Method and device of communication

Description

1 / 110 METHOD AND APPARATUS OF COMMUNICATION

[0001] This application claims priority over Chinese Patent Application No. 202310355879.0, filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on March 23, 2023, and entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDICATING MULTI-SIM FAILURE RETENTION OR DISCARD, and over Chinese Patent Application No. 202310385288.8, filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on April 7, 2023, and entitled COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication and, more specifically, to a method and device for communication. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a mobile communication system, a terminal device can send a UE assistance information message to a network device to request that the network device configure a multi-SIM gap that is expected or recommended by the terminal device. However, when a conflict occurs between configured multi-SIM gaps, such as a case where a usable multi-SIM gap does not exist, a case where an unusable multi-SIM gap exists, or another case, it can cause wasted resources and reduced system throughput. SUMMARY

[0004] This application provides a method and a communication device to ensure resource utilization, reduce resource waste, and improve system throughput.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method of communication is provided. The method can be implemented by a terminal device or by a chip or circuit used for the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 8 / 120 2 / 110 terminal device. This is not limited to this application. For ease of description, an example where the method is performed by the terminal device is used below for description.

[0006] The method includes: The terminal device sends a first message to a network device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message does not include first indication information, this indicates to retain the M time units. The terminal device receives configuration information from the network device, where the configuration information is determined based on the first message.

[0007] According to a second aspect, a method of communication is provided. The method may be implemented by a terminal device or by a chip or circuit used for the terminal device. This is not limited in this application. For ease of description, an example where the method is implemented by the terminal device is used below for description.

[0008] The method includes: The terminal device sends a first message to a network device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first message includes initial indication information, and the initial indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, or the initial indication information indicates to retain all M time units. The terminal device receives configuration information from the network device, where the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 9 / 120 3 / 110 configuration information is determined based on the first message.

[0009] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the M time units include N groups of conflicting time units, each of the N groups of time units includes a plurality of time units, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. If the first message includes the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the time units in each of the P groups of time units, and the P groups of time units are a portion or all of the N groups of time units.

[0010] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the M time units include N groups of conflicting time units, each of the N groups of time units includes a plurality of time units, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The first indication information further indicates to retain a portion of the time units in each of the P groups of time units, and the P groups of time units are a portion or all of the N groups of time units.

[0011] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information indicates to retain part of the M time units, including: The first indication information indicates to retain part of the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device or indicates to retain part of the M time units.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the initial indication information indicates to retain part of the M time units, which includes: The initial indication information indicates to retain part of the M time units, where part of the time units Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 10 / 120 4 / 110 are time units with high priorities or time units with small periodicities.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information indicates that retaining part of the M time units includes: the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of a first part of the time units in the M time units and a second part of the time units that conflict with the first part of the time units in the M time units is not allowed.

[0014] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information includes identifiers for the first part of the time units and identifiers for the second part of the time units.

[0015] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to the first part of the time units, and the third indication information corresponds to the second part of the time units. The values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a first value, and the first value indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is not allowed.

[0016] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to the first part of the time units, and the third indication information corresponds to the second part of the time units. If the first message includes both the second indication information and the third indication information, Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 11 / 120 5 / 110 indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is not allowed.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information indicating that part of the M time units should be retained includes: the first indication information includes identifiers of a part of the time units to be retained in the M time units; or the first indication information includes identifiers of another part of the time units in the M time units. In other words, the first indication information includes identifiers of a part of the time units to be discarded in the M time units.

[0018] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units that conflicts with the first part of the time units in the M time units.The first indication information indicates to retain part of the M time units, which includes: If a value from the second indication information is a third value, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units; or if a value from the second indication information is a fourth value, this indicates to discard the first part of the time units; and if a value from the third indication information is the third value, this indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if a value from the third indication information is the fourth value, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units.

[0019] With reference to the first aspect or the second Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 12 / 120 6 / 110 aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units that conflicts with the first part of the time units in the M time units.The first indication information indicates to retain part of the M time units, including: When a value from the second indication information is a third value and a value from the third indication information is a fourth value, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates not to retain or indicates to discard the second part of the time units; or when a value from the second indication information is a fourth value and a value from the third indication information is a third value, this indicates to retain the second part of the time units, and indicates not to retain or indicates to discard the first part of the time units.

[0020] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units that conflicts with the first part of the time units in the M time units. That the first indication information indicates to retain the part of the M time units includes: If the first message does not include the second indication information, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units; or if the first message includes the second indication information, this indicates to discard the first. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 13 / 120 7 / 110 part of the time units; and if the first message does not include the third indication information, this indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if the first message includes the third indication information, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units.

[0021] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units that conflicts with the first part of the time units in the M time units.The first indication information indicates to retain part of the M time units, which includes: If the first message includes the second indication information, but does not include the third indication information, this indicates not to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if the first message does not include the second indication information, but includes the third indication information, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates not to retain the second part of the time units.

[0022] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units that conflicts with the first part of the time units in the M time units. That the first indication information indicates to retain the part of the M time units includes: If the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 14 / 120 8 / 110 If the first message includes the second indication information, but does not include the third indication information, this indicates not to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if the first message does not include the second indication information, but includes the third indication information, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates not to retain the second part of the time units.

[0023] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information indicates to retain part of the M time units, including: When the priorities of a first part of the time units in the M time units are the same as the priorities of a second part of the time units that conflict with the first part of the time units in the M time units, the first indication information indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates not to retain the second part of the time units; or the first indication information indicates not to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to retain the first part of the time units.

[0024] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, before the terminal device sends the first message to the network device, the method additionally includes: The terminal device receives a second message from the network device, where the second message indicates that the terminal device is permitted to send the first message to the network device.

[0025] With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations, the initial indication information indicates that retaining all M time units includes:

[0026] Initial indications suggest that coexistence of all M time units is permitted. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 15 / 120 9 / 110

[0027] With reference to the first or second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information includes identifiers for all M time units.

[0028] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first time unit in all time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second time unit different from the first time unit in all time units. The values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a fifth value, and the fifth value indicates that the coexistence of the first time unit and the second time unit is allowed.

[0029] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first time unit in all time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second time unit different from the first time unit in all time units. That the first indication information indicates to retain all M time units includes: The values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a sixth value, and the sixth value indicates to retain the first time unit and the second time unit.

[0030] According to a third aspect, a method of communication is provided. The method may be implemented by a network device, or by a chip or circuit used for the network device. This is not limited to this application. For ease of description, an example where the method is implemented is given. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 16 / 120 10 / 110 via network device is used below for description.

[0031] The method includes: the network device receives a first message from a terminal device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message does not include first indication information, this indicates to retain all M time units. The network device determines the configuration information based on the first message. The network device sends the configuration information to the terminal device.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect, a method of communication is provided. The method may be implemented by a network device, or by a chip or circuit used for the network device. This is not limited in this application. For ease of description, an example where the method is implemented by the network device is used below for description.

[0033] The method includes: the network device receives a first message from a terminal device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first message includes initial indication information, and the initial indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, or the initial indication information indicates to retain all M time units. The network device determines the configuration information based on the first message. The network device sends the configuration information to the terminal device. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 17 / 120 11 / 110

[0034] In the third or fourth aspect, for other specific implementations of the network device and the beneficial effects of some implementations, refer respectively and correspondingly to the related descriptions of the first or second aspect. Details are not described here again.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, a method of communication is provided. The method may be implemented by a terminal device or by a chip or circuit used for the terminal device. This is not limited in this application. For ease of description, an example where the method is implemented by the terminal device is used below for description.

[0036] The method includes: The terminal device sends a first message to a network device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first message does not include the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message includes the first indication information, it indicates to retain the M time units, or indicates to retain a portion of the M time units. The terminal device receives configuration information from the network device, where the configuration information is determined based on the first message.

[0037] According to a sixth aspect, a method of communication is provided. The method may be implemented by a network device, or by a chip or circuit used for the network device. This is not limited in this application. For ease of description, an example where the method is implemented by the network device is used below for description.

[0038] The method includes: the network device receives an initial message from a terminal device, where the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 18 / 120 The first message (12 / 110) indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device. This plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first message does not include initial indication information, the initial indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message includes initial indication information, it indicates to retain all M time units. The network device determines the configuration information based on the first message. The network device sends the configuration information to the terminal device.

[0039] According to a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to send a first message to a network device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by a terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first message includes first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message does not include first indication information, it indicates to retain the M time units. The transceiver unit is additionally configured to receive configuration information from the network device, where the configuration information is determined based on the first message.

[0040] The transceiver unit can perform both receiving and sending in the first aspect, and a processing unit can perform processing other than receiving and sending in the first aspect.

[0041] According to an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to send the first message. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 19 / 120 13 / 110 to a network device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by a terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first message includes initial indication information, and the initial indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, or the initial indication information indicates to retain all M time units. The transceiver unit is additionally configured to receive configuration information from the network device, where the configuration information is determined based on the first message.

[0042] The transceiver unit can perform both receiving and sending in the second aspect, and a processing unit can perform processing other than receiving and sending in the second aspect.

[0043] According to a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a first message from a terminal device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, where if the first message includes the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message does not include the first indication information, this indicates to retain the M time units; and a processing unit, configured to determine the configuration information based on the first message. The transceiver unit is additionally configured to send the configuration information to the terminal device.

[0044] The transceiver unit can perform reception Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 20 / 120 14 / 110 and the sending in the third aspect, and the processing unit may perform other processing in addition to receiving and sending in the third aspect.

[0045] According to a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a first message from a terminal device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, where the first message includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, or the first indication information indicates to retain all M time units; and a processing unit, configured to determine configuration information based on the first message. The transceiver unit is additionally configured to send the configuration information to the terminal device.

[0046] The transceiver unit can perform fourth-aspect reception and transmission, and the processing unit can perform other processing in addition to fourth-aspect reception and transmission.

[0047] According to an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit, configured to send a first message to a network device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by a terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. If the first message does not include the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 21 / 120 The first message (15 / 110) includes the initial indication information; this indicates to retain M time units, or indicates to retain a portion of M time units. The transceiver unit is additionally configured to receive configuration information from the network device, where the configuration information is determined based on the first message.

[0048] The transceiver unit can perform fifth-aspect reception and transmission, and the processing unit can perform other processing in addition to fifth-aspect reception and transmission.

[0049] According to a twelfth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive, by a network device, a first message from a terminal device, where the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, where, if the first message does not include the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message includes the first indication information, it indicates to retain the M time units; and a processing unit, configured to determine the configuration information based on the first message.The transceiver unit is additionally configured to send configuration information to the terminal device.

[0050] The transceiver unit can perform sixth-aspect reception and transmission, and the processing unit can perform other processing in addition to sixth-aspect reception and transmission.

[0051] According to a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 22 / 120 16 / 110 transceiver, a processor, and a memory. The processor is configured to control the transceiver to send and receive a signal. The memory is configured to store a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke the computer program from memory and execute it, to allow the communication device to perform the method according to any of the possible implementations from the first to the sixth aspect.

[0052] Optionally, there are one or more processors, and one or more memories.

[0053] Optionally, the memory can be integrated into the processor, or the memory and processor are arranged separately.

[0054] Optionally, the communication apparatus additionally includes a transmitter (transmitting device) and a receiver (receiving device).

[0055] According to a fourteenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is configured to perform the method according to any of the possible implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the fifth aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the method according to any of the possible implementations of the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the sixth aspect.

[0056] According to a fifteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or code. When the computer program or code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects.

[0057] According to a sixteenth aspect, it is provided Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 23 / 120 17 / 110 a chip. The chip includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is coupled to a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program. The processor is configured to invoke the computer program from memory and execute the computer program, to enable a device in which the chip system is installed to perform the method according to any of the possible implementations from the first to the sixth aspect.

[0058] The chip may include an input circuit or interface for sending information or data and an output circuit or interface for receiving information or data.

[0059] According to a seventeenth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed on an apparatus, the apparatus is enabled to perform the method according to any of the possible implementations of the first through sixth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless communication system to which one embodiment of this request is applicable.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200, according to one embodiment of this application.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300, according to one embodiment of this application.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 300, according to one embodiment of this application.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of a 2000 communication device, according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the structure of a 3000 chip system, according to an embodiment of this application. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 24 / 120 18 / 110 DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES

[0067] The technical solutions for the modalities of this application are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0068] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as a 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) system, a long-term evolution (LTE) system, a frequency division duplex (FDD) LTE system, and a time division duplex (TDD) LTE system. The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to a future communication system, for example, a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system.The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, or other communication systems.

[0069] A terminal device in embodiments of this application may also be called user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user appliance.

[0070] A terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data to a user, for example, a portable device with wireless connectivity or a vehicle-mounted device. Currently, some examples of terminals are a mobile phone, a tablet, a notebook, a palmtop, a mobile internet device (MID), Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 25 / 120 19 / 110 a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transport safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a mobile phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem,A wearable device, a terminal device on a 5G network, and a terminal device on a future public land mobile network (PLMN). This is not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0071] By way of example, but not limitation, in embodiments of this application, the terminal device may alternatively be a wearable device. A wearable device may also be referred to as a smart wearable device, and is a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed for everyday use, utilizing wearable technology, for example, eyeglasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and footwear. A wearable device is a portable device that can be worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessory. A wearable device is not only a hardware device but also implements a powerful function through software support, data exchange, and cloud interaction. In a broad sense, the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 26 / 120 20 / 110 smart wearable devices include large, full-featured devices that can implement complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, and devices dedicated to only one type of application function and need to work with other devices, such as smartphones, like various smart bracelets or smart jewelry to monitor physical signals.

[0072] In embodiments of this application, an apparatus configured to implement a function of the terminal device, that is, a terminal apparatus, may be a terminal device, or it may be an apparatus, for example, a chip system or a chip, that can assist the terminal device in implementing the function. The apparatus may be installed in the terminal device. In embodiments of this application, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and another discrete component.

