CN112106403B - A switching timing method, terminal device and network device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a switching timing method, terminal device, network device, chip, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product and computer program, comprising: receiving at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or, A public timer; wherein the duration of the public timer is at least greater than the maximum duration of the timer for at least one target network device.

Description

A switching timing method, terminal device and network device

technical field

The present invention relates to the technical field of information processing, and in particular, to a switching timing method, a terminal device, a network device, a chip, a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, and a computer program.

Background technique

In mobile communication processing, handover may fail during the handover process. Usually, the reason for handover failure is T304 timeout; T307 timeout; T312 timeout, etc. After the handover fails, the terminal device needs to initiate a Radio Resource Control (RRC, Radio Resource Control) connection re-connection Establish.

For the handover process of the terminal device, there may be a way of configuring multiple target base stations for the terminal device, so that the terminal device can select the target base station as soon as possible during handover to ensure that the terminal device quickly completes the handover process. However, in such a processing manner, how to control the connection of the terminal device is a problem that needs to be solved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve the above technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a switching timing method, terminal device, network device, chip, computer-readable storage medium, computer program product, and computer program.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a handover timing method, which is applied to a terminal device, including:

Receive at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a public timer; wherein the duration of the public timer is at least greater than the maximum duration of the timer for at least one target network device.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a handover timing method, which is applied to a source network device, including:

At least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer is configured to the terminal device; wherein the duration of the public timer is at least greater than the maximum duration of the timer for at least one target network device.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal device, including:

The first communication unit receives at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a public timer, wherein the duration of the public timer is at least greater than the maximum duration of the timer for at least one target network device.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a source network device, including:

The second communication unit configures the terminal device with at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer; wherein the duration of the common timer is at least longer than the timer for at least one target network device maximum duration.

In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal device, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used for storing a computer program, and the processor is used for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or each implementation manner thereof.

In a sixth aspect, a network device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method in the second aspect or each of its implementations.

In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided for implementing any one of the above-mentioned first aspect to the second aspect or the method in each implementation manner thereof.

Specifically, the chip includes: a processor for invoking and running a computer program from a memory, so that a device on which the chip is installed executes any one of the above-mentioned first to second aspects or each of its implementations method.

In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, the computer program causing a computer to execute the method in any one of the above-mentioned first aspect to the second aspect or each of its implementations.

In a ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer program instructions, the computer program instructions causing a computer to execute the method in any one of the above-mentioned first to second aspects or the respective implementations thereof.

In a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in any one of the above-mentioned first to second aspects or the respective implementations thereof.

According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device can configure at least one timer and/or public timer corresponding to at least one target network device during the handover stage; At this time, the handover process is controlled based on the corresponding timer and/or the common timer, so as to ensure the processing efficiency of re-establishing the connection with the target network device.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram 1 of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart 1 of a handover timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

3 is a schematic diagram of a handover processing scenario provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a second schematic flowchart of a handover timing method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the composition of a terminal device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a schematic diagram of a composition structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram 2 of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (Wideband) system Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (Long Term Evolution, LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (Freq Terminal Equipment ncy Division Duplex, FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system or 5G system, etc.

Exemplarily, a communication system 100 to which this embodiment of the present application is applied may be as shown in FIG. 1 . The communication system 100 may include a network device 110, and the network device 110 may be a device that communicates with a terminal device 120 (or referred to as a communication terminal, a terminal). The network device 110 may provide communication coverage for a particular geographic area, and may communicate with terminal devices located within the coverage area. Optionally, the network device 110 may be a network device (BaseTransceiver Station, BTS) in a GSM system or a CDMA system, a network device (NodeB, NB) in a WCDMA system, or an evolved type in an LTE system A network device (Evolutional Node B, eNB or eNodeB), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (Cloud Radio Access Network, CRAN), or the network device can be a mobile switching center, a relay station, an access point, a vehicle Devices, wearable devices, hubs, switches, bridges, routers, network-side devices in 5G networks, or network devices in the future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

The communication system 100 also includes at least one terminal device 120 located within the coverage of the network device 110 . As used herein, "terminal equipment" includes, but is not limited to, connections via wired lines, such as via Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), digital cables, direct cable connections; and/or another data connection/network; and/or via a wireless interface, eg, for cellular networks, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), digital television networks such as DVB-H networks, satellite networks, AM-FM A broadcast transmitter; and/or a device of another terminal device configured to receive/transmit a communication signal; and/or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. A terminal device arranged to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a "wireless communication terminal", "wireless terminal" or "mobile terminal". Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular telephones; Personal Communications System (PCS) terminals that may combine cellular radio telephones with data processing, facsimile, and data communication capabilities; may include radio telephones, pagers, Internet/Intranet PDAs with networking access, web browser, memo pad, calendar, and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver; and conventional laptop and/or palmtop receivers or other electronic devices including radiotelephone transceivers device. Terminal equipment may refer to access terminal, user equipment (User Equipment, terminal equipment), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile equipment, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device. The access terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a wireless communication function Handheld devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or terminal devices in future evolved PLMNs, etc.

Optionally, direct terminal (Device to Device, D2D) communication may be performed between the terminal devices 120 .

Optionally, a 5G system or a 5G network may also be referred to as a New Radio (New Radio, NR) system or an NR network.

FIG. 1 exemplarily shows one network device and two terminal devices. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple network devices and the coverage of each network device may include other numbers of terminal devices. This application The embodiment does not limit this.

Optionally, the communication system 100 may further include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

It should be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, a device having a communication function in the network/system may be referred to as a communication device. Taking the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the communication device may include a network device 110 and a terminal device 120 with a communication function, and the network device 110 and the terminal device 120 may be the specific devices described above, which will not be repeated here. ; The communication device may also include other devices in the communication system 100, such as other network entities such as a network controller, a mobility management entity, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and/or" in this article is only an association relationship to describe the associated objects, indicating that there can be three kinds of relationships, for example, A and/or B, it can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and A and B exist independently B these three cases. In addition, the character "/" in this document generally indicates that the related objects are an "or" relationship.

In order to understand the features and technical contents of the embodiments of the present invention in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a handover timing method, which is applied to a terminal device, as shown in FIG. 2 , including:

Step 201: Receive at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a public timer;

Wherein, in the at least one timer corresponding to the at least one target network device, the timing durations of different timers may be the same or different;

In addition, the timing duration of the common timer may be greater than the timing duration of the timer with the largest timing duration among all the timers; or, the timing duration of the public timer may also be the sum of the timing durations of all the timers; of course , the timing duration of the common timer may also be greater than the sum of timing durations of all the timers. The duration of at least one timer and the public timer can be set according to actual conditions, and the list is not exhaustive here.

Further, after receiving at least one timer and/or public timer, the solution provided in this embodiment may further include: when initiating a connection to the target network device, based on the at least one timer, and/or, public timer for processing.

The receiving at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer, includes:

A handover command is received, and at least one timer and/or a common timer for at least one target network device is acquired through the handover command.

At least one timer of at least one target network device of the terminal device, and/or a public timer corresponding to at least one target network device, may be configured directly by the source network device, or may also be configured by the target network device through the source network device. It is forwarded to the terminal device.

