This application provides a network configuration method and a communications apparatus. The method includes: An AC sends configuration status information to a first access point AP, where the configuration status information is used to perform network configuration on the first AP; and the first AP performs network configuration based on the configuration status information sent by the AC, to implement communication between the first AP and a terminal device by using a 3rd generation partnership project 3GPP access mode. According to the network configuration method provided in this application, the AC may send the configuration status information to the AP. After performing network configuration, the AP may communicate with the terminal device through a 3GPP air interface. This reduces complexity of a 3GPP network architecture, and deployment and operation and maintenance are relatively simple and flexible.