Patent Description:
As communication technologies develop, a terminal that can access both an evolved packet core (the evolved packet core, EPC) and a 5th generation core network (the 5th generation core network, 5GCN) appears. The 5GCN may also be referred to as a 5GC.

Currently, as stipulated in a related standard, if the terminal cannot perform a first service in a 5th generation communication technology (the <NUM> generation mobile communication technology, <NUM>) network (for example, the <NUM> network does not support the first service, or the terminal in the <NUM> network does not support in performing the first service), the terminal disables an N1 mode (mode) capability of the terminal, that is, disables a capability of accessing the 5GC by the terminal.

In this case, if a 4th generation communication technology (the <NUM> generation mobile communication technology, <NUM>) network supports the first service, the terminal accesses the EPC. To avoid handing over/redirecting the terminal to the 5GC, an access network device in the <NUM> network needs to learn that the terminal has disabled the N1 mode capability. However, currently, there is no method for how the access network device learns that the terminal has disabled the N1 mode capability.

<NPL>), relates to eLTE AS capability enabling and disabling due to N1 mode capability change.

<NPL>), relates to UE capability of LTE-5GC.

<NPL>), relates to disabling/re-enabling N1 mode.

<CIT> relates to handling of user equipment coverage enhancement mode b radio capability mismatch due to change in user equipment usage setting.

Implementations of this application provide a communication method and apparatus, and provide a manner in which an access network device determines that a terminal has disabled an NI mode capability.

According to a first aspect, a communication method is provided. After disabling a capability of accessing a first network, a terminal receives a wireless capability obtaining message from an access network device of a second network, where the wireless capability obtaining message is used to request to obtain a wireless capability of the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal sends, to the access network device of the second network, a first notification message used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network. In this way, the access network device of the second network can learn that the terminal has disabled access to the first network. It can be learned that, according to the communication method provided in this application, the access network device can learn that the terminal has disabled access to the first network.

The first notification message does not include first wireless capability information, the first wireless capability information is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network, and the first wireless capability information includes at least one of information used to indicate a radio capability of the terminal to access the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to hand over from the second network to the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to redirect from the second network to the first network, or information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to access the first network through dual connectivity.

Optionally, if the first network is a <NUM> network, and the second network is a <NUM> network, in the communication method provided in this implementation of this application, the access network device of the <NUM> network can learn that the terminal has disabled an N1 mode capability.

If the first network is a <NUM> network, and the second network is a <NUM> network, in the communication method provided in this implementation of this application, the access network device of the <NUM> network can learn that the terminal has disabled an S1 mode capability. The S1 mode capability of the terminal refers to a capability of the terminal to access an EPC.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of this application, after disabling the capability of accessing the first network, the terminal further sends, to a core network device of the second network, first information used to indicate that the wireless capability of the terminal changes, so that the core network device, of the second network, that has stored wireless capability information of the terminal deletes the wireless capability information, of the terminal, stored in the core network device.

Optionally, in another possible implementation of this application, the communication method provided in this application further includes: The terminal enables the capability of accessing the first network, and sends a second notification message to the access network device of the second network, where the second notification message is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network.

In a scenario in which the terminal has disabled the capability of accessing the first network, the terminal may further reenable, based on an actual requirement, the capability of accessing the first network. When the terminal reenables the capability of accessing the first network, the terminal may further send the second notification message to the access network device of the second network. In this way, the access network device of the second network may learn that the terminal is enabled to access the first network, and may further hand over the terminal to the first network.

Optionally, in another possible implementation of this application, if the first network is a 5th generation communication technology <NUM> network, the radio capability of the terminal to access the first network includes a capability of the terminal to support access to a <NUM> core network through evolved universal terrestrial radio access (evolved universal terrestrial radio access, E-UTRA), and a capability of the terminal to support access to the <NUM> core network through new radio (new radio, NR).

According to a second aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus can implement functions according to any one of the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect. These functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or the software includes one or more modules corresponding to the foregoing functions.

In a possible manner of this application, the communication apparatus may include a processing unit, a receiving unit, and a sending unit. The processing unit, the receiving unit, and the sending unit may perform corresponding functions in the communication method according to any one of the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect. For example, the processing unit is used to disable a capability of accessing a first network; the receiving unit is configured to receive a wireless capability obtaining message from an access network device of a second network, where the wireless capability obtaining message is used to request to obtain a wireless capability of a terminal; and the sending unit is configured to send a first notification message to the access network device of the second network, where the first notification message is used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network.

According to a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes a processor, and the processor is configured to: be coupled to a memory, and read and execute instructions in the memory, to implement the communication method according to any one of the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect.

Optionally, the communication apparatus may further include the memory, and the memory is configured to store program instructions and data of the communication apparatus.

Optionally, the communication apparatus may further include a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to perform, under control of the processor of the communication apparatus, steps of sending and receiving data, signaling, or information in the communication method according to any one of the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect, for example, receiving a wireless capability obtaining message, and sending a first notification message.

Optionally, the communication apparatus may be a terminal, or may be an apparatus as a part in the terminal, for example, a chip system in the terminal. The chip system is configured to support the terminal in implementing functions according to any one of the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect, for example, receiving or processing data and/or information in the foregoing communication method. The chip system includes a chip, and may also include another discrete component or circuit structure.