[0073] A network device in the embodiments of this application may be a device configured to communicate with the terminal device. The network device may also be called an access network device or a radio access network device. For example, the network device may be a base station. The network device in the embodiments of this application may be a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to a wireless network.The term "base station" may encompass the following names in a broad sense or may be replaced by the following names, for example, a NodeB (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a relay station, an access point, a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), a primary station, a secondary station, a multi-pattern radio node (MSR), a home base station, a... Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 27 / 120 21 / 110 network controller, an access node, a radio node, an access point (AP), a transmit node, a transceiver node, a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), a remote radio head (RRH), a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a positioning node. The base station may be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node, or similar, a combination thereof. The base station may alternatively be a communication module, a modem, or a chip located in the aforementioned device or apparatus.Alternatively, the base station may be a mobile switching center, a device that performs a base station function in D2D, V2X, and M2M communication, a network-side device in a 6G network, a device that performs a base station function in a future communication system, or similar. The base station may support networks with the same access technology or with different access technologies. A specific technology and a specific device form factor used by the network device are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0074] The base station can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or an unmanned aerial vehicle can be configured as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move based on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or an unmanned aerial vehicle can be configured as a device for communication with another base station.

[0075] In some implementations, the network device mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be a device that includes a CU or a DU, or a device that includes a CU and a DU, or a device that includes a CU-plane node. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 28 / 120 22 / 110 control (a central unit control plane (CU-CP)), a user-plane CU node (a central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), and a DU node.

[0076] In embodiments of this application, an apparatus configured to implement a function of a network device may be a network device, or it may be an apparatus, for example, a chip system or a chip, that can support the network device in implementing the function. The apparatus may be installed in the network device. In embodiments of this application, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and another discrete component.

[0077] The network device and the terminal device may be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor devices, portable devices, or vehicle-mounted devices; they may be deployed on a water surface; or they may be deployed on an airplane, a balloon, and a satellite in the air. The scenarios in which the network device and the terminal device are located are not limited in the embodiment of this application.

[0078] A communication system to which the modalities of this application apply is briefly described below with reference to FIG. 1.

[0079] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless communication system to which an embodiment of this application applies. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system may include at least one terminal device, for example, a UE 1, a UE 2 and a UE 3 shown in FIG. 1. Optionally, the wireless communication system may additionally include at least one network device, for example, a network device shown in FIG. 1.

[0080] The network device and the terminal device can communicate with each other. For example, the network device and the terminal device can communicate with each other through a Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 29 / 120 23 / 110 interface Uu, and a link for communication between the network device and the terminal device can be denoted as a Uu link. As shown in (a) in FIG. 1, the network device and UE 1 can communicate directly with each other. As shown in (b) in FIG. 1, the network device and UE 1 can alternatively communicate with each other through UE 2. Similarly, the network device and UE 2 can communicate directly with each other, or the network device and UE 2 can communicate with each other through UE 1. It can be understood that the Uu link represents a connection relationship between the terminal device and the network device, and is a logical concept and not a physical entity. A primary link is named only for differentiation purposes, and a specific name of the primary link does not limit the scope of protection of this request.

[0081] Terminal devices can also communicate with each other. For example, terminal devices can communicate directly with each other. As shown in (a) to (c) in FIG. 1, UE 1 and UE 2 can communicate directly with each other. In another example, terminal devices can communicate with each other through another device, for example, a network device or a terminal device. As shown in (a) in FIG. 1, UE 1 and UE 2 can communicate with each other through the network device. As shown in (d) in FIG. 1, UE 1 and UE 2 can communicate with each other through UE 3. An interface for communication between terminal devices can be referred to as a proximity-based services communication interface 5 (PC5).A link for communication between terminal devices can be referred to as an SL side link, and communication between terminal devices can also be referred to as SL communication. The side link can also be referred to as a secondary link, a secondary link, or similar. It can be understood that the side link... Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 30 / 120 24 / 110 represents a connection relationship between terminal devices and is a logical concept, not a physical entity. The side link is named for differentiation purposes only, and a specific side link name does not limit the scope of protection of this request.

[0082] In one example, SL communication between terminal devices can be used in a vehicle internet or in an intelligent transportation system (ITS), for example, the V2X communication described above.

[0083] Optionally, SL communication between terminal devices can be performed within network coverage or without network coverage. As shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 1, UE 1 and another UE can communicate with each other within network coverage. Alternatively, as shown in (c) and (d) in FIG. 1, UE 1 and another UE can communicate with each other outside of a network coverage area (out-of-coverage).

[0084] Optionally, configuration information used during SL communication between terminal devices, for example, a time-frequency resource used during SL communication between terminal devices, can be configured or programmed by a network device, or can be selected autonomously by the terminal device. This is not limited to.

[0085] It may be understood that FIG. 1 is merely a simplified diagram of an example to facilitate understanding. The wireless communication system may additionally include another network device or may include another terminal device, which is not shown in FIG. 1. The embodiments of this application are applicable to any communication scenario in which a transmitting end device communicates with a receiving end device.

[0086] It should be noted that a specific structure of an entity to perform a method provided in modalities of this Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 31 / 120 25 / 110 application is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application, provided that the entity can execute a program that registers the code for the method provided in the embodiments of this application to perform the communication in accordance with the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application may be performed by a terminal device or a functional module that is on a terminal device and that can invoke the program and execute it.

[0087] To facilitate understanding of the modalities of this application, the terms or technologies contained herein are briefly described.

[0088] 1. Time domain unit and frequency domain unit

[0089] Data or information can be carried on a time-frequency resource.

[0090] In the time domain, a time domain feature can include one or more time domain units (which can also be called time units).

[0091] In embodiments of this application, a time domain unit / time unit is, for example, a radio frame (RF), a subframe, a frame, a half-subframe or a half-frame, a slot, a mini-slot, a partial slot, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, a second or a millisecond. One or more time units may be consecutive or discrete in terms of time.

[0092] In the frequency domain, a frequency domain resource can include one or more frequency domain units. A frequency domain unit can be a resource element (RE), a resource block (RB), a subchannel, or a set of resources. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 32 / 120 26 / 110 (Resource Pool), a bandwidth, a bandwidth part (BWP), a carrier, a channel, an interlaced RB, or similar.

[0093] 2. Multi-card Gap

[0094] A multi-SIM terminal may be a terminal that has two or more telephone cards (SIM cards or USIMs) simultaneously. The multi-SIM terminal may register separately on the same network or on different networks using the two or more telephone cards, for example, the same access network device or different access network devices and / or the same core network device or different core network devices. Unless otherwise specified, one card corresponds to one UE, and a plurality of cards in the multi-SIM terminal corresponds to a plurality of UEs. It should be understood that the technical solutions of this application may be applied to a dual-card or multi-SIM terminal device.

[0095] For example, when card 1 is in RRC connected mode and communicates with a network, card 2 is in RRC inactive or idle mode, and card 2 can perform activities such as receiving paging, service cell measurement (intra-frequency measurement), neighboring cell measurement (intra-frequency or inter-frequency measurement), and receiving system information. For some low-capacity terminal devices, card 1 and card 2 of the low-capacity terminal device share a radio frequency hardware set, and card 1 and card 2 cannot operate simultaneously. When card 2 needs to perform the above activities, card 1 needs to interrupt communication with the network. To be more specific, communication between card 1 and the network is temporarily interrupted based on the concept of a multi-SIM gap. A multi-SIM gap is a Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 33 / 120 27 / 110 concept in terms of time. Specifically, during the multi-SIM gap period, communication between card 1 and the network is temporarily interrupted. In this case, the terminal device can switch the radio frequency hardware from card 1 to card 2, allowing card 2 to perform the above activity. After the multi-SIM gap period ends, the terminal device can switch the radio frequency hardware from card 2 to card 1 to restore communication with card 1.

[0096] Multi-card gaps include a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap. The periodic gap indicates that the interruption time appears with a short periodicity and continues cycling. The aperiodic gap is a period of interruption time. After the interruption time period ends, the aperiodic gap no longer has any effect. There can be a maximum of three periodic multi-sim gaps and one aperiodic multi-sim gap in total between a UE and a network device.Card 1 can recommend a maximum of three periodic multi-sim gaps and one aperiodic multi-sim gap to the network device based on an activity that needs to be performed by Card 2 (where, for example, the UE-recommended multi-sim gap to the network device is transmitted using a UE assistance information message, the UE-recommended multi-sim gap can be understood as an expected / preferred multi-sim gap indicated by the UE, and the recommended multi-sim gap is specifically multi-sim gap configuration information or multi-sim gap pattern information).The network device finally configures a maximum of three periodic multi-SIM gaps and one aperiodic multi-SIM gap for card 1, according to card 1's recommendation (where, for example, the multi-SIM gap configured by the network device for the UE is ported using an RRC reconfiguration message, the UE actually uses the multi-SIM gap configured with...). Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 34 / 120 28 / 110 based on the network device configuration, and the configured multi-sim gap is specifically multi-sim gap configuration information or multi-sim gap pattern information). The network device can select all or part of the EU-recommended multi-sim gaps, but once selected, the network device needs to perform the configuration based on the EU-recommended gap configuration information or gap pattern information. The multi-sim gap has a corresponding priority.

[0097] 3. Measurement gap

[0098] In addition to the multi-SIM gap, there is also the metering gap. The metering gap is a concept for only one card (one UE). Similarly, due to a radio frequency hardware set, when the UE expects to support interfrequency measurements, the UE cannot perform communication on a current service cell frequency and needs to interrupt communication with the network and perform interfrequency measurements in a metering gap. Metering gaps include a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap. The metering gap does not need to be recommended by the UE and is configured only by the network device for a UE. A plurality of metering gaps can be configured. The metering gap has a corresponding priority, and multiple metering gaps do not have the same priority.

[0099] 4. Priority

[00100] Each multi-sim gap or measurement gap may have a corresponding priority level or a corresponding priority value. There may be a correspondence between the priority level and the priority value. For example, a higher priority level corresponds to a lower priority value, or a lower priority level corresponds to a lower priority value. For example, the highest priority level corresponds to the highest priority value. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 35 / 120 29 / 110 low, and the priority value can be an integer ranging from 1 to 16 or an integer ranging from 0 to 15. If the priority value ranges from 1 to 16, a priority value of 1 indicates a higher priority level. The above briefly describes the terms of this application, and the details are not described again in the following modalities. Furthermore, the descriptions of the terms above are merely descriptive for ease of understanding and do not limit the scope of protection of the modalities of this application.

[00101] When a conflict occurs between measurement gaps (where, for example, if the gap time periods overlap totally or partially, or an interval between a final location of a previous gap and a starting location of a subsequent gap is less than a specific time period, for example, 4 ms, a conflict between the gaps is considered to exist), because the measurement gap is used for interfrequency measurement, a radio frequency antenna cannot be changed in a timely manner, the conflicting measurement gaps cannot be used simultaneously, and only one of the measurement gaps can be retained. For a measurement gap, it is currently specified that a measurement gap with high priority should be retained by default, and a measurement gap with low priority should be discarded.

[00102] When a conflict occurs between multi-SIM slots, since multi-SIM slots are used for a plurality of purposes, the conflicting multi-SIM slots may or may not be used simultaneously, depending on their status. For example, a multi-SIM slot 1 is used for paging reception from card 2, a multi-SIM slot 2 is used for measuring a service cell from card 2, a radio frequency antenna is not switched, and the conflicting multi-SIM slots may be used simultaneously. In another example, a multi-SIM slot 1 is used for paging reception from card 2, a multi-SIM slot 2 is used for measuring... Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 36 / 120 30 / 110 a service cell of card 2, a radio frequency antenna is switched, and conflicting multi-sim slots cannot be used at the same time.

[00103] Currently, it is specified that all conflicting multi-sim gaps must be retained. However, if multi-sim gaps that cannot be used simultaneously are retained, communication needs to be interrupted during the gap time, and a configured multi-sim gap is not used, causing wasted resources during the gap time and a reduction in system throughput. Therefore, when a conflict occurs between multi-sim gaps, how to effectively handle the multi-sim gap, preventing a usable multi-sim gap from being discarded and avoiding wasted resources and a reduction in system throughput caused by the existence of an unusable multi-sim gap, is a problem.

[00104] In view of this, this application provides a method and a communication device for indicating, using first indication information, to a network device that all or part of the conflicting multi-sim gaps should be retained, so that resource utilization can be improved, resource waste can be reduced, and system transmission performance and throughput can be guaranteed.

[00105] To facilitate understanding of the terms of this application, the following descriptions are provided.

[00106] Firstly, in this application, unless otherwise specified or a logical conflict arises, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined based on an internal logical relationship between them, to form a new embodiment. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 37 / 120 31 / 110

[00107] Secondly, in this request, at least one means one or more, and a plurality of means two or more. The term and / or describes an association relationship between associated objects and represents the possibility of there being three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent the following cases: Only A exists, A and B exist, and only B exists, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text descriptions of this request, the character / generally indicates an or relationship between associated objects. At least one of the following items (chunks) or a similar expression means any combination of these items, including any combination of singular items (chunks) or plural items (chunks). For example, at least one item (chunk) of a, bec can indicate a, b, c, aeb, aec, bec, or a, be c. Each of a, bec can be singular or plural.

[00108] Thirdly, in this application, first, second, and various numerical indications are used for differentiation and to facilitate description, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application; for example, they are intended to distinguish between different messages, but not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the objects described in this way are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that a solution different from the solutions in the embodiments of this application may be described.

[00109] Fourthly, in this application, the terms include and have and any variants thereof are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a list of steps or units is not necessarily limited to the steps or units expressly listed, but may include other steps or units not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, product or device.

[00110] Fifthly, protocols in this request may be Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 38 / 120 32 / 110 Standard protocols in the field of communication, for example, may include a 5G protocol, a new radio (NR) protocol, and a related protocol applied to a future communication system. This is not limited to this application. Preset may include, for example, protocol definition. Pre-configuration may be implemented by pre-storing the corresponding code or a corresponding table in a device, or it may be implemented in another way that may indicate related information. A specific implementation of this is not limited to this application.

