for any of the following use cases: energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, CSI-RS feedback, beam management, or location. In this case, it can also be considered that the first data corresponds to any one of the use cases: energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, CSI-RS feedback, beam management, or location.

[0231] For example, the implementation of the above-mentioned use cases such as energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, CSI-RS feedback, beam management or positioning can be found in the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0232] The above describes the implementation of "first data". The following is a detailed description of the implementation of "reporting the first data to the second network device" in the above embodiments.

[0233] Optionally, if the terminal device retains the first data based on the first information, after the terminal device completes the handover (i.e., handover to the first cell), the terminal device's serving cell becomes the first cell. Since the cell controlled by the second network device includes the first cell, the terminal device can access the network through the second network device; or in other words, the terminal device accesses the second network device. Thus, the terminal device can communicate with the second network device. Therefore, the terminal device can report the availability of data (i.e., the first data) to the second network device, hoping to achieve the reporting of the first data to the network through the second network device.

[0234] For example, as shown in FIG9, after step S603, the method further includes step S606:

[0235] S606, the terminal device sends fourth information to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the fourth information from the terminal device. The fourth information indicates that the first data is available.

[0236] For example, since the first data is data collected by the terminal device and the first data is used by the first network device for model training and / or inference; that is, "the first data is available" actually means that the first data is available to devices that need to perform model training and / or inference based on the first data (such as the first network device, OAM, etc.); or, the first data still has value for the aforementioned devices in the network; thus, for the aforementioned devices, the first data is data to be acquired.

[0237] For example, when a terminal device switches to the first cell, it typically sends a handover completion indication (such as a message indicating successful RRC reconfiguration) to the network device to which the first cell belongs (i.e., the second network device) to inform the terminal device that it has switched to the first cell. Thus, the first information can be carried in the same signaling as the handover completion indication, saving signaling overhead.

[0238] For example, the purpose of the terminal device sending the second information to the second network device is to expect the second network device to acquire the first data and transmit the first data to the network, thereby completing the purpose of reporting the first data to the network. Therefore, after receiving the fourth information, the second network device can take the following two actions:

[0239] Method 1: The second network device acquires the first data.

[0240] For example, the second network device can send fifth information to the terminal device, instructing the terminal device to report the first data to it. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, after step S606, the method further includes steps S607 to S608:

[0241] S607. The second network device sends fifth information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth information from the second network device. The fifth information is used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data.

[0242] For example, the fifth information may include resources configured by the second network device for the first data.

[0243] S608, The terminal device sends first data to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the first data from the terminal device.

[0244] For example, if the fifth information contains resources configured by the second network device for the first data, the terminal device can send the first data on those resources.

[0245] For example, after receiving the first data, the second network device can transmit the first data to the network to complete the purpose of reporting the first data to the network. Furthermore, after the terminal device sends the first data, it can consider deleting the first data stored in its storage area to save storage space.

[0246] Based on Method 1, when the cell the terminal device switches to (i.e., the first cell) is a trusted cell, the terminal device retains the first data and, after the handover is complete, reports the first data to the network through the second network device to which the first cell belongs, thus completing the reporting of the first data. Since the first cell is a trusted cell, even if the first data contains private data of the first network device, the process of reporting the first data to the second network device (or reporting the first data to the network through the second network device) will not result in the leakage of the first network device's private data, thereby ensuring data security.

[0247] Method 2: The second network device does not perform the acquisition of the first data.

[0248] For example, after receiving the fourth information, the second network device may determine whether to acquire the first data based on its own capabilities (such as cell load). Therefore, it may be unable to acquire the first data due to insufficient capabilities. Consequently, the terminal device cannot report the first data to the network through the second network device.

[0249] Optionally, in method two, if the second network device does not acquire the first data, the terminal device may consider deleting the first data to save storage space.

[0250] As an example, the terminal device can start a timer. If the second network device has not acquired the first data by the timer expires, it is determined that the second network device will not acquire the first data. Therefore, the terminal device cannot report the first data to the network through the second network device; thus, the terminal device can delete the first data.

