S230. The first network node retrieves, based on the identification information of the terminal device, context information of the terminal device that is stored at the first network node.
Alternatively, the first network node receives, based on the identification information of the terminal device, a second message sent by a first system, where the second message includes context information of the terminal device. Optionally, the first network node sends a response message to the terminal device, to notify the terminal device of an RRC connection setup failure. Optionally, the response message includes a cause value used to indicate a cause of the RRC connection setup failure, for example, the first network node fails to retrieve a context.
Optionally, the first network node includes at least some Radio Resource Control layer functions and at least one of a Radio Link Control protocol layer function, a Media Access Control layer function, and a physical layer function.
Optionally, the first system includes at least one of a Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer function, a Service Data Adaptation Protocol layer function, and a Radio Resource Control layer function.
Optionally, that the first network node receives, based on the identification information of the terminal device, the second message sent by the first system includes:
receiving, by the first network node based on the identification information of the terminal device, the second message sent by a second network node, where the second network node is a control plane node of the first system.
It should be understood that a sequence of S230 and S240 is not limited.