[00111] Sixth, in this application, communication may also be described as data transmission, information transmission, data processing, or similar. Transmission includes sending and receiving.

[00112] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided in this application are applicable to any communication scenario in which a transmitting end device and a receiving end device communicate with each other, for example, and can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1.

[00113] FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 200, according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 2, the method includes a plurality of steps below. For a part that is not described in detail, refer to an existing protocol.

[00114] S210: A terminal device sends a first message to a network device, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[00115] The first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, a Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 39 / 120 33 / 110 plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, if the first message includes initial indication information, the initial indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message does not include initial indication information, this indicates to retain all M time units.

[00116] It should be understood that the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device may be greater than M time units. In other words, the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device additionally includes a non-conflicting time unit, and all non-conflicting time units may be retained. The initial indication may indicate to retain only a portion of the M time units, or it may indicate to retain a portion of the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, including the indication to retain a portion of the M time units.

[00117] In this modality of this application, the time unit may be replaced by another term, such as time information, time interval, gap, or multi-sim gap. For ease of description, an example where the time unit is a multi-sim gap is used below for a detailed description.

[00118] For example, the first message might be an EU assistance information message (EU assistance information). The plurality of time units expected by the terminal device can be understood as a plurality of time units recommended or preferred by the terminal device. For example, the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device might be multi-sim gap configuration information or multi-sim gap pattern information. The EU assistance information message might include a list of multi-sim gaps (MUSIM). Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 40 / 120 34 / 110 The multi-SIM gap list includes multi-SIM gap configuration information or multi-SIM gap pattern information. It should be understood that a multi-SIM gap can be used by the terminal device to perform paging reception, service cell measurement (intra-frequency measurement), neighboring cell measurement (intra-frequency or inter-frequency measurement), system information reception, and similar activities on another card. Multi-card gaps include a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap. A periodic gap indicates that the interrupt time appears with a short periodicity and continues cycling. An aperiodic gap indicates a period of interruption. After the interruption time period ends, the aperiodic gap no longer has any effect.Typically, there can be a maximum of three periodic multi-SIM gaps and one aperiodic multi-SIM gap in total between the terminal device and the network device.

[00119] Optionally, the first message additionally indicates priorities corresponding to the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device. If the network device determines, based on the first message, the multi-sim gap configuration for the terminal device, the network device may additionally indicate to the terminal device, based on the priority of the first message, a configured multi-sim gap priority.

[00120] For example, the terminal device may request, using the EU service information message, that the network device configure a plurality of multisim gaps. For example, four multisim gaps are, respectively, a multisim gap #1, a multisim gap #2, a multisim gap #3, and a multisim gap #4. It is assumed that M = 2. For example, there is a conflict between multisim gap #1 and multisim gap #2. If the service information message Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 41 / 120 If EU 35 / 110 includes the initial indication information, the initial indication information indicates to retain one of the two conflicting multi-sim gaps, i.e., to retain multi-sim gap #1 or multi-sim gap #2. If the EU assistance information message does not include the initial indication information, this indicates to retain both conflicting multi-sim gaps, i.e., to retain multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2.

[00121] It should be understood that conflicting M time units mean that the M time units overlap completely or partially in the time domain, or an interval between an end location of an earlier time unit and an beginning location of a later time unit is less than a predefined threshold, for example, 4 ms. For example, if M=2, the two conflicting time units (e.g., a multi-sim gap #1 and a multi-sim gap #2, where multi-sim gap #1 is assumed to precede multi-sim gap #2 in the time domain) can be understood as follows: Multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2 overlap completely in the time domain, for example, in a time period starting from a system frame number (SFN) 2 by 3 ms. Alternatively, multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2 partially overlap in the time domain.For example, multi-sim gap #1 occupies a time period from system frame number (SFN) 2 by 3 ms, and multi-sim gap #2 occupies a time period from system frame number (SFN) 3 by 3 ms; or a time interval between a final location of multi-sim gap #1 and a starting location of multi-sim gap #2 is less than 4 ms. Optionally, a value of M can be 3, 4, or another value. The above is merely an example provided for ease of understanding. This is not limited to this application.

[00122] It should be noted that the M time units Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 42 / 120 36 / 110 conflicting can mean that there is a conflict at a point in time or in a period of time, and there is no conflict at a point in time or in a period of time. In this request, it is not necessary that the M conflicting time units conflict at any point in time. For example, if the M time units are all periodic gaps, the M periodic gaps may conflict in a portion of the periodicities. If the M time units are a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap, the periodic gap conflicts with the aperiodic gap in a portion of the periodicities.

[00123] For example, if the first message does not include the initial indication information, this indicates to retain the M time units. In this implementation, the terminal device may not include the initial indication information in the first message, to indicate to the network device that the conflicting M time units may be retained.

[00124] For example, if the first message includes the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units. This indicates that if the first indication information exists in the first message, it indicates to retain a portion of the conflicting M time units. Alternatively, it can be understood that if the first indication information exists in the first message, the first indication information indicates to discard a portion of the M time units. It can be understood that if the first message includes the first indication information, not all M time units should be retained, but only a portion of the M time units; and the remaining time units within the M time units should be discarded, and not all M time units should be discarded. Discarding can also be understood as not retaining.

[00125] It should be noted that discarding here does not mean Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 43 / 120 37 / 110 discard in the literal sense, but it can be understood as the terminal device indicating, using the first indication information, the discarding of a portion of the M time units. More specifically, the network device can configure a plurality of time units for the terminal device based on the first message. However, since there is a conflict between the M time units, the terminal device and the network device subsequently use only a portion of the M time units (i.e., a portion of the time units that are retained) based on the first indication information, and do not use the other time units (i.e., a portion of the time units that are discarded or not retained) in the M time units.In other words, the retained time unit can be understood as a time unit that can be used when a conflict exists, and the discarded time unit can be understood as a time unit that is no longer used when a conflict exists. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the existence or absence of the initial indication information plays a role only when a conflict exists between the M time units.

[00126] It should be further noted that the M conflicting time units may conflict at a given moment or over a period of time. Holding the M conflicting time units may specifically mean retaining the M time units in conflicting time, i.e., the M time units may be used in conflicting time, and the M time units may naturally be retained in non-conflicting time. Holding a portion of the M conflicting time units may specifically mean retaining a portion of the M time units in conflicting time, i.e., a portion of the M time units may be used in conflicting time. Discarding a portion of the M time units may specifically mean discarding a portion of the M time units in conflicting time, i.e., a portion of the M time units Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 44 / 120 38 / 110 is no longer used in conflicting time, and all M time units can naturally be retained in non-conflicting time.

[00127] In this embodiment of the present application, "indicate" may include "indicate directly" and "indicate indirectly." When it is described that the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, the following may be included: the first indication information directly indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, or indirectly indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, for example, it indicates to discard the other time units within the M time units. In other words, this does not mean that the first indication information definitely carries a portion of the M time units that need to be retained, or that it may contain the other time units that need to be discarded within the M time units.

[00128] In one implementation, the M time units include N groups of conflicting time units, each of the N groups of time units includes a plurality of time units, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. If the first message includes the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the time units in each of the P groups of time units, and the P groups of time units are either a portion or all of the N groups of time units.

[00129] For example, assuming M=2, N=1, and P=1, the multisim gap group includes two multisim gaps, for example, a multisim gap #1 and a multisim gap #2. In this case, if the first indication information exists, the first indication information indicates to retain either multisim gap #1 or multisim gap #2 in the multisim gap group. Alternatively, assuming M=4, N=2, and P=1, each of the two multisim gap groups may include two multisim gaps. For example, a first multisim gap group includes a Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 45 / 120 39 / 110 multi-sim gap #1 and a multi-sim gap #2, and a second group of multi-sim gaps includes a multi-sim gap #3 and a multi-sim gap #4. In this case, if the first indication information exists, the first indication information indicates to retain either multi-sim gap #1 or multi-sim gap #2 in the first group of multi-sim gaps, or indicates to retain either multi-sim gap #3 or multi-sim gap #4 in the second group of multi-sim gaps. Alternatively, assuming M=4, N=2, and P=2, each of the two groups of multi-sim gaps may include two multi-sim gaps. For example, a first group of multi-sim gaps includes a multi-sim gap #1 and a multi-sim gap #2, and a second group of multi-sim gaps includes a multi-sim gap #3 and a multi-sim gap #4.In this case, if the initial indication information exists, the initial indication information indicates to retain multi-sim gap #1 or multi-sim gap #2 in the first group of multi-sim gaps, and indicates to retain multi-sim gap #3 or multi-sim gap #4 in the second group of multi-sim gaps.

[00130] Optionally, before executing step S210, method 200 may additionally include step S201 below. To be more specific, before the terminal device sends the first message to the network device, the terminal device may be instructed to report the first message.

[00131] S201: The network device sends a second message to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second message from the network device. The second message indicates that the terminal device has permission to send the first message to the network device.

[00132] For example, the second message may be an RRC reconfiguration message. For example, the network device indicates, using the RRC reconfiguration message, whether the EU assistance information message sent by the device Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 46 / 120 40 / 110 terminal is permitted to include the initial indication information so that the network device knows how the terminal device processes the conflicting M time units. For example, if the second message indicates that the terminal device is permitted to send the first message to the network device when the UE assistance information message includes conflicting M multi-sim gaps, the terminal device may include the initial indication information in the first message; or if the second message indicates that the terminal device is not permitted to send the first message to the network device when the UE assistance information message includes conflicting M multi-sim gaps, the terminal device cannot include the initial indication information in the first message.

[00133] The following describes, by way of examples, specific implementations in a scenario where the first indication information exists; to be more specific, if the first message includes the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units. It should be understood that, in this scenario, not all of the conflicting M time units can be retained.

[00134] In an initial implementation, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, and this portion of the time units is a portion of the time units with high priorities.

[00135] Optionally, when a conflict exists between a plurality of multi-sim gaps, it is specified (e.g., predefined in a protocol) that a multi-sim gap with high priority should be preferentially retained, or a multi-sim gap with low priority should be preferentially discarded. Therefore, when the terminal device indicates, using the first indication information, to retain or Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 47 / 120 41 / 110 Discard a portion of the multi-sim gaps; generally, a multi-sim gap to be retained is a high-priority multi-sim gap, or a multi-sim gap to be discarded is a low-priority multi-sim gap.

[00136] Optionally, the priority of a time unit can be a priority corresponding to a multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, or it can be a priority of a multi-sim gap configured by the network device for the terminal device. Optionally, if the terminal device indicates the priority corresponding to the multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, that priority will be used as the determining priority; or if the terminal device does not indicate the priority corresponding to the multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, the priority of the multi-sim gap configured by the network device for the terminal device will be used as the determining priority.

[00137] Optionally, a portion of the time units with high priorities to be retained may be one or more time units. In other words, a time unit with the highest priority may be retained, or the first time units with the highest priorities may be retained. For example, one or more time units to be retained may be predefined in a protocol or configured by the network device.

[00138] For example, the first indication information may be a 1-bit indication information. For example, if M = 2, the conflicting multisim gaps are, respectively, a multisim gap #1 and a multisim gap #2. If the first indication information exists, this indicates to retain one of the multisim gaps #1 and multisim gap #2. According to the specification that a multisim gap with high priority should preferably be retained, or a multisim gap with low priority should preferably be discarded, a Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 48 / 120 42 / 110 multi-sim gap with high priority in multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2 should be retained, and a multi-sim gap with low priority in multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2 should be discarded. For example, if the priority of multi-sim gap #1 is higher than that of multi-sim gap #2, when the first indication information is transmitted in the first message, multi-sim gap #1 should be retained and multi-sim gap #2 should be discarded.

[00139] For example, the first indication information may be a 1-bit indication information. For example, if M=3, the conflicting multi-sim gaps are, respectively, a multi-sim gap #1, a multi-sim gap #2, and a multi-sim gap #3. If the first indication information exists, this indicates to retain one or two of the multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3. According to the specification that a high-priority multi-sim gap should preferably be retained, or a low-priority multi-sim gap should preferably be discarded, a high-priority multi-sim gap in multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 should be retained, and a low-priority multi-sim gap in multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 should be discarded.One or two specific multi-sim gaps to be retained can be predefined in a protocol or configured by the network device. For example, the protocol predefines that only one multi-sim gap should be retained. If the priority of multi-sim gap #1 is higher than that of multi-sim gap #2, and the priority of multi-sim gap #2 is higher than that of multi-sim gap #3, when the first indication information is transmitted in the first message, multi-sim gap #1 should be retained, and multi-sim gaps #2 and #3 should be discarded.

[00140] It should be understood that this implementation is applicable Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 49 / 120 43 / 110 primarily addresses a case where there is a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different priorities, and a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same priority cannot be supported. Furthermore, this implementation is not applicable to a case where there is a plurality of pairs of conflicting multi-sim gaps. For example, a multi-sim gap #1 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #2, but both can be retained, and a multi-sim gap #3 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #4, but only one of the two gaps should be retained. The first indication information is not applicable to the previous case. Optionally, it is specified that different multi-sim gaps correspond to different priorities.

[00141] Optionally, the initial indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, and this portion of the time units is a portion of the time units with small periodicities.

[00142] Optionally, when there is a conflict between a plurality of multi-sim gaps, it is specified (e.g., predefined in a protocol) that a multi-sim gap with low periodicity should preferably be retained, or a multi-sim gap with high periodicity should preferably be discarded. Therefore, when the terminal device indicates, using the first indication information, to retain or discard a portion of the multi-sim gaps, generally, a multi-sim gap to be retained is a multi-sim gap with low periodicity, or a multi-sim gap to be discarded is a multi-sim gap with high periodicity.

