A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application discloses a communication method and apparatus, which are applied to the field of wireless communication technologies to improve uplink transmission performance. The method includes: a terminal device receives first data through a first protocol layer; the first data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; the terminal device adds a first protocol layer header to the first data to obtain second data; the first protocol layer header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data; the terminal device sends the second data to a first network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there are two ways for 5G evolution. One is non-standalone (NSA), and the other is standalone (SA). In the initial stage of 5G network construction, for smooth network evolution and rapid deployment, most networks first adopt NSA deployment.

[0003] In NSA networking, the total transmit power of the UE is 23 dbm. Half of the UE's power (20 dbm) is allocated to the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, and half of the power (20 dbm) is allocated to the New Radio (NR) system. Since the transmit power of the user equipment (UE) under each network is reduced compared to that in standalone networking, the uplink coverage of the terminal in the NR network is severely limited.

[0004] In the NSA scenario, a way to improve the NR uplink transmission performance is that when the uplink NR coverage deteriorates, the network side can control the UE to transmit the uplink NR service data through the base station (eNodeB) of LTE to the access network device of NR (for example, the next generation node B (gNB)), so that the UE transmits the uplink NR service data on the LTE side, thereby using the uplink coverage ability of LTE to make up for the deficiency of the NR uplink coverage ability. This method is called uplink fallback to LTE (ULFB).

[0005] Currently, uplink fallback to LTE can only be performed on the service data sent by the NR side, while the control signaling below the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer (for example, Radio Link Control (RLC) status report, service request) still needs to be transmitted on the NR side, which may lead to high error codes of the uplink feedback information, affecting the corresponding downlink transmission service, or triggering the maximum number of retransmissions of the service request, resulting in the interruption of the uplink service. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus to improve the uplink transmission performance.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. A terminal device receives first data through a first protocol layer; the first data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; the terminal device adds a first protocol layer packet header to the first data to obtain second data; the first protocol layer packet header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data; the terminal device sends the second data to a first network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies.

[0008] Through the above method, in a non-standalone (NSA) network deployment, by adding a first protocol layer packet header to the first data at the terminal device to obtain second data, and then sending the second data through the first network device, the terminal device can transfer the uplink feedback information on the New Radio (NR) side to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) side for transmission. Especially in a scenario with weak NR signal coverage, the reliability of uplink data transmission is guaranteed, the transmission delay is reduced, and system resource waste is minimized.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the first protocol layer may be the media access control (MAC) layer of the evolved-universal telecommunication radio access (E-UTRA); the first indication information may be carried in at least one of the following: the R field of the MAC header, or the logical channel identifier (LCID) field of the MAC header for the region setting.

[0010] Through the above method, in an NSA network deployment, by adding a field for carrying the first indication information to the fields of the MAC layer at the terminal device, when the terminal device sends the second data to the first network device, the first network device can determine, based on the first indication information, that the second data is uplink feedback information that needs to be forwarded to the second network device, so as to achieve the purpose of transferring the uplink feedback information on the NR side to the LTE side for transmission and completing the forwarding of the uplink feedback information to the NR side.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the terminal device may also receive third data through a second protocol layer; the second protocol layer is the radio link control (RLC) layer of E-UTRA; the third data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; the terminal device adds a second protocol layer packet header to the third data to obtain the first data; the second protocol layer packet header includes second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data; the terminal device sends the first data to the first protocol layer through the second protocol layer.

[0012] Through the above method, in an NSA networking scenario, the terminal device determines, according to the uplink feedback information carried in the third data, that the uplink feedback information needs to be transferred to the LTE side for transmission. Thus, the terminal device adds a field for carrying the second indication information at the RLC layer. Therefore, during the process of transmitting the third data, the terminal device indicates the type of the third data by adding a corresponding protocol layer packet header, so as to achieve the purpose of sending the uplink feedback information on the NR side through a first network device, and ensure the reliability of uplink data transmission in a scenario with weak signal coverage.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the second indication information may be carried in: the RLC control protocol data unit (PDU) field. Through the above method, by using the existing RLC control PDU field to carry the second indication information, the sending of the second indication information can be achieved without increasing signaling overhead, and the data transmission performance can be improved.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the terminal device may also receive fourth data through a third protocol layer; the third protocol layer is the PDCP layer of NR; the fourth data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; the terminal device adds a third protocol layer packet header to the fourth data to obtain the third data; the third protocol layer packet header includes third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the type of the fourth data; the terminal device sends the third data to the second protocol layer through the third protocol layer.

[0015] Through the above method, in the option 3X network architecture under NSA networking, the terminal device determines, according to the uplink feedback information carried in the fourth data, that the uplink feedback information needs to be transferred to the LTE side for transmission. Thus, a third protocol layer header is added through the PDCP layer of NR, thereby carrying the third indication information, so that during the transmission of the fourth data, by adding the corresponding protocol layer packet header, the type of the fourth data is indicated, so as to achieve the purpose of sending the NR uplink feedback information through the first network device, and ensure the reliability of uplink data transmission in the scenario of weak NR signal coverage.

[0016] A possible implementation manner is that the third indication information can be carried in at least one of the following: PDCP control PDU format field, PDCP control PDU field. Through the above method, by carrying the third indication information through the existing PDU field of PDCP, the sending of the third indication information can be achieved without increasing the signaling overhead, and the data transmission performance is improved.

[0017] A possible implementation manner is that the terminal device can also receive the fifth data through the fourth protocol layer; the fifth data carries the uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the fourth protocol layer is the PDCP layer of E-UTRA; the terminal device adds a fourth protocol layer packet header to the fifth data to obtain the third data; the fourth protocol layer packet header includes fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fifth data; the terminal device sends the added third data to the second protocol layer through the fourth protocol layer.

[0018] Through the above method, in the option 3 network architecture under NSA networking, the terminal device determines, according to the uplink feedback information carried in the fifth data, that the uplink feedback information needs to be transferred to the LTE side for transmission. Thus, a third protocol layer header is added through the PDCP layer of E-UTRA, thereby carrying the fourth indication information, so that during the transmission of the fifth data, by adding the corresponding protocol layer packet header, the type of the fifth data is indicated, so as to achieve the purpose of sending the NR uplink feedback information through the first network device, and ensure the reliability of uplink data transmission in the weak signal coverage scenario.

[0019] A possible implementation manner is that the fourth indication information can be carried in at least one of the following: PDCP control PDU format field, PDCP control PDU field. Through the above method, by carrying the fourth indication information through the existing PDU field of PDCP, the sending of the fourth indication information can be achieved without increasing the signaling overhead, and the data transmission performance is improved.

[0020] In a possible implementation, before the terminal device receives the first data through the first protocol layer, the terminal device may first determine that the terminal device performs a fallback to LTE for uplink. Through the above method, in a scenario where it is determined that the terminal device performs a fallback to LTE for uplink, that is, the uplink signal coverage of NR is weak, the uplink feedback information on the NR side can be transferred to the LTE side for transmission to improve the reliability of uplink data transmission.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the terminal device may also receive fifth indication information; the fifth indication information is used to indicate the parameters of the first transmission resource; the terminal device determines the first transmission resource according to the parameters of the first transmission resource; the terminal device sends sixth data to the second network device on the first transmission resource; the sixth data is the uplink feedback information sent to the second network device.

[0022] Through the above method, the terminal device can, according to the fifth indication information sent by the second network device received, in a weak coverage scenario, according to the parameters of the first transmission resource indicated by the fifth indication information, to improve the reliability of uplink data transmission.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the parameters of the first transmission resource may include at least one of the following: modulation and coding scheme (MCS), radio bearer (RB); the feedback information includes at least one of the following: NR-RLC status report, NR scheduling request, or feedback information of NR-channel state information (CSI).

[0024] By configuring the first transmission resource for the terminal device by the second network device, specifically, by configuring parameters of the first transmission resource such as MCS or RB, the transmission performance of the sixth data of the uplink feedback information transmitted by the terminal device on the uplink can be adjusted, so as to improve the performance of the uplink transmission feedback information without changing the transmission path, thereby avoiding the problem that the uplink bit error rate is high due to weak uplink signal coverage, affecting the uplink service and even the downlink transmission.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, before the terminal device receives the fifth indication information, the terminal device may further send seventh data to the second network device; the seventh data is used to indicate parameters of a channel state between the terminal device and the second network device; the parameters of the channel state include at least one of the following: uplink bit error rate, uplink synchronization signal block (SSB)-reference signal receiving power (RSRP), duration of the bit error rate being lower than a preset threshold, or duration of the SSB-RSRP being lower than a preset threshold; the terminal device receives sixth indication information; the sixth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device releases the cell resources of the second network device.

[0026] Through the above method, the terminal device can send the parameters of the channel state between the terminal device and the second network device to the second network device. Thus, the second network device can determine whether uplink transmission can continue between the terminal device and the second network device according to the parameters of the channel state. If the second network device determines that the channel state is poor according to the parameters of the channel state, the second network device can send indication information to the terminal device to release the cell resources of the second network device. Thus, the terminal device can release the cell resources of the second network device to perform cell reselection and avoid service interruption.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method. A first network device receives second data from a terminal device through a first protocol layer; the terminal device is a terminal device for uplink fallback to Long Term Evolution (LTE); the second data is used to carry uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies; the second data includes a first protocol layer header of the first network device; the first protocol layer header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer; the first network device removes the first protocol layer header of the second data to obtain the first data; the first network device sends the first data to the second network device.

[0028] Through the above method, in NSA networking, the first network device receives the second data sent by the terminal device, and determines, according to the first indication information carried in the first protocol layer packet header of the second data, that the second data is the uplink feedback information that needs to be forwarded to the second network device. Thus, the first network device removes the added first protocol layer packet header to obtain the first data, and then sends the first data to the second network device through the first network device, so as to implement the transfer of the uplink feedback information on the NR side to the LTE side for transmission. Especially in the scenario of weak signal coverage, the reliability of uplink data transmission is guaranteed, the transmission delay is reduced, and the waste of system resources is reduced.

[0029] A possible implementation manner is that the first protocol layer is the MAC layer of the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRA); the first indication information can be carried in at least one of the following: the R field of the MAC header, or the logical channel identifier (LCID) field of the MAC header.

[0030] A possible implementation manner is that the first data further includes a second protocol layer packet header; the second protocol layer is the radio link control (RLC) layer of E-UTRA; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data; the third data carries the uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the method further includes: the first network device receives the first data through the second protocol layer; the first network device removes the second protocol layer packet header of the first data to obtain the third data; the first network device sends the third data to the second network device through the second protocol layer.

[0031] Through the above method, in NSA networking, the first network device determines, according to the second indication information carried in the first data, that the third data is the uplink feedback information that needs to be transferred to the LTE side for transmission. Thus, the first network device removes the second protocol layer packet header, so that the first network device transmits the third data to the second network device, so as to achieve the purpose of sending the uplink feedback information on the NR side to the second network device through the first network device, and guarantee the reliability of uplink data transmission in the scenario of weak signal coverage.

[0032] A possible implementation manner is that the second indication information can be carried in the RLC control PDU field.