According to a fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus is enabled to perform the communication method according to the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect.

According to a fifth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is further provided. When the computer program product runs on a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus is enabled to perform the communication method according to the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect.

It should be noted that all or some of the foregoing instructions may be stored in a first computer storage medium. The first computer storage medium may be packaged together with a processor, or the first computer storage medium and the processor may be separately packaged. This is not specifically limited in this application.

In this application, for detailed descriptions of the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the implementations of the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect, refer to the detailed descriptions of the first aspect and the implementations of the first aspect. In addition, for beneficial effects of the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the implementations of the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect, refer to analysis of the beneficial effects of the first aspect and the implementations of the first aspect.

According to a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. After receiving non-access NAS capability information used to indicate that a terminal has disabled a capability of accessing a first network, a core network device of a second network sends indication information to an access network device of the second network, where the indication information is used to indicate to obtain a wireless capability of the terminal, or is used to indicate that the access network device of the second network cannot connect the terminal to the first network. In this way, the access network device of the second network can learn that the terminal has disabled access to the first network, and therefore does not connect the terminal to the first network.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of this application, before sending the indication information to the access network device of the second network, the core network device of the second network further receives first information from the terminal, where the first information is used to indicate that the wireless capability of the terminal changes. Subsequently, the core network device of the second network deletes first wireless capability information and second wireless capability information based on the first information. The first wireless capability information is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network, and the second wireless capability information is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the second network.

Before the core network device of the second network provides a service for the terminal that has disabled the capability of accessing the first network, the core network device of the second network may have stored the first wireless capability information and the second wireless capability information. After receiving the first information, the core network device of the second network learns that the wireless capability of the terminal changes. In this case, the wireless capability information stored in the core network device of the second network does not correspond to the wireless capability of the terminal. Therefore, the core network device of the second network deletes the first wireless capability information and the second wireless capability information.

Optionally, in another possible implementation of this application, the first wireless capability information includes at least one of information used to indicate a radio capability of the terminal to access the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to hand over from the second network to the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to redirect from the second network to the first network, or information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to access the first network through dual connectivity; and
the second wireless capability information includes at least one of information used to indicate a radio capability of the terminal to access the second network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to hand over from the first network to the second network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to redirect from the first network to the second network, or information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to access the second network through dual connectivity.

Optionally, in another possible implementation of this application, if the first network is a 5th generation communication technology <NUM> network, the radio capability of the terminal to access the first network includes a capability of the terminal to support access to a <NUM> core network through evolved universal terrestrial radio access E-UTRA, and a capability of the terminal to support access to the <NUM> core network through new radio NR; and if the second network is a 5th generation communication technology <NUM> network, the radio capability of the terminal to access the second network includes a capability of the terminal to support access to a <NUM> core network through E-UTRA, and a capability of the terminal to support access to the <NUM> core network through NR.

According to a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus can implement functions according to any one of the sixth aspect and the possible implementations of the sixth aspect. These functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or the software includes one or more modules corresponding to the foregoing functions.

In a possible manner of this application, the communication apparatus may include a receiving unit and a sending unit. The receiving unit and the sending unit may perform corresponding functions in the communication method according to any one of the sixth aspect and the possible implementations of the sixth aspect. For example, the receiving unit is configured to receive non-access NAS capability information from a terminal, where the NAS capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has disabled a capability of accessing a first network; and the sending unit is configured to send indication information to an access network device of a second network, where the indication information is used to indicate to obtain a wireless capability of the terminal, or is used to indicate that the access network device of the second network cannot connect the terminal to the first network.

According to an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes a processor, and the processor is configured to: be coupled to a memory, and read and execute instructions in the memory, to implement the communication method according to any one of the sixth aspect and the possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

Optionally, the communication apparatus may further include a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to perform, under control of the processor of the communication apparatus, steps of sending and receiving data, signaling, or information in the communication method according to any one of the sixth aspect and the possible implementations of the sixth aspect, for example, receiving NAS capability information, and sending indication information.

Optionally, the communication apparatus may be a core network device of a second network, or may be an apparatus as a part in the core network device of the second network, for example, a chip system in the core network device of the second network. The chip system is configured to support the core network device of the second network in implementing functions according to any one of the sixth aspect and the possible implementations of the sixth aspect, for example, sending or processing data and/or information in the foregoing communication method. The chip system includes a chip, and may also include another discrete component or circuit structure.

According to a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus is enabled to perform the communication method according to the sixth aspect and the possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

According to a tenth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is further provided. When the computer program product runs on a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus is enabled to perform the communication method according to the sixth aspect and the possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

In this application, for detailed descriptions of the seventh aspect, the eighth aspect, the ninth aspect, the tenth aspect, and the implementations of the seventh aspect, the eighth aspect, the ninth aspect, and the tenth aspect, refer to the detailed descriptions of the sixth aspect and the implementations of the sixth aspect. In addition, for beneficial effects of the seventh aspect, the eighth aspect, the ninth aspect, the tenth aspect, and the implementations of the seventh aspect, the eighth aspect, the ninth aspect, and the tenth aspect, refer to analysis of the beneficial effects of the sixth aspect and the implementations of the sixth aspect.