[00143] Optionally, a portion of the time units with small periodicities to be retained may be one or more time units. In other words, a time unit with the smallest periodicity may be retained, or the first time units with the smallest periodicities may be retained. By Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 50 / 120 44 / 110 For example, one or more time units to be retained can be predefined in a protocol. It should be understood that this implementation is primarily applicable to a case where there is a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different periodicities, and a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same periodicity cannot be supported. Furthermore, this implementation is not applicable to a case where there is a plurality of pairs of conflicting multi-sim gaps. For example, a multi-sim gap #1 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #2, but both can be retained, and a multi-sim gap #3 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #4, but only one of the two gaps should be retained. The first indication information is not applicable to the previous case. Optionally, it is specified that different multi-sim gaps need to correspond to different periodicities.

[00144] It should be noted that, for a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps, the previous implementations of determining, based on priorities, which multi-sim gap to retain or discard and determining, based on periodicities, which multi-sim gap to retain or discard can be implemented independently or in combination. This is not limited in this application. For example, there are three conflicting multi-sim gaps, for example, a multi-sim gap #1, a multi-sim gap #2, and a multi-sim gap #3. The priorities of multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 are in descending order, and the periodicities of multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 are in ascending order.In this case, it can be determined that multi-sim gap #1 should be retained, and multi-sim gaps #2 and multi-sim gaps #3 should be discarded; or multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2 should be retained, and multi-sim gap #3 should be discarded.

[00145] In a second implementation, the first Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 51 / 120 45 / 110 indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist in the M time units. The M time units include a first part of the time units and a second part of the time units, and the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is not permitted. In other words, if there is a time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units, the first indication information further indicates that the coexistence of the time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is permitted.

[00146] Optionally, the sum of a quantity of the first part of the time units and a quantity of the second part of the time units is less than or equal to M. It should be understood that the first indication information indicates a multisim gap that cannot coexist. For example, a first part of multisim gaps and a second part of multisim gaps in M ​​multisim gaps cannot coexist. When there is a conflict in the multisim gap that cannot coexist and that is indicated by the first indication information, according to a specification (e.g., a predefined setting in a protocol), a high-priority multisim gap may be retained, or a low-priority multisim gap may be discarded.It should be noted that if the initial indication information indicates only one multi-sim gap that cannot coexist, the multi-sim gap can be discarded; or if there are more than two indicated multi-sim gaps that cannot coexist, the multi-sim gap with the highest priority should preferably be retained, and one or more other multi-sim gaps with lower priorities should be discarded.

[00147] Optionally, the priority of a time unit Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 52 / 120 46 / 110 can be a priority corresponding to a multi-SIM gap expected by the terminal device, or it can be a priority of a multi-SIM gap configured by the network device for the terminal device. Optionally, if the terminal device indicates the priority corresponding to the multi-SIM gap expected by the terminal device, that priority will be used as the determining priority; or if the terminal device does not indicate the priority corresponding to the multi-SIM gap expected by the terminal device, the priority of the multi-SIM gap configured by the network device for the terminal device will be used as the determining priority.

[00148] Optionally, a portion of the time units with high priorities to be retained may be one or more time units. In other words, a time unit with the highest priority may be retained, or the first time units with the highest priorities may be retained. For example, one or more time units to be retained may be predefined in a protocol.

[00149] For example, if M = 2, the conflicting multisim gaps are, respectively, a multisim gap #1 and a multisim gap #2. The initial indication information indicates that the coexistence of multisim gap #1 and multisim gap #2 is not allowed. This means that one of the multisim gaps #1 and multisim gap #2 must be retained. For example, if the priority of multisim gap #1 is higher than that of multisim gap #2, the multisim gap #1 with the higher priority must be retained, and the multisim gap #2 with the lower priority must be discarded.

[00150] For example, if M=3, the conflicting multisim gaps are, respectively, a multisim gap #1, a multisim gap #2, and a multisim gap #3. The initial indication information suggests that the coexistence of multisim gap #1 and multisim gap #3 is not allowed. This Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 53 / 120 47 / 110 means that the coexistence of multi-sim gap #2 and multi-sim gap #1 or multi-sim gap #3 is allowed; that is, multi-sim gap #2 can be retained, and one of multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #3 can be retained. For example, if the priority of multi-sim gap #3 is higher than that of multi-sim gap #1, the multi-sim gap #3 with the higher priority should be retained, and the multi-sim gap #1 with the lower priority should be discarded.

[00151] For example, if M=3, the conflicting multi-sim gaps are, respectively, a multi-sim gap #1, a multi-sim gap #2, and a multi-sim gap #3. Initial information indicates that the coexistence of multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 is not permitted. This means that one or two of multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 must be retained. According to the specification that a high-priority multi-sim gap should preferably be retained, or a low-priority multi-sim gap should preferably be discarded, a high-priority multi-sim gap in multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 must be retained, and a low-priority multi-sim gap in multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 must be discarded.One or two specific multi-sim gaps to be retained can be predefined in a protocol or configured by the network device. For example, the protocol predefines that only one multi-sim gap should be retained. If the priority of multi-sim gap #1 is higher than that of multi-sim gap #2, and the priority of multi-sim gap #2 is higher than that of multi-sim gap #3, when the first indication information is transmitted in the first message, multi-sim gap #1 should be retained, and multi-sim gaps #2 and #3 should be discarded.

[00152] It should be understood that this implementation is applicable Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 54 / 120 48 / 110 primarily addresses a case where there is a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different priorities, and a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same priority cannot be supported. Furthermore, this implementation is not applicable to a case where there are multiple pairs of conflicting multi-sim gaps and they cannot all be retained. For example, a multi-sim gap #1 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #2, but only one of the two gaps should be retained, and a multi-sim gap #3 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #4, but only one of the two gaps should be retained. The first indication information is not applicable to the previous case. Optionally, it is specified that different multi-sim gaps need to correspond to different priorities.

[00153] In a first example, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a time unit that cannot coexist. For example, the first indication information includes identifiers of the first part of the time units and identifiers of the second part of the time units, that is, the first indication information contains the identifiers of the first part of the time units and the identifiers of the second part of the time units, to indicate that the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units cannot coexist.

[00154] There may be one or more multi-sim gaps that cannot coexist. This is not limited to this application.

[00155] It should be noted that a periodic multi-sim gap has a defined identifier, while an aperiodic multi-sim gap does not have a defined identifier. The identifier values ​​of periodic multi-sim gaps can be an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2, and are in one-to-one correspondence with a sequence of multi-sim gaps in a plurality of multi-sim gaps (where, by Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 55 / 120 49 / 110 For example, one way to represent the plurality of multi-sim gaps could be a list of multi-sim gaps that are expected by the terminal device and indicated by the first message. For example, if the list of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device includes three periodic multi-sim gaps (e.g., a periodic multi-sim gap 1, a periodic multi-sim gap 2, and a periodic multi-sim gap 3), an identifier for periodic multi-sim gap 1 would be 0, an identifier for periodic multi-sim gap 2 would be 1, and an identifier for periodic multi-sim gap 3 would be 2. For ease of description, in this request, a special value could be specified as an identifier for an aperiodic multi-sim gap, for example, a special value 3 (i.e., an identifier 3), an aperiodic gap, or another special value. This is not limited in this embodiment.For the sake of brevity, the details are not described in the related sections below.

[00156] For example, the UE assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list of multisim gaps expected / preferred by a UE, and additionally includes the first indication information indicating a multisim gap that cannot coexist with multisim gaps expected / preferred by the UE. As shown in Table 1, it is assumed that a plurality of multisim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, an identifier 2, and an identifier 3 (or an aperiodic gap). For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multisim gaps. When the first indication information indicates the coexistence of the periodic multisim gap #1 and the multisim gap Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 56 / 120 50 / 110 periodic multi-sim gap #3 is not allowed; the initial indication information includes the identifiers of the periodic multi-sim gap #1 and the periodic multi-sim gap #3, that is, identifier 0 and identifier 2. This means that one of the periodic multi-sim gap #1 and the periodic multi-sim gap #3 must be retained. For example, if the priority of the periodic multi-sim gap #1 is higher than that of the periodic multi-sim gap #2, the periodic multi-sim gap #1 with a higher priority should preferentially be retained, and the periodic multi-sim gap #3 with a lower priority should be discarded. In other words, in this case, the initial indication information indirectly indicates that the coexistence of the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is allowed, and the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 must be retained. Table 1 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-Card Gap List (MUSIM - GapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4 (corresponding to identifier 3 or an aperiodic gap) Initial indication information (indicating that coexistence is not possible) Identifier 0 Identifier 2 Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 57 / 120 51 / 110 (permitted) Initial indication information (indicating that coexistence is permitted) Identifier 1 Identifier 3 or aperiodic gap

[00157] Optionally, when the initial indication information indicates that the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #2 and aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is not permitted, the initial indication information includes the identifiers of periodic multi-sim gap #2 and aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, i.e., identifier 1 and identifier 3 (or aperiodic gap). This means that one of periodic multi-sim gap #2 and one of aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 must be retained. For example, if the priority of aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is higher than that of periodic multi-sim gap #2, the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 with the higher priority should preferably be retained, and the lower-priority multi-sim gap #2 should be discarded.In other words, in this case, the initial indication information indirectly suggests that the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 is permitted, and periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 should be retained.

[00158] It should be understood that the initial indication information may indicate an identifier of a time unit that can coexist and, indirectly, this indicates a time unit that cannot coexist in the M time units.

[00159] In a second example, a value from the first indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist. For example, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to the first part of the time units, and the third indication information corresponds to the second part of the time units. The second indication information and the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 58 / 120 52 / 110 third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information. In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information. The values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a first value, and the first value indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is not allowed.To be more specific, the values ​​of the first indication information corresponding to the first part of the time units and the first indication information corresponding to the second part of the time units are both the first value, to indicate that the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units cannot coexist.

[00160] There may be one or more multisim gaps that cannot coexist. This is not limited to this request.

[00161] For example, if there is a time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units, assuming that the coexistence of the time unit (e.g., a third part of the time units) different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is allowed, a value of the first indication information corresponding to each time unit in the third part of the time units is a second value. Alternatively, if there is a time unit (e.g., a fourth part of the time units) different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, assuming that the coexistence of the fourth part of the time units Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 59 / 120 53 / 110 time is permitted, a value of the first indication information corresponding to each time unit in the quarter of the time units is a second value. The second value indicates that the coexistence of the third part of the time units is permitted, or indicates that the coexistence of the quarter part of the time units is permitted. That is, the value of the first indication information corresponding to the time unit is the second value, to indicate that the coexistence of the time unit is permitted.

[00162] For example, the UE assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list of multi-sim gaps expected / preferred by a UE and, correspondingly, includes a piece of first indication information for each multi-sim gap expected / preferred by the UE. As shown in Table 2, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, a periodic multi-sim gap #3, and an aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2. For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multi-sim gaps.When the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 is not permitted, a value from the second indication information (i.e., the first indication information) corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #1 is the first value, and a value from the third indication information (i.e., the first indication information) corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #3 is also the first value. This means that one from periodic multi-sim gap #1 and one from periodic multi-sim gap #3 must be retained. For example, if a priority of periodic multi-sim gap #1 is greater than that of periodic multi-sim gap. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 60 / 120 54 / 110 #3, the periodic multi-sim gap #1 with a higher priority should preferably be retained, and the multi-sim gap #3 with a lower priority should be discarded. In other words, in this case, the coexistence of the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is allowed, and the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 can be retained. For example, the values ​​of the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the first indication information corresponding to the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 are both the second value, and the second value indicates that the coexistence of the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is allowed. Table 2 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-Card Gap List (MUSIM - GapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) First indication information of a first value Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) First indication information of a second value Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) First indication information of the first value Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4 First indication information of the second value

[00163] Optionally, when the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is not permitted, a value from the second indication information (i.e., the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 61 / 120 55 / 110 first indication information) corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #2 is the first value, and a value from the third indication information (i.e., the first indication information) corresponding to aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is also the first value. This means that one from periodic multi-sim gap #2 and one from aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 must be retained. For example, if the priority of periodic multi-sim gap #2 is higher than that of aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, the periodic multi-sim gap #2 with a higher priority should preferentially be retained, and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 with a lower priority should be discarded. In this case, the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 is allowed, and both periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 must be retained.For example, the values ​​of the first indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #1 and the first indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #3 are both the second value, and the second value indicates that the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 is allowed.

[00164] In a third example, the existence of the first indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist. For example, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to the first part of the time units, and the third indication information corresponds to the second part of the time units. The second indication information and the third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information. In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 62 / 120 56 / 110, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation, corresponds to a piece of the first indication information. If the first message includes the second indication information and the third indication information, this indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is not allowed. To be more specific, the existence of both the first indication information corresponding to the first part of the time units and the first indication information corresponding to the second part of the time units indicates that the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units cannot coexist.

[00165] There may be one or more multi-sim gaps that cannot coexist. This is not limited to this request.

[00166] For example, if there is a time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units, assuming that the coexistence of the time unit (e.g., a third part of the time units) different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is allowed, the first indication information corresponding to each time unit in the third part of the time units does not exist, i.e., the first message does not include the first indication information corresponding to each time unit in the third part of the time units.Alternatively, if there is a time unit (for example, one-quarter of the time units) different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, assuming that the coexistence of the one-quarter of the time units is allowed, the first indication information corresponding to each time unit in the fourth. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 63 / 120 57 / 110 part of the time units does not exist, meaning the first message does not include the initial indication information corresponding to each time unit in the fourth part of the time units. The initial indication information corresponding to each time unit in the third part of the time units does not exist, indicating that the coexistence of each time unit in the third part of the time units is permitted. The initial indication information corresponding to each time unit in the fourth part of the time units does not exist, indicating that the coexistence of each time unit in the fourth part of the time units is permitted. In other words, the absence of the initial indication information corresponding to the time unit indicates that the coexistence of the time unit is permitted.