The processing flow of handover can be seen in Figure 3, including:

The handover preparation stage includes steps 1-6 in the figure: the source network device sends measurement control to the terminal device; after the terminal device performs measurements on multiple network devices or cells, it sends a measurement report to the source network device; the source network device according to the measurement report (or combined with RRM information) to make a handover decision; the source network device sends a handover request to the target network device to make the target network device prepare for handover; the target network device performs handover permission control according to the handover request; The network device sends an acknowledgement of the handover request.

Then the execution handover phase is performed, including steps 7-11 in the figure, specifically: the target network device generates RRC information, sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the source network device, and the source network device sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the terminal device through the RRC connection reconfiguration information. ; After receiving the RRC connection reconfiguration information, the terminal device performs handover processing according to the connection reconfiguration information; then the source network device sends the SN status to the target network device; the terminal device synchronizes with the target network device, and then receives the target network device for UL Allocate, and send RRC connection reconfiguration completion information to the target network device.

Finally, it enters the handover completion stage, including 12-18 in the figure, specifically: the target network device sends a path switching request to the MME to notify the MME terminal device to change the cell; the MME sends a bearer adjustment request to the serving gateway, and the MME performs the downlink path switching processing. ; After completing the processing, the serving gateway sends the bearer adjustment completion processing to the MME, and the MME sends a confirmation message of the path switching request to the target network device; the target network device notifies the source network device of the terminal device context release. The source network device releases resources.

In combination with this embodiment, when the terminal device has a target network device, the source network device can directly send a timer through a handover command, or send a timer through a forwarded reconfiguration message, that is, a timer for the target network device. When the terminal device has at least two target network devices, the source network device can directly configure at least two timers through the handover instruction, and/or a common timer, or can configure the terminal device by forwarding a reconfiguration message At least two timers, and/or a common timer.

Wherein, a message may be sent to the terminal device for the timer and/or common timer corresponding to each target network device; or, the timer and/or the timer corresponding to each target network device of all target network devices Or add a common timer to the same message and just send a message to the end device.

It should be understood that, in addition to the aforementioned timer and/or public timer, the reconfiguration message may also include: mobility control information, new C-RNTI, and security information of the second target network device; in addition, optional It also includes the random access preamble, the system information block (SIB) of the second target network device and other information.

Specifically, this embodiment can be applied to the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: The terminal device may have at least two target network devices, and all the target network devices correspond to a common timer.

It should be understood that, in this scenario, timers may be sent separately for at least two target network devices, that is to say, the timers of at least two target network devices are sent separately, and each of the same timers may be a common timer; or , or only one common timer can be sent, and the configuration of the common timer can be applied to all target network devices.

In this scenario, the common timer can be obtained through the handover command, or the common timer can be obtained from the forwarded reconfiguration message.

The initiating a connection to the target network device based on the at least one timer and/or the public timer includes:

When the handover command is received, a common timer is started, and a connection is initiated to the first target network device.

Alternatively, the initiating a connection to the target network device based on the at least one timer and/or the public timer further includes:

If the received handover command (HO command) carries a reconfiguration message including at least two target network devices, the common timer may be started when the terminal device selects the first target network device to be accessed currently.

In this scenario, the following sub-scenarios can also be provided for the specific processing method of using the same common timer for multiple network devices:

sub-scenario one,

Every time the connection to the target network device fails and the second target network device is connected, the public timer is restarted, specifically:

If the connection to the first target network device is successfully initiated within the time period of the timer, the public timer is stopped.

If the common timer times out and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device.

When it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device, the method further includes:

When the connection to the first target network device fails, or when the public timer stops and the connection to the first target network device fails, determine the second target network device, restart the public timer, and initiate a notification to the second target network device connect.

Wherein, the method for determining the second target network device may include one of the following:

Re-accept the handover command sent by the source network device, and obtain the second target network device based on the handover command; wherein the handover command includes the second target network device reselected by the network side for the terminal device.

Alternatively, if the reconfiguration message received by the terminal device carries information of at least two target network devices, a second target network device is selected from the at least two target network devices.

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be to randomly select the second target network device from the at least two target network devices, or, based on the at least two target network devices selection priority to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices that are closer in physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

It should be understood that, when the handover processing is performed for the second target network device, the processing method for the first target network device may be used for processing, which is not repeated here.

When the common timer expires, it is confirmed that the handover fails, and the connection with the source network device is returned, or, connection re-establishment is initiated. Specifically, when the handover fails, the first target network device or the second target network device may return to the connection to the source network device, or re-initiate connection reestablishment to the new target network device. Wherein, the new target network device is different from the target network device that failed to switch this time.

It should also be understood that when a connection is initiated to the second target network device again, the second target network device can be used as the new first target network device for subsequent operations, that is, when the new first target network device When the device is successfully connected, it can be determined that the handover is successful, and if the connection of the new first target network device fails, a new second target network device is reselected, and the process is performed in a circular manner.

When the second target network device is determined, the public timer is restarted, and a connection is initiated to the second target network device, the method further includes:

Judging whether the number of times of restarting the public timer exceeds the preset number of times threshold, and if it exceeds, confirms that the handover fails, returns to the connection with the source network device, or initiates connection re-establishment; wherein, the preset times threshold The value can be set according to the actual situation. For example, if the public timer is restarted more than 5 times, it is confirmed that there is no suitable target network device for handover, so that the handover fails. Of course, it can also be determined according to the number of target network devices. The preset number of times threshold value, for example, the preset number of times threshold value can be 2/3 of the number of target network devices, assuming that there are 9 target network devices, the public timer can be restarted 6 times; in addition, there may be other The method for setting the threshold value of the preset number of times is not exhaustive in this embodiment.

or,

It is judged whether the number of times of re-selecting the target network device exceeds the preset selection threshold. If it exceeds, it is confirmed that the handover fails, and the connection with the source network device is returned, or a connection re-establishment is initiated. Wherein, the preset selection threshold value may be set according to the actual situation, for example, the target network device may be reselected for more than 3 times, it is confirmed that there is currently no suitable target network device to perform the handover, and the handover failure is judged; of course; The preset number of thresholds can also be determined according to the number of target network devices. For example, the preset selection threshold can be 2/3 of the number of target network devices. If there are 9 target network devices, it can be reselected. If the target network device exceeds 6 times, it is determined that the handover fails; in addition, there may also be other methods for setting the threshold value of the preset times, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

sub-scenario two,

Multiple network devices share a common timer, and each time the connection to the target network device fails, the target network device is directly reselected until the common timer stops. specific:

When the connection to the first target network device fails and the public timer does not expire, select a second target network device from at least one target network device to initiate a connection to the second target network device;

or,

When the connection of the first target network device fails and the public timer does not expire, the second target network device configured in the handover command is obtained, and a connection is initiated to the second target network device.

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be to randomly select the second target network device from the at least two target network devices, or, based on the at least two target network devices selection priority to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices that are closer in physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

When the second target network device is reselected from at least one network device each time, it may not be necessary to maintain a connection with the source network device; and each time the handover command is reacquired, the second target network device based on the configuration of the handover command In the process of initiating a connection, it may be a connection that returns to the source network device every time the connection fails.

It should be pointed out that after initiating a connection to the second target network device, the second target network device can be re-used as the first target network device and continue to perform the operations in this scenario, and further, when the connection to the new first target network device fails When the new second target network device is selected again, and the cycle is processed in this way, when the target network device that can be connected is not selected until the public timer stops, it can be confirmed that the handover fails, and the connection with the source network device is returned. Connect, or, initiate connection re-establishment.

scene two,

The terminal device has at least two target network devices, and each target network device corresponds to a timer.