According to an eleventh aspect, a communication method is provided. An access network device of a second network sends, to a terminal, a wireless capability obtaining message used to request to obtain a wireless capability of the terminal. Subsequently, the access network device of the second network receives a first notification message from the terminal, where the first notification message is used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to a first network. In this way, the access network device of the second network may determine, based on the first notification message, that the terminal does not support access to the first network.

The first notification message does not include first wireless capability information, and the first wireless capability information includes at least one of information used to indicate a radio capability of the terminal to access the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to hand over from the second network to the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to redirect from the second network to the first network, or information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to access the first network through dual connectivity.

It is easy to understand that, for the terminal that has a capability of accessing the first network and the second network, if the terminal does not support access to the first network, it may be considered that the terminal disables access to the first network.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of this application, in addition to the foregoing descriptions, the access network device of the second network further sends handover indication information to a target device, where the handover indication information is used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network. In this way, in a scenario in which the access network device of the second network determines to hand over the terminal to the target device, the target device may determine, based on the handover indication information, that the terminal cannot be connected to the first network, so that consistency of performance of the terminal is maintained, unnecessary signaling exchange is reduced, and a waste of resources is further reduced.

Optionally, in another possible implementation of this application, before sending the wireless capability obtaining message to the terminal, the access network device of the second network further establishes a communication connection to the terminal, and receives indication information from a core network device of the second network. The indication information may be used to indicate to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal, or may be used to indicate that the access network device of the second network cannot connect the terminal to the first network.

In a scenario in which the access network device of the second network establishes the communication connection to the terminal, if the access network device of the second network fails to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal from the core network device of the second network, the access network device of the second network communicates with the terminal, to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal. In this way, the access network device of the second network may learn whether the terminal disables access to the first network. If the access network device of the second network obtains the indication information that is sent by the core network device of the second network and that is used to indicate that the terminal cannot be connected to the first network, the access network device of the second network may determine the wireless capability of the terminal based on the indication information.

Optionally, in another possible implementation of this application, the access network device of the second network further receives a second notification message from the terminal, where the second notification message is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network.

In a scenario in which the terminal has disabled the capability of accessing the first network, the terminal may further reenable the capability of accessing the first network. If the terminal reenables the capability of accessing the first network, the terminal may send, to the access network device of the second network, the second notification message used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network. In this way, the access network device of the second network may determine the wireless capability of the terminal in time.

Optionally, in another possible implementation of this application, if the first network is a 5th generation communication technology <NUM> network, the radio capability of the terminal to access the first network includes a capability of the terminal to support access to a <NUM> core network through E-UTRA, and a capability of the terminal to support access to the <NUM> core network through NR.

According to a twelfth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus can implement functions according to any one of the eleventh aspect and the possible implementations of the eleventh aspect. These functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or the software includes one or more modules corresponding to the foregoing functions.

In a possible manner of this application, the communication apparatus may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit and the receiving unit may perform corresponding functions in the communication method according to any one of the eleventh aspect and the possible implementations of the eleventh aspect. For example, the sending unit is configured to send a wireless capability obtaining message to a terminal, where the wireless capability obtaining message is used to request to obtain a wireless capability of the terminal; and the receiving unit is configured to receive a first notification message from the terminal, where the first notification message is used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to a first network.

According to a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes a processor, and the processor is configured to: be coupled to a memory, and read and execute instructions in the memory, to implement the communication method according to any one of the eleventh aspect and the possible implementations of the eleventh aspect.

Optionally, the communication apparatus may further include a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to perform, under control of the processor of the communication apparatus, steps of sending and receiving data, signaling, or information in the communication method according to any one of the eleventh aspect and the possible implementations of the eleventh aspect, for example, sending measurement configuration information.

Optionally, the communication apparatus may be an access network device of a second network, or may be an apparatus as a part in the access network device of the second network, for example, a chip system in the access network device of the second network. The chip system is configured to support the access network device of the second network in implementing functions according to any one of the eleventh aspect and the possible implementations of the eleventh aspect, for example, sending or processing data and/or information in the foregoing communication method. The chip system includes a chip, and may also include another discrete component or circuit structure.

According to a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus is enabled to perform the communication method according to the eleventh aspect and the possible implementations of the eleventh aspect.

According to a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is further provided. When the computer program product runs on a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus is enabled to perform the communication method according to the eleventh aspect and the possible implementations of the eleventh aspect.

In this application, for detailed descriptions of the twelfth aspect, the thirteenth aspect, the fourteenth aspect, the fifteenth aspect, and the implementations of the twelfth aspect, the thirteenth aspect, the fourteenth aspect, and the fifteenth aspect, refer to the detailed descriptions of the eleventh aspect and the implementations of the eleventh aspect. In addition, for beneficial effects of the twelfth aspect, the thirteenth aspect, the fourteenth aspect, the fifteenth aspect, and the implementations of the twelfth aspect, the thirteenth aspect, the fourteenth aspect, and the fifteenth aspect, refer to analysis of the beneficial effects of the eleventh aspect and the implementations of the eleventh aspect.

