This application provides a communications method, apparatus, and system, aiming to improve a capacity of a 5G network. The system includes a first access network device, a second access network device, a terminal, and an RN, where the terminal is connected to the first access network device by the RN, the terminal is further connected to the second access network device, the terminal receives signaling and/or data from the second access network device, and the terminal further receives data from the first access network device by the RN. This application relates to the field of communications technologies.