It should be understood that, in this scenario, at least two timers configured by the source network device for at least two target network devices are received; wherein, the timers corresponding to different target network devices may have the same or different timing durations. It is determined by each target network device, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In this scenario, the source network device may directly carry the timer in the handover command and send it to the terminal device; or, the source network device may forward the reconfiguration messages of at least two target network devices to the terminal device.

The initiating a connection to the target network device based on the at least one timer and/or the public timer includes:

When the handover command is received, a first timer for the first target network device is started, and a connection is initiated to the first target network device.

Further, if the connection to the first target network device is successfully initiated within the time period of the first timer, the first timer is stopped.

If the first timer times out and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device.

When it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device, the method further includes:

When the connection of the first target network device fails, select a second target network device from at least one target network device to initiate a connection, and start a timer of the second target network device;

or,

When the connection of the first target network device fails, the second target network device configured in the handover command is obtained, a connection is initiated to the second target network device, and a timer of the second target network device is started.

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be selecting the second target network device from at least two target network devices at random, or based on the at least two target network devices selection priority to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices that are closer in physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

It should also be pointed out that in this scenario, when the second target network device is selected to initiate the connection, the second target network device selected this time may be used as the new first target network device, and correspondingly, the second timer is used as the new target network device. That is, when the new first target network device is not connected successfully at the end of the first timer, the new second target network device is selected again, and the new target network device is started. The second timer corresponding to the second target network device is processed in a circular manner.

Further, the ending method of the above-mentioned loop processing may be: judging whether the number of times of re-selecting a new target network device exceeds a preset selection threshold, and if it exceeds, it is determined that the handover fails; or, it can also be judged to restart the new target network device. Whether the number of timers exceeds the preset number of times threshold, if it exceeds, it is determined that the handover fails. For the determination method of the preset selection threshold value and the preset number of times threshold value, reference may be made to the description in scenario 1, and details are not repeated here.

When the timer expires, it is confirmed that the handover fails, and the connection with the source network device is returned, or, connection re-establishment is initiated. Specifically, the first target network device or the second target network device can use the above description to determine whether the handover is successful; and, when the handover fails, both can return to the connection of the source network device, or reconnect to a new one. The second target network device initiates connection re-establishment. Wherein, the new second target network device is different from the second target network device that failed the handover this time.

scene three,

The terminal device has at least two target network devices, each target network device corresponds to a timer, and all the target network devices share a common timer. It should be understood that the timing durations of timers corresponding to different target network devices may be the same or different; the timing duration of the common timer may be greater than the timing duration of the timer with the longest timing duration among all the timers; or, The timing duration of the common timer may also be the sum of the timing durations of all the timers; of course, the timing duration of the common timer may also be greater than the sum of the timing durations of all the timers. The duration of at least one timer and the public timer can be set according to actual conditions, and the list is not exhaustive here.

In this scenario, at least two timers corresponding to the at least two target network devices may be obtained through the reconfiguration message forwarded by the source base station; or the source network device may directly set at least two timers in the handover command to send to the terminal device .

The initiating a connection to the target network device based on the at least one timer and/or the public timer includes:

When the handover command is received, the first timer of the first target network device is started, and the public timer is started to initiate a connection to the first target network device.

Further, if the connection to the first target network device is successfully initiated within the time period of the first timer, the first timer is stopped. If the first timer times out and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device.

After the connection to the first target network device is initiated, the method further includes:

When the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or fails to connect to the first target network device, if the common timer does not expire, select a second target network device from at least one target network device, and send the second target network device to the second target network device. The target network device initiates the connection and starts the timer of the second target network device;

or,

When the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or the connection to the first target network device fails, if the common timer does not expire, obtain the second target network device based on the handover command, and initiate a notification to the second target network device Connect and start the timer of the second target network device.

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be selecting the second target network device from at least two target network devices at random, or based on the at least two target network devices selection priority to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices that are closer in physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

It should also be pointed out that in this scenario, when the second target network device is selected to initiate the connection, the second target network device selected this time may be used as the new first target network device, and correspondingly, the second timer is used as the new target network device. That is, when the new first target network device is not connected successfully at the end of the first timer, the new second target network device is selected again, and the new target network device is started. The second timer corresponding to the second target network device is processed in a circular manner.

Further, the above-mentioned cyclic processing may be terminated by confirming that the handover fails when the common timer times out, returning to the connection with the source network device, or initiating connection re-establishment.

It should also be pointed out that when it is determined that the handover fails and returns to the connection to the source network device, or, while initiating a connection to the target network device, the terminal device in this embodiment may also retain the connection with the source network device; Wherein, the terminal device retains the first protocol stack and the first related key with the source network device, and maintains the second protocol stack and the second related key with the first target network device;

Wherein, the first correlation key is different from the second correlation key. The second correlation key may be generated from the first correlation key.

Wherein, the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack may be the same or different, or at least partially different. For example, when targeting a 5G system, it may be the difference between the terminal device and the source network device, and the terminal device and the first target network device. Maintain different Service Data Application Protocol (SDAP, Service Data Adaptation Protocol), different Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP, Packet Data Convergence Protocol), different Radio Link Layer Control Protocol (RLC, Radio Link Control), different Media Access Control (MAC) entity, different low layer (Lowlayer) entities; when targeting 4G systems, different packet data convergence protocols can be maintained between the terminal device and the source network device, and between the terminal device and the first target network device (PDCP, Packet Data Convergence Protocol), different radio link layer control protocols (RLC, Radio Link Control), different media access control (MAC) entities, different low layer (Low layer) entities. In addition, in the solution provided by this embodiment, in order to ensure that different keys are used, the PDCPs of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack must be different. At least one of SDAP, RLC, MAC and physical layer may be the same or different. Alternatively, the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack may share at least one of SDAP, RLC, MAC and physical layers, or may have SDAP, RLC, MAC and physical layers respectively.

The first target network device and the second target network device in this embodiment are the target network devices when the terminal device is switched; or, the first target network device and the second target network device are the auxiliary node SN, and the The source network device is the master node MN. It should be noted here that in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the SN is called the SCG, and in the New Radio (NR), it is the SN, which refers to the same concept, that is, the second service network device in the DC scenario. The applicable scenarios of this embodiment are: the terminal keeps connecting with the source network device and fails to connect with the target network device; the source network device of the terminal disconnects and successfully connects with the target network device; the auxiliary cell group (SCG) connection fails and the SCG changes Connection failed. Of course, there may also be, in a scenario where multiple SCGs are configured, one SCG connection fails; in a scenario where multiple target cells are configured, one target cell fails to connect. There may also be other applicable scenarios, but this embodiment will not be exhaustive.

It can be seen that by adopting the above solution, at least one timer and/or public timer corresponding to at least one target network device can be configured; so that when the terminal device is configured with at least one target network device, based on the corresponding timer and/or Or a common timer controls the handover processing, thereby ensuring the processing efficiency of re-establishing a connection with the target network device.

Embodiment two,

An embodiment of the present invention provides a handover timing method, which is applied to a source network device, as shown in FIG. 4 , including:

Step 401: Configure at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a public timer, to the terminal device; wherein the duration of the public timer is at least greater than the maximum duration of the timer for at least one target network device .