According to a sixteenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the communication apparatus according to any one of the second aspect to the fifth aspect, the communication apparatus according to any one of the seventh aspect to the tenth aspect, and the communication apparatus according to any one of the twelfth aspect to the fifteenth aspect.

In this application, a name of the communication apparatus does not constitute any limitation on devices or functional modules. During actual implementation, these devices or the functional modules may have other names.

These aspects or other aspects in this application are more concise and comprehensible in the following descriptions.

In addition, in implementations of this application, the word "example" or "for example" is used to represent giving an example, an illustration, or a description. Any implementation or design scheme described as an "example" or "for example" in the implementations of this application should not be explained as being more preferred or having more advantageous than another implementation or design scheme. Exactly, use of the word "example", "for example", or the like is intended to present a related concept in a specific manner.

The following terms "first" and "second" are merely intended for a purpose of descriptions, and shall not be understood as an indication or implication of relative importance or implicit indication of a quantity of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature limited by "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the descriptions of the implementations of this application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more.

With development of communication technologies, an evolved node base station (evolved node base station, eNB) in a <NUM> network may evolve into a next generation evolved base station (next generation eNB, ng-eNB). The ng-eNB provides a radio transmission resource for a terminal by using an E-UTRA technology. The ng-eNB may provide a 5GC service for the terminal, or may provide an EPC service for the terminal. During actual deployment, the ng-eNB may be connected to only a 5GC/an EPC, or may be connected to both the 5GC and the EPC.

An access network (radio access network, RAN) in a <NUM> network is referred to as a next generation RAN (next generation RAN, NG-RAN), and an NG-RAN node includes the ng-eNB and a gNB (a base stations in a <NUM> system). The gNB provides a radio transmission resource for <NUM> UE by using an NR technology, and provides a 5GC service for the <NUM> UE. Subsequently, UE in a <NUM> system is referred to as <NUM> UE, an eNB in the <NUM> system is referred to as <NUM> eNB, and UE in the <NUM> system is referred to as <NUM> UE.

<FIG> shows a structure of a common communication system. As shown in <FIG>, an ng-eNB may access an EPC through an S1 interface, and may further access a 5GC through another corresponding interface (represented by NG in <FIG>). Correspondingly, <NUM> UE connected to the ng-eNB may access the 5GC through the ng-eNB, and <NUM> UE connected to the ng-eNB may access the EPC through the ng-eNB. A <NUM> eNB is connected, through an X2 interface, to the ng-eNB connected to the EPC, and the ng-eNB is connected to a gNB through an Xn interface.

During actual application, connections between the foregoing plurality of devices may be wireless connections. A solid line is used in <FIG> to conveniently and intuitively represent a connection relationship between devices.

It can be learned that the <NUM> UE may access the 5GC through the gNB, may access the 5GC through the ng-eNB, or may access the EPC through the ng-eNB.

Optionally, on the basis of <FIG>, the ng-eNB and/or the gNB may further configure a dual connectivity (dual connectivity, DC) operation for the <NUM> UE, and connect the <NUM> UE to the 5GC. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> show communication systems in which dual connectivity is performed between an ng-eNB and a gNB.

The communication system shown in <FIG> may be referred to as an NEDC (NR E-UTRA DC) communication system.

NEDC is also referred to as Option <NUM>/4A. In the NEDC communication system, a gNB is a master node (master node, MN), an ng-eNB is a secondary node (secondary node, SN), and the MN is connected to a 5GC. The MN and SN provide a radio transmission resource for "data between <NUM> UE and the 5GC".

As shown in <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of an Option <NUM> communication system, and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of an Option 4A communication system. In the Option <NUM> communication system, a gNB is connected to a 5GC through NG interfaces (including an NG-C interface and an NG-U interface), and an ng-eNB is connected to the gNB through an Xn interface. The Option 4A communication system is different from the Option <NUM> communication system in that, an ng-eNB is further connected to the 5GC through an NG-U interface. For ease of distinguishing, in <FIG>, control plane connections are represented by using dashed lines.

The communication system shown in <FIG> may be referred to as an NG-ENDC (Next Generation E-UTRA NR DC) communication system.

NG-ENDC is also referred to as Option <NUM>/7A/7X. In the NG-ENDC communication system, an ng-eNB is an MN, a gNB is an SN, and the MN is connected to a 5GC. The MN and the SN provide a radio transmission resource for "data between a terminal and the 5GC".

As shown in <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of an Option <NUM> communication system, and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of an Option 7A communication system. In the Option <NUM> communication system, an ng-eNB is connected to a 5GC through NG interfaces (including an NG-C interface and an NG-U interface), and the ng-eNB is connected to a gNB through Xn interfaces. The Option 7A communication system is different from the Option <NUM> communication system in that, a gNB is further connected to the 5GC through an NG-U interface. For ease of distinguishing, in <FIG>, control plane connections are represented by using dashed lines.

During actual application, there is also a dual connectivity communication system in which both the MN and the SN are gNBs. Details are not described one by one herein again.

Generally, a protocol stack of the <NUM> UE includes a physical layer (physical layer, PHY layer), a medium access control (media access control, MAC) layer, a radio link control (radio link control, RLC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (packet data convergence protocol, PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (radio resource control, RRC) layer, and a non-access stratum (non-access stratum, NAS). The PHY layer, the MAC layer, the RLC layer, the PDCP layer, and the RRC layer may belong to an access stratum (access stratum, AS). The AS layer is configured to implement communication between a terminal and an access network device, and the NAS layer is configured to implement communication between the terminal and a core network device.