[0251] For example, based on method one, if the second network device obtains the first data, it will send the fifth information to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to report the first data to it. Therefore, the terminal device can monitor whether it has received the fifth information before the timer expires. If it has not received the fifth information by the timer expires, it will delete the first data.

[0252] For example, the timer can be based on a first time period, wherein the start time of the first time period is the time when the fourth information is sent (the timer is started when the fourth information is sent). That is, after step S606, as shown in Figure 11, the communication method may further include the following steps S609 to S610:

[0253] S609. The terminal device determines whether it has received the fifth information within the first time period. The fifth information is used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data.

[0254] Specifically, the first time period can be pre-set; for example, it can be pre-defined through a protocol, or the terminal device can pre-determine it (and further inform the second network device), or the second network device can pre-determine it and inform the terminal device; this application does not limit this.

[0255] S610. If the fifth message is not received within the first time period, the terminal device deletes the first data.

[0256] As another example, the terminal device can determine to delete the first data when the next mobility event occurs after this handover (i.e., handover to the first cell).

[0257] Optionally, if the terminal device does not receive the fifth information from the second network device after sending the fourth information, it may consider deleting the first data when the terminal device performs the next handover (i.e., handover to the second cell). For example, as shown in Figure 12, after step S606, the communication method may further include the following step S611:

[0258] S611. In the event of the next mobility event, the terminal device deletes the first data.

[0259] Specifically, the next mobility event includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: (1) After the terminal device switches to the first cell, it switches from the first cell to the second cell. (2) After the terminal device switches to the first cell, it switches from RRC connected state to RRC disconnected state.

[0260] In one implementation, the second cell can be a cell other than the at least one target cell mentioned above, that is, at least one target cell does not contain the second cell.

[0261] Since at least one of the target cells mentioned above are trusted and / or untrusted cells identified by the first network device, while the second cell has not been identified as trustworthy by the first network device, reporting the first data to the network device to which the second cell belongs may pose a risk of privacy data leakage for the first network device. Therefore, reporting the first data to the network device to which the second cell belongs is not considered. At this point, the terminal device is no longer able to complete the reporting of the first data, so deleting the first data can be considered to save storage space for the terminal device.

[0262] In another implementation, the second cell is one of the at least one target cell mentioned above, and the second cell corresponds to the deletion of the first data when the terminal device switches to the second cell.

[0263] As mentioned above, if a cell is an untrusted cell, the first data will be deleted when the terminal device switches to the second cell; therefore, the second cell is an untrusted cell. To avoid the leakage of the first network device's privacy data, the first data will not be reported to the network device (such as a third network device) belonging to the second cell. At this point, the terminal device is no longer able to report the first data, so deleting the first data can be considered to save storage space for the terminal device.

[0264] Furthermore, if the second cell is one of the aforementioned at least one target cell, and the second cell retains the first data when the terminal device switches to the second cell, then the second cell is considered a trusted cell. Therefore, reporting the first data to the network device (such as a third network device) to which the second cell belongs will not result in the leakage of the first network device's privacy data. Thus, the terminal device may consider reporting the first data to the network device (such as a third network device) to which the second cell belongs, so that the reporting of the first data can be completed through the third network device.

[0265] Specifically, the implementation of the terminal device reporting the first data to the network device (such as the third network device) to which the second cell belongs is similar to the implementation of "the terminal device reporting the first data to the second network device" in Method 1 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Method 1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] Combining the above two implementations, if the second cell is not within at least one target cell, or if the second cell is an untrusted cell among at least one target cell, the terminal device can delete the first data when switching from the first cell to the second cell. Furthermore, the terminal device can also delete the first data after receiving a data collection configuration (such as a second data collection configuration) from the network device of the second cell after switching from the first cell to the second cell. In this case, as shown in Figure 13, step S611 can be replaced by the following steps S611A to S611C:

[0267] S611A, the terminal equipment switches from the first cell to the second cell.