[0033] A possible implementation manner, wherein the third data further includes a third protocol layer header; the third protocol layer is the PDCP layer of New Radio (NR); the third protocol layer header includes third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the type of the fourth data; the fourth data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the method further includes: the first network device receives the third data through the third protocol layer; the first network device removes the third protocol layer header of the third data to obtain the fourth data; the first network device sends the fourth data to the second network device.

[0034] Through the above method, in the NSA networking mode, the first network device determines, according to the third indication information carried in the first data, that the fourth data is uplink feedback information that needs to be transferred to the LTE side for transmission, so that the first network device removes the third protocol layer header, enabling the first network device to send the fourth data to the second network device, thereby achieving the purpose of sending the uplink feedback information on the NR side to the second network device through the first network device, and ensuring the reliability of uplink data transmission in a weak signal coverage scenario.

[0035] A possible implementation manner, wherein the third indication information may be carried in at least one of the following: PDCP control PDU format field, PDCP control PDU field.

[0036] A possible implementation manner, wherein the third data further includes a fourth protocol layer header; the fourth protocol layer is the PDCP layer of E-UTRA; the fourth protocol layer header includes fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fifth data; the fifth data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the method further includes: the first network device receives the third data through the fourth protocol layer; the first network device removes the fourth protocol layer header of the third data to obtain the fifth data; the first network device sends the fifth data to the second network device.

[0037] Through the above method, in the option 3 network architecture under NSA networking, the first network device determines, according to the fourth indication information, that the fifth data is uplink feedback information that needs to be transferred to the LTE side for transmission, enabling the first network device to remove the fourth protocol header of the third data and send the fifth data to the second network device, thereby achieving the purpose of sending the uplink feedback information of NR to the second network device through the first network device, and ensuring the reliability of uplink data transmission in a weak signal coverage scenario.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the fourth indication information may be carried in at least one of the following: the PDCP control PDU format field, the PDCP control PDU field.

[0039] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The second network device determines parameters of a first transmission resource of the terminal device according to whether the terminal device performs uplink fallback to Long Term Evolution (LTE); the first transmission resource is a resource used by the terminal device to transmit uplink feedback information; the second network device sends indication information to the terminal device; the indication information is used to indicate the parameters of the first transmission resource.

[0040] Through the above method, the second network device can determine the parameters of the first transmission resource according to whether the terminal device performs uplink fallback to LTE, so as to indicate the parameters of the first transmission resource to the terminal device, so that in a weak coverage scenario, the terminal device transmits uplink feedback information according to the parameters of the first transmission resource indicated by the fifth indication information, thereby improving the reliability of uplink data transmission.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the parameters of the first transmission resource may include at least one of the following: Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), Resource Block (RB); the uplink feedback information includes at least one of the following: NR-RLC status report, NR scheduling request, feedback information of NR-CSI.

[0042] By configuring the first transmission resource for the terminal device by the second network device, specifically, by configuring parameters of the first transmission resource such as MCS or RB, the transmission performance of the sixth data for the terminal device to transmit uplink feedback information in uplink can be adjusted, so as to improve the performance of uplink transmission feedback information without changing the transmission path, thereby avoiding the problem that the uplink bit error rate is high due to weak uplink signal coverage, affecting uplink services and even downlink transmission.

[0043] In a possible implementation, if the second network device determines that the terminal device performs uplink fallback to LTE, the second network device adjusts the parameters of the first transmission resource according to the packet size of the uplink feedback information.

[0044] Through the above method, the second network device can adjust the corresponding parameters of the first transmission resource according to the packet size of the uplink feedback information, so as to simplify the adjustment scheme, reduce the scheduling complexity of the second network device, and improve the overall performance of data transmission.

[0045] A possible implementation manner is that the second network device determines to release the cell resources where the second network device is located according to the parameters of the uplink channel state of the terminal device in NR; the parameters of the uplink channel state include at least one of the following: uplink bit error rate, uplink SSB-RSRP, duration of the bit error rate being lower than a preset threshold, duration of the SSB-RSRP being lower than a preset threshold, and the RLC reaching the maximum retransmission times.

[0046] Through the above method, the second network device can determine whether to release the cell resources where the terminal device and the second network device are located according to the parameters of the channel state sent by the terminal device, so as to trigger the terminal device to perform cell reselection and avoid service interruption of the terminal device.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device is the terminal device as described above. The terminal device is used to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner. Specifically, the communication device may include a module for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner, such as a processing module and a transceiver module.

[0048] Exemplarily, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, or may also be the same functional module, but can implement different functions (the transmitting module is used to implement the function of transmitting signals, and the receiving module is used to implement the function of receiving signals). Exemplarily, the communication device is a terminal device, or a chip or other component disposed in the terminal device. For example, the transceiver module may also be implemented by a transceiver, and the processing module may also be implemented by a processor. Alternatively, the transmitting module may be implemented by a transmitter, and the receiving module may be implemented by a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver may be different functional modules, or may also be the same functional module, but can implement different functions (the transmitter is used to implement the function of transmitting signals, and the receiver is used to implement the function of receiving signals). If the communication device is a communication equipment, the transceiver is implemented, for example, by an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. in the communication equipment. Or, if the communication device is a chip disposed in the communication equipment, then the transceiver (or, the transmitter and the receiver) is, for example, a communication interface in the chip (or rather, an interface circuit), and this communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication equipment to implement the sending and receiving of information through the radio frequency transceiver component. During the introduction of the fourth aspect, the processing module and the transceiver module are continued to be taken as examples for introduction. Taking the communication device as a terminal device as an example, wherein, the transceiver module is used to receive first data through a first protocol layer; the first data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the PDCP protocol layer; and send the second data to a first network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different systems. The processing module is used to add a first protocol layer header to the first data to obtain second data; the first protocol layer header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data.

[0049] Regarding the technical effects brought by the above optional implementation manners, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or the corresponding implementation manners.

[0050] Fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device is the first network device as described above. The first network device is used to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner. Specifically, the first network device may include modules for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner, such as a processing module and a transceiver module. Exemplarily, the transceiver module may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, or may also be the same functional module, but can implement different functions (the sending module is used to implement the function of sending signals, and the receiving module is used to implement the function of receiving signals). Exemplarily, the first network device is a communication device, or a chip or other component disposed in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a network device (such as an access network device, etc.). For example, the transceiver module may also be implemented by a transceiver, and the processing module may also be implemented by a processor. Or, the sending module may be implemented by a transmitter, and the receiving module may be implemented by a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver may be different functional modules, or may also be the same functional module, but can implement different functions (the transmitter is used to implement the function of sending signals, and the receiver is used to implement the function of receiving signals). If the first network device is a communication device, the transceiver is implemented, for example, by an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. in the communication device. Or, if the first network device is a chip disposed in a communication device, then the transceiver (or, the transmitter and the receiver) is, for example, a communication interface in the chip (or rather, an interface circuit), and the communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement the sending and receiving of information through the radio frequency transceiver component. During the introduction of the fifth aspect, the processing module and the transceiver module are continued to be used as examples for introduction. Taking the communication device as the first network device as an example. Among them, the transceiver module is used to receive second data from a terminal device through a first protocol layer; and send the first data to a second network device. The terminal device is a terminal device performing uplink fallback to LTE; the second data is used to carry uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies; the second data includes a first protocol layer header of the first network device; the first protocol layer header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the PDCP protocol layer; the processing module is used to remove the first protocol layer header of the second data to obtain the first data; and send the first data to the second network device through the transceiver module.

[0051] Regarding the technical effects brought by the above optional implementation manners, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the second aspect or the corresponding implementation manners.

[0052] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device is the second network device as described above. The second network device is used to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner. Specifically, the second network device may include modules for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner. For example, it includes a processing module and a transceiver module. Exemplarily, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, or may also be the same functional module, but can implement different functions (the transmitting module is used to implement the function of transmitting signals, and the receiving module is used to implement the function of receiving signals). Exemplarily, the second network device is a communication device, or a chip or other component provided in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a network device (such as an access network device, etc.). For example, the transceiver module may also be implemented by a transceiver, and the processing module may also be implemented by a processor. Or, the transmitting module may be implemented by a transmitter, and the receiving module may be implemented by a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver may be different functional modules, or may also be the same functional module, but can implement different functions (the transmitter is used to implement the function of transmitting signals, and the receiver is used to implement the function of receiving signals). If the second network device is a communication device, the transceiver is implemented, for example, by an antenna, a feeder, and a codec in the communication device. Or, if the second network device is a chip provided in a communication device, then the transceiver (or, the transmitter and the receiver) is, for example, a communication interface in the chip (or, an interface circuit), and this communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement the transmission and reception of information through the radio frequency transceiver component. During the introduction of the fourth aspect, the processing module and the transceiver module are continued to be used as examples for introduction. Taking the communication device as the second network device as an example. Among them, the processing module is used to determine the parameters of the first transmission resource of the terminal device according to whether the terminal device performs uplink fallback to Long Term Evolution (LTE); the first transmission resource is the resource used by the terminal device to transmit uplink feedback information; the transceiver module is used to send indication information to the terminal device; the indication information is used to indicate the parameters of the first transmission resource.

[0053] Regarding the technical effects brought by the above-mentioned optional implementation manners, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the third aspect or the corresponding implementation manners.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is, for example, the terminal device described above. The communication device includes a processor and a communication interface (or interface circuit), and the communication interface can be used to communicate with other devices or apparatuses. Optionally, a memory may also be included for storing computer instructions. The processor and the memory are coupled to each other to implement the method described in the above first aspect or various possible embodiments. Alternatively, the terminal device may not include a memory, and the memory may be located outside the terminal device. The processor, the memory, and the communication interface are coupled to each other to implement the method described in the above first aspect or various possible embodiments. For example, when the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory, the terminal device is caused to execute the method in the above first aspect or any one of the possible embodiments. Exemplarily, the communication device is a terminal device, or a chip or other component provided in the terminal device. Among them, if the communication device is a terminal device, the communication interface is implemented, for example, by a transceiver (or a transmitter and a receiver) in the terminal device. For example, the transceiver is implemented by an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. in the terminal device. Or, if the communication device is a chip provided in the terminal device, then the communication interface is, for example, an input / output interface of the chip, such as input / output pins, etc., and the communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the terminal device to implement the sending and receiving of information through the radio frequency transceiver component.

[0055] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is, for example, the first network device or the second network device as described above. The communication device includes a processor and a communication interface (alternatively, an interface circuit), and the communication interface can be used to communicate with other devices or apparatuses. Optionally, a memory may also be included for storing computer instructions. The processor and the memory are coupled to each other to implement the method described in any possible implementation manner of the second aspect or the third aspect above. Alternatively, the first network device or the second network device may not include a memory, and the memory may be located outside the first network device or the second network device. The processor, the memory, and the communication interface are coupled to each other to implement the method described in any possible implementation manner of the second aspect or the third aspect above. For example, when the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory, the first network device or the second network device is caused to execute the method in any possible implementation manner of the second aspect or the third aspect above. Exemplarily, the first network device or the second network device is a communication device, or a chip or other component provided in a communication device. Exemplarily, the communication device is a network device (such as an access network device, etc.). For example, the first network device is an access network device of LTE, and the second network device is an access network device of NR. Among them, if the first network device or the second network device is a communication device, the communication interface is implemented, for example, by a transceiver (alternatively, a transmitter and a receiver) in the communication device. For example, the transceiver is implemented by an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. in the communication device. Alternatively, if the first network device or the second network device is a chip provided in a communication device, then the communication interface is, for example, an input / output interface of the chip, such as input / output pins, etc., and this communication interface is connected to a radio frequency transceiver component in the communication device to implement the transmission and reception of information through the radio frequency transceiver component.