Optionally, the NAS layer of the <NUM> UE may be considered as including an EPS NAS layer corresponding to an evolved packet system (evolved packet system, EPS) and a 5GS NAS layer corresponding to a <NUM> system (<NUM> system, 5GS). The EPS NAS layer may generate a NAS message used to access the EPC network, and the 5GS NAS layer may generate a NAS message used to access the 5GC. In addition, the EPS and the 5GS may share the PHY layer, the MAC layer, the RLC layer, the PDCP layer, and the RRC layer. <FIG> shows a protocol stack structure of the <NUM> UE.

Alternatively, the NAS layer of the <NUM> UE may be considered as including an EPS NAS layer corresponding to an evolved packet system (evolved packet system, EPS) and a 5GS NAS layer corresponding to a <NUM> system (<NUM> system, 5GS), and the RRC layer may be considered as including an EPS RRC layer corresponding to the EPS and a 5GS RRC layer corresponding to the 5GS. For functions of the EPS NAS layer and the 5GS NAS layer, refer to the foregoing descriptions. The EPS RRC layer may generate an RRC message used to access the EPC network, and the 5GS RRC layer may generate an RRC message used to access the 5GC. In addition, the EPS and the 5GS may share the PHY layer, the MAC layer, the RLC layer, and the PDCP layer. <FIG> shows a protocol stack structure of the <NUM> UE.

Certainly, in addition to the protocol stack shown in <FIG>, in the protocol stack of the <NUM> UE in the implementations of this application, the EPS and the 5GS may alternatively share only the PHY layer, the MAC layer, and the RLC layer, or only the PHY layer and the MAC layer, or only the PHY layer, or all protocol layers may not be shared.

Currently, as specified in a related standard, if the <NUM> UE cannot perform a first service (for example, the first service is an IMS voice service) in the <NUM> network, the <NUM> UE disables an N1 mode (mode) capability of the terminal, that is, disables a capability of accessing the 5GC by the terminal. That the <NUM> UE cannot perform the first service in the <NUM> network may mean that the <NUM> network does not support the first service, or the <NUM> UE does not support performing of the first service in the <NUM> network.

A specific behavior in which the <NUM> UE disables the N1 mode capability is that the <NUM> UE accesses the EPC. To avoid handing over/redirecting the terminal to the 5GC, an access network device in the <NUM> network needs to learn that the terminal has disabled the N1 mode capability. However, currently, there is no method for how the access network device learns that the terminal has disabled the N1 mode capability.

Therefore, the implementations of this application provide a communication method and apparatus. After disabling a capability of accessing a first network, the terminal receives a wireless capability obtaining message from an access network device of a second network, where the wireless capability obtaining message is used to request to obtain a wireless capability of the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal sends, to the access network device of the second network, a first notification message used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network. In this way, the access network device of the second network can learn that the terminal has disabled access to the first network. It can be learned that, according to the communication method provided in the implementations of this application, the access network device can learn that the terminal has disabled access to the first network.

Optionally, if the first network is a <NUM> network, and the second network is a <NUM> network, in the communication method provided in the implementations of this application, the access network device of the <NUM> network can learn that the terminal has disabled the N1 mode capability.

If the first network is a <NUM> network, and the second network is a <NUM> network, in the communication method provided in the implementations of this application, the access network device of the <NUM> network can learn that the terminal has disabled an S1 mode capability. The S1 mode capability of the terminal refers to a capability of the terminal to access an EPC.

Terminals in the implementations of this application all represent <NUM> UEs. Details are not described one by one below again.

The communication method provided in the implementations of this application is applicable to the communication system shown in <FIG>, applicable to a communication system combined with <FIG>, or applicable to a communication system combined with <FIG> and <FIG>.

Each device in <FIG> and <FIG> belongs to the communication apparatus. During specific implementation, the communication apparatus has components shown in <FIG> is a schematic composition diagram of a communication apparatus according to an implementation of this application. As shown in <FIG>, the communication apparatus may include a processor <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, and a communication bus <NUM>. The following describes each component of the communication apparatus in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The processor <NUM> is a control center of the communication apparatus, and may be one processor or may be a collective term of a plurality of processing elements. For example, the processor <NUM> may be a central processing unit (central processing unit, CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, for example, one or more microprocessors (digital signal processor, DSP) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (field-programmable gate array, FPGA), configured to implement this implementation of this application.

In an implementation, the processor <NUM> may include one or more CPUs, for example, a CPU <NUM> and a CPU <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In an implementation, the communication apparatus may alternatively include another processor, for example, a processor <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Each of a plurality of processors in the communication apparatus may be a single-core processor (single-CPU), or may be a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores configured to process data (for example, computer program instructions).

The communication interface <NUM> is configured to communicate with another device or a communication network under control of the processor <NUM>, for example, configured to communicate with a communication network such as an Ethernet, a radio access network (radio access network, RAN), or a wireless local area network (wireless local area networks, WLAN). The communication interface <NUM> may include all or a part of a baseband processor, and may further optionally include a radio frequency (radio frequency, RF) processor. The RF processor is configured to send and receive an RF signal. The baseband processor is configured to process a baseband signal converted from the RF signal or a baseband signal to be converted into the RF signal.