[0268] For example, the implementation of step S611A is similar to the implementation of the terminal device switching from the serving cell to the first cell in step S603 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step S603, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] S611B, the third network device sends a sixth message to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the sixth message from the third network device. The sixth message is used to instruct a second data collection configuration, which is used to collect second data.

[0270] For example, after receiving the second data collection configuration indicated by the sixth information, the terminal device can collect and store the second data according to the second data collection configuration.

[0271] Specifically, the implementation of the terminal device collecting the second data according to the second data collection configuration is similar to the implementation of "the terminal device collecting the first data according to the third information (or, the first data collection configuration indicated by the third information)" in step S605 above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of step S605 above. In addition, the implementation of the second data collection configuration is similar to the implementation of the first data collection configuration above. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the first data collection configuration above, and will not be repeated here.

[0272] S611C, the terminal device deletes the first data based on the sixth information.

[0273] For example, the terminal device deleting the first data based on the sixth information can be understood as: the terminal device triggers the deletion of the first data upon receiving the sixth information. That is, the terminal device can delete the first data upon receiving the sixth information to reserve storage space for the second data.

[0274] Alternatively, the terminal device can delete the first data based on the sixth information. This can be understood as follows: after receiving the sixth information, the terminal device can determine whether there is space available in its storage area. If there is no free space, the first data is deleted to reserve storage space for the second data.

[0275] Alternatively, the terminal device deleting the first data based on the sixth information can be understood as follows: After receiving the sixth information, the terminal device can first collect the second data, and then determine whether the free resources in the terminal device's storage area are sufficient to store the second data based on the storage space required for the second data. If there are no free resources in the storage area, or if the free resources are insufficient to store the second data, the terminal device can delete the first data to ensure storage space for the second data.

[0276] It should be noted that in the communication methods described in Figures 6 to 13 above, the network devices (such as the first network device, the second network device, the third network device, etc.) include DU and RU (such as the first network device including DU#1 and RU#1, and the second network device including DU#2 and RU#2). In fact, the network devices in the communication methods described in Figures 6 to 13 above can also be DU or RU.

[0277] For example, when the network device is a DU or RU, in the communication method described in Figures 6 to 13 above, the internal processing actions of the network device (such as the operation of determining (or generating) the first information) are completed by the DU. The interaction between the network device and the terminal device (such as S601, S600, S604, S606, S607, S608) is completed by the DU through the RU. For example, the DU sends information to the terminal device through the RU, or the terminal device sends information to the DU through the RU.

[0278] The following describes the implementation of the communication method described in this application, taking RU#1 or DU#1 as the first network device and RU#2 or DU#2 as the second network device, in the case where the network device is DU or RU, in conjunction with the communication method shown in Figure 9. For example, the communication method shown in Figure 9 can be replaced by the communication method shown in Figure 14.

[0279] The action of determining (or generating) the first information can be performed by DU#1, that is, DU#1 determines the first information. After determining the first information, DU#1 can then send the first information to the terminal device via RU#1; that is, step S601 in Figure 9 can be replaced by the following steps S601A to S601B:

[0280] S601A and DU#1 send the first information to RU#1; correspondingly, RU#1 receives the first information from DU#1.

[0281] S601B and RU#1 send the first information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from RU#1.

[0282] Furthermore, after step S603, the terminal device can send the fourth information to DU#2 via RU#2. That is, step S606 in Figure 9 can be replaced by the following steps S606A to S606B:

[0283] S606A, the terminal device sends the fourth information to RU#2; correspondingly, RU#2 receives the fourth information sent from the terminal device.

[0284] S606B and RU#2 send the fourth message to DU#2; correspondingly, DU#2 receives the fourth message from RU#2.