[0056] In a ninth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional implementation manner.

[0057] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory. For example, the processor can read and execute a software program stored in the memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional implementation manner. Alternatively, the memory may not be included in the chip but be located outside the chip. That is, the processor can read and execute a software program stored in an external memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect or any optional implementation manner.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor is coupled to the communication interface and is configured to implement the method provided in the second aspect, the third aspect, or any optional implementation manner.

[0059] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory. For example, the processor may read and execute a software program stored in the memory to implement the method provided in the second aspect, the third aspect, or any optional implementation manner. Alternatively, the memory may not be included in the chip but be located outside the chip. That is, the processor may read and execute a software program stored in an external memory to implement the method provided in the second aspect, the third aspect, or any optional implementation manner.

[0060] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a communication system, which includes the communication device described in the fourth aspect, the communication device described in the fifth aspect, or the communication device described in the sixth aspect, and includes the communication device described in the seventh aspect or the communication device described in the eighth aspect.

[0061] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in any possible implementation manner in the first aspect.

[0062] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in any possible implementation manner in the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0063] In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product containing instructions for storing a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in any possible implementation manner in the first aspect.

[0064] In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product containing instructions for storing a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in any possible implementation manner in the second aspect or the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figures 1A - 1E FIG. is an architecture diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 2Schematic diagram of a scenario of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 3 Flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 4A Flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figures 4B - 4E For an embodiment of the present application in Figure 4A Schematic diagram for exemplifying the provided communication method;

[0070] Figure 4F Flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figures 4G - 4H For an embodiment of the present application in Figure 4F Schematic diagram for exemplifying the provided communication method;

[0072] Figure 5A Flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figures 5B - 5C For an embodiment of the present application in Figure 5A Schematic diagram for exemplifying the provided communication method;

[0074] Figure 5D Flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figures 5E - 5F For an embodiment of the present application in Figure 5D Schematic diagram for exemplifying the provided communication method;

[0076] Figure 6A Flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Figures 6B - 6C For an embodiment of the present application in Figure 6A Schematic diagram for exemplifying the provided communication method;

[0078] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0081] The embodiments of the present application will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Figure 1A FIG. shows a possible communication system architecture applicable to the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Refer to Figure 1A As shown, the communication system includes: a network device 101 (such as Figure 1A network device 101a and network device 101b in

[0083] The network device 101 is responsible for providing services related to wireless access for the terminal device 102, implementing wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, Quality of Service (QoS) management, wireless access control, and mobility management functions. The network device 101 and the terminal device 102 are connected through the Uu interface, so as to realize communication between the terminal device 102 and the network device 101. The terminal device 102 is a device that accesses the network through the cell managed by the network device 101. Of course Figure 1A the number of terminal devices 102 in

[0084] is only an example. In actual applications, a network device can provide services for multiple terminal devices. Figure 1A As shown, network device 101a is responsible for managing cell A, and network device 101b is responsible for managing cell B. In this communication system, each cell uses a corresponding carrier frequency point to provide access services for terminal devices. It should be noted that the communication technology used by each cell in the present application is not limited, and the communication technologies used by different cells can be the same or different. Figure 1A The network device in

[0085] Figure 1A is, for example, an access network device, such as a base station. Among them, the access network device corresponds to different devices in different systems. For example, in a 4G system, it can correspond to an eNB, and in a 5G system, it corresponds to an access network device in 5G, such as a next generation node B (gNB), or an access network device in a subsequent evolved communication system. Figure 1A Figure 1A Figure 1AFor the NE-DC architecture, the network device 101a is an NR network device, the network device 101b is an LTE network device, and so on.

[0086] A terminal device, including a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. Specifically, it includes a device that provides voice to a user, or a device that provides data connectivity to a user, or a device that provides both voice and data connectivity to a user. For example, it may include a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN), exchange voice or data with the RAN, or interact with the RAN for both voice and data. The terminal device may include a user equipment (UE), a wireless terminal device, a mobile terminal device, a device-to-device (D2D) terminal device, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal device, a machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal device, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, or a user device, etc. For example, it may include a mobile phone (or a so-called "cellular" phone), a computer with a mobile terminal device, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-integrated mobile device, etc. For example, a personal communication service (PCS) phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. It also includes constrained devices, such as devices with lower power consumption, or devices with limited storage capacity, or devices with limited computing capacity, etc. For example, it includes information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning system (GPS), laser scanners, etc.

[0087] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. A wearable device may also be referred to as a wearable intelligent device or a smart wearable device, etc. It is a general term for devices developed by applying wearable technology to the intelligent design of daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, shoes, etc. A wearable device is a portable device that is directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. A wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also realizes powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable intelligent devices include those with complete functions, large sizes, and can realize complete or partial functions without relying on a smart phone, such as smart watches or smart glasses, etc., and those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to cooperate with other devices such as smart phones, such as various smart bracelets for physical sign monitoring, smart helmets, smart jewelry, etc.

[0088] For various terminal devices introduced above, if they are located on a vehicle (for example, placed inside or installed inside a vehicle), they can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices. In-vehicle terminal devices are also referred to as on-board units (OBUs) for example.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also include a relay. Or it can be understood that anything capable of data communication with a base station can be regarded as a terminal device.

[0090] A network device, such as including an access network (AN) device, such as a base station (e.g., an access point), may refer to a device in the access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more cells over the air interface. Or, for example, in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the network device is a road side unit (RSU). The base station can be used to mutually convert received airframes and IP packets and act as a router between the terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an IP network. The RSU can be a fixed infrastructure entity that supports V2X applications and can exchange messages with other entities that support V2X applications. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device can include an evolved Node B (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutional Node B) in an LTE system or a long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A) system, or can also include a gNB in a 5th generation (5G) NR system (also simply referred to as the NR system), or can also include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (Cloud RAN) system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The network device can also include core network devices, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a user plane function (UPF), etc. Since the embodiments of the present application mainly relate to access network devices, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the network device mentioned refers to an access network device.

[0091] In the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device can be the network device or an apparatus capable of supporting the network device to implement such functions, such as a chip system, and this apparatus can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, taking the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device as the network device as an example, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are described.

[0092] In addition, Figure 1AThe architecture shown can be applied to a variety of communication scenarios, such as the 5th Generation (5G) communication system, future 6th Generation communication systems and other evolved communication systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems, vehicle to everything (V2X), LTE-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle networking, Machine Type Communications (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), LTE-machine to machine (LTE-M), machine to machine (M2M), and other communication scenarios.

[0093] The following explains some terms in this application to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0094] 1) Dual connectivity

[0095] To improve user throughput, 3GPP introduced the dual connectivity (DC) technology. DC means that two different base stations support data transmission services for a UE simultaneously. The base station where the primary cell (PCell) is located is called the master gNB (MgNB) or master node (MN), which is used to manage the Master Cell Group (MCG); the other base station (i.e., the base station where the primary secondary cell (PSCell) is located) is called the secondary gNB (SgNB) or secondary node (SN), which is used to manage the secondary cell group (SCG). Among them, the master base station is the control plane anchor point, that is, the UE establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the master base station, and a control plane connection is established between the master base station and the core network. The network architecture of the above dual connectivity technology is also called the non-standalone (NSA) network architecture.

[0096] To make full use of the resources of the base stations on the MCG and SCG sides, enabling the UE to use the resources of the MeNB and / or SgNB to send uplink service data, the technique of uplink splitting is introduced. In uplink splitting, depending on the networking mode, different base stations can determine whether to perform uplink splitting.

[0097] A possible implementation is to use option 3 for networking. In option 3, all uplink and downlink data pass through the eNB. As Figure 1B shown, when networking with option 3, the packet core network (EPC) and the 4G base station establish a GTPU tunnel. The 4G base station receives the control plane data sent by the EPC through the air interface (S1-C) and the user plane data sent by the EPC through the air interface (S1-U). After receiving the data from the 4G core network, the 4G base station determines whether to split the data to the 5G base station (gNB), so as to achieve the splitting of service data through the eNodeB.

[0098] Another possible implementation is to use option 3X for networking. In this configuration, the user data traffic will directly flow to the 5G gNB through the S1-U air interface and then be transmitted to the mobile device through the air interface of the 5G gNB. A part of the data can also be forwarded to the 4G eNB part of the base station through the X2 interface and then forwarded from the 4G eNB to the UE. Figure 1C As shown, in the option 3X networking mode, service splitting is performed through the gNodeB, and the 5G base station decides whether to split the data to the 4G base station.

[0099] For example, a VoLTE bearer with an IP address different from the IP address used for Internet access can be directly transmitted from the core network to the 4G eNB part of the 4G / 5G base station. The advantage is that the 5G upgrade of the base station may have a better IP interface, so it is more suitable for handling higher data rates that can only be achieved with 4G / 5G non-standalone network deployments.

[0100] 2) The communication between the RAN device and the terminal device follows a certain protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the radio resource control (RRC) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer. The user plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer; in one implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer can also be included above the PDCP layer.

[0101] The RAN device can implement the functions of protocol layers such as RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC by one node; or these protocol layer functions can be implemented by multiple nodes.

[0102] 3) Radio bearer: At least one RB is established between the terminal device and the network device to transmit data. The radio bearer can be divided into a signalling radio bearer (SRB) for transmitting signalling data and a data radio bearer (DRB) for transmitting service data. The set of functional entities of the same radio bearer includes a PDCP entity, at least two radio link control (RLC) entities corresponding to the PDCP entity, at least one MAC entity corresponding to the at least two RLC entities, and at least one physical layer (PHY) entity corresponding to the at least one MAC entity.

[0103] According to the distribution of radio bearers, radio bearers can be divided into: MCG bearers, SCG bearers, and split bearers. Among them, an MCG bearer is a bearer whose protocol stack is located in the master node (MN) and only uses MN resources; an SCG bearer is a bearer whose protocol stack is located in the secondary node (SN) and only uses SN resources. A split bearer is newly added in the LTE-NR inter-system dual connection. A split bearer refers to a bearer whose protocol stack is located in both the MN and SN nodes and uses both MN and SN resources simultaneously. According to different networking modes, for example, the networking modes of option 3 and option 3x, the user plane data is split via the LTE eNB and the NR gNB respectively, and can be divided into MCG split bearers and SCG split bearers. Among them, an MCG split bearer means that only the MN is connected to the core network data plane, and the data is split from the MN to the SN; an SCG split bearer means that only the SN is connected to the core network data plane, and the data is split from the SN to the MN.

[0104] Based on the current NSA network architecture, a possible implementation method is shown in Figure 1D as shown. Figure 1D There is 1 splitting method shown in [reference] to split the protocol layer of the eNB, which corresponds to the option 3 networking mode respectively. When networking with option 3, the protocol layer of the 4G base station is split from RLC-PDCP, and the split bearer E-UTRA-PDCP protocol layer after splitting is used to control the data splitting of the 5G base station. The functions of the protocol layers above PDCP are set on the MCG bearer or SCG bearer of the MN, or on the MCG bearer or SCG bearer of the SN, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP protocol layer are set on the split bearer of the MN or SN.