The communication bus <NUM> may be an industry standard architecture (Industry Standard Architecture, ISA) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (Peripheral Component Interconnect, PCI) bus, an extended industry standard architecture (Extended Industry Standard Architecture, EISA) bus, or the like. The communication bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used to represent the bus in <FIG>, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

Optionally, the communication apparatus further includes a memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may be configured to store a software program for executing the solutions of this application, and the software program includes program instructions. The processor <NUM> may run or execute the software program stored in the memory <NUM> and invoke data stored in the memory <NUM>, to perform various functions of the communication apparatus.

The memory <NUM> may be a read-only memory (read-only memory, ROM) or another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, or a random access memory (random access memory, RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions; may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage medium or another magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing expected program code in a form of instructions or a data structure and capable of being accessed by a computer. However, this is not limited thereto. The memory <NUM> may exist independently, and is connected to the processor <NUM> through the communication bus <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may alternatively be integrated with the processor <NUM>.

Because the memory <NUM> is an optional component, the memory <NUM> is represented by a dashed-line box in <FIG>.

It should be noted that a device structure shown in <FIG> does not constitute a limitation on the communication apparatus. In addition to the components shown in <FIG>, the communication apparatus may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine some components, or have different component arrangements.

With reference to the communication systems shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and the communication apparatus shown in <FIG>, the following describes communication methods according to the implementations of this application. Each device in the following method implementations may have components shown in <FIG>, and details are not described again.

For ease of understanding of the implementations of this application, an example in which the terminal has a capability of supporting access to the first network and the second network, and the terminal has accessed the first network is used for description.

<FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an implementation of this application. Referring to <FIG>, the communication method includes the following steps.

S600: If a first service cannot be executed in a first network, a terminal disables a capability of accessing the first network.

The terminal has a capability of accessing the first network and a second network. In a scenario in which the terminal accesses the first network, the capability of the terminal to access the first network is in an enabled state.

In a running process, if the terminal needs to perform the first service, and the terminal cannot perform the first service in the first network, the terminal disables the capability of accessing the first network.

Optionally, that the terminal cannot perform the first service in the first network means that the first network does not support the first service, or the terminal cannot perform the first service in the first network.

Specifically, when the terminal disables the capability of accessing the first network, a NAS layer of the terminal sends a message <NUM> to an AS layer of the terminal, where the message <NUM> is used to indicate that the terminal has disabled the capability of accessing the first network. In this way, the AS layer of the terminal determines that wireless capability information of the terminal does not include first wireless capability information.

The first wireless capability information includes at least one of information used to indicate a radio capability of the terminal to access the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to hand over from the second network to the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to redirect (redirect) from the second network to the first network, or information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to access the first network through dual connectivity.

"The terminal accesses the first network through dual connectivity" means that an access network device that provides a service for the terminal includes a master node and a secondary node connected to the master node, and the master node is connected to a core network device. For example, if the first network is a <NUM> network, <FIG> or <FIG> show that <NUM> UE accesses the <NUM> network through dual connectivity.

If the first network is the <NUM> network, the radio capability of the terminal to access the first network includes a capability of the terminal to support access to a <NUM> core network through E-UTRA, and a capability of the terminal to support access to the <NUM> core network through NR.

For example, if the first network is the <NUM> network, the AS layer of the terminal determines that the wireless capability information of the terminal does not include at least one of the following information: information used to indicate the capability of the terminal to access the 5GC by using the E-UTRA technology, information used to indicate the capability of the terminal to access the 5GC by using the NR technology, or information used to indicate Option <NUM>.

The AS layer of the terminal may determine that the wireless capability information of the terminal does not include the first wireless capability information in a plurality of manners. In a possible implementation, the AS layer of the terminal deletes the first wireless capability information from the wireless capability information of the terminal. In another possible implementation, the AS layer of the terminal sets the first wireless capability information to be invalid. It can be learned that after the terminal disables the capability of accessing the first network, the wireless capability information of the terminal changes.

S601: The terminal requests to be access the second network, and establishes a communication connection to an access network device of the second network.

If the terminal can perform the first service in the second network, the terminal requests to access the second network after disabling access to the first network. For a procedure in which the terminal requests to access the second network, refer to a process in which the terminal requests to access a network in a conventional technology.

In the procedure in which the terminal requests to access the second network, the terminal may first establish the communication connection to the access network device of the second network.

S602: The terminal sends, to a core network device of the second network, NAS capability information used to indicate that the terminal has disabled the capability of accessing the first network.

For example, the core network device of the second network is a mobility management entity (mobility management entity, MME).

Optionally, the NAS capability information is carried in a tracking area update (tracking area update, TAU) request message, or is carried in an initial UE message (initial UE message).

Optionally, the terminal further sends first information to the core network device of the second network, where the first information is used to indicate that a wireless capability of the terminal changes.

If the core network device of the second network has stored the wireless capability information of the terminal, for example, the first wireless capability information and second wireless capability information that is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the second network, the core network device of the second network deletes the first wireless capability information and the second wireless capability information after receiving the first information.