In addition, the timing duration of the common timer may be greater than the timing duration of the timer with the largest timing duration among all the timers; or, the timing duration of the public timer may also be the sum of the timing durations of all the timers; of course , the timing duration of the common timer may also be greater than the sum of timing durations of all the timers. The duration of at least one timer and the public timer can be set according to actual conditions, and the list is not exhaustive here.

The configuring to the terminal device at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer, includes:

The handover command carries at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer, and sends the handover command to the terminal device.

At least one timer of at least one target network device of the terminal device may be configured by the source network device directly through a handover command, or may also be forwarded by the target network device to the terminal device through the source network device.

The processing flow of handover can be seen in Figure 3, including:

The handover preparation stage includes steps 1-6 in the figure: the source network device sends measurement control to the terminal device; after the terminal device performs measurements on multiple network devices or cells, it sends a measurement report to the source network device; the source network device according to the measurement report (or combined with RRM information) to make a handover decision; the source network device sends a handover request to the target network device to make the target network device prepare for handover; the target network device performs handover permission control according to the handover request; The network device sends an acknowledgement of the handover request.

Then the execution handover phase is performed, including steps 7-11 in the figure, specifically: the target network device generates RRC information, sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the source network device, and the source network device sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the terminal device through the RRC connection reconfiguration information. ; After receiving the RRC connection reconfiguration information, the terminal device performs handover processing according to the connection reconfiguration information; then the source network device sends the SN status to the target network device; the terminal device synchronizes with the target network device, and then receives the target network device for UL Allocate, and send RRC connection reconfiguration completion information to the target network device.

Finally, it enters the handover completion stage, including 12-18 in the figure, specifically: the target network device sends a path switching request to the MME to notify the MME terminal device to change the cell; the MME sends a bearer adjustment request to the serving gateway, and the MME performs the downlink path switching processing. ; After completing the processing, the serving gateway sends the bearer adjustment completion processing to the MME, and the MME sends a confirmation message of the path switching request to the target network device; the target network device notifies the source network device of the terminal device context release. The source network device releases resources.

In combination with this embodiment, when the terminal device has a target network device, the source network device can directly send a timer through a handover command, or send a timer by forwarding a reconfiguration message, that is, a timer for the target network device. ; When the terminal device has at least two target network devices, the source network device can configure at least two timers directly through the handover instruction, and/or a common timer, or can configure the terminal device by forwarding the reconfiguration message At least two timers, and/or a common timer.

Wherein, a message may be sent to the terminal device for the timer and/or common timer corresponding to each target network device; or, the timer and/or the timer corresponding to each target network device of all target network devices Or add a common timer to the same message and just send a message to the end device.

It should be understood that, in addition to the aforementioned timer and/or public timer, the reconfiguration message may also include: mobility control information, new C-RNTI, and security information of the second target network device; in addition, optional It also includes the random access preamble, the system information block (SIB) of the second target network device and other information.

The method further includes: selecting a target network device based on a measurement report corresponding to at least one network device; or randomly selecting a target network device from the at least one network device.

Wherein, when selecting the target network device, when the source network device receives the measurement report of at least one network device sent by the terminal device, at least one target network device can be selected for the terminal device; and then the relevant information of the at least one target network device is passed through The reconfiguration message or handover command is sent to the terminal device; it should be noted that at least one timer corresponding to the at least one target network device and/or a public timer needs to be added when at least one target network device is sent.

And/or, selecting the target network device may also be that when the terminal device fails to connect to the first target network device, the source network device selects a second target network device for the terminal device from at least one target network device, and selects a second target network device for the terminal device. The second target network device is sent to the terminal device through a reconfiguration message or a handover command; it should be pointed out that when sending the second target network device, a second timer corresponding to the second target network device needs to be added.

The first target network device and the second target network device in this embodiment are the target network devices when the terminal device is switched; or, the first target network device and the second target network device are the auxiliary node SN, and the The source network device is the master node MN. It should be noted here that in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the SN is called the SCG, and in the New Radio (NR), it is the SN, which refers to the same concept, that is, the second service network device in the DC scenario. The applicable scenarios of this embodiment are: the terminal keeps connecting with the source network device and fails to connect with the target network device; the source network device of the terminal disconnects and successfully connects with the target network device; the auxiliary cell group (SCG) connection fails and the SCG changes Connection failed. Of course, there may also be, in a scenario where multiple SCGs are configured, one SCG connection fails; in a scenario where multiple target cells are configured, one target cell fails to connect. There may also be other applicable scenarios, but this embodiment will not be exhaustive.

It can be seen that by adopting the above solution, at least one timer and/or public timer corresponding to at least one target network device can be configured; so that when the terminal device is configured with at least one target network device, based on the corresponding timer and/or Or a common timer controls the handover processing, thereby ensuring the processing efficiency of re-establishing a connection with the target network device.

Embodiment three,

An embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal device, as shown in FIG. 5 , including:

The first communication unit 51 receives at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a public timer; wherein the duration of the public timer is at least greater than the maximum duration of the timer for at least one target network device ; initiate a connection to the target network device based on the at least one timer and/or the common timer.

Wherein, in the at least one timer corresponding to the at least one target network device, the timing durations of different timers may be the same or different;

In addition, the timing duration of the common timer may be greater than the timing duration of the timer with the largest timing duration among all the timers; or, the timing duration of the public timer may also be the sum of the timing durations of all the timers; of course , the timing duration of the common timer may also be greater than the sum of timing durations of all the timers. The duration of at least one timer and the public timer can be set according to actual conditions, and the list is not exhaustive here.

the first communication unit 51,

Receive the reconfiguration message of the target network device forwarded by the source network device, and obtain at least one timer and/or a public timer carried in the reconfiguration message for at least one target network device;

or,

A handover command from the source network device is received, and at least one timer and/or a common timer for at least one target network device is acquired through the handover command.

That is to say, at least one timer of at least one target network device of the terminal device, and/or one public timer corresponding to at least one target network device, may be directly configured by the source network device, or may also be configured by the target network device. It is obtained by forwarding from the source network device to the terminal device.

The processing flow of handover can be seen in Figure 3, including:

The handover preparation stage includes steps 1-6 in the figure: the source network device sends measurement control to the terminal device; after the terminal device performs measurements on multiple network devices or cells, it sends a measurement report to the source network device; the source network device according to the measurement report (or combined with RRM information) to make a handover decision; the source network device sends a handover request to the target network device to make the target network device prepare for handover; the target network device performs handover permission control according to the handover request; The network device sends an acknowledgement of the handover request.

Then the execution handover phase is performed, including steps 7-11 in the figure, specifically: the target network device generates RRC information, sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the source network device, and the source network device sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the terminal device through the RRC connection reconfiguration information. ; After receiving the RRC connection reconfiguration information, the terminal device performs handover processing according to the connection reconfiguration information; then the source network device sends the SN status to the target network device; the terminal device synchronizes with the target network device, and then receives the target network device for UL Allocate, and send RRC connection reconfiguration completion information to the target network device.

Finally, it enters the handover completion stage, including 12-18 in the figure, specifically: the target network device sends a path switching request to the MME to notify the MME terminal device to change the cell; the MME sends a bearer adjustment request to the serving gateway, and the MME performs the downlink path switching processing. ; After completing the processing, the serving gateway sends the bearer adjustment completion processing to the MME, and the MME sends a confirmation message of the path switching request to the target network device; the target network device notifies the source network device of the terminal device context release. The source network device releases resources.