[0285] The various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or in conflict of logic, the terminology and / or descriptions between the different embodiments provided in this application are consistent and can be referenced mutually. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0286] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0287] The foregoing primarily describes the solutions provided in this application from the perspective of device-to-device interaction. It is understood that each device, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0288] This application embodiment can divide each device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and represents a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0289] With each function divided into a functional module, Figure 15 shows a communication device 150. This communication device 150 can perform the actions performed by the terminal device or network device (such as the first network device or the second network device) in the methods shown in Figures 6 to 14. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module. The technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] The communication device 150 may include a transceiver module 1501 and a processing module 1502. Exemplarily, the communication device 150 may be a communication equipment, or a chip or other combination device or component having the functions of the aforementioned terminal equipment or network equipment (such as a first network equipment or a second network equipment). When the communication device 150 is a communication equipment, the transceiver module 1501 may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits; the processing module 1502 may be a processor (or processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs. When the communication device 150 is a component having the functions of the aforementioned terminal equipment or network equipment (such as a first network equipment or a second network equipment), the transceiver module 1501 may be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 1502 may be a processor (or processing circuit), such as a baseband processor. When the communication device 150 is a chip system, the transceiver module 1501 may be an input / output interface of a chip (such as a baseband chip); the processing module 1502 may be a processor (or processing circuit) of the chip system, and may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the transceiver module 1501 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components; the processing module 1502 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuit).

[0291] For example, the transceiver module 1501 can be used to execute all transceiver operations performed by the terminal device or network device (such as the first network device or the second network device) in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 14, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 1502 can be used to execute all operations other than transceiver operations performed by the first network element in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 14, and / or to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0292] Alternatively, when the processing module 1502 is replaced by a processor and the transceiver module 1501 is replaced by a transceiver, the first network element 150 involved in the embodiments of this application can also be the communication device 160 shown in FIG16.

[0293] The processor can be logic circuit 1601, and the transceiver can be interface circuit 1602. Furthermore, the communication device 160 shown in Figure 16 may also include a memory 1603.

[0294] This application also provides a communication device, as shown in FIG17. This communication device can be applied to the methods shown in the embodiments of FIG6 to FIG14. As shown in FIG17, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module may be one or more processors, and the transceiver module may be a transceiver or a communication interface. This communication device can be used to implement the terminal device or network device (such as a first network device or a second network device) involved in any of the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions of the device involved in any of the above method embodiments. The device or device function may be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage module for storing the program code and data of the communication device.

[0295] In one example, the communication device functions as a terminal device or is a chip applied within a terminal device, and executes the steps performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module is used to specifically execute the sending and / or receiving actions performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6-14, for example, supporting the terminal device in performing other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module can be used to support the communication device in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments, for example, supporting the terminal device in performing other processes of the technology described herein.

[0296] To achieve the above functions, the chip of this application may include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0297] In one possible implementation, when the terminal device or network device is a chip, the transceiver module can be a communication interface, pins, or circuits. The communication interface can be used to input data to be processed to the processor and can output the processor's processing results. Specifically, the communication interface can be a general purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, which can connect to multiple peripheral devices (such as displays (LCDs), cameras, radio frequency (RF) modules, antennas, etc.). The communication interface is connected to the processor via a bus.

[0298] The processing module can be a processor, which can execute computer execution instructions stored in the storage module to cause the chip to execute the methods involved in the embodiments shown in Figures 6-14. Further, the processor may include a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers. For example, the controller is mainly responsible for instruction decoding and issuing control signals for the operations corresponding to the instructions. The ALU is mainly responsible for performing fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations, shift operations, and logical operations, and can also perform address operations and conversions. The registers are mainly responsible for storing register operands and intermediate operation results temporarily stored during instruction execution. In specific implementations, the processor's hardware architecture can be an ASIC architecture, a microprocessor without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS), an advanced reduced instruction set machine (RISC) machine (ARM) architecture, or a network processor (NP) architecture, etc. The processor can be single-core or multi-core. The storage module can be an internal storage module of the chip, such as registers or caches. The storage module can also be an external storage module, such as ROM or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, RAM, etc.