[0105] That is, in the master node (MN), there are three types of radio bearers: the master cell group bearer (MCG bearer), the secondary cell group bearer (SCG bearer), and the MCG split bearer. The master cell group bearer includes the E-UTRA PDCP, E-UTRA RLC, and E-UTRA MAC protocol layers. The secondary cell group bearer includes the NR PDCP, NR RLC, and NR MAC protocol layers. The MCG split bearer includes the E-UTRA PDCP, E-UTRA RLC, and E-UTRA MAC protocol layers distributed on the master node.

[0106] In the secondary node (SN), there are three types of radio bearers: the master cell group bearer (MCG bearer), the secondary cell group bearer (SCG bearer), and the SCG split bearer. The master cell group bearer includes the E-UTRA PDCP, E-UTRA RLC, and E-UTRA MAC protocol layers. The secondary cell group bearer includes the NR PDCP, NR RLC, and NR MAC protocol layers. The SCG split bearer includes the E-UTRA-PDCP protocol layer, NR-RLC, and NR-MAC protocol layers distributed on the secondary node.

[0107] In another possible network structure, a radio access network (RAN) node can also split the protocol layers of the gNB in the NR system. There are various ways to split the protocol layers of the gNB. For example, in the NSA network architecture using option 3X for networking, refer to Figure 1E As shown, the 5G base station protocol layers are split from RLC-PDCP. The split NR-PDCP protocol layer is used to control the data splitting of the 5G base station. The functions of the protocol layers above NR-PDCP are set on the MCG bearer or SCG bearer of the MN, or on the MCG bearer or SCG bearer of the SN. The functions of the protocol layers at and below the PDCP protocol layer are set on the split bearer of the MN or SN.

[0108] That is, in the master node (MN), there are three types of radio bearers: the master cell group bearer (MCG bearer), the secondary cell group bearer (SCG bearer), and the MCG split bearer (split bearer). The master cell group bearer includes the E-UTRA PDCP, E-UTRA RLC, and E-UTRA MAC protocol layers. The secondary cell group bearer includes the NR PDCP, NR RLC, and NR MAC protocol layers. The MCG split bearer includes the NR PDCP, E-UTRA RLC, and E-UTRA MAC protocol layers distributed on the master node.

[0109] In the secondary node (SN), there are also three types of radio bearers: the master cell group bearer (MCG bearer), the secondary cell group bearer (SCG bearer), and the SCG split bearer. The MCG bearer includes the E-UTRA PDCP, E-UTRA RLC, and E-UTRA MAC protocol layers. The SCG bearer includes the NR PDCP, NR RLC, and NR MAC protocol layers. The SCG split bearer includes the NR-PDCP, NR-RLC, and NR-MAC protocol layers distributed on the secondary node.

[0110] 4) Uplink data fallback to LTE

[0111] In the LTE only connection state, the total transmit power of the UE is 23 dBm. In the NSA network deployment, the total transmit power of the UE is 23 dBm. Half of the power of the UE (20 dBm) is for LTE, and the other half (20 dBm) is for NR. Since the transmit power for each network is reduced, the uplink coverage limitation becomes more serious. In the NSA scenario, based on the uplink SINR quality on the NR side, when the uplink SINR quality on the NR side is good, the UE performs uplink data transmission on the NR side; when the uplink SINR quality on the NR side deteriorates, the UE performs uplink data transmission on the LTE side, thereby using the uplink coverage ability of LTE to make up for the deficiency of NR uplink coverage. The above method can be called uplink fallback to LTE (ULFB). Downlink data is still transmitted on the NR side to utilize the spectrum bandwidth advantage of NR. In uplink data splitting, according to different network deployment methods, different network devices can control the UE to send uplink service data to the eNodeB. The following is the relevant description in the protocol regarding uplink data splitting:

[0112] 1. When estimating the uplink buffer data volume of the UE and reporting the buffer status report (BSR) of the media access control (MAC) layer: If the network side configures an uplink data splitting threshold and the data waiting to be transmitted by the UE is greater than this threshold, the UE can indicate that there is data to be sent to both the MCG side and the SCG side; otherwise, the UE can indicate that there is data to be sent based on the configured path.

[0113] 2. When the UE is requested by the lower layer to deliver a PDCP protocol layer data packet: If the network side configures an uplink data splitting threshold and the data waiting to be transmitted by the UE is greater than this threshold, the UE can deliver the data to either the MCG side or the SCG side; otherwise, the UE delivers the data based on the configured path.

[0114] According to the service data splitting mechanism of the protocol, the main task is to design certain strategies to control the configuration of the "uplink data splitting threshold" and the "uplink data splitting path", so that under certain conditions, the UE can use the resources of both the MeNB and the SgNB to send uplink service data, or only use one side of the MeNB / SgNB to send uplink service data.

[0115] After ULFB, the network device can change the uplink data splitting threshold (UL-data split threshold) and the uplink data splitting path reconfigured to the UE (for example, set the primary RLC entity to indicate the uplink data splitting path) through the RRC reconfiguration message to control whether the uplink application layer data goes through NR or LTE. Among them, the uplink data splitting path can confirm whether the splitting path goes through the SCG or the MCG through the IE field. Thus, it is determined that the uplink UE can use the resources of both the MeNB and the SgNB to send uplink service data, or only use one side of the MeNB / SgNB to send uplink service data.

[0116] However, after triggering ULFB, only the uplink service data is transmitted through LTE. Control plane data such as status reports, SR requests, and CSI feedback information generated below the PDCP layer of NR (for example, the RLC layer), or control information transmitted on the PRACH and PUCCH, will not perform the uplink data fallback to LTE. That is, the uplink feedback information transmitted through the NR PUCCH still needs to be sent on the NR PUCCH and also needs to be transmitted through the NR side.

[0117] In a weak coverage scenario, for example, Figure 2As shown, when the terminal device is at Location 1, the uplink SINR signal of NR is good, and uplink data can be transmitted on NR. When the terminal device moves to Location 2, the uplink signal-to-noise ratio of NR is poor, triggering ULFB. Transmitting uplink data on NR can be done through LTE. However, for the feedback information of the uplink transmission, it is still transmitted according to the originally set uplink transmission parameters (e.g., MCS and RB), and it is still transmitted on the NR side. At this time, the feedback information of the uplink transmission of NR is prone to high error codes and may also cause continuous uplink error codes of NR. Thus, after multiple abnormal SR transmissions, it will trigger the SR to reach the maximum retransmission, and then trigger the resynchronization process, resulting in repeated reconfiguration until the call drops, thereby causing the interruption of the NR uplink service and even abnormal overall data services. Further, if the uplink signal-to-noise ratio of NR is very poor, resulting in high error codes of the uplink feedback information of NR such as the RLC status report sent by the terminal at the NR base station side, then the NR base station adjusts the downlink transmission rate according to the RLC status report with high error codes, thereby causing the NR downlink TCP window to shrink, affecting the NR downlink rate and the transmission performance of NR downlink data.

[0118] The first communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is as follows. Please refer to Figure 3 for the flowchart of this method. In the following introduction, this method is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown as an example. If the embodiments of the present application are applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown, then the terminal device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the terminal device 102 in the network architecture shown, and the second network device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the network device 101 in the network architecture shown. Here, the NSA network architecture is taken as an example.

[0119] Step 301: The second network device determines whether the terminal device performs uplink fallback to LTE; if so, execute Step 302, if not, execute Step 307;

[0120] Among them, in one possible implementation, the second network device can determine whether the terminal device performs uplink fallback to Long-Term Evolution LTE through the measured values of the channel state reported by the terminal device, such as the measured values of SRS SINR, uplink error rate, uplink SSB-RSRP, etc. For example, the second network device can set an SRS SINR measurement threshold, such as setting the measurement threshold to 5 dB. When the measured value of SRS SINR is greater than the measurement threshold, it is determined that the terminal device performs uplink fallback to LTE. If it is determined that the measured value of SRS SINR is less than the measurement threshold, it is determined that the terminal device does not perform uplink fallback to LTE.

[0121] Step 302: The second network device configures an RRC reconfiguration message for the terminal device.

[0122] Among them, the second network device can configure an RRC reconfiguration message for the terminal device and forward the RRC reconfiguration message through the first network device to instruct the terminal device to send the uplink data of the NR secondary base station through the main base station of LTE.

[0123] Step 303: The second network device configures first transmission resources for the terminal device.

[0124] Among them, the second network device can configure first transmission resources for the terminal device and forward the first transmission resources through the first network device. The first transmission resources are resources for the terminal device to transmit uplink feedback information. Among them, the parameters of the first transmission resources can include at least one of the following: MCS, RB size; the feedback information can include at least one of the following: NR-RLC status report, NR scheduling request, or feedback information of NR-CSI. For example, the first transmission resources can be PUSCH resources.

[0125] The second network device can determine the parameters of the first transmission resources according to the data size of the uplink feedback information. For example, it can decrease the order of the MCS or adjust the size of the RB according to the data size of the uplink feedback information, so as to ensure that the terminal device can correctly transmit the uplink feedback information in one go without transmitting the uplink feedback information multiple times, avoiding affecting the transmission of uplink data and / or downlink data.

[0126] For example, when the uplink feedback information is an RLC status report or an SR scheduling request, at this time, the second network device can adjust the transmission parameters of the first transmission resources according to the packet size of the RLC status report / SR scheduling request. For example, it can reduce the MCS of the first transmission resources to the lowest order, or reduce the size of the RB, or it can also adjust the coding method of the terminal device when sending the uplink feedback information, so as to improve the transmission performance of the uplink, reduce the bit error rate of the uplink transmission, and improve the transmission reliability.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the second network device can configure the first transmission resources dynamically or semi-statically, which is not limited here.

[0128] For example, the second network device can send fifth indication information to the terminal device. The fifth indication information is used to indicate the parameters of the first transmission resources. Thus, the terminal device can determine the first transmission resources according to the parameters of the first transmission resources. Furthermore, the terminal device can send sixth data on the first transmission resources; the sixth data is the uplink feedback information sent to the second network device.

[0129] Step 304: The terminal device sends the seventh data to the second network device;

[0130] Among them, the seventh data is used to indicate the parameters of the channel state where the terminal device and the second network device are located; the parameters of the channel state may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: uplink bit error rate, uplink SSB-RSRP, duration of the bit error rate below a preset threshold, or duration of the SSB-RSRP below a preset threshold;

[0131] Step 305: The second network device determines whether to release the cell resources where the second network device is located according to the parameters of the uplink channel state of the terminal device in the New Radio (NR); if so, execute Step 306; if not, execute Step 308;

[0132] Among them, the parameters of the uplink channel state may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: uplink bit error rate, uplink SSB-RSRP, duration of the bit error rate below a preset threshold, duration of the SSB-RSRP below a preset threshold, and the RLC reaches the maximum retransmission times.

[0133] Step 306: The second network device sends the sixth indication information to the terminal device, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the terminal device to release the cell resources where the second network device is located. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the sixth indication information; thus, the terminal device releases the cell resources where the second network device is located.