In combination with this embodiment, when the terminal device has a target network device, the source network device can directly send a timer through a handover command, or send a timer by forwarding a reconfiguration message, that is, a timer for the target network device. ; When the terminal device has at least two target network devices, the source network device can directly configure at least two timers for the terminal device through the handover instruction, and/or a common timer, or can forward the reconfiguration message for the terminal device. The device is configured with at least two timers, and/or a common timer.

Wherein, a message may be sent to the terminal device for the timer and/or common timer corresponding to each target network device; or, the timer and/or the timer corresponding to each target network device of all target network devices Or add a common timer to the same message and just send a message to the end device.

It should be understood that, in addition to the aforementioned timer and/or public timer, the reconfiguration message may also include: mobility control information, new C-RNTI, and security information of the second target network device; in addition, optional It also includes the random access preamble, the system information block (SIB) of the second target network device and other information.

Specifically, this embodiment can be applied to the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: The terminal device may have at least two target network devices, and all the target network devices correspond to a common timer.

It should be understood that, in this scenario, timers may be sent separately for at least two target network devices, that is to say, the timers of at least two target network devices are sent separately, and each of the same timers may be a common timer; or , or only one common timer can be sent, and the configuration of the common timer can be applied to all target network devices.

In this scenario, the common timer can be obtained through the handover command, or the common timer can be obtained from the forwarded reconfiguration message.

The terminal equipment also includes:

The first processing unit 52, when receiving the handover command, starts a common timer, and initiates a connection to the first target network device through the first communication unit 51.

Alternatively, the initiating a connection to the target network device based on the at least one timer and/or the public timer further includes:

The first processing unit 52, if the received handover command (HO command) carries a reconfiguration message containing at least two target network devices, then when the terminal device selects the first target network device to be accessed currently, Start a public timer.

In this scenario, the following sub-scenarios can also be provided for the specific processing method of using the same common timer for multiple network devices:

sub-scenario one,

Every time the connection to the target network device fails and the second target network device is connected, the public timer is restarted, specifically:

The first processing unit 52, if the connection to the first target network device is successfully initiated within the time duration of the timer, stops the public timer.

If the common timer times out and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device.

When determining that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device, the first processing unit 52, when the connection to the first target network device fails, or when the public timer stops and the connection to the first target network device fails , determine the second target network device, restart the public timer, and initiate a connection to the second target network device through the first communication unit 51 .

Wherein, the method for determining the second target network device may include one of the following:

The first processing unit 52 re-accepts the handover command sent by the source network device, and obtains the second target network device based on the handover command; wherein the handover command includes the second target network device reselected by the network side for the terminal device.

Alternatively, if the reconfiguration message received by the terminal device carries information of at least two target network devices, a second target network device is selected from the at least two target network devices.

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be that the first processing unit 52 randomly selects the second target network device from the at least two target network devices, or, based on The selection priority of at least two target network devices is used to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices that are closer in physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

It should be understood that, when the handover processing is performed for the second target network device, the processing method for the first target network device may be used for processing, which is not repeated here.

When the common timer expires, it is confirmed that the handover fails, and the connection with the source network device is returned, or, connection re-establishment is initiated. Specifically, when the handover fails, the first target network device or the second target network device may return to the connection to the source network device, or re-initiate connection reestablishment to the new target network device. Wherein, the new target network device is different from the target network device that failed to switch this time.

It should also be understood that when a connection is initiated to the second target network device again, the second target network device can be used as the new first target network device for subsequent operations, that is, when the new first target network device When the device is successfully connected, it can be determined that the handover is successful, and if the connection of the new first target network device fails, a new second target network device is reselected, and the process is performed in a circular manner.

When determining the second target network device, restarting the public timer, and initiating a connection to the second target network device, the first processing unit 52 determines whether the number of times of restarting the public timer exceeds a preset number of times The threshold value, if it exceeds the threshold value, it is confirmed that the handover fails, and the connection with the source network device is returned, or the connection re-establishment is initiated; wherein, the preset number of times the threshold value can be set according to the actual situation, for example, it can be restart If the public timer exceeds 5 times, it is confirmed that there is currently no suitable target network device for handover, so as to judge that the handover fails. Of course, the preset number of times threshold can be determined according to the number of target network devices, for example, the preset times threshold value It can be 2/3 of the number of target network devices. Assuming that there are 9 target network devices, the public timer can be restarted 6 times; in addition, there may be other methods for setting the threshold value of preset times, but this implementation The examples are no longer exhaustive.

or,

The first processing unit 52 determines whether the number of times of re-selecting the target network device exceeds a preset selection threshold, and if it exceeds, confirms that the handover fails, returns to the connection with the source network device, or initiates connection re-establishment. Wherein, the preset selection threshold value may be set according to the actual situation, for example, the target network device may be reselected for more than 3 times, it is confirmed that there is currently no suitable target network device to perform the handover, and the handover failure is judged; of course; The preset number of thresholds can also be determined according to the number of target network devices. For example, the preset selection threshold can be 2/3 of the number of target network devices. If there are 9 target network devices, it can be reselected. If the target network device exceeds 6 times, it is determined that the handover fails; in addition, there may also be other methods for setting the threshold value of the preset times, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

sub-scenario two,

Multiple network devices share a common timer, and each time the connection to the target network device fails, the target network device is directly reselected until the common timer stops. specific:

The first processing unit 52, when the connection to the first target network device fails and the public timer does not expire, selects a second target network device from at least one target network device, and sends the second target network device through the first communication unit 51 to the second target network device. The network device initiates the connection;

or,

When the connection of the first target network device fails and the public timer does not expire, the second target network device configured in the handover command is acquired, and a connection is initiated to the second target network device through the first communication unit 51 .

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be to randomly select the second target network device from the at least two target network devices, or, based on the at least two target network devices selection priority to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices that are closer in physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

When the second target network device is reselected from at least one network device each time, it may not be necessary to maintain a connection with the source network device; and each time the handover command is reacquired, the second target network device based on the configuration of the handover command In the process of initiating a connection, it may be a connection that returns to the source network device every time the connection fails.

It should be pointed out that after initiating a connection to the second target network device, the second target network device can be re-used as the first target network device and continue to perform the operations in this scenario, and further, when the connection to the new first target network device fails When the new second target network device is selected again, and the cycle is processed in this way, when the target network device that can be connected has not been selected until the public timer stops, it can be confirmed that the handover fails and returns to the source network device. Connect, or, initiate connection re-establishment.

scene two,

The terminal device has at least two target network devices, and each target network device corresponds to a timer.

It should be understood that, in this scenario, at least two timers configured by the source network device for at least two target network devices are received; wherein, the timers corresponding to different target network devices may have the same or different timing durations. It is determined by each target network device, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In this scenario, the source network device may directly carry the timer in the handover command and send it to the terminal device; or, the source network device may forward the reconfiguration messages of at least two target network devices to the terminal device.

The first processing unit 52 starts a first timer for the first target network device when receiving the handover command, and initiates a connection to the first target network device through the first communication unit 51 .

Further, if the connection to the first target network device is successfully initiated within the time period of the first timer, the first timer is stopped.

If the first timer times out and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device.