[00167] For example, the UE assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list of multi-sim gaps expected / preferred by a UE and, correspondingly, includes a piece of first indication information for each multi-sim gap expected / preferred by the UE. As shown in Table 3, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, a periodic multi-sim gap #3, and an aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2. For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multi-sim gaps.When the initial information indicates that the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 is not permitted, the EU assistance information message contains both the second information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #1 and the third information corresponding to the gap. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 64 / 120 58 / 110 multi-sim periodic #3. This means that one of the multi-sim periodic gap #1 and the multi-sim periodic gap #3 must be retained. For example, if the priority of the multi-sim periodic gap #1 is higher than that of the multi-sim periodic gap #3, the multi-sim periodic gap #1 with a higher priority should preferentially be retained, and the multi-sim gap #3 with a lower priority should be discarded. In other words, in this case, the coexistence of the multi-sim periodic gap #2 and the multi-sim aperiodic gap #4 is permitted, and the multi-sim periodic gap #2 and the multi-sim aperiodic gap #4 can be retained. For example, the first indication information corresponding to the multi-sim periodic gap #2 and the first indication information corresponding to the multi-sim aperiodic gap #4 do not exist. Table 3 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-SIM Gap List (MUSIMGapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) First indication that it exists Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) First indication that it exists Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4

[00168] Optionally, when the initial indication information suggests that the coexistence of the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is not permitted, Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 65 / 120 59 / 110 in the EU assistance information message, there is second indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #2, and there is also third indication information corresponding to aperiodic multi-sim gap #4. This means that one of the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 must be retained. For example, if the priority of periodic multi-sim gap #2 is higher than that of aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, the periodic multi-sim gap #2 with a higher priority should preferably be retained, and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 with a lower priority should be discarded. In this case, the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 is permitted, and both periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 must be retained.For example, the first indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #1 and the first indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #3 do not exist.

[00169] In a third implementation, the first indication information indicates whether to retain or discard a time unit. If the first indication information indicates to retain the time unit, the time unit will be retained, or if the first indication information indicates to discard the time unit, the time unit will be discarded.

[00170] For example, the first indication information indicates a time unit to be retained or discarded in M ​​time units, or the first indication information indicates a time unit to be retained or discarded in a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device.

[00171] It should be understood that this implementation is applicable to a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different priorities, and is also applicable to a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same priority; and is Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 66 / 120 60 / 110 more adaptable.

[00172] In a first example, the first indication information includes identifiers of a portion of the time units to be retained in M ​​time units, or the first indication information includes identifiers of a portion of the time units to be discarded in M ​​time units.

[00173] In other words, when the initial indication information indicates a multi-sim gap to be retained, the initial indication information may indicate an identifier of the multi-sim gap to be retained; or when the initial indication information indicates a multi-sim gap that should not be retained or that should be discarded, the initial indication information may indicate an identifier of the multi-sim gap that should not be retained or that should be discarded. There may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be retained, and there may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be discarded. This is not limited in this application.

[00174] For example, the UE assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list of multisim gaps expected / preferred by a UE, and additionally includes the first indication information indicating a multisim gap to be retained or discarded in multisim gaps expected / preferred by the UE. As shown in Table 4, it is assumed that a plurality of multisim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, an identifier 2, and an identifier 3 (or an aperiodic gap). For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multisim gaps. When the first indication information indicates to retain the periodic multisim gap #1, the multisim gap Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 67 / 120 61 / 110 periodic gap #3 and aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and indicate to discard periodic multi-sim gap #2, when the initial indication information indicates the multi-sim gap to be retained, the initial indication information may include the identifiers of periodic multi-sim gap #1, periodic multi-sim gap #3, and aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, i.e., identifier 0, identifier 2, and identifier 3 (or the aperiodic gap). Alternatively, when the initial indication information indicates the multi-sim gap that should not be retained or that should be discarded, the initial indication information may include the identifier of periodic multi-sim gap #2, i.e., identifier 1. Table 4 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-Card Gap List (MUSIMGapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4 (corresponding to identifier 3 or an aperiodic gap) First indication information (multi-SIM gap to be retained) Identifier 0 Identifier 2 Identifier 3 or identifier for the aperiodic gap First indication information (multi-SIM gap to be discarded) Identifier 1 Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 68 / 120 62 / 110

[00175] In a second example, a value of the first indication information indicates a time unit to be retained or discarded. For example, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units in the M time units. The second indication information and the third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information. In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information.If a value from the second set of indication information is a third value, and a value from the third set of indication information is a fourth value, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to discard the second part of the time units; or if a value from the second set of indication information is a fourth value, and a value from the third set of indication information is a third value, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units, and indicates to retain the first part of the time units.Alternatively, if a value from the second indication information is a third value, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units; or if a value from the second indication information is a fourth value, this indicates to discard the first part of the time units; and if a value from the third indication information is the third value, this indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if a value from the third indication information is the fourth value, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 69 / 120 63 / 110 time units. In other words, when a value from the first indication information corresponding to a time unit is the third value, this indicates that the time unit should be retained; or when a value from the first indication information corresponding to a time unit is the fourth value, this indicates that the time unit should be discarded.

[00176] There may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be retained, and there may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be discarded. This is not limited in this application.

[00177] For example, the UE assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list of multi-sim gaps expected / preferred by a UE and, correspondingly, includes a piece of first indication information for each multi-sim gap expected / preferred by the UE. As shown in Table 5, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, a periodic multi-sim gap #3, and an aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2. For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multi-sim gaps.If the terminal device indicates to retain periodic multi-sim gap #1, periodic multi-sim gap #3, and aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and indicates to discard periodic multi-sim gap #2, this indicates that the values ​​of the first indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #1, the first indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #3, and the first indication information corresponding to aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 are the third value, and a value of the first indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #2 is the fourth value. Table 5 Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 70 / 120 64 / 110 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-Card Gap List (MUSIMGapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) First indication of a third value Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) First indication of a fourth value Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) First indication of the third value Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4 First indication of the third value

[00178] In a third example, the existence of the first indication information indicates to discard a corresponding time unit, or the non-existence of the first indication information indicates to retain a corresponding time unit. For example, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units in the M time units. The second indication information and the third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information. In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 71 / 120 65 / 110 corresponds to a piece of the first indication information, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information. If the first message does not include the second indication information and includes the third indication information, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to discard the second part of the time units; or if the first message includes the second indication information and does not include the third indication information, this indicates to discard the first part of the time units, and indicates to retain the second part of the time units.Alternatively, if the first message does not include the second indication information, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units; or if the first message includes the second indication information, this indicates to discard the first part of the time units; and if the first message does not include the third indication information, this indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if the first message includes the third indication information, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units. In other words, when the first message does not include the first indication information corresponding to a time unit, this indicates that the time unit should be retained; or when the first message includes the first indication information corresponding to a time unit, this indicates that the time unit should be discarded.

[00179] There may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be retained, and there may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be discarded. This is not limited in this request.

[00180] For example, the EU assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list of multisim gaps expected / preferred by an EU and, correspondingly, Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 72 / 120 66 / 110 includes a piece of initial indication information for each multi-sim gap expected / preferred by the UE. As shown in Table 6, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, a periodic multi-sim gap #3, and an aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2. For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multi-sim gaps.If the terminal device indicates to retain the periodic multi-sim gap #1, the periodic multi-sim gap #3, and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and indicates to discard the periodic multi-sim gap #2, this indicates that the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #1, the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #2, and the first indication information corresponding to the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 do not exist, and the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #2 does exist. Table 6 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-Card Gap List (MUSIM - GapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) Initial indication that there are Periodic multi-SIM gaps #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4

[00181] Next, specific implementations are described, through examples, in a scenario where the first Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 73 / 120 67 / 110 indication information does not exist, to be specific, if the first message does not include the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain all M time units.

[00182] In an initial implementation, the first message does not include the first indication information, i.e., it indicates to retain all M multi-sim gaps.

[00183] For example, as shown in Table 7, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, and a periodic multi-sim gap #3, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2. If M=3, this indicates that there is a conflict in the three multi-sim gaps. Since the first message does not carry the first indication information, this indicates that the periodic multi-sim gap #1, the periodic multi-sim gap #2, and the periodic multi-sim gap #3 can be retained. Table 7 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-SIM Gap List (MUSIMGapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2)

[00184] Optionally, for multiple implementations in the two previous scenarios, if the conflicting multisim gaps include both a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap, the aperiodic gap should preferably be retained by default, and all Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 74 / 120 68 / 110 Multi-SIM gaps that conflict with the aperiodic gap should be discarded, or all multi-SIM gaps that cannot coexist with the aperiodic gap should be discarded. The rule may be predefined in a protocol, or it may be indicated by the network device. Optionally, the M conflicting multi-SIM gaps indicated in the first message do not include an aperiodic gap. The terminal device and the network device directly determine, according to the previous rule, the retention of the aperiodic gap without further indication. In other words, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, and the first indication information does not need to provide an indication for the aperiodic gap.Alternatively, the M conflicting multi-sim gaps indicated in the first message include an aperiodic gap, and indicating, using the first indication information, to retain the part of the M time units includes: indicating, using the first indication information, to retain the aperiodic gap, that is, according to the previous possible implementation, definitely indicating to retain the aperiodic gap.

[00185] Optionally, in previous implementations, if conflicting multi-sim gaps include both a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap, the aperiodic gap should preferably be discarded by default. The rule may be predefined in a protocol, or it may be indicated by the network device. Optionally, the M conflicting multi-sim gaps indicated in the first message do not include an aperiodic gap. The terminal device and the network device directly determine, according to the previous rule, the discarding of the aperiodic gap without further indication. In other words, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, and the first indication information does not need to provide an indication. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 75 / 120 69 / 110 for the aperiodic gap. Alternatively, the M conflicting multisim gaps indicated in the first message include an aperiodic gap, and indicating, using the first indication information, to retain the portion of the M time units includes: indicating, using the first indication information, that the multisim gap to be retained does not include the aperiodic gap, that is, according to the previous possible implementation, definitely indicating to discard the aperiodic gap. When the aperiodic gap should be discarded, if there is still a conflict in another periodic gap, a specific way of determining one or more multisim gaps to be retained can be determined in the previous manner. Details are not described here again. This is not specifically limited in this request.

[00186] S220: Optionally, the network device determines the configuration information based on the first message.

[00187] For example, the configuration information indicates a multi-sim gap configured for the terminal device. The network device can configure the multi-sim gap by indicating multi-sim gap configuration information or multi-sim gap pattern information. It should be understood that, finally, the network device can configure a maximum of three periodic multi-sim gaps and one aperiodic multi-sim gap for the terminal device based on the first message sent by the terminal device, and the network device can select all or part of the multi-sim gaps expected by the UE for configuration.

[00188] Note that, based on the first message, the network device can determine whether to configure a multi-SIM gap for the terminal device. If the network device can determine the configuration of a multi-SIM gap for the terminal device, the network device determines the configuration information. In this case, step S220 is performed, and step S230 also needs to be performed. If the device of Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 76 / 120 If a 70 / 110 network decides not to configure a multi-SIM gap for the terminal device, the network device will not need to determine the configuration information. In this case, step S220 does not need to be performed, and step S230 also does not need to be performed.

[00189] In an initial implementation, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, and the portion of time units are time units with high priorities or time units with small periodicities.

[00190] For example, assume that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4. If M = 2, the periodic multisim gap #1 conflicts with the periodic multisim gap #2. If the priority of multisim gap #1 is higher than that of multisim gap #2, the network device can determine, based on the initial indication information, to retain the periodic multisim gap #1 with a higher priority, and discard the periodic multisim gap #2 with a lower priority.

[00191] In a second implementation, the first indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist, and the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of a first part of the time units and a second part of the time units in the M time units is not allowed.

[00192] For example, it is assumed that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4. If M = 2, the periodic multisim gap #1 conflicts with the periodic multisim gap #2. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 77 / 120 71 / 110

[00193] In a first example, the first indication information includes a multi-sim periodic gap identifier #1 and a multi-sim periodic gap identifier #2, that is, an identifier 0 and an identifier 1.

[00194] In a second example, the values ​​of the second indication information corresponding to the multi-sim periodic gap #1 and the third indication information corresponding to the multi-sim periodic gap #2 are both a first value, and the first value indicates that the coexistence of the multi-sim periodic gap #1 and the multi-sim periodic gap #2 is not allowed.

[00195] In a third example, the first message includes the second indication information corresponding to multi-sim periodic gap #1 and the third indication information corresponding to multi-sim periodic gap #2, to indicate that the coexistence of multi-sim periodic gap #1 and multi-sim periodic gap #2 is not allowed.

[00196] Based on the examples provided above, the network device can determine, based on the initial indication information, that the coexistence of periodic multisim gap #1 and periodic multisim gap #2 is not permitted, and determine to retain one of the periodic multisim gap #1 and periodic multisim gap #2. For example, if the priority of periodic multisim gap #1 is higher than that of periodic multisim gap #2, the network device retains periodic multisim gap #1 with a higher priority, and discards periodic multisim gap #2 with a lower priority. That is, periodic multisim gap #1, periodic multisim gap #3, and aperiodic multisim gap #4 must ultimately be retained.

[00197] In a third implementation, the first indication information indicates whether to retain or discard a multi-sim gap. If the first indication information Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 78 / 120 72 / 110 indicates that the multi-sim gap should be retained, the multi-sim gap is retained, or if the initial indication information indicates that the multi-sim gap should be discarded, the multi-sim gap is discarded.

[00198] For example, assume that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4. If M = 3, the periodic multisim gap #1, the periodic multisim gap #2, and the periodic multisim gap #3 conflict.

[00199] In a first example, if the first indication information indicates to retain a multi-sim gap, the first indication information includes identifiers of a portion of the M time units, for example, an identifier of the periodic multi-sim gap #1 and an identifier of the periodic multi-sim gap #3, that is, an identifier 0 and an identifier 2. Alternatively, the first indication information indicates to discard a multi-sim gap, and the first indication information includes identifiers of a portion of the time units different from the portion of the M time units, for example, an identifier of the periodic multi-sim gap #2, that is, an identifier 1.