[0134] A possible implementation manner is that the second network device can determine whether the terminal device needs to release the cell resources where the second network device is located according to the uplink bit error rate, SSB-RSRP, duration of the bit error rate below a preset threshold, and duration of the SSB-RSRP below a preset threshold.

[0135] For example, when the second device determines that the uplink bit error rate of the terminal device exceeds the bit error threshold (such as 50%), the duration of the uplink bit error rate exceeding the bit error threshold is greater than the first time (such as 2 s), and the SSB-RSRP of the terminal device is lower than the preset threshold (such as -115 dBm), and the duration of the SSB-RSRP below the preset threshold is greater than the second time (such as 2 s), it is determined that the terminal device needs to release the cell resources where the second network device is located. For example, the second network device can actively initiate the SCG release process, or trigger the terminal device to initiate a re-access of the SCG to avoid the service from being stuck.

[0136] It should be noted that the above preset threshold, bit error threshold, etc. can be empirical values or can be determined according to the actual application scenario, and the present application does not make any limitations.

[0137] Step 307: The second network device configures second transmission resources of NR for the terminal device, so that the terminal device transmits uplink data on the second transmission resources configured by NR.

[0138] It should be noted that for the communication method in the above embodiments, this method can also be applied to the SA network architecture. In the case of SA networking, steps 301 and 302 for ULFB configuration are not required, and steps 303 to 307 can still be executed.

[0139] Step 308: End.

[0140] In the scenario where the uplink data of NR falls back to the LTE scenario, the existing implementation solutions cannot effectively control uplink transmission error codes in a timely manner, resulting in a poor overall service experience or even interruption. Especially for latency-sensitive services, problems such as screen freezing, stuttering, and even service disconnection may be introduced in severe cases. The present invention proposes a solution to improve uplink transmission reliability. Based on the data volume size in weak coverage scenarios, a reasonable bearer method is allocated. The application data is carried on the better-covered LTE network, and the NR RLC status report is identified through messages, and the MCS is reduced and the transmission RB is adjusted to ensure transmission on the NR link with weaker coverage. When technologies such as MCS and RB adjustment cannot meet the service requirements and there are still high uplink error codes, an SCG release request is actively initiated to avoid service interruption.

[0141] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method. Please refer to Figure 4A , which is the flowchart of this method. In the following introduction process, this method is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown as an example. If the embodiment of the present application is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown, the terminal device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the terminal device 102 in the network architecture shown, and the second network device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the network device 101 in the network architecture shown. Taking the NSA option3X network architecture as an example below. In the case of NSA option3X networking, the user plane data of the core network first reaches the PDCP of NR, and it is necessary to judge the NR uplink service data on the NR side, identify the NR RLC status report, and hand it down to the NR RLC. And it is determined by the NR side whether the terminal device performs uplink fallback to LTE.

[0142] Step 401a: The second network device determines that the terminal device performs uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0143] Further, the second network device may forward the RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device through the first network device, so that the terminal device confirms that the uplink data falls back to LTE and the uplink data splitting path for the uplink data to fall back to LTE. For example, the second network device may send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device to indicate that the uplink data splitting path is MCG, that is, to instruct the terminal device to perform the fallback of the uplink data to LTE. If the second network device can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device to indicate that the uplink data splitting path is SCG, it means that the terminal device does not perform the fallback of the uplink data to LTE.

[0144] Step 402a: The terminal device determines to perform the fallback of the uplink data to LTE.

[0145] Among them, the terminal device may receive the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the second network device through the first network device to confirm whether the uplink data falls back to LTE.

[0146] Step 403a: The terminal device sends the fourth data from the fifth protocol layer to the third protocol layer.

[0147] As Figure 4B shown, in this embodiment, the fifth protocol layer may be the NR-RLC protocol layer. When receiving downlink data, the terminal device may determine the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data as the content of the fourth data by the third protocol layer. For example, the RLC status report generated by the terminal device when receiving downlink data; or the SR scheduling request generated before receiving downlink data; or the feedback information of NR-CSI determined by the terminal device after receiving downlink data.

[0148] Taking the uplink feedback information as the RLC status report as an example, the terminal device may, according to the PDU header of the first data received from the RLC protocol layer, where the C in the D / C field in the header indicates that the PDU is a control PDU. Therefore, the terminal device may determine that the currently sent fourth data is the RLC status report according to the C in the D / C field in the PDU header.

[0149] Step 404a: The terminal device adds a third protocol layer header to the fourth data to obtain the third data; and sends the third data to the second protocol layer.

[0150] As Figure 4B shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fourth data from the fifth protocol layer through the third protocol layer.

[0151] In the networking mode with the network architecture of option 3X, for example, as Figure 1D shown, at this time, the third protocol layer is the PDCP layer of NR.

[0152] Before the terminal device sends the third data to the second protocol layer, to distinguish service data from uplink feedback information, the terminal device can send the fourth data to LTE for transmission, so as to improve the transmission performance of uplink feedback information when the NR uplink coverage is weak. The terminal device can add indication information to the protocol layer packet header during the process of sending the fourth data, which is used to indicate that the type of the fourth data is uplink feedback information. Thus, the terminal device can determine that the fourth data needs to be transmitted through LTE according to the indication information in the packet header, and then send the fourth data through the air interface of LTE.

[0153] In step 404a, when the terminal device determines that the fourth data is uplink feedback information, it adds a third protocol layer packet header to the fourth data to obtain the third data; wherein, the third protocol layer packet header includes third indication information.

[0154] A possible implementation manner, the third indication information is used to indicate the type of the fourth data. Wherein, the type of the fourth data may include: uplink feedback information, or uplink service data.

[0155] Another possible implementation manner, the third indication information can also be used to indicate the specific content of the fourth data. For example, the third indication information can be used to indicate that the fourth data is the RLC status report sent after the terminal device executes ULFB.

[0156] The third indication information can be located in the packet header of PDCP. The third indication information can be located in a new field or can reuse an existing field. A possible implementation manner, the third indication information is carried in: the PDCP control PDU format field, the PDCP control PDU field.

[0157] For example, in the PDU format (type) field, 000 indicates that the data is the status report of PDCP. There are unused bits fields (010 - 111) in the PDU format (type) field. Therefore, the third indication information can use one of the unused bits fields (010 - 111). For example, it indicates the RLC status report after ULFB through 111. Or, the third indication information can also be carried through the PDCP control PDU field. For example, it indicates that the fourth data is the RLC status report through C in the D / C field in the PDCP control PDU field, so as to indicate that the type of the fourth data is uplink feedback information.

[0158] Such as Figure 4CAs shown in the figure, a possible packet header of the third data. In the D / C field, 0 can be carried to indicate that the fourth data is a PDCP control PDU. In the PDU format field, one of the fields 010 - 111 is filled to indicate that when using ULFB, the RLC status report of NR falls back to the packet header of the PDCP protocol layer of LTE. To save overhead, the field occupied by the third indication information may not include Oct2.

[0159] As Figure 4B shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third data through the second protocol layer. Among them, the second protocol layer is the radio link control (RLC) layer of E-UTRA.

[0160] A possible implementation manner is that the terminal device can determine the type of the third data according to the packet header of the third protocol layer of the third data, so that the terminal device can send the first data to the first protocol layer through the second protocol layer. Here, the first protocol layer is the media access control (MAC) layer of the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRA). Thus, the first data is sent to the first network device through the first protocol layer.

[0161] Another possible implementation manner is that the terminal device can also add a second protocol layer packet header to the third data through the second protocol layer to obtain the first data; among them, the second protocol layer packet header includes second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data.

[0162] The second indication information can be located in the packet header of the RLC. The second indication information can be located in a newly added field or can reuse an existing field. A possible implementation manner is that the second indication information can be carried in: the RLC control protocol data unit (PDU) field. For example, the second indication information can be carried in the field of the RLC control PDU. The second indication information can use any one of 001 - 111 to indicate the type of the third data. Among them, the type of the third data can include: uplink feedback information, or uplink service data. Or, the second indication information can also be used to indicate the specific content of the third data. For example, the second indication information can be used to indicate that the third data is the RLC status report sent after the terminal device performs ULFB.

[0163] Step 405a: The terminal device sends the first data to the first protocol layer.

[0164] As Figure 4B shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first data through the first protocol layer.

[0165] At this time, the terminal device can determine whether the first data is uplink feedback information that needs to be sent by LTE according to the second protocol layer header. When it is determined that the first data is uplink feedback information that needs to be sent by LTE, the terminal device adds a first protocol layer header to the first data to obtain second data. The first protocol layer header includes first indication information.

[0166] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data. In another possible implementation, the first indication information can also be used to indicate the specific content of the first data. For example, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the first data is an RLC status report sent after the terminal device performs ULFB.

[0167] Among them, the first indication information can be located in the first protocol layer header. The first indication information can be located in a newly added field or can reuse an existing field. In a possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried in at least one of the following: the R field of the MAC header or the LCID field of the MAC header.

[0168] For example, as Figure 4D shown, the first indication information can be carried in the R field of the MAC header or the local area setting identifier LCID field of the MAC header. The first indication information can use 0 or 1 set in the R field to indicate the first indication information, or the first indication information can use one of 35 - 39 in the LCID field. To save overhead, the fields occupied by the first indication information may not include Oct2.

[0169] Step 406a: The terminal device sends the second data to the first network device through the first protocol layer.

[0170] The second network device and the first network device are network devices of different network modes.

[0171] For example, as Figure 4B shown, correspondingly, the first network device receives the second data from the terminal device.

[0172] Step 407a: The first network device determines whether the second data is data of uplink feedback information.

[0173] The first network device can determine whether the second data is data of uplink feedback information according to the first indication information carried in the header of the first protocol layer. For example, the first indication information is carried in the R field of the MAC header, and the type of the first data is indicated as uplink feedback information through the R field, so that it can be determined that the second data needs to be sent to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device.

[0174] Step 408a: The first network device removes the header of the first protocol layer of the second data through the first protocol layer to obtain the first data; and sends the first data to the second protocol layer through the first protocol layer.

[0175] As Figure 4E shown, in the specific implementation, the first indication information in the header of the first protocol layer can be removed according to the way that the terminal device adds the first indication information in the header of the first protocol layer, and the header of the first protocol layer is removed.

[0176] Step 409a: The first network device removes the header of the second protocol layer of the first data through the second protocol layer, and sends the first data to the third protocol layer of the second network device through the second protocol layer.

[0177] As Figure 4E shown, the first network device can parse the header of the second protocol layer according to the first data received by the second protocol layer, and determine the type of the first data, so as to determine that the first data needs to be sent to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device. Furthermore, the first network device can remove the header of the second protocol layer to obtain the third data, and send the third data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the X2 interface.

[0178] Step 4010a: The second network device removes the header of the third protocol layer of the third data through the third protocol layer to obtain the fourth data, and sends the fourth data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the third protocol layer.

[0179] In step 4010a, the first network device sends the fourth data to the third protocol layer of the second network device through the third protocol layer. Thus, the second network device can determine the type of the fourth data through NR PDCP, for example, determine whether the fourth data is an RLC status report. If it is determined that the fourth data is a ULFB RLC status report, it is handed down to the fifth protocol layer of NR RLC, so that the NR-RLC protocol layer receives the fourth data for corresponding processing. Otherwise, it is handed up according to the normal service data sending method.