When it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device, the first processing unit 52,

When the connection of the first target network device fails, select a second target network device from at least one target network device to initiate a connection, and start a timer of the second target network device;

or,

When the connection of the first target network device fails, the second target network device configured in the handover command is obtained, a connection is initiated to the second target network device, and a timer of the second target network device is started.

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be selecting the second target network device from at least two target network devices at random, or based on the at least two target network devices selection priority to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices that are closer in physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

It should also be pointed out that in this scenario, when the second target network device is selected to initiate the connection, the second target network device selected this time may be used as the new first target network device, and correspondingly, the second timer is used as the new target network device. That is, when the new first target network device is not connected successfully at the end of the first timer, the new second target network device is selected again, and the new target network device is started. The second timer corresponding to the second target network device is processed in a circular manner.

Further, the ending mode of the above-mentioned loop processing can be that the first processing unit 52 judges whether the number of times of re-selecting the new target network device exceeds the preset selection threshold value, and if it exceeds, it is determined that the handover fails; or, also It can be used to determine whether the number of times of restarting the new timer exceeds the preset number of times threshold, and if it exceeds, it is determined that the handover fails. For the determination method of the preset selection threshold value and the preset number of times threshold value, reference may be made to the description in scenario 1, and details are not repeated here.

When the timer expires, it is confirmed that the handover fails, and the connection with the source network device is returned, or, connection re-establishment is initiated. Specifically, the first target network device or the second target network device can use the above description to determine whether the handover is successful; and, when the handover fails, both can return to the connection of the source network device, or reconnect to a new one. The second target network device initiates connection re-establishment. Wherein, the new second target network device is different from the second target network device that failed the handover this time.

scene three,

The terminal device has at least two target network devices, each target network device corresponds to a timer, and all the target network devices share a common timer. It should be understood that the timing duration of the timers corresponding to different target network devices may be the same or different; the timing duration of the common timer may be greater than the timing duration of the timer with the longest timing duration among all the timers; or, The timing duration of the common timer may also be the sum of the timing durations of all the timers; of course, the timing duration of the common timer may also be greater than the sum of the timing durations of all the timers. The duration of at least one timer and the public timer can be set according to actual conditions, and the list is not exhaustive here.

In this scenario, at least two timers corresponding to the at least two target network devices may be obtained through the reconfiguration message forwarded by the source base station; or the source network device may directly set at least two timers in the handover command to send to the terminal device .

The first processing unit 52, when receiving the handover command, starts the first timer of the first target network device, starts the public timer, and initiates a connection to the first target network device through the first communication unit 51.

Further, if the connection to the first target network device is successfully initiated within the time period of the first timer, the first timer is stopped. If the first timer times out and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, it is determined that the terminal device fails to switch to the first target network device.

After the connection is initiated to the first target network device, the first processing unit 52,

When the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or fails to connect to the first target network device, if the common timer does not expire, select a second target network device from at least one target network device, and send the second target network device to the second target network device. The target network device initiates the connection and starts the timer of the second target network device;

or,

When the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or the connection to the first target network device fails, if the common timer does not expire, obtain the second target network device based on the handover command, and initiate a notification to the second target network device Connect and start the timer of the second target network device.

Wherein, the method for selecting the second target network device from the at least two target network devices may be selecting the second target network device from at least two target network devices at random, or based on the at least two target network devices selection priority to select the second target network device.

The selection priority may be a parameter set by the network side for different target network devices according to the actual situation; the network side may set different selection priorities for different target network devices with reference to the measurement report of the terminal device. For example, the signal measurement quality in the measurement report can be set to have a higher selection priority, and vice versa, the selection priority angle can be set; and/or, set according to the physical distance of the target network device, the distance from the current source The selection priority of network devices with a closer physical distance is higher (or lower); of course, other setting methods may exist in actual processing, which are not exhaustive in this embodiment.

It should also be pointed out that in this scenario, when the second target network device is selected to initiate the connection, the second target network device selected this time may be used as the new first target network device, and correspondingly, the second timer is used as the new target network device. That is, when the new first target network device is not connected successfully at the end of the first timer, the new second target network device is selected again, and the new target network device is started. The second timer corresponding to the second target network device is processed in a circular manner.

Further, the above-mentioned cyclic processing may be terminated by confirming that the handover fails when the common timer times out, returning to the connection with the source network device, or initiating connection re-establishment.

It should also be pointed out that when it is determined that the handover fails and returns to the connection to the source network device, or, while initiating a connection to the target network device, the terminal device in this embodiment may also retain the connection with the source network device; Wherein, the terminal device retains the first protocol stack and the first related key with the source network device, and maintains the second protocol stack and the second related key with the first target network device;

Wherein, the first correlation key is different from the second correlation key. The second correlation key may be generated from the first correlation key.

Wherein, the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack may be the same or different, or at least partially different. For example, when targeting a 5G system, it may be the difference between the terminal device and the source network device, and the terminal device and the first target network device. Maintain different Service Data Application Protocol (SDAP, Service Data Adaptation Protocol), different Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP, Packet Data Convergence Protocol), different Radio Link Layer Control Protocol (RLC, Radio Link Control), different Media Access Control (MAC) entity, different low layer (Lowlayer) entities; when targeting 4G systems, different packet data convergence protocols can be maintained between the terminal device and the source network device, and between the terminal device and the first target network device (PDCP, Packet Data Convergence Protocol), different radio link layer control protocols (RLC, Radio Link Control), different media access control (MAC) entities, different low layer (Low layer) entities. In addition, in the solution provided in this embodiment, in order to ensure that different keys are used, the PDCPs of the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack must be different. At least one of SDAP, RLC, MAC and physical layer may be the same or different. Alternatively, the first protocol stack and the second protocol stack may share at least one of SDAP, RLC, MAC and physical layers, or may have SDAP, RLC, MAC and physical layers respectively.

The first target network device and the second target network device in this embodiment are the target network devices when the terminal device is switched; or, the first target network device and the second target network device are the auxiliary node SN, and the The source network device is the master node MN. It should be noted here that in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the SN is called the SCG, and in the New Radio (NR), it is the SN, which refers to the same concept, that is, the second service network device in the DC scenario. The applicable scenarios of this embodiment are: the terminal keeps connecting with the source network device and fails to connect with the target network device; the source network device of the terminal disconnects and successfully connects with the target network device; the auxiliary cell group (SCG) connection fails and the SCG changes Connection failed. Of course, there may also be, in a scenario where multiple SCGs are configured, one SCG connection fails; in a scenario where multiple target cells are configured, one target cell fails to connect. There may also be other applicable scenarios, but this embodiment will not be exhaustive.

It can be seen that by adopting the above solution, at least one timer and/or public timer corresponding to at least one target network device can be configured; so that when the terminal device is configured with at least one target network device, based on the corresponding timer and/or Or a common timer controls the handover processing, thereby ensuring the processing efficiency of re-establishing a connection with the target network device.

Embodiment four,

An embodiment of the present invention provides a source network device, as shown in FIG. 6 , including:

The second communication unit 61 configures the terminal device at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a public timer; wherein the duration of the public timer is at least longer than the timer for at least one target network device maximum duration.

In addition, the timing duration of the common timer may be greater than the timing duration of the timer with the largest timing duration among all the timers; or, the timing duration of the public timer may also be the sum of the timing durations of all the timers; of course , the timing duration of the common timer may also be greater than the sum of timing durations of all the timers. The duration of at least one timer and the public timer can be set according to actual conditions, and the list is not exhaustive here.