[00200] In a second example, when a value of the second indication information corresponding to the multi-sim periodic gap #1 is a third value, and a value of the third indication information corresponding to the multi-sim periodic gap #2 is a fourth value, this indicates to retain the multi-sim periodic gap #1 and indicates not to retain the multi-sim periodic gap #2. When a value of the second indication information corresponding to the multi-sim periodic gap #1 is a fourth value, and a value of the third indication information corresponding to the multi-sim periodic gap #2 is a third value, this indicates to retain the multi-sim periodic gap #2 and Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 79 / 120 73 / 110 indicates not to retain the multi-sim periodic gap #1. The third value indicates to retain the multi-sim gap, and the fourth value indicates to discard the multi-sim gap.

[00201] In a third example, if the first message includes second indication information corresponding to multi-sim periodic gap #1 and does not include third indication information corresponding to multi-sim periodic gap #2, this indicates that multi-sim periodic gap #1 should not be retained and indicates that multi-sim periodic gap #2 should be retained. Alternatively, if the first message does not include second indication information corresponding to multi-sim periodic gap #1 and includes third indication information corresponding to multi-sim periodic gap #2, this indicates that multi-sim periodic gap #1 should be retained and indicates that multi-sim periodic gap #2 should not be retained.

[00202] Based on the examples provided above, the network device can determine, based on the initial indication information, that the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #2 is not permitted, and determine whether to retain one of the periodic multi-sim gaps #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #2. For example, if the priority of periodic multi-sim gap #1 is higher than that of periodic multi-sim gap #2, the network device retains periodic multi-sim gap #1 with a higher priority, and discards periodic multi-sim gap #2 with a lower priority. Furthermore, since the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #3 with periodic multi-sim gap #1 and / or periodic multi-sim gap #2 is permitted, periodic multi-sim gap #3 can be retained, and periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 must ultimately be retained.

[00203] Optionally, when the priorities of a first part of the time units in the M time units are the same as the priorities of a second part of the time units Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 80 / 120 74 / 110 that conflict with the first part of the time units in the M time units, the first indication information indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates not to retain the second part of the time units; or the first indication information indicates not to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to retain the first part of the time units.

[00204] For example, assume that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4. If M = 2, the periodic multisim gap #1 conflicts with the periodic multisim gap #2. Since the periodic multisim gap #1 and the periodic multisim gap #2 have the same priority, the network device can determine, based on the first indication information, which periodic multisim gap to retain or discard in the periodic multisim gap #1 and periodic multisim gap #2.

[00205] S230: Optionally, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives configuration information from the network device.

[00206] For example, the network device includes, in the RRC reconfiguration message, the multi-sim gap configured for the terminal device. Furthermore, after receiving the configured multi-sim gap, the terminal device can correctly use the configured multi-sim gap based on one or more multi-sim gaps that are determined to be retained or discarded on the terminal device.

[00207] According to the solution provided in this application, when a conflict occurs between multi-SIM gaps, the initial indication information tells the network device that all or part of the conflicting multi-SIM gaps should be retained, Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 81 / 120 75 / 110 to avoid discarding a multi-SIM slot that could be used, wasting resources, and reducing system throughput caused by the existence of an unusable multi-SIM slot, in order to improve resource utilization and ensure system transmission performance.

[00208] FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a 300 communication method, according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes a plurality of steps below. For a part not described in detail, refer to an existing protocol. A difference from the previous 200 method lies in the fact that a first message in the 300 method always carries the first indication information. In the following embodiment, an implementation similar to that of the 200 method is not described in detail again and can be used in combination.

[00209] S310: A terminal device sends the first message to a network device, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[00210] The first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the first message includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, or the first indication information indicates to retain all M time units.

[00211] In one implementation, the M time units include N groups of conflicting time units, each of the N groups of time units includes a plurality of time units, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In this case, the first indication information further indicates that Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 82 / 120 76 / 110 retain a portion of the time units in each of the P groups of time units, and the P groups of time units are a portion or all of the N groups of time units.

[00212] It should be noted that, in one possible way, the terminal device sends a message to the network device indicating a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device. If the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device includes M conflicting time units, the message (i.e., the first message) may include the first indication information. If the plurality of time units includes M non-conflicting time units, the message may not include the first indication information. It can be understood that the message includes the first indication information only when the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device includes the M conflicting time units. In another possible way, the terminal device sends a message to the network device indicating a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device.Regardless of whether the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device includes M conflicting time units, the message includes the first indication information. In other words, if the plurality of time units expected by the terminal device includes the M conflicting time units, the message (i.e., the first message) includes the first indication information.

[00213] Optionally, before step S310 is performed, method 300 may additionally include step S301 below.

[00214] S301: The network device sends a second message to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second message from the network device. The second message indicates that the terminal device is permitted to send the first message to the network device. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 83 / 120 77 / 110

[00215] For specific implementations of steps S310 and S301, see the related descriptions of steps S210 and S201 in method 200, respectively. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00216] The following describes, through examples, specific implementations in which the initial indication information suggests retaining a portion of the M time units. It should be understood that, in this scenario, not all of the conflicting M time units can be retained.

[00217] In an initial implementation, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, and this portion of the time units is a portion of the time units with high priorities.

[00218] In a second implementation, the first indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist in the M time units, the M time units include a first part of the time units and a second part of the time units, and the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is not allowed. In other words, if there is a time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units, the first indication information further indicates that the coexistence of the time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is allowed.

[00219] In a third implementation, the first indication information indicates whether to retain or discard a time unit. If the first indication information indicates to retain the time unit, the time unit will be retained, or if the first indication information indicates to discard the time unit, the time unit will be discarded. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 84 / 120 78 / 110

[00220] In a fourth implementation, when the priorities of a first part of the time units in the M time units are the same as the priorities of a second part of the time units that conflict with the first part of the time units in the M time units, the first indication information indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates not to retain the second part of the time units; or the first indication information indicates not to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to retain the first part of the time units.

[00221] Note that for specific examples of the implementations provided above, see the related descriptions of step S210 in method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00222] Next, specific implementations are described by way of example, in which the initial indication information indicates to retain all of the M time units.

[00223] In a first implementation, the initial indication information indicates that the coexistence of a first part of the time units in the M time units and a second part of the time units different from the first part of the time units in the M time units is allowed. In other words, the sum of a quantity of the first part of the time units and a quantity of the second part of the time units is equal to M.

[00224] In other words, the initial indication information suggests that coexistence of all M time units is allowed.

[00225] In a first example, the initial indication information includes identifiers for all M time units.

[00226] For example, it is assumed that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a gap Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 85 / 120 79 / 110 multi-sim periodic gap #3 and a multi-sim aperiodic gap #4. If M = 2, the multi-sim periodic gap #1 conflicts with the multi-sim periodic gap #2, and the first indication information may indicate to retain both the multi-sim periodic gap #1 and the multi-sim periodic gap #2. In this case, the first indication information includes an identifier for the periodic multi-sim gap #1 and an identifier for the periodic multi-sim gap #2, that is, an identifier 0 and an identifier 1.

[00227] In a second example, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first time unit in all time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second time unit different from the first time unit in all time units. The values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a fifth value, and the fifth value indicates that the coexistence of the first time unit and the second time unit is permitted.

[00228] For example, assume that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4. If M = 2, the periodic multisim gap #1 conflicts with the periodic multisim gap #2, the second indication information corresponds to the periodic multisim gap #1, and the third indication information corresponds to the periodic multisim gap #2. The first indication information may indicate to retain both the periodic multisim gap #1 and the periodic multisim gap #2. In this case, the values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a fifth value, and the fifth value indicates the coexistence of the periodic multisim gap #1 and the gap Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, p. 86 / 120 80 / 110 multi-sim periodic #2 is allowed.

[00229] In a second implementation, the first indication information indicates whether a multi-sim gap should be retained or discarded. If the first indication information indicates that the multi-sim gap should be retained, the multi-sim gap is retained, or if the first indication information indicates that the multi-sim gap should be discarded, the multi-sim gap is discarded.

[00230] In a first example, the initial indication information includes identifiers for the M time units.

[00231] For example, assume that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4. If M = 2, the periodic multisim gap #1 conflicts with the periodic multisim gap #2, and the first indication information may indicate to retain both the periodic multisim gap #1 and the periodic multisim gap #2. In this case, the first indication information includes an identifier for the periodic multisim gap #1 and an identifier for the periodic multisim gap #2, that is, an identifier 0 and an identifier 1.

[00232] In a second example, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information, the second indication information corresponds to a first time unit in all time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second time unit different from the first time unit in all time units.

[00233] For example, it is assumed that there are four multisim gaps expected by the terminal device: a periodic multisim gap #1, a periodic multisim gap #2, a periodic multisim gap #3, and an aperiodic multisim gap #4. If M = 2, the periodic multisim gap #1 conflicts with the gap Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, page 87 / 120 81 / 110 multi-sim periodic #2, the second indication information corresponds to the multi-sim periodic gap #1, and the third indication information corresponds to the multi-sim periodic gap #2. The first indication information may indicate to retain the multi-sim periodic gap #1 and the multi-sim periodic gap #2, and the values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a sixth value, and the sixth value indicates to retain the first time unit and the second time unit.

[00234] Note that for the implementations provided above, refer to the related descriptions of step S210 in method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00235] Optionally, in the two previous implementations, if conflicting multi-sim gaps include both a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap, the aperiodic gap should preferably be retained by default, and all multi-sim gaps that conflict with the aperiodic gap should be discarded, or all multi-sim gaps that cannot coexist with the aperiodic gap should be discarded. See the related descriptions of step S210 in method 200.

[00236] Optionally, in previous implementations, if conflicting multisim gaps include both a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap, the aperiodic gap should preferably be discarded by default. For a specific implementation, see the related descriptions of step S210 in method 200.

[00237] S320: Optionally, the network device determines the configuration information based on the first message.

[00238] S330: Optionally, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives configuration information from the network device. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 88 / 120 82 / 110

[00239] For specific implementations of steps S320 and S330, see the related descriptions of steps S220 and S230 in method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00240] According to the solution provided in this application, when a conflict occurs between multi-sim gaps, the initial indication information tells the network device that all or part of the conflicting multi-sim gaps should be retained, to avoid discarding a multi-sim gap that could be used, wasting resources, and reducing the system transfer rate caused by the existence of a multi-sim gap that cannot be used, in order to improve resource utilization and ensure system transmission performance.

[00241] It should be noted that, in the method shown in FIG. 2, if the first message includes the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message does not include the first indication information, this indicates to retain all M time units. In other words, the retention of all or part of the conflicting M time units is determined by the existence or not of the first indication information. In comparison, the method shown in FIG. 4 is similar to that of FIG. 2.

[00242] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a 400 communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 4, the method includes a plurality of steps below. For a part not described in detail, refer to an existing protocol.

[00243] S410: A terminal device sends a first message to a network device, and correspondingly, the network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[00244] The first message indicates a plurality of Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 89 / 120 83 / 110 time units expected by the terminal device, the plurality of time units includes M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, if the first message does not include first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain a portion of the M time units; or if the first message includes first indication information, this indicates to retain a portion or all of the M time units.

[00245] Optionally, before performing step S410, method 400 may additionally include step S401 below. To be more specific, before the terminal device sends the first message to the network device, the terminal device may be instructed to report the first message.

[00246] S401: The network device sends a second message to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second message from the network device. The second message indicates that the terminal device is permitted to send the first message to the network device.

[00247] For specific implementations of steps S410 and S401, see steps S210 and S201 of method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00248] The following describes, through examples, specific implementations in a scenario where the initial indication information does not exist. To be more specific, if the first message does not include the initial indication information, the first message indicates to retain a portion of the M time units. It should be understood that, in this scenario, not all of the conflicting M time units can be retained.

[00249] Optionally, when a conflict exists between a plurality of multi-sim gaps, it is specified (e.g., predefined in a protocol) that a multi-sim gap with high Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 90 / 120 84 / 110 priority should preferably be retained, or a low-priority multi-sim gap should preferably be discarded. Therefore, when the first message does not include the first indication information, for a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps, generally, a multi-sim gap to be retained is a high-priority multi-sim gap, or a multi-sim gap to be discarded is a low-priority multi-sim gap.

[00250] Optionally, the priority of a time unit can be a priority corresponding to a multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, or it can be a priority of a multi-sim gap configured by the network device for the terminal device. Optionally, if the terminal device indicates the priority corresponding to the multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, that priority will be used as the determining priority; or if the terminal device does not indicate the priority corresponding to the multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, the priority of the multi-sim gap configured by the network device for the terminal device will be used as the determining priority.

[00251] Optionally, a portion of the time units with high priorities to be retained may be one or more time units. In other words, a time unit with the highest priority may be retained, or the first time units with the highest priorities may be retained. For example, one or more time units to be retained may be predefined in a protocol or configured by the network device.

[00252] It should be understood that this implementation is primarily applicable to a case where there is a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different priorities, and a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same priority cannot be supported. Optionally, it is specified Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 91 / 120 85 / 110 that different multi-sim gaps correspond to different priorities.

[00253] For example, as shown in Table 8, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, and a periodic multi-sim gap #3. If M=3, this indicates that there is a conflict in the three multi-sim gaps. Since the first message does not carry the first indication information, this indicates that a portion of the periodic multi-sim gap #1, the periodic multi-sim gap #2, and the periodic multi-sim gap #3 may be retained.Optionally, if a periodic multi-sim gap priority #1 is the highest, a periodic multi-sim gap priority #2 is the second highest, and a periodic multi-sim gap priority #3 is the lowest, the network device can select, based on the priorities, periodic multi-sim gap #1 and discard periodic multi-sim gap #2 and periodic multi-sim gap #3; or it can retain periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #2, and discard periodic multi-sim gap #3. One or two specific multi-sim gaps to be retained can be predefined in a protocol or configured by the network device. Table 8 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-SIM Gap List (MUSIMGapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic Multi-SIM Gap #1 Periodic Multi-SIM Gap #2 Periodic Multi-SIM Gap #3

[00254] Optionally, the first message indicates to retain a portion of the M time units, and the portion of time units is a portion of time units with small periodicities. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 92 / 120 86 / 110

[00255] Optionally, when there is a conflict between a plurality of multi-sim gaps, it is specified (e.g., predefined in a protocol) that a multi-sim gap with low periodicity should preferably be retained, or a multi-sim gap with high periodicity should preferably be discarded. Therefore, when the terminal device indicates, using the first indication information, to retain or discard a portion of the multi-sim gaps, generally, a multi-sim gap to be retained is a multi-sim gap with low periodicity, or a multi-sim gap to be discarded is a multi-sim gap with high periodicity.