S603: The core network device of the second network sends indication information to the access network device of the second network.

The indication information is used to indicate to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal, or is used to indicate that the access network device of the second network cannot connect the terminal to the first network.

Optionally, the indication information may be represented directly (that is, explicitly), or may be represented indirectly (that is, implicitly). For example, if the information sent by the core network device of the second network to the access network device of the second network does not include the first wireless capability information, it indicates that the access network device of the second network cannot connect the terminal to the first network.

Optionally, the indication information is carried in an initial context setup request (initial context setup request) message.

S604: The access network device of the second network sends a wireless capability obtaining message to the terminal based on the indication information.

The wireless capability obtaining message is used to request to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal.

If the indication information is used to indicate to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal, after receiving the indication information, the access network device of the second network may directly send the wireless capability obtaining message to the terminal based on the indication information, to request to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal.

If the indication information is used to indicate that the access network device of the second network cannot connect the terminal to the first network, the access network device of the second network still needs to obtain the wireless capability of the terminal, to establish a context of the terminal, and further complete the procedure in which the terminal accesses the second network.

Optionally, the wireless capability obtaining message is a UE capability enquiry (UE capability enquiry) message.

S605: The terminal sends, to the access network device of the second network, a first notification message used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network.

The first notification message does not include the first wireless capability information.

It can be learned that, under a function of mutual communication between the terminal, the access network device of the second network, and the core network device of the second network, the access network device of the second network may learn that the terminal has disabled access to the first network.

Further, in a scenario in which the terminal has disabled access to the first network and has accessed the second network, if the access network device of the second network determines to hand over the terminal to a target device, the access network device of the second network further needs to send, to the target device, handover indication information used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network, to help the target device determine not to connect the terminal to the first network.

With reference to <FIG>, as shown in <FIG>, the communication method provided in this implementation of this application further includes S701 after S605.

S701: The access network device of the second network sends the handover indication information to the target device, where the handover indication information is used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network.

During actual application, according to a service requirement, in a scenario in which the terminal accesses the second network, the terminal may further reenable the capability of accessing the first network. In this case, the terminal further sends a second notification message to the access network device of the second network, to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network. In this way, the access network device of the second network may subsequently hand over the terminal to the first network according to the requirement.

With reference to <FIG>, as shown in <FIG>, the communication method provided in this implementation of this application further includes S801 and S802 after S605.

S801: The terminal enables the capability of accessing the first network.

S802: The terminal sends the second notification message to the access network device of the second network, where the second notification message is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network.

The second notification message includes the first wireless capability information.

In conclusion, this implementation of this application provides the method for the access network device to learn that the terminal disables access to the first network, and further provides the method for the access network device to learn that the terminal reenables access to the first network.

An implementation of this application provides a communication apparatus <NUM>. The communication apparatus <NUM> may be a terminal, or may be an apparatus as a part in the terminal, for example, a chip system in the terminal. Optionally, the chip system is configured to support the terminal in implementing functions in the foregoing method implementations, for example, receiving, sending, or processing data and/or information in the foregoing methods. The chip system includes a chip, and may also include another discrete component or circuit structure.

The communication apparatus <NUM> is configured to perform steps performed by the terminal in the method shown in any one of <FIG>. The communication apparatus <NUM> provided in this implementation of this application may include modules corresponding to corresponding steps.

In this implementation of this application, the communication apparatus <NUM> may be divided into functional modules based on the foregoing method examples. For example, each functional module may be obtained through division based on each corresponding function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in a form of hardware, or may be implemented in a form of a software functional module. In this implementation of this application, division into the modules is an example, is merely logical function division, and may be other division during actual implementation.

When each functional module is obtained through division based on each corresponding function, <FIG> is a possible schematic diagram of a structure of the communication apparatus <NUM> in this implementation of this application. As shown in <FIG>, the communication apparatus <NUM> includes a processing unit <NUM>, a receiving unit <NUM>, and a sending unit <NUM>.

The processing unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in performing an enabling operation and a disabling operation, for example, S600 or S801, shown in any one of <FIG>, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

The receiving unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in performing a receiving operation, for example, S604, shown in any one of <FIG>, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

The sending unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in performing a sending operation, for example, S602, S605, or S802, shown in any one of <FIG>, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

All related content of the steps in the foregoing method implementations may be cited in function descriptions of the corresponding functional modules.

Certainly, the communication apparatus <NUM> provided in this implementation of this application includes but is not limited to the foregoing modules. For example, the communication apparatus <NUM> may further include a storage unit <NUM>.

The storage unit <NUM> may be configured to store program code of the communication apparatus <NUM>.

For an entity block diagram of the communication apparatus <NUM> provided in this application, refer to <FIG>. The processing unit <NUM> may be the processor <NUM> in <FIG>, the receiving unit <NUM> and the sending unit <NUM> may be the communication interface <NUM> in <FIG>, and the storage unit <NUM> may be the memory <NUM> in <FIG>.

Another implementation of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a communication apparatus <NUM>, the communication apparatus <NUM> performs steps of the terminal in the communication method in the implementation shown in any one of <FIG>.