[0180] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method. Please refer to Figure 4F , which is the flowchart of this method. In the following introduction process, it is assumed that this method is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown. If the embodiment of the present application is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown, the terminal device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the terminal device 102 in the network architecture shown. The second network device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the network device 101 in the network architecture shown. Here, the option 3 networking of the NSA network architecture is taken as an example. It can be referred toFigure 1D The networking structure shown. In the case of the NSA option 3 networking, the user plane data of the core network first reaches the PDCP of LTE, and it is necessary to judge the NR uplink service data on the LTE side and identify the NR RLC status report, and then deliver it downward to the NR RLC.

[0181] Step 401b: The second network device determines that the terminal device performs uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0182] At this time, the second network device can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device through the first network device, so that the terminal device confirms that the uplink data falls back to LTE and the uplink data splitting path for the uplink data to fall back to LTE. For example, the first network device can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device, which is used to indicate that the uplink data splitting path is MCG, that is, it indicates that the terminal device performs uplink data fallback to LTE. If the first network device can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device, which is used to indicate that the uplink data splitting path is SCG, that is, it indicates that the terminal device does not perform uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0183] Step 402b: The terminal device determines to perform uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0184] Among them, the terminal device can confirm whether the uplink data falls back to LTE by receiving the RRC reconfiguration message sent by the first network device.

[0185] Step 403b: The terminal device sends the fifth data from the fifth protocol layer to the fourth protocol layer.

[0186] In the networking mode of option 3 for the network architecture, for example, as Figure 1D shown, at this time, the fourth protocol layer is the packet data convergence PDCP layer of E-UTRA. The fifth protocol layer can be the NR-RLC protocol layer. When the terminal device receives downlink data, the fourth protocol layer can determine the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data as the content of the fifth data.

[0187] The specific implementation manner can refer to the manner in step 403a and will not be elaborated here.

[0188] Step 404b: The terminal device adds a fourth protocol layer header to the fifth data to obtain the third data; and sends the third data to the second protocol layer.

[0189] As Figure 4G shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth data from the fifth protocol layer through the fourth protocol layer.

[0190] In step 404b, when the terminal device determines that the fifth data is uplink feedback information, it adds a fourth protocol layer header to the fifth data to obtain the third data; wherein, the fourth protocol layer header includes fourth indication information.

[0191] In a possible implementation, the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fifth data. The type of the fifth data may include: uplink feedback information, or uplink service data.

[0192] In another possible implementation, the fourth indication information may also be used to indicate the specific content of the fifth data. For example, the fourth indication information may be used to indicate that the fifth data is an RLC status report sent after the terminal device performs ULFB. The fourth indication information may be located in the header of PDCP. The fourth indication information may be located in a newly added field or may reuse an existing field. In a possible implementation, the fourth indication information is carried in: the PDCP control PDU format field, the PDCP control PDU field.

[0193] For the specific implementation manner, reference may be made to the manner of adding the third protocol layer header to obtain the third data in step 404a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0194] As Figure 4G shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third data through the second protocol layer.

[0195] Wherein, the second protocol layer is the radio link control (RLC) layer of E-UTRA.

[0196] In a possible implementation, the terminal device may determine the type of the third data according to the fourth protocol layer header of the third data, so that the terminal device can add a second protocol layer header through the second protocol layer to obtain the first data, and send the first data to the first protocol layer. Thus, the first protocol layer adds the first protocol layer header to the first data to obtain the second data, and sends the second data to the first network device.

[0197] Step 405b: The terminal device sends the first data to the first protocol layer.

[0198] As Figure 4G shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first data through the first protocol layer.

[0199] Step 406b: The terminal device sends the second data to the first network device through the first protocol layer.

[0200] The second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies.

[0201] As Figure 4GAs shown, correspondingly, the first network device receives second data from the terminal device.

[0202] Step 407b: The first network device determines whether the second data is data of uplink feedback information.

[0203] Step 408b: The first network device removes the first protocol layer packet header of the second data through the first protocol layer to obtain first data, and sends the first data to the second protocol layer through the first protocol layer.

[0204] As Figure 4H shown, in the specific implementation, the first indication information in the first protocol layer packet header can be removed according to the way that the terminal device adds the first indication information in the first protocol layer packet header, and the first protocol layer packet header is removed.

[0205] Step 409b: The first network device removes the second protocol layer packet header of the first data through the second protocol layer to obtain third data, and sends the third data to the fourth protocol layer of the second network device through the second protocol layer.

[0206] As Figure 4H shown, the first network device can parse the second protocol layer header according to the third data received by the second protocol layer, and determine the type of the third data, so as to determine that the third data needs to be sent to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device. Furthermore, the first network device can remove the second protocol layer packet header to obtain third data, and send the third data to the fourth protocol layer of the second network device through the X2 interface.

[0207] Step 4010b: The second network device removes the fourth protocol layer packet header of the third data through the fourth protocol layer, and sends the fifth data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the fourth protocol layer.

[0208] In step 4009b, the first network device sends the third data to the fourth protocol layer of the second network device through the fourth protocol layer. Thus, in step 4010b, the second network device can determine the type of the fifth data by separating the fourth protocol layer (LTE PDCP) in the bearer. For example, it is determined whether the fifth data is an RLC status report. If it is determined that the fifth data is a UL FB RLC status report, it is handed down to the NR RLC fifth protocol layer, so that the NR-RLC protocol layer receives the fifth data for corresponding processing. Otherwise, it is handed up in the normal way of sending service data.

[0209] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method. Please refer to Figure 5A , which is a flowchart of this method. In the following introduction process, it is taken that this method is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown as an example. If the embodiment of the present application is applied in Figure 1AFor the network architecture shown, the terminal device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the terminal device 102 in the network architecture shown. The second network device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the network device 101 in the network architecture shown. Here, take the option 3X networking of the NSA network architecture as an example.

[0210] Step 501a: The second network device determines that the terminal device performs uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0211] For the specific implementation, reference can be made to the implementation in step 401a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0212] Step 502a: The terminal device determines to perform uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0213] For the specific implementation, reference can be made to the implementation in step 402a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0214] Step 503a: The terminal device sends the third data to the second protocol layer.

[0215] In this embodiment, the fifth protocol layer may be the NR-RLC protocol layer, and the second protocol layer is the radio link control RLC layer of E-UTRA. The third data is the uplink feedback information determined by the fifth protocol layer of the terminal device. For the specific way of determining the uplink feedback information, reference can be made to step 403a and step 403b. For example, when receiving downlink data, the terminal device may determine the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data as the content of the third data by the fifth protocol layer.

[0216] As Figure 5B shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third data from the fifth protocol layer through the second protocol layer.

[0217] When the terminal device determines that the third data is uplink feedback information, it adds a second protocol layer header to the third data through the second protocol layer to obtain the first data; wherein, the second protocol layer header includes second indication information.

[0218] In a possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data. The type of the third data may include: uplink feedback information, or uplink service data.

[0219] In another possible implementation, the second indication information may also be used to indicate the specific content of the third data. For example, the second indication information may be used to indicate that the third data is the RLC status report sent after the terminal device performs ULFB.

[0220] In a possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the type of the third data according to the second protocol layer packet header of the first data, so that the terminal device determines that the third data is uplink feedback information to be sent to the first network device, and then adds a second protocol layer packet header to the third data to obtain the first data, enabling the second protocol layer to send the first data to the first network device.

[0221] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can also add a first protocol layer packet header to the first data through the first protocol layer to obtain the second data, enabling the first protocol layer to send the second data to the first network device. Through the above method, the sending of the third data to the first network device can be completed. Among them, the second protocol layer packet header includes second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data.

[0222] For the specific manner of adding the second protocol layer packet header to obtain the first data, reference can be made to the implementation manner in step 404a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0223] Step 504a: The terminal device sends the first data to the first protocol layer.

[0224] As Figure 5E shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first data through the first protocol layer.

[0225] Step 505a: The terminal device sends the second data to the first network device through the first protocol layer.

[0226] The second network device and the first network device are network devices of different systems.

[0227] For the specific manner of adding the first protocol layer packet header to obtain the second data, reference can be made to the implementation manner in step 405a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0228] As Figure 5B shown, correspondingly, the first network device receives the second data from the terminal device.

[0229] Step 506a: The first network device determines whether the second data is data of uplink feedback information.

[0230] For the specific implementation manner, reference can be made to the implementation manner in step 407a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0231] Step 507a: The first network device removes the first protocol layer packet header of the second data through the first protocol layer to obtain the first data, and sends the first data to the second protocol layer through the first protocol layer.

[0232] As Figure 5C shown, for the specific implementation manner, reference can be made to the implementation manner in step 408a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0233] Step 508a: The first network device removes the second - protocol - layer packet header of the first data through the second protocol layer to obtain the third data, and sends the third data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the second protocol layer.

[0234] As Figure 5C shown, the first network device can parse the second - protocol - layer header according to the first data received by the second protocol layer, so as to determine the type of the third data, and thus determine that the third data needs to be sent to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device. Furthermore, the first network device can remove the second - protocol - layer packet header and send the third data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the air interface between the first network device and the second network device.

[0235] In step 508a, after receiving the third data, if the second network device determines that the third data is the data of the uplink feedback information, it performs corresponding processing on the third data through the NR - RLC protocol layer. If it determines that the third data is the uplink service data, it forwards it upward according to the normal service - data sending method.

[0236] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method. Please refer to Figure 5D for the flowchart of this method. In the following introduction process, this method is applied to the Figure 1A shown network architecture as an example. If the embodiment of the present application is applied to the Figure 1A shown network architecture, the terminal device described below can implement the functions of the terminal device 102 in the Figure 1A shown network architecture, and the second network device described below can implement the functions of the network device 101 in the Figure 1A shown network architecture. Here, the NSA network architecture's option3 networking is taken as an example. For the NSA option3 networking scenario, the user - plane data of the core network first arrives at the LTE's PDCP, and it is necessary to judge the NR uplink service data on the LTE side and identify the NR RLC status report, and forward it downward to the NR RLC.

[0237] Step 501b: The second network device determines that the terminal device performs uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0238] The specific implementation can refer to the implementation in step 401b, and will not be elaborated here.

[0239] Step 502b: The terminal device determines to perform uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0240] The specific implementation can refer to the implementation in step 402b, and will not be elaborated here.

[0241] Step 503b: The terminal device sends the third data to the second protocol layer.

[0242] Among them, the third data may be uplink feedback information determined by the terminal device. Specifically, reference may be made to the generation method of the third data in step 503a.

[0243] As Figure 5E shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third data from the fifth protocol layer through the second protocol layer.

[0244] Step 504b: The terminal device sends the first data to the first protocol layer.

[0245] The terminal device may add a second protocol layer header to the third data through the second protocol layer to obtain the first data.

[0246] The specific method of adding the second protocol layer header to obtain the first data may refer to the implementation method in step 504a and will not be elaborated here.

[0247] As Figure 5E shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first data through the first protocol layer.

[0248] Step 505b: The terminal device sends the second data to the first network device through the first protocol layer.