[00256] Optionally, a portion of the time units with small periodicities to be retained may be one or more time units. In other words, a time unit with the smallest periodicity may be retained, or the first time units with the smallest periodicities may be retained. For example, one or more time units to be retained may be predefined in a protocol. It should be understood that this implementation is primarily applicable to a case where there is a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different periodicities, and a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same periodicity cannot be supported. Optionally, it is specified that different multi-sim gaps need to correspond to different periodicities.

[00257] It should be noted that, for a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps, the previous implementations of determining, based on priorities, which multi-sim gap to retain or discard and determining, based on periodicities, which multi-sim gap to retain or discard can be implemented independently or in combination. This is not limited in this application. For example, there are three conflicting multi-sim gaps, for example, a multi-sim gap #1, a multi-sim gap #2, and a multi-sim gap #3. The priorities of Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 93 / 120 87 / 110 multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 are in descending order, and the periodicities of multi-sim gap #1, multi-sim gap #2, and multi-sim gap #3 are in ascending order. In this case, it can be determined that multi-sim gap #1 should be retained, and multi-sim gaps #2 and multi-sim gap #3 should be discarded; or multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2 should be retained, and multi-sim gap #3 should be discarded.

[00258] The following describes, by way of examples, specific implementations in a scenario where the first indication information exists; to be more specific, if the first message includes the first indication information, the first indication information indicates to retain some or all of the M time units. It should be understood that, in this scenario, all M conflicting time units may be retained.

[00259] In an initial implementation, the first message includes the first indication information, i.e., it indicates to retain all M multi-sim gaps.

[00260] For example, the first indication information may be a 1-bit indication information. For example, if M=2, the conflicting multi-sim gaps are a multi-sim gap #1 and a multi-sim gap #2, and the existence of the first indication information indicates that multi-sim gap #1 and multi-sim gap #2 should be retained.

[00261] As shown in Table 9, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, and a periodic multi-sim gap #3. If M=3, this indicates that there is a conflict in the three multi-sim gaps. As the first message carries the first indication information, this indicates that the periodic multi-sim gap #1, the periodic multi-sim gap #2, and the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 94 / 120 88 / 110 multi-sim periodic gap #3 can be retained. Table 9 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-SIM Gap List (MUSIMGapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic Multi-SIM Gap #1 Periodic Multi-SIM Gap #2 Periodic Multi-SIM Gap #3

[00262] In a second implementation, the first indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist in the M time units, the M time units include a first part of the time units and a second part of the time units, and the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is not allowed. In other words, if there is a time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units, the first indication information further indicates that the coexistence of the time unit different from the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units in the M time units is allowed.

[00263] Optionally, the sum of a quantity of the first part of the time units and a quantity of the second part of the time units is less than or equal to M. It should be understood that the first indication information indicates a multisim gap that cannot coexist. For example, a first part of multisim gaps and a second part of multisim gaps in M ​​multisim gaps cannot coexist. When there is a conflict in the multi-sim gap that cannot coexist and that is indicated by the first indication information, according to a specification (e.g., a predefined setting in a protocol), a high-priority multi-sim gap may be retained, or a Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 95 / 120 89 / 110 multi-sim gaps with low priority can be discarded. It should be noted that if the initial indication information indicates only one multi-sim gap that cannot coexist, the multi-sim gap can be discarded; or if there are more than two indicated multi-sim gaps that cannot coexist, the multi-sim gap with the highest priority should preferably be retained, and one or more other multi-sim gaps with lower priorities should be discarded.

[00264] Optionally, the priority of a time unit can be a priority corresponding to a multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, or it can be a priority of a multi-sim gap configured by the network device for the terminal device. Optionally, if the terminal device indicates the priority corresponding to the multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, that priority will be used as the determining priority; or if the terminal device does not indicate the priority corresponding to the multi-sim gap expected by the terminal device, the priority of the multi-sim gap configured by the network device for the terminal device will be used as the determining priority.

[00265] Optionally, a portion of the time units with high priorities to be retained may be one or more time units. In other words, a time unit with the highest priority may be retained, or the first time units with the highest priorities may be retained. For example, one or more time units to be retained may be predefined in a protocol.

[00266] For example, if M = 2, the conflicting multisim gaps are, respectively, a multisim gap #1 and a multisim gap #2. The initial indication information indicates that the coexistence of multisim gap #1 and multisim gap #2 is not allowed. This means that one of the multisim gaps #1 and multisim gap #2 must be retained. For example, Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 96 / 120 90 / 110 if the priority of multi-sim gap #1 is higher than that of multi-sim gap #2, multi-sim gap #1 with the higher priority should be retained, and multi-sim gap #2 with the lower priority should be discarded.

[00267] It should be understood that this implementation is primarily applicable to a case where there is a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different priorities, and a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same priority cannot be supported. Furthermore, this implementation is not applicable to a case where there are multiple pairs of conflicting multi-sim gaps and they cannot all be retained. For example, a multi-sim gap #1 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #2, but only one of the two gaps should be retained, and a multi-sim gap #3 conflicts with a multi-sim gap #4, but only one of the two gaps should be retained. The first indication information is not applicable to the previous case. Optionally, it is specified that different multi-sim gaps need to correspond to different priorities.

[00268] In a first example, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a time unit that cannot coexist. For example, the first indication information includes identifiers of the first part of the time units and identifiers of the second part of the time units, that is, the first indication information contains the identifiers of the first part of the time units and the identifiers of the second part of the time units, to indicate that the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units cannot coexist.

[00269] For a specific implementation of the first example, see the first example in the second implementation of step S210 of method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 97 / 120 91 / 110

[00270] In a second example, a value of the first indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist. For example, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to the first part of the time units, and the third indication information corresponds to the second part of the time units. The second indication information and the third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information. In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information.If the values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a first value, the first value indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is not allowed. To be more specific, the values ​​of the first indication information corresponding to the first part of the time units and the first indication information corresponding to the second part of the time units are both the first value, to indicate that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is not allowed. The values ​​of the second indication information and the third indication information are both a second value, and the second value indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is allowed.To be more specific, the values ​​of the first indication information corresponding to the first part of the time units and the first indication information corresponding to the second part of the time units are both the second value. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 98 / 120 92 / 110 to indicate that coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is permitted.

[00271] For a specific implementation of the first example, see the second example in the second implementation of step S210 of method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00272] In a third example, the non-existence of the first indication information indicates a time unit that cannot coexist. For example, the first indication information includes second indication information and third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to the first part of the time units, and the third indication information corresponds to the second part of the time units. The second indication information and the third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information. In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information.If the first message does not include the second or third indication information, this indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is not allowed. If the first message includes the second and third indication information, this indicates that the coexistence of the first part of the time units and the second part of the time units is allowed.

[00273] There may be one or more multisim gaps that cannot coexist. This is not limited to this request.

[00274] For example, an EU assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 99 / 120 93 / 110 of expected / preferred multi-sim gaps for a UE and, correspondingly, includes a piece of first indication information for each expected / preferred multi-sim gap for the UE. As shown in Table 11, it is assumed that a plurality of expected multi-sim gaps for the terminal device are, respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, a periodic multi-sim gap #3, and an aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2. For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multi-sim gaps.When the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of periodic multi-sim gap #1 and periodic multi-sim gap #3 is not permitted, in the EU assistance information message, none of the second indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #1 and the third indication information corresponding to periodic multi-sim gap #3 exist. This means that one of the periodic multi-sim gap #1 and the periodic multi-sim gap #3 must be retained. For example, if the priority of periodic multi-sim gap #1 is higher than that of periodic multi-sim gap #3, the periodic multi-sim gap #1 with a higher priority should preferably be retained, and the multi-sim gap #3 with a lower priority should be discarded.In other words, in this case, the coexistence of the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 is permitted, and both the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 can be retained. For example, the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #2 and the first indication information corresponding to the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 exist. Table 10 Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 100 / 120 94 / 110 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-Card Gap List (MUSIMGapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) First indication information that exists Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4 First indication information that exists

[00275] In a third implementation, the first indication information indicates whether to retain or discard a time unit. If the first indication information indicates to retain the time unit, the time unit will be retained, or if the first indication information indicates to discard the time unit, the time unit will be discarded.

[00276] For example, the first indication information indicates a time unit to be retained or discarded in M ​​time units, or the first indication information indicates a time unit to be retained or discarded in a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device.

[00277] It should be understood that this implementation is applicable to a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with different priorities, and is also applicable to a plurality of conflicting multi-sim gaps with the same priority; and is more adaptable.

[00278] In a first example, the first indication information includes identifiers of a portion of the time units to be retained in M ​​time units, or the first indication information includes identifiers of a portion Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 101 / 120 95 / 110 of the time units to be discarded in M ​​time units.

[00279] For a specific implementation of the first example, see the first example in the third implementation of step S210 of method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00280] In a second example, a value of the first indication information indicates a time unit to be retained or discarded. For example, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units in the M time units. The second indication information and the third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information. In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information.If a value from the second indication information is a third value, and a value from the third indication information is a fourth value, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to discard the second part of the time units; or if a value from the second indication information is a fourth value, and a value from the third indication information is a third value, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units, and indicates to retain the first part of the time units. Alternatively, if a value from the second indication information is a third value, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units; or if a value from the second indication information is a fourth value, this... Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 102 / 120 96 / 110 indicates to discard the first part of the time units; and if a value from the third indication information is the third value, this indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if a value from the third indication information is the fourth value, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units. In other words, when a value from the first indication information corresponding to a time unit is the third value, this indicates that the time unit should be retained; or when a value from the first indication information corresponding to a time unit is the fourth value, this indicates that the time unit should be discarded.

[00281] For a specific implementation of the first example, see the second example in the third implementation of step S210 of method 200. For the sake of brevity, the details are not described here again.

[00282] In a third example, the existence of the first indication information indicates to retain a corresponding time unit, or the non-existence of the first indication information indicates to discard a corresponding time unit. For example, the first indication information includes the second indication information and the third indication information; the second indication information corresponds to a first part of the time units in the M time units, and the third indication information corresponds to a second part of the time units in the M time units. The second indication information and the third indication information here can be understood as the first indication information.In other words, each of the M conflicting time units in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information, or each of a plurality of time units expected by the terminal device in this implementation corresponds to a piece of the first indication information. If the first... Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 103 / 120 97 / 110 message includes the second indication information and does not include the third indication information, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units, and indicates to discard the second part of the time units; or if the first message does not include the second indication information and does not include the third indication information, this indicates to discard the first part of the time units, and indicates to retain the second part of the time units.Alternatively, if the first message includes the second indication information, this indicates to retain the first part of the time units; or if the first message does not include the second indication information, this indicates to discard the first part of the time units; and if the first message includes the third indication information, this indicates to retain the second part of the time units; or if the first message does not include the third indication information, this indicates to discard the second part of the time units. In other words, when the first message includes the first indication information corresponding to a time unit, this indicates that the time unit should be retained; or when the first message does not include the first indication information corresponding to a time unit, this indicates that the time unit should be discarded.

[00283] There may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be retained, and there may be one or more multi-sim gaps to be discarded. This is not limited in this request.

[00284] For example, an UE assistance information message (i.e., the first message) includes a list of multi-sim gaps expected / preferred by a UE and, correspondingly, includes a piece of first indication information for each multi-sim gap expected / preferred by the UE. As shown in Table 6, it is assumed that a plurality of multi-sim gaps expected by the terminal device are, Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 104 / 120 98 / 110 respectively, a periodic multi-sim gap #1, a periodic multi-sim gap #2, a periodic multi-sim gap #3, and an aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and the corresponding identifiers are, respectively, an identifier 0, an identifier 1, and an identifier 2. For example, if M = 4, this indicates that there is a conflict in the four multi-sim gaps. If the terminal device indicates to retain the periodic multi-sim gap #1, the periodic multi-sim gap #3, and the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4, and indicates to discard the periodic multi-sim gap #2, this indicates that the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #1, the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #2, and the first indication information corresponding to the aperiodic multi-sim gap #4 exist, and the first indication information corresponding to the periodic multi-sim gap #2 does not exist. Table 11 EU Assistance Information Message Multi-Card Gap List (MUSIM - GapPreferenceList) expected / preferred by an EU Periodic multi-SIM gap #1 (corresponding to identifier 0) First indication information that exists Periodic multi-SIM gap #2 (corresponding to identifier 1) Periodic multi-SIM gap #3 (corresponding to identifier 2) First indication information that exists Aperiodic multi-SIM gap #4 First indication information that exists

[00285] Optionally, in the two previous implementations, if the conflicting multi-sim gaps include a gap Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 105 / 120 99 / 110 periodic and an aperiodic gap, the aperiodic gap should preferably be retained by default, and any multisim gaps that conflict with the aperiodic gap should be discarded, or any multisim gaps that cannot coexist with the aperiodic gap should be discarded. See the related descriptions of step S210 in method 200.

[00286] Optionally, in previous implementations, if conflicting multisim gaps include both a periodic gap and an aperiodic gap, the aperiodic gap should preferably be discarded by default. For a specific implementation, see the related descriptions of step S210 in method 200.

[00287] S420: Optionally, the network device determines the configuration information based on the first message.