In another implementation of this application, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a communication apparatus <NUM> may read the computer executable instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer-executable instructions, so that the communication apparatus <NUM> performs steps of the terminal in the communication method in the implementation shown in any one of <FIG>.

An implementation of this application provides a communication apparatus <NUM>. The communication apparatus <NUM> may be a core network device, or may be an apparatus as a part in the core network device, for example, a chip system in the core network device. Optionally, the chip system is configured to support the core network device in implementing functions in the foregoing method implementations, for example, receiving, sending, or processing data and/or information in the foregoing methods. The chip system includes a chip, and may also include another discrete component or circuit structure.

The communication apparatus <NUM> is configured to perform steps performed by the core network device of the second network in the method shown in any one of <FIG>. The communication apparatus <NUM> provided in this implementation of this application may include modules corresponding to corresponding steps.

The processing unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in deleting the first wireless capability information, the second wireless capability information, and the like, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

The receiving unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in performing a receiving operation, for example, S602, shown in any one of <FIG>, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

The sending unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in performing a sending operation, for example, S603, shown in any one of <FIG>, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

Another implementation of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a communication apparatus <NUM>, the communication apparatus <NUM> performs steps of the core network device of the second network in the communication method in the implementation shown in any one of <FIG>.

In another implementation of this application, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a communication apparatus <NUM> may read the computer executable instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer-executable instructions, so that the communication apparatus <NUM> performs steps of the core network device of the second network in the communication method in the implementation shown in any one of <FIG>.

An implementation of this application provides a communication apparatus <NUM>. The communication apparatus <NUM> may be an access network device, or may be an apparatus as a part in the access network device, for example, a chip system in the access network device. Optionally, the chip system is configured to support the access network device in implementing functions in the foregoing method implementations, for example, receiving, sending, or processing data and/or information in the foregoing methods. The chip system includes a chip, and may also include another discrete component or circuit structure.

The communication apparatus <NUM> is configured to perform steps performed by the access network device of the second network in the method shown in any one of <FIG>. The communication apparatus <NUM> provided in this implementation of this application may include modules corresponding to corresponding steps.

The processing unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in completing the communication connection to the terminal, and/or configured to perform in another process of the technology described in this specification.

The receiving unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in performing a receiving operation, for example, S603, S605, or S802, shown in any one of <FIG>, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

The sending unit <NUM> is configured to support the communication apparatus <NUM> in performing a sending operation, for example, S604 or S701, shown in any one of <FIG>, and/or configured to perform another process of the technology described in this specification.

Another implementation of this application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are run on a communication apparatus <NUM>, the communication apparatus <NUM> performs steps of the access network device of the second network in the communication method in the implementation shown in any one of <FIG>.

In another implementation of this application, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a communication apparatus <NUM> may read the computer executable instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer-executable instructions, so that the communication apparatus <NUM> performs steps of the access network device of the second network in the communication method in the implementation shown in any one of <FIG>.

All or some of the foregoing implementations may be implemented by using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When a software program is used to implement the implementations, all or some of the implementations may be implemented in a form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the procedure or functions according to the implementations of this application are all or partially generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or another programmable apparatus. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or may be transmitted from a computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired (for example, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber, or a digital subscriber line) or wireless (for example, infrared, radio, or microwave) manner. The computer-readable storage medium may be any usable medium accessible by a computer, or a data first access network device such as a server or a data center, integrating one or more usable media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape), a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid-state drive (SSD)), or the like.

Based on the foregoing descriptions of the implementations, a person skilled in the art may clearly understand that for the purpose of convenient and brief descriptions, division into the foregoing functional modules is merely used as an example for illustration. During actual application, the foregoing functions can be allocated to different functional modules for implementation based on a requirement, that is, an inner structure of an apparatus is divided into different functional modules to implement all or some of the functions described above.

In the several implementations provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method may be implemented in another manner. For example, the described apparatus implementations are merely examples. For example, division into the modules or units is merely logical function division and may be other division in an actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electrical, mechanical, or another form.

The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may be one or more physical units, and may be located in one place, or may be distributed in different places. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the implementations.

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

When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solutions in the implementations of this application essentially, or the part contributing to a conventional technology, or all or some of the technical solutions may be implemented in a form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a device (which may be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip or the like) or a processor (processor) to perform all or some of the steps of the methods described in the implementations of this application. The storage medium includes any medium such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory (read-only memory, ROM), a random access memory (random access memory, RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc, that can store program code.

Claim 1:
A communication method, comprising:
disabling (S600), by a terminal, a capability of accessing a first network;
receiving (S604), by the terminal, a wireless capability obtaining message from an access network device of a second network, wherein the wireless capability obtaining message is used to request to obtain a wireless capability of the terminal; and
sending (S605), by the terminal, a first notification message to the access network device of the second network, wherein the first notification message is used to indicate that the terminal does not support access to the first network;
the first notification message does not comprise first wireless capability information, wherein the first wireless capability information is used to indicate that the terminal supports access to the first network,
and the first wireless capability information comprises at least one of information used to indicate a radio capability of the terminal to access the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to hand over from the second network to the first network, information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to redirect from the second network to the first network, or information used to indicate a capability of the terminal to access the first network through dual connectivity.