[0249] The second network device and the first network device are network devices of different systems.

[0250] The specific method of adding the first protocol layer header to the first data to obtain the second data may refer to the implementation method in step 505a and will not be elaborated here.

[0251] As Figure 5E shown, correspondingly, the first network device receives the second data from the terminal device.

[0252] Step 506b: The first network device determines whether the second data is data of uplink feedback information.

[0253] The specific implementation method may refer to the implementation method in step 407a and will not be elaborated here.

[0254] Step 507b: The first network device removes the first protocol layer header of the second data through the first protocol layer and sends the first data to the second protocol layer through the first protocol layer.

[0255] As Figure 5F shown, the specific implementation method may refer to the implementation method in step 408a and will not be elaborated here.

[0256] Step 508b: The first network device removes the second protocol layer header of the first data through the second protocol layer and sends the first data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the second protocol layer.

[0257] As Figure 5F shown, the first network device can parse the second protocol layer header based on the first data received by the second protocol layer and determine the type of the fifth data, so as to determine that the fifth data needs to be sent to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device. Furthermore, the first network device can remove the second protocol layer header and send the fifth data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the air interface between the first network device and the second network device.

[0258] In step 508b, after receiving the fifth data, if the second network device determines that the fifth data is the data of the uplink feedback information, it performs corresponding processing through the NR-RLC protocol layer. If it determines that the fifth data is the uplink service data, it delivers it upward according to the sending method of the normal service data.

[0259] The embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method. Please refer to Figure 6A the flowchart of this method. In the following introduction process, this method is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown. If the embodiment of the present application is applied to Figure 1A the network architecture shown, the terminal device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the terminal device 102 in the network architecture shown, and the second network device described below can implement Figure 1A the functions of the network device 101 in the network architecture shown. The following takes the NSA network architecture as an example.

[0260] Step 601: The second network device determines that the terminal device performs uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0261] By the second network device determining that the terminal device performs uplink data fallback to LTE, the specific implementation can refer to the implementation manners of step 401a or step 401b.

[0262] Step 602: The terminal device determines to perform uplink data fallback to LTE.

[0263] Step 603: The terminal device sends the first data to the first protocol layer.

[0264] As Figure 6B shown, correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first data from the fifth protocol layer through the first protocol layer.

[0265] At this time, the first data may be uplink feedback information generated by the fifth protocol layer of the terminal device. The generation method of the uplink feedback information may refer to the generation method of the fourth data in step 403a or the fifth data in step 403b, which will not be elaborated here.

[0266] In this embodiment, the fifth protocol layer may be the NR-RLC protocol layer, and the first protocol layer is the MAC layer of E-UTRA.

[0267] When the terminal device receives downlink data, the fifth protocol layer may determine the uplink feedback information corresponding to the downlink data as the content of the first data. When the terminal device determines that the first data is uplink feedback information, a first protocol layer header is added to the first data; wherein, the first protocol layer header includes first indication information.

[0268] In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data. Among them, the type of the first data may include: uplink feedback information, or uplink service data.

[0269] In another possible implementation manner, the first indication information may also be used to indicate the specific content of the first data. For example, the second indication information may be used to indicate that the first data is an RLC status report sent after the terminal device performs ULFB.

[0270] In a possible implementation manner, the terminal device may determine the data type of the first data according to the first protocol layer header of the first data, so that the terminal device may send the first data with the first protocol layer header added to the LTE air interface through the first protocol layer.

[0271] The specific manner of adding the first protocol layer header to obtain the second data may refer to the implementation manners in step 405a or step 405b, which will not be elaborated here.

[0272] Step 604: The terminal device sends the second data to the first network device through the first protocol layer.

[0273] The second network device and the first network device are network devices of different systems.

[0274] The specific implementation manner may refer to the implementation manners in step 406a or step 406b, which will not be elaborated here.

[0275] As Figure 6B shown, correspondingly, the first network device receives the second data from the terminal device.

[0276] Step 605: The first network device determines whether the second data is data of uplink feedback information.

[0277] For specific implementation manners, reference may be made to the implementation manners in step 407a or step 407b, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0278] Step 606: The first network device removes the packet header of the first protocol layer of the second data through the first protocol layer to obtain the first data, and sends the first data to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the first protocol layer.

[0279] As Figure 6C shown, the first network device may receive the second data according to the first protocol layer, parse the first protocol layer header, and determine the type of the first data, so as to determine that the first data needs to be sent to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device. Furthermore, the first network device may remove the first protocol layer packet header, and send the first data with the first protocol layer packet header removed to the fifth protocol layer of the second network device through the air interface between the first network device and the second network device. For specific implementation manners, reference may be made to the implementation manners in step 4010a or step 4010b, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0280] In step 606, after receiving the first data, if the second network device determines that the first data is data of uplink feedback information, it performs corresponding processing on the first data through the NR-RLC protocol layer. If it determines that the first data is uplink service data, it delivers it upward in the normal sending manner of service data.

[0281] Through the above method, the terminal device and the network device transfer the uplink feedback information on the NR side to the LTE side for transmission, avoiding service interruption. In the scenario of weak signal coverage, the present invention maximally guarantees the reliability of uplink data transmission, reduces the transmission delay, reduces system resource waste, and even the possibility of service being stuck, greatly improving the user experience.

[0282] The following introduces the apparatus for implementing the above method in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings. Therefore, the content in the above can be used in subsequent embodiments, and the repeated content will not be elaborated.

[0283] Figure 7 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication apparatus 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0284] The communication device 700 includes a processing module 710 and a transceiver module 720. Exemplarily, the communication device 700 may be a terminal device, or a chip applied to the terminal device, or other combined devices, components, etc. with the functions of the above terminal device. When the communication device 700 is a terminal device, the transceiver module 720 may be a transceiver, and the transceiver may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc. The processing module 710 may be a processor, such as a baseband processor, and the baseband processor may include one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the communication device 700 is a component with the functions of the above terminal device, the transceiver module 720 may be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module 710 may be a processor, such as a baseband processor. When the communication device 700 is a chip system, the transceiver module 720 may be an input / output interface of the chip (such as a baseband chip), and the processing module 710 may be a processor of the chip system, which may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the processing module 710 in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver module 720 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components.

[0285] For example, the processing module 710 may be used to execute Figures 3 - 6A all operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments, such as step 304, steps 402a - 406a, steps 402b - 406b, steps 502a - step 505a, steps 502b - step 505b, steps 602 - step 603, such as determining to execute uplink data fallback to LTE, adding a first protocol layer header to the first data, etc., and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein. The transceiver module 720 may be used to execute Figures 3 - 6A all transceiver operations performed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiments, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein.

[0286] In addition, the transceiver module 720 may be a functional module that can complete both transmission and reception operations. For example, the transceiver module 720 may be used to execute Figures 3 - 6A all transmission and reception operations performed by the terminal in the illustrated embodiments. For example, when performing a transmission operation, the transceiver module 720 may be regarded as a transmission module, and when performing a reception operation, the transceiver module 720 may be regarded as a reception module; or, the transceiver module 720 may also be two functional modules, and the transceiver module 720 may be regarded as the general term of these two functional modules. These two functional modules are a transmission module and a reception module respectively. The transmission module is used to complete the transmission operation. For example, the transmission module may be used to execute Figures 3 - 6AIn any of the embodiments shown, all the sending operations performed by the terminal device, and the receiving module is used to complete the receiving operations. For example, the receiving module can be used to execute Figures 3 - 6A All the receiving operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiments shown.

[0287] Among them, the processing module 710 is used to add a first protocol layer header to the first data to obtain second data; the first protocol layer header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data.

[0288] The transceiver module 720 is used to receive the first data through the first protocol layer; the first data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the PDCP protocol layer; and send the second data to the first network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies.

[0289] In a possible implementation, the first protocol layer is the MAC layer of E-UTRA; the first indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the R field of the MAC header, or the LCID field of the MAC header.

[0290] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 720 is further used to receive third data through a second protocol layer; the second protocol layer is the RLC layer of E-UTRA; the third data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; and send the first data to the first protocol layer through the second protocol layer. The processing module 710 is further used to add a second protocol layer header to the third data to obtain the first data; the second protocol layer header includes second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data.

[0291] In a possible implementation, the second indication information is carried in: the RLC control PDU field.

[0292] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 720 is further used to receive fourth data through a third protocol layer; the third protocol layer is the PDCP layer of New Radio (NR); the fourth data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; and send the third data to the second protocol layer through the third protocol layer.

[0293] The processing module 710 is further used to add a third protocol layer header to the fourth data to obtain the third data; the third protocol layer header includes third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the type of the fourth data.

[0294] In a possible implementation, the third indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the PDCP control PDU format field, the PDCP control PDU field.

[0295] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 720 is further configured to receive fifth data through a fourth protocol layer; the fifth data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the fourth protocol layer is the PDCP layer of E-UTRA; and to send the third data to the second protocol layer through the fourth protocol layer.

[0296] The processing module 710 is further configured to add a fourth protocol layer packet header to the fifth data to obtain the third data; the fourth protocol layer packet header includes fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fifth data.

[0297] In a possible implementation, the fourth indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the PDCP control PDU format field, the PDCP control PDU field.

[0298] In a possible implementation, the processing module 710 is further configured to determine that the terminal device performs an uplink fallback to Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[0299] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 720 is further configured to receive fifth indication information; the fifth indication information is used to indicate parameters of a first transmission resource; the processing module 710 is further configured to determine the first transmission resource according to the parameters of the first transmission resource; and to send sixth data to the second network device on the first transmission resource through the transceiver module 720; the sixth data is uplink feedback information sent to the second network device.

[0300] In a possible implementation, the parameters of the first transmission resource include at least one of the following: MCS, RB; the feedback information includes at least one of the following: an NR-RLC status report, an NR scheduling request, or feedback information of NR-CSI.

[0301] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 720 is further configured to send seventh data to the second network device; the seventh data is used to indicate parameters of a channel state between the terminal device and the second network device; the parameters of the channel state include at least one of the following: uplink bit error rate, uplink SSB-reference signal received power (RSRP), duration of the bit error rate being lower than a preset threshold, or duration of the SSB-RSRP being lower than a preset threshold.

[0302] The transceiver module 720 is further configured to receive sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to release the cell resources of the second network device.

[0303] Figure 8 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0304] The communication device 800 includes a processing module 810 and a transceiver module 820. Exemplarily, the communication device 800 may be a network device, or a chip applied to a network device, or other combined devices, components, etc. with the functions of the above network device. When the communication device 800 is a network device, the transceiver module 820 may be a transceiver, and the transceiver may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc. The processing module 810 may be a processor, such as a baseband processor, and the baseband processor may include one or more CPUs. When the communication device 800 is a component with the functions of the above network device, the transceiver module 820 may be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module 810 may be a processor, such as a baseband processor. When the communication device 800 is a chip system, the transceiver module 820 may be an input / output interface of the chip (such as a baseband chip), and the processing module 810 may be a processor of the chip system, which may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the processing module 810 in the embodiment of the present application may be implemented by a processor or a processor-related circuit component, and the transceiver module 820 may be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component.