[00288] For example, the configuration information indicates a multi-sim gap configured for the terminal device. The network device can configure the multi-sim gap by indicating multi-sim gap configuration information or multi-sim gap pattern information. It should be understood that, finally, the network device can configure a maximum of three periodic multi-sim gaps and one aperiodic multi-sim gap for the terminal device based on the first message sent by the terminal device, and the network device can select all or part of the multi-sim gaps expected by the UE for configuration.

[00289] Note that, based on the first message, the network device can determine whether to configure a multi-SIM gap for the terminal device. If the network device can determine the configuration of a multi-SIM gap for the terminal device, the network device determines the configuration information. In this case, step S220 is performed, and step S230 also needs to be performed. If the network device decides not to configure a multi-SIM gap for the Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 106 / 120 For a 100 / 110 terminal device, the network device will not need to determine the configuration information. In this case, step S220 does not need to be performed, and step S230 also does not need to be performed.

[00290] S430: Optionally, the network device sends configuration information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives configuration information from the network device.

[00291] For example, the network device includes, in an RRC reconfiguration message, the multi-sim gap configured for the terminal device. Furthermore, after receiving the configured multi-sim gap, the terminal device can correctly use the configured multi-sim gap based on one or more multi-sim gaps that are determined to be retained or discarded on the terminal device.

[00292] According to the solution provided in this application, when a conflict occurs between multi-sim gaps, the initial indication information tells the network device that all or part of the conflicting multi-sim gaps should be retained, to avoid discarding a multi-sim gap that could be used, wasting resources, and reducing the system transfer rate caused by the existence of a multi-sim gap that cannot be used, in order to improve resource utilization and ensure system transmission performance.

[00293] The above describes in detail the embodiments of a communication method of this application with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The following text describes in detail the embodiments of a communication device of this application with reference to Figures 5 and 6. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments. Therefore, for a part that is not described in detail, refer to the previous method embodiments. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 107 / 120 101 / 110

[00294] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The transceiver unit 1010 may communicate with the outside, and the processing unit 1020 is configured to process data. The transceiver unit 1010 may also be called the communication interface or the receiving / transmitting unit.

[00295] In a possible design, device 1000 may implement corresponding steps or procedures performed by the terminal device (e.g., UE 1) in the previous method embodiments. Processing unit 1020 is configured to perform operations related to terminal device processing in the previous method embodiments, and transceiver unit 1010 is configured to perform operations related to terminal device sending / receiving in the previous method embodiments.

[00296] In another possible design, device 1000 may implement corresponding steps or procedures performed by the network device (e.g., UE 2) in the previous method modes. Transceiver unit 1010 is configured to perform operations related to sending / receiving from the network device in the previous method modes, and processing unit 1020 is configured to perform operations related to processing the network device in the previous method modes.

[00297] It should be understood that the device 1000 described herein is implemented in the form of a functional unit. The term unit in this document may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a configured processor (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor). Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 108 / 120 102 / 110 to execute one or more software or firmware programs, a memory, a merge logic circuit, and / or other suitable component that supports the described function. In an optional example, a person skilled in the art may understand that device 1000 may specifically be a transmitting end in the preceding embodiments and may be configured to perform procedures and / or steps corresponding to the transmitting end in the preceding method embodiments; or device 1000 may specifically be a receiving end in the preceding embodiments and may be configured to perform procedures and / or steps corresponding to the receiving end in the preceding method embodiments. To avoid repetition, the details are not described here again.

[00298] Device 1000 in the previous solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the transmitting end in the previous methods. Alternatively, device 1000 in the previous solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the receiving end in the previous methods. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or they can be implemented by hardware implementing the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the previous functions.For example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, a sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and a receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and another unit, for example, the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor, to perform, respectively, sending / receiving operations and related processing operations in the embodiments of the method.

[00299] In addition, the transceiver unit may alternatively be a transceiver circuit (which, for example, Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 109 / 120 103 / 110 may include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit. In this embodiment of this application, the device in Figure 5 may be the receiving end or the transmitting end in the previous embodiments, or it may be a chip or a system-on-a-chip, for example, a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit is a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[00300] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 2000 according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the device 2000 includes a processor 2010 and a transceiver 2020. The processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 communicate via an internal connection path. The processor 2010 is configured to execute instructions, controlling the transceiver 2020 to send and / or receive a signal.

[00301] Optionally, the 2000 device may additionally include a 2030 memory. The 2030 memory communicates with the 2010 processor and the 2020 transceiver via internal connections. The 2030 memory is configured to store instructions, and the 2010 processor can execute the instructions stored in the 2030 memory.

[00302] In one possible implementation, device 2000 is configured to implement procedures and steps corresponding to the terminal device (e.g., UE 1) in the previous method embodiments.

[00303] In another possible implementation, device 2000 is configured to implement procedures and steps corresponding to the network device (e.g., UE 2) in the previous method modes.

[00304] It should be understood that device 2000 can be Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 110 / 120 104 / 110 specifically a transmit end or a receive end in the previous embodiments, or it may be a chip or a system of chips. Correspondingly, the 2020 transceiver may be a chip transceiver circuit. This is not limited here. Specifically, the 2000 device may be configured to perform steps and / or procedures corresponding to the transmit end or the receive end in the previous method embodiments.

[00305] Optionally, the 2030 memory may include read-only memory and random-access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may additionally include non-volatile random-access memory. For example, the memory may additionally store information about a device type. The 2010 processor may be configured to execute the instructions stored in memory. When the 2010 processor executes the instructions stored in memory, the 2010 processor is configured to perform steps and / or procedures in the preceding method modes corresponding to the transmit end or the receive end.

[00306] In an implementation process, the steps in the preceding methods can be implemented using a hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor or using instructions in a software form. The steps of the methods disclosed with reference to the embodiments of this application can be performed and completed directly by a hardware processor or can be performed and completed using a combination of hardware in the processor and a software module. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the state of the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, read-only programmable memory, erasable programmable memory. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 111 / 120 105 / 110 electrically, or a register. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information from memory and completes the steps of the previous methods in combination with the processor hardware. To avoid repetition, the details are not described here again.

[00307] It should be noted that the processor in this embodiment of this application may be an integrated circuit chip and possess signal processing capability. In an implementation process, the steps in the preceding method embodiments may be implemented using a hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor or using instructions in a software form. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The processor in this embodiment of this application may implement or realize the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional or similar processor.The steps in the methods disclosed with reference to the embodiments of this application can be performed and completed directly by a hardware decoding processor, or they can be performed and completed using a combination of hardware in the decoding processor and a software module. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the state of the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, read-only programmable memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or a register. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in memory and completes the steps of the previous methods in combination. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 112 / 120 106 / 110 with the processor hardware.

[00308] It can be understood that the memory in this embodiment of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), used as an external cache.By way of example, but not as a limiting description, many forms of RAM can be used, for example, static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct rambus dynamic random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory systems and methods described in this descriptive report include, but are not limited to, these and any other appropriate memory types.

[00309] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a 3000 chip system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 7, the 3000 chip system (which may also be called a processing system) includes a 3010 logic circuit and an input / output interface 3020.

[00310] The 3010 logic circuit can be a processing circuit in the 3000 chip system. The 3010 logic circuit Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 113 / 120 107 / 110 can be coupled and connected to a storage unit, and invoke instructions on the storage unit to allow the 3000 chip system to implement the methods and functions in the embodiments of this application. The 3020 input / output interface can be an input / output circuit in the 3000 chip system, and outputs information processed by the 3000 chip system, or inserts data to be processed or signaling information into the 3000 chip system for processing.

[00311] In one solution, the 3000 chip system is configured to implement operations performed by the terminal device in the previous method modes.

[00312] For example, logic circuit 3010 is configured to implement processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the previous method modes, for example, processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the mode shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. 4; and input / output interface 3020 is configured to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the previous method modes, for example, sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the mode shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. 4.

[00313] For another example, logic circuit 3010 is configured to implement processing-related operations performed by the network device in the previous method modes, for example, processing-related operations performed by the network device in the mode shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. 4; and input / output interface 3020 is configured to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the network device in the previous method modes, for example, sending and / or receiving-related operations. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 114 / 120 108 / 110 performed by the network device in the mode shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. 4.

[00314] One embodiment of this application additionally provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions for implementing a method performed by the terminal device (for example, the terminal device or, for another example, the network device) in the preceding method embodiments.

[00315] One embodiment of this application additionally provides a computer program product, including instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the method performed by the terminal device (e.g., the terminal device or, for another example, the network device) in the preceding method embodiments is implemented.

[00316] One embodiment of this application additionally provides a communication system. The communication system includes the terminal device and the network device in the preceding embodiments.

[00317] For explanations and beneficial effects of the related content of any of the devices provided above, please refer to the corresponding method modalities provided above. Details are not described here again.

[00318] A person skilled in the art may be aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this report, algorithm units and steps may be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or software depends on specific applications and design constraints of the technical solutions. A person skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each particular application, but it should not be assumed that the implementation will Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 115 / 120 109 / 110 beyond the scope of this request.

[00319] It may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art that, for the purpose of convenient and brief description, for a detailed working process of the preceding system, apparatus and unit, reference may be made to a corresponding process in the preceding method modalities. Details are not described here again.

[00320] In the various embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiment described is merely an example. For example, the division of units above is merely a logical function division, and there may be another form of division in a real implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the mutual couplings exhibited or discussed, direct couplings, or communication connections may be implemented using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[00321] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts displayed as units may or may not be physical units, may be in one location, or may be distributed across a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on the actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the modal solutions.

[00322] In addition, the functional units in the modalities of this application may be integrated into a processing unit, each of the units may exist physically on its own, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[00323] When functions are implemented in a form of Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pages 116 / 120 110 / 110 a functional unit of software and sold or used as a standalone product, the functions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of this application essentially, or the part that contributes to conventional technology, or a part of the technical solutions, may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored on a storage medium and includes various instructions to instruct a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, an appliance, or similar) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of this application. The storage medium mentioned includes any medium that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[00324] The preceding descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any variation or substitution readily determined by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall be within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims. Petition 870250097054, dated 10 / 23 / 2025, pp. 117 / 120

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. A communication method, characterized in that it comprises: sending a first message, wherein the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by a terminal device, the plurality of time units comprising M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, wherein when the first message comprises first indication information, the first message indicates to retain all M time units; and receiving configuration information, wherein the configuration information is determined based on the first message.

2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the initial indication information indicates to retain all M time units.

3. Method, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the first message does not contain the first indication information, the first message indicates to withhold a portion of the M time units.

4. Method, according to claim 3, characterized in that the instruction to retain part of the M time units comprises: indicating to retain a time unit with the highest priority in the M time units, and indicating to discard all time units other than the time unit with the highest priority in the M time units.

5. Method, according to claim 3, characterized in that the indication to retain part of the M time units comprises: indicating to retain the first N time units with the highest priorities in the M time units, and indicating to discard all time units other than the first N time units with the highest priorities in the M time units, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

6. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the instruction to retain part of the M time units comprises: indicating to retain a time unit with the shortest periodicity in the M time units, and indicating to discard all time units other than the time unit with the shortest periodicity in the M time units.

7. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the instruction to retain part of the M time units comprises: instructing to retain the first L time units with shorter periodicities in the M time units, and instructing to discard all time units other than the first L time units with shorter periodicities in the M time units, where L is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

8. A method, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the time unit is a multi-sim gap.

9. A method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a priority is a priority of a time unit expected by the terminal device, or a priority is a priority of a time unit configured by a network device for the terminal device.

10. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that before sending the first message, the method further comprises: receiving a second message, wherein the second message indicates that sending the first message is permitted.

11. A method, according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of all M time units is permitted.

12. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the initial indication information comprises identifiers for all M time units.

13. A communication method characterized in that it comprises: receiving a first message, wherein the first message indicates a plurality of time units expected by a terminal device, the plurality of time units comprising M conflicting time units, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, wherein when the first message comprises initial indication information, the first message indicates retaining a portion of the M time units, or the initial indication information indicates retaining all M time units; determining configuration information based on the first message; and sending the configuration information.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the initial indication information indicates to retain all M time units.

15. Method, according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that when the first message does not contain the first indication information, the first message indicates to withhold a portion of the M time units. Petition 870250085840, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, p. 16 / 20 4 / 6 16. Method, according to claim 15, characterized in that the instruction to retain part of the M time units comprises: indicating to retain a time unit with the highest priority in the M time units, and indicating to discard all time units other than the time unit with the highest priority in the M time units.

17. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the instruction to retain part of the M time units comprises: instructing to retain the first N time units with the highest priority in the M time units, and instructing to discard all time units other than the first N time units with the highest priority in the M time units, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

18. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the instruction to retain part of the M time units comprises: indicating to retain a time unit with the shortest periodicity in the M time units, and indicating to discard all time units other than the time unit with the shortest periodicity in the M time units.

19. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the instruction to retain part of the M time units comprises: instructing to retain the first L time units with shorter periodicities in the M time units, and instructing to discard all time units other than the first L time units with shorter periodicities in the M time units, where L is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

20. Method, according to any of the claims of Petition 870250085840, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, pp. 17 / 20 5 / 6 13 to 19, characterized in that the time unit is a multi-sim gap.

21. A method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that a priority is a priority of a time unit expected by the terminal device, or a priority is a priority of a time unit configured by a network device for the terminal device.

22. A method, according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that, before receiving the first message, the method further comprises: sending a second message, wherein the second message indicates that sending the first message is permitted.

23. A method, according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the first indication information indicates that the coexistence of all M time units is permitted.

24. Method, according to any one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that the initial indication information comprises identifiers for all M time units.

25. Communication apparatus, characterized in that it is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, or configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 13 to 24.

26. Computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium is configured to store a computer program and, when the program is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method as defined in any of claims 1 to 24.

27. Computer program product, characterized in that when the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method as defined in any of claims 1 to 24. Petition 870250085840, dated 09 / 23 / 2025, pp. 19 / 20

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