The second communication unit 61 carries at least one timer for at least one target network device in the handover command, and/or a common timer, and sends the handover command to the terminal device.

Specifically, at least one timer of at least one target network device of the terminal device may be configured by the source network device directly through a handover command, or may also be forwarded by the target network device to the terminal device through the source network device.

The processing flow of handover can be seen in Figure 3, including:

The handover preparation stage includes steps 1-6 in the figure: the source network device sends measurement control to the terminal device; after the terminal device performs measurements on multiple network devices or cells, it sends a measurement report to the source network device; the source network device according to the measurement report (or combined with RRM information) to make a handover decision; the source network device sends a handover request to the target network device to make the target network device prepare for handover; the target network device performs handover permission control according to the handover request; The network device sends an acknowledgement of the handover request.

Then the execution handover phase is performed, including steps 7-11 in the figure, specifically: the target network device generates RRC information, sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the source network device, and the source network device sends the RRC connection reconfiguration information to the terminal device through the RRC connection reconfiguration information. ; After receiving the RRC connection reconfiguration information, the terminal device performs handover processing according to the connection reconfiguration information; then the source network device sends the SN status to the target network device; the terminal device synchronizes with the target network device, and then receives the target network device for UL Allocate, and send RRC connection reconfiguration completion information to the target network device.

Finally, it enters the handover completion stage, including 12-18 in the figure, specifically: the target network device sends a path switching request to the MME to notify the MME terminal device to change the cell; the MME sends a bearer adjustment request to the serving gateway, and the MME performs the downlink path switching processing. ; After completing the processing, the serving gateway sends the bearer adjustment completion processing to the MME, and the MME sends a confirmation message of the path switching request to the target network device; the target network device notifies the source network device of the terminal device context release. The source network device releases resources.

In combination with this embodiment, when the terminal device has a target network device, the source network device can directly send a timer through a handover command, or send a timer by forwarding a reconfiguration message, that is, a timer for the target network device. ; When the terminal device has at least two target network devices, the source network device can directly configure at least two timers through a handover instruction, and/or a common timer, or can configure at least two timers for the terminal device by forwarding a reconfiguration message. Two timers, and/or, a common timer.

Wherein, a message may be sent to the terminal device for the timer and/or common timer corresponding to each target network device; or, the timer and/or the timer corresponding to each target network device of all target network devices Or add a common timer to the same message and just send a message to the end device.

It should be understood that, in addition to the aforementioned timer and/or public timer, the reconfiguration message may also include: mobility control information, new C-RNTI, and security information of the second target network device; in addition, optional It also includes the random access preamble, the system information block (SIB) of the second target network device and other information.

The source network device also includes:

The second processing unit 62 selects a target network device based on a measurement report corresponding to at least one network device; or randomly selects a target network device from the at least one network device.

Wherein, when selecting the target network device, when the source network device receives the measurement report of at least one network device sent by the terminal device, at least one target network device can be selected for the terminal device; and then the relevant information of the at least one target network device is passed through The reconfiguration message or handover command is sent to the terminal device; it should be noted that at least one timer corresponding to the at least one target network device and/or a public timer needs to be added when at least one target network device is sent.

And/or, selecting the target network device may also be that when the terminal device fails to connect to the first target network device, the source network device selects a second target network device for the terminal device from at least one target network device, and selects a second target network device for the terminal device. The second target network device is sent to the terminal device through a reconfiguration message or a handover command; it should be pointed out that when sending the second target network device, a second timer corresponding to the second target network device needs to be added.

The first target network device and the second target network device in this embodiment are the target network devices when the terminal device is switched; or, the first target network device and the second target network device are the auxiliary node SN, and the The source network device is the master node MN. It should be noted here that in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the SN is called the SCG, and in the New Radio (NR), it is the SN, which refers to the same concept, that is, the second service network device in the DC scenario. The applicable scenarios of this embodiment are: the terminal keeps connecting with the source network device and fails to connect with the target network device; the source network device of the terminal disconnects and successfully connects with the target network device; the auxiliary cell group (SCG) connection fails and the SCG changes Connection failed. Of course, there may also be, in a scenario where multiple SCGs are configured, one SCG connection fails; in a scenario where multiple target cells are configured, one target cell fails to connect. There may also be other applicable scenarios, but this embodiment will not be exhaustive.

It can be seen that by adopting the above solution, at least one timer and/or public timer corresponding to at least one target network device can be configured; so that when the terminal device is configured with at least one target network device, based on the corresponding timer and/or Or a common timer controls the handover processing, thereby ensuring the processing efficiency of re-establishing a connection with the target network device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 700 provided by an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device may be the terminal device or the network device described above in this embodiment. The communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7 includes a processor 710, and the processor 710 can call and run a computer program from a memory, so as to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7 , the communication device 700 may further include a memory 720 . The processor 710 may call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the methods in the embodiments of the present application.

The memory 720 may be a separate device independent of the processor 710 , or may be integrated in the processor 710 .

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7 , the communication device 700 may further include a transceiver 730, and the processor 710 may control the transceiver 730 to communicate with other devices, specifically, may send information or data to other devices, or receive other devices Information or data sent by a device.

Among them, the transceiver 730 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 730 may further include antennas, and the number of the antennas may be one or more.

Optionally, the communication device 700 may specifically be the network device in this embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 700 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method in the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, details are not repeated here. .

Optionally, the communication device 700 may specifically be a terminal device or a network device in the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 700 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal/terminal device in each method in the embodiments of the present application. It is concise and will not be repeated here.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 800 shown in FIG. 8 includes a processor 810, and the processor 810 can call and run a computer program from a memory, so as to implement the methods in the embodiments of the present application.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8 , the chip 800 may further include a memory 820 . The processor 810 may call and run a computer program from the memory 820 to implement the methods in the embodiments of the present application.

The memory 820 may be a separate device independent of the processor 810 , or may be integrated in the processor 810 .

Optionally, the chip 800 may further include an input interface 830 . The processor 810 may control the input interface 830 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

Optionally, the chip 800 may further include an output interface 840 . The processor 810 may control the output interface 840 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may output information or data to other devices or chips.

Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiment of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method of the embodiment of the present application, which is not repeated here for brevity.

Optionally, the chip can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiment of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in each method of the embodiment of the present application, which is not repeated here for brevity.

It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as a system-on-chip, a system-on-chip, a system-on-chip, or a system-on-a-chip, or the like.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 900 provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9 , the communication system 900 includes a terminal device 910 and a network device 920 .

The terminal device 910 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the terminal device in the above method, and the network device 920 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the network device in the above method. For brevity, details are not repeated here. .

It should be understood that the processor in this embodiment of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip, which has a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiments may be completed by a hardware integrated logic circuit in a processor or an instruction in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), an off-the-shelf programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA) or other programmable Logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. The methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented or executed. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor or the like. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers and other storage media mature in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory, and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

It can be understood that the memory in this embodiment of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Wherein, the non-volatile memory may be Read-Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (Erasable PROM, EPROM), Erase programmable read-only memory (Electrically EPROM, EEPROM) or flash memory. The volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (Double Data Rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (Enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (Synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM) And direct memory bus random access memory (DirectRambus RAM, DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

It should be understood that the above-mentioned memory is an example but not a limitative description. For example, the memory in this embodiment of the present application may also be a static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), Synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous connection Dynamic random access memory (synch link DRAM, SLDRAM) and direct memory bus random access memory (Direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM) and so on. That is, the memory in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include but not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

Embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, here No longer.

Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal/terminal device in each method of the embodiments of the present application, for the sake of brevity. , and will not be repeated here.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method of the embodiments of the present application. Repeat.

Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the mobile terminal/terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal/terminal device in each method of the embodiments of the present application, For brevity, details are not repeated here.

The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program.

Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program is run on the computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity. , and will not be repeated here.

Optionally, the computer program may be applied to the mobile terminal/terminal device in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program is run on the computer, the mobile terminal/terminal device implements the various methods of the computer program in the embodiments of the present application. The corresponding process, for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality using different methods for each particular application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working process of the above-described systems, devices and units may refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus and method may be implemented in other manners. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or Can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored, or not implemented. On the other hand, the shown or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution in this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

The functions, if implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including Several instructions are used to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory,) ROM, random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes .

The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. should be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (16)

1. A switching timing method is applied to terminal equipment and comprises the following steps:

receiving at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer;

wherein a duration of the common timer is at least greater than a maximum duration of a timer for at least one target network device;

when receiving a switching command, starting a first timer of first target network equipment, starting a public timer and initiating connection to the first target network equipment;

when a first timer of first target network equipment stops and/or connection with the first target network equipment fails, if the common timer is not overtime, selecting second target network equipment from at least one target network equipment, initiating connection to the second target network equipment, and starting a timer of the second target network equipment;

or when the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, if the common timer is not overtime, acquiring the second target network device based on the switching command, initiating the connection to the second target network device, and starting the timer of the second target network device; and if the public timer is overtime, confirming that the switching fails, and returning to the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer, comprises:

receiving a handover command, and acquiring at least one timer and/or a common timer for at least one target network device through the handover command.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein after the initiating a connection to the first target network device, the method further comprises:

when the connection of a first target network device fails or when a common timer stops and the connection of the first target network device fails, determining a second target network device, restarting the common timer, and initiating connection to the second target network device;

or when the connection with the first target network equipment fails and the common timer is not overtime, selecting second target network equipment from at least one target network equipment to initiate connection to the second target network equipment;

or, when the connection of the first target network device fails and the common timer is not overtime, acquiring a second target network device configured in the switching command, and initiating connection to the second target network device; and when the public timer is overtime, confirming that the switching is failed, and returning the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the determining a second target network device, restarting a common timer, and when initiating a connection to the second target network device, the method further comprises:

judging whether the times of restarting the public timer exceeds a preset time threshold value, if so, confirming the switching failure, and returning to the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment;

or, judging whether the number of times of reselecting the target network device exceeds a preset selection threshold value, if so, confirming that the switching fails, and returning to the connection with the source network device or initiating connection reestablishment.

5. A switching timing method is applied to source network equipment and comprises the following steps:

configuring at least one timer for at least one target network device and/or a common timer to the terminal device; wherein a duration of the common timer is at least greater than a maximum duration of a timer for at least one target network device;

wherein, the at least one timer and/or the common timer are used for the terminal device to: when receiving a switching command, starting a first timer of first target network equipment, starting a public timer and initiating connection to the first target network equipment;

when a first timer of first target network equipment stops and/or connection with the first target network equipment fails, if the common timer is not overtime, selecting second target network equipment from at least one target network equipment, initiating connection to the second target network equipment, and starting a timer of the second target network equipment;

or when the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, if the common timer is not overtime, acquiring the second target network device based on the switching command, initiating the connection to the second target network device, and starting the timer of the second target network device; and if the public timer is overtime, confirming that the switching fails, and returning to the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the configuring of the terminal device with at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer, comprises:

and carrying at least one timer aiming at least one target network device in the switching command, and/or sending the switching command to the terminal device by using a common timer.

7. A terminal device, comprising:

a first communication unit receiving at least one timer for at least one target network device, and/or a common timer; wherein a duration of the common timer is at least greater than a maximum duration of a timer for at least one target network device;

the first processing unit starts a first timer of the first target network equipment and starts a public timer when receiving the switching command, and initiates connection to the first target network equipment; when a first timer of first target network equipment stops and/or connection with the first target network equipment fails, if the common timer is not overtime, selecting second target network equipment from at least one target network equipment, initiating connection to the second target network equipment, and starting a timer of the second target network equipment; or when the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, if the common timer is not overtime, acquiring the second target network device based on the switching command, initiating the connection to the second target network device, and starting the timer of the second target network device; and if the public timer is overtime, confirming that the switching fails, and returning to the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment.

8. The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the first communication unit,

receiving a handover command, and acquiring at least one timer and/or a common timer for at least one target network device through the handover command.

9. The terminal device of claim 8, wherein the first processing unit determines a second target network device when connection to a first target network device fails or when a common timer stops and connection to the first target network device fails, restarts the common timer, and initiates connection to the second target network device through the first communication unit;

or when the connection with the first target network equipment fails and the common timer is not overtime, selecting second target network equipment from at least one target network equipment to initiate connection to the second target network equipment;

or, when the connection of the first target network device fails and the common timer is not overtime, acquiring a second target network device configured in the switching command, and initiating connection to the second target network device; and when the public timer is overtime, confirming that the switching is failed, and returning the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment.

10. The terminal device of claim 9, wherein the first processing unit,

judging whether the times of restarting the public timer exceeds a preset time threshold value, if so, confirming the switching failure, and returning to the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment;

or, judging whether the number of times of reselecting the target network device exceeds a preset selection threshold value, if so, confirming that the switching fails, and returning to the connection with the source network device or initiating connection reestablishment.

11. A source network device, comprising:

the second communication unit is used for configuring at least one timer aiming at least one target network device and/or a common timer for the terminal device; wherein a duration of the common timer is at least greater than a maximum duration of a timer for at least one target network device;

wherein, the at least one timer and/or the common timer are used for the terminal device to: when receiving a switching command, starting a first timer of first target network equipment, starting a public timer and initiating connection to the first target network equipment;

when a first timer of first target network equipment stops and/or connection with the first target network equipment fails, if the common timer is not overtime, selecting second target network equipment from at least one target network equipment, initiating connection to the second target network equipment, and starting a timer of the second target network equipment;

or when the first timer of the first target network device stops and/or the connection with the first target network device fails, if the common timer is not overtime, acquiring the second target network device based on the switching command, initiating the connection to the second target network device, and starting the timer of the second target network device; and if the public timer is overtime, confirming that the switching fails, and returning to the connection with the source network equipment or initiating connection reestablishment.

12. The source network device of claim 11, wherein the second communication unit,

and carrying at least one timer aiming at least one target network device in the switching command, and/or sending the switching command to the terminal device by using a common timer.

13. A terminal device, comprising: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor,

wherein the memory is adapted to store a computer program and the processor is adapted to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the steps of the method according to any of claims 1-4.

14. A network device, comprising: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor,

wherein the memory is adapted to store a computer program and the processor is adapted to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the steps of the method according to claim 5 or 6.

15. A chip, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory so that a device on which the chip is installed performs the method of any one of claims 1-6.

16. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program for causing a computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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