[0299] It should be noted that the functions of the processor and interface can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of both; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0300] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0301] This application also provides a computer program that, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0302] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the terminal (including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end) of any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the terminal's hard disk or memory. The computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the terminal, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the terminal. Further, the computer-readable storage medium can include both the terminal's internal storage unit and external storage devices. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal. The computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0303] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. "First" and "second" are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0304] 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.

[0305] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "At least two (items)" means two or three or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Both "...when" and "if" indicate that a corresponding action will be taken under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require a judgment action to be taken when the action is taken, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0306] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0307] In this application, "sending information to...(terminal device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. "Receiving information from...(terminal device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0308] Through the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the above-described division of functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0309] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0310] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0311] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0312] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application embodiment, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one target cell, and whether to retain or delete first data when the terminal device switches to a cell among the at least one target cell, the first data being data collected by the terminal device; When the terminal device switches to the first cell, the first data is retained or deleted according to the first information, and the first cell is one of the at least one target cells.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal device switches to the first cell, including: The first cell meets the handover conditions for conditional switching of CHO; or, The terminal device switches to the first cell based on the instruction of the second information, the second information being used to indicate the switch to the first cell.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The terminal device switches to the first cell based on the instruction of the second information, including: Receive the second information; When the terminal device switches to the first cell, retaining or deleting the first data based on the first information includes: Based on the second information and the first information, retain or delete the first data.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, If the first cell meets the handover conditions for conditional handover of CHO, then the first information is carried in the conditional configuration information; If the terminal device switches to the first cell based on the instruction of the second information, the first information is carried in the candidate information of the mobility management LTM triggered by layer 1 / layer 2.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to instruct the first data collection configuration; The first data is collected based on the third information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first data corresponds to one or more of the following use cases: energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) feedback, beam management, or positioning.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, In the case where the first data is retained based on the first information, the method further includes: Switch to the first cell; A fourth message is sent, which indicates that the first data is available.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the fourth information, fifth information is received, wherein the fifth information is used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data; Send the first data.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Within the first time period, it is determined whether a fifth message is received, the fifth message being used to instruct the terminal device to report the first data; If the fifth message is not received within the first time period, the first data is deleted.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the terminal device switches from the first cell to the second cell, or when the terminal device switches from Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state to RRC disconnected state, the first data is deleted.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second cell is located outside the at least one target cell.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, When the terminal device switches from the first cell to the second cell, the first data is deleted; including: The terminal device switches from the first cell to the second cell; Receive a sixth message, the sixth message being used to instruct a second data collection configuration, the second data collection configuration being used by the terminal device to collect second data; Based on the sixth piece of information, delete the first data.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Based on the sixth piece of information, the first data is deleted, including: Determine whether there are any free resources in the storage area within the terminal device; If there are no free resources in the storage area, delete the first data.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The terminal device is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; or... After receiving the first information and before retaining or deleting the first data according to the first information, the terminal device switches from the RRC disconnected state to the RRC connected state.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: First information is determined, which is used to indicate at least one target cell and whether to retain or delete first data when the terminal device switches to a cell in the at least one target cell. The first data is data collected by the terminal device. Send the first message.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is sent, the third message being used to instruct a first data collection configuration, the first data collection configuration being used by the terminal device to collect the first data.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first data corresponds to one or more of the following use cases: energy saving, load balancing, mobility optimization, channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) feedback, beam management, or positioning.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, characterized in that, The terminal device is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state; or... After sending the first information, the terminal device switches from the RRC disconnected state to the RRC connected state.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-14; or to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 15-18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in any one of claims 1-14 to be performed; or cause the method described in any one of claims 15-18 to be performed.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, they cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-14 to be performed; or cause the method as described in any one of claims 15-18 to be performed.

22. A chip, characterized in that, include: Memory is used to store computer program instructions; A processor is configured to execute the computer program instructions, causing a communication device including the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-14; or, causing a communication device including the chip to perform the method as described in any one of claims 15-18.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a terminal device and a first network device, wherein the terminal device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14, and the first network device is used to perform the method of any one of claims 15-18.

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