A terminal receives configuration information from a first access network device. The configuration information includes a paging area information that indicates a paging area for the terminal in a first mode. In the first mode, the terminal sends a first message to a second access network device when the terminal is in a cell that does not belong to the paging area. The first message includes a paging area update indication. The terminal then receives a connection establishment indication from the second access network device, and establishes a connection between the terminal and the second access network device. The terminal sends a second message to a core network device using the established connection between the terminal and the second access network device, the core network device releases a connection between the first access network device and the core network device established for the terminal in response to the second message.