Path Switching Method and Apparatus

A first terminal device, comprising:

• a receiver, configured to receive time information of a second communication link sent by a base station by using a second terminal device, wherein the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device by using a first communication link, wherein
• the receiver is further configured to receive access information that is required by the first terminal device to access the base station and that is sent by the base station by using the second terminal device;
• and
• a processor, configured to establish the second communication link to the base station based on the time information and the access information.

A base station, comprising:

• a transmitter, configured to send time information of a second communication link to a first terminal device by using a second terminal device, wherein the first terminal device has established a first communication link to the second terminal device, wherein
• the transmitter is further configured to send the time information and an identifier of the first terminal device to the second terminal device;
• and
• a processor, configured to determine to switch the first terminal device from the first communication link to the second communication link, wherein
• the transmitter is further configured to send, to the first terminal device by using the second terminal device, access information that is required by the first terminal device to access the base station.