[0305] For example, the processing module 810 may be configured to execute Figures 3 - 6A all operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the second network device in the illustrated embodiments, such as steps 301 - step 303, steps 305 - step 308, step 401a, step 4010a, step 401b, step 4010b, step 501a, step 508a, step 501b, step 508b, step 601, step 605, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein. The transceiver module 820 may be configured to execute Figures 3 - 6A all transceiver operations performed by the second network device in the illustrated embodiments, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein.

[0306] For example, the processing module 810 may be configured to execute Figures 3 - 6AAll operations other than the transceiver operations performed by the first network device in the illustrated embodiments, for example, steps 301 - step 303, steps 305 - step 308, step 401a, steps 407a - step 409a, step 401b, steps 407b - step 409b, step 501a, steps 506a - step 507a, step 501b, steps 506b - step 507b, step 604 and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein. The transceiver module 820 may be used to perform Figures 3 - 6A All transceiver operations performed by the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in the illustrated embodiments, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein.

[0307] In addition, regarding the implementation manner of the transceiver module 820, reference may be made to the introduction of the implementation manner of the transceiver module 820.

[0308] In a possible embodiment, the communication device 800 is the first network device.

[0309] The transceiver module 820 is configured to receive second data from the terminal device through a first protocol layer; and send the first data to the second network device. The terminal device is a terminal device performing uplink fallback to LTE; the second data is used to carry uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies; the second data includes a first protocol layer packet header of the first network device; the first protocol layer packet header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the PDCP protocol layer;

[0310] The processing module 810 is configured to remove the first protocol layer packet header of the second data to obtain the first data; and send the first data to the second network device through the transceiver module 820.

[0311] In a possible implementation manner, the first protocol layer is the MAC layer of E-UTRA; the first indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the R field of the MAC header, or the logical channel identifier (LCID) field of the MAC header.

[0312] In a possible implementation manner, the first data further includes a second protocol layer packet header; the second protocol layer is the RLC layer of E-UTRA; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data; the third data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to a communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the second indication information is carried in: the RLC control PDU field;

[0313] The transceiver module 820 is further configured to receive the first data through the second protocol layer; and send the third data to the second network device through the second protocol layer.

[0314] The processing module 810 is further configured to remove the second protocol layer packet header of the first data to obtain the third data.

[0315] In a possible implementation, the third data further includes a third protocol layer packet header; the third protocol layer is the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer of the New Radio (NR); the third protocol layer packet header includes third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the type of the fourth data; the fourth data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device.

[0316] The transceiver module 820 is further configured to receive the third data through the third protocol layer; and send the fourth data to the second network device.

[0317] The processing module 810 is further configured to remove the third protocol layer packet header of the third data to obtain the fourth data.

[0318] In a possible implementation, the fourth indication information is carried in at least one of the following: PDCP control PDU format field, PDCP control PDU field.

[0319] In a possible implementation, the third data further includes a fourth protocol layer packet header; the fourth protocol layer is the PDCP layer of E-UTRA; the fourth protocol layer packet header includes fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fifth data; the fifth data carries uplink feedback information corresponding to the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device.

[0320] The transceiver module 820 is further configured to receive the third data through the fourth protocol layer; and send the fifth data to the second network device.

[0321] The processing module 810 is further configured to remove the fourth protocol layer packet header of the third data to obtain the fifth data.

[0322] In a possible implementation, the fourth indication information is carried in at least one of the following: PDCP control PDU format field, PDCP control PDU field.

[0323] In a possible embodiment, the communication device 800 is the second network device.

[0324] A possible implementation manner, the processing module 810 is configured to determine parameters of a first transmission resource of the terminal device according to whether the terminal device performs uplink fallback to Long Term Evolution (LTE); the first transmission resource is a resource for the terminal device to transmit uplink feedback information.

[0325] The transceiver module 820 is configured to send indication information to the terminal device; the indication information is used to indicate the parameters of the first transmission resource.

[0326] A possible implementation manner, the parameters of the first transmission resource include at least one of the following: Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), Resource Block (RB); the uplink feedback information includes at least one of the following: NR-RLC status report, NR scheduling request, feedback information of NR-Channel State Information (CSI).

[0327] A possible implementation manner, the processing module 810 is further configured to, if it is determined that the terminal device performs uplink fallback to LTE, the second network device adjusts the parameters of the first transmission resource according to the packet size of the uplink feedback information.

[0328] A possible implementation manner, the processing module 810 is further configured to determine to release the cell resources of the second network device according to parameters of the uplink channel state of the terminal device in New Radio (NR); the parameters of the uplink channel state include at least one of the following: uplink bit error rate, uplink SSB-RSRP, duration of the bit error rate being lower than a preset threshold, duration of the SSB-RSRP being lower than a preset threshold, and the RLC reaching the maximum retransmission times.

[0329] Based on the same concept as the above communication method, as Figure 9 shown, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 900. The communication device 900 can be used to implement the methods performed by the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in the above method embodiments, and reference can be made to the descriptions in the above method embodiments. Among them, the communication device 900 can be a network device, a terminal device, or can be located in a network device or a terminal device. The network device can be the first network device or the second network device in the embodiment of the present application.

[0330] The communication device 900 includes one or more processors 901. The processor 901 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a network device, a terminal device, a vehicle-mounted device, or a chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The communication device 900 can include a transceiver unit for realizing the input (reception) and output (transmission) of signals. For example, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, a radio frequency chip, etc.

[0331] The communication device 900 includes one or more processors 901, and the one or more processors 901 can implement the methods executed by the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0332] Optionally, in addition to implementing the methods in the foregoing embodiments, the processor 901 can also implement other functions. Optionally, in one implementation, the processor 901 can execute a computer program to cause the communication device 900 to execute the methods executed by the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments. The computer program can be stored in whole or in part in the processor 901, such as the computer program 903, or can be stored in whole or in part in the memory 902 coupled to the processor 901, such as the computer program 904. It can also be through the computer programs 903 and 904 together to cause the communication device 900 to execute the methods executed by the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0333] In another possible implementation, the communication device 900 can also include a circuit, and this circuit can implement the functions executed by the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0334] In another possible implementation, the communication device 900 can include one or more memories 902, on which a computer program 904 is stored. The computer program can be run on the processor to cause the communication device 900 to execute the communication method described in the foregoing method embodiments. Optionally, data can also be stored in the memory. Optionally, the computer program and / or data can also be stored in the processor. For example, the foregoing one or more memories 902 can store the association or correspondence described in the foregoing embodiments, or the relevant parameters or tables involved in the foregoing embodiments, etc. Among them, the processor and the memory can be set separately, or integrated or coupled together.

[0335] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver unit 905. The processor 901 may be referred to as a processing unit to control the communication device (the first communication device or the second communication device). The transceiver unit 905 may be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and is used to implement the transceiver of data or control signaling.

[0336] For example, if the communication device 900 is a chip applied to a communication device or other combined devices, components, etc. having the functions of the above communication device, the communication device 900 may include a transceiver unit 905.

[0337] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver unit 905 and an antenna 906. The processor 901 may be referred to as a processing unit to control the communication device (a terminal device, a first network device, or a second network device). The transceiver unit 905 may be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and is used to implement the transceiver function of the device through the antenna 906.

[0338] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the steps of the above method embodiments may be completed by the integrated logic circuit in the hardware of the processor or the computer program in software form. The above processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc. The method steps disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed and completed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed and completed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0339] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and directrambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include but not be limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0340] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the method described in any of the method embodiments applied to the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device is implemented.

[0341] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, and when the computer program product is executed by a computer, the method described in any of the method embodiments applied to the terminal device, the first network device, or the second network device is implemented.

[0342] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a high-definition digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)), etc.

[0343] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface; the processor is configured to execute the method described in any of the method embodiments applied to the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device above.

[0344] It should be understood that the above processing device can be a chip, and the processor can be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that implements by reading software code stored in a memory. The memory can be integrated in the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0345] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system can include the Figures 3 - 6A terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device involved in the embodiments shown above.

[0346] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the Figures 3 - 6AThe processes related to the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0347] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product for storing a computer program, which when executed by a computer, can implement the Figures 3 - 6A The processes related to the terminal device, the first network device, and the second network device in the illustrated embodiments.

[0348] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a CPU, or may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0349] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0350] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, the memory (storage module) is integrated in the processor.

[0351] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0352] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the magnitudes of the sequence numbers of the above processes do not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0353] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. The nouns "network" and "system" are often used interchangeably, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. Information, signal, message, and channel can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are the same.

[0354] It should be noted that in the description of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor as indicating or implying order.

[0355] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0356] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated herein.

[0357] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections of the devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0358] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0359] In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, the functional units can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0360] If the above-mentioned functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access. By way of example but not limited to: the computer-readable medium can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), universal serial bus flash disk, mobile hard disk, or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage medium, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer.

[0361] As described above, the above is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the embodiments of this application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: The terminal device receives first data through a first protocol layer; the first data carries uplink feedback information of a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; The first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer; The terminal device sends the uplink feedback information to the second network device through a first network device; The terminal device sending the uplink feedback information to the second network device through the first network device includes: The terminal device sends second data to the first network device; The second data is data obtained by adding a first protocol layer header to the first data; the first protocol layer header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different radio access technologies.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protocol layer is the Media Access Control layer of the Long-Term Evolution Radio Access Network; the first indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the R field of the Media Access Control header, or the Area Set Identifier field of the Media Access Control header.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The first data includes a second protocol layer header; the method further includes: The terminal device receives third data through a second protocol layer; the second protocol layer is the Radio Link Control layer of the Long-Term Evolution Radio Access Network; the third data carries uplink feedback information of a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; The terminal device adds a second protocol layer header to the third data to obtain the first data; the second protocol layer header includes second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data; The terminal device sends the first data to the first protocol layer through the second protocol layer.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The second indication information is carried in the Radio Link Control Protocol Data Unit field.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: The terminal device receives fourth data through a third protocol layer; the third protocol layer is the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer of the New Radio; the fourth data carries uplink feedback information of a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; The terminal device adds a third protocol layer header to the fourth data to obtain the third data; the third protocol layer header includes third indication information; the third indication information is used to indicate the type of the fourth data; The terminal device sends the third data to the second protocol layer through the third protocol layer.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The third indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the Packet Data Convergence Protocol Control Protocol Data Unit Format field, the Packet Data Convergence Protocol Control Protocol Data Unit field.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: The terminal device receives fifth data through a fourth protocol layer; the fifth data carries uplink feedback information of a communication link between the terminal device and a second network device; the fourth protocol layer is the Packet Data Convergence Protocol layer of the Long-Term Evolution Radio Access Network; The terminal device adds a fourth protocol layer header to the fifth data to obtain the third data; the fourth protocol layer header includes fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fifth data. The terminal device sends the added third data to the second protocol layer through the fourth protocol layer.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The fourth indication information is carried in at least one of the following: packet data convergence protocol control protocol data unit format field, packet data convergence protocol control protocol data unit field.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Before the terminal device receives the first data through the first protocol layer, it further includes: The terminal device determines that the terminal device performs uplink fallback to Long Term Evolution.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives fifth indication information; the fifth indication information is used to indicate the parameters of the first transmission resource. The terminal device determines the first transmission resource according to the parameters of the first transmission resource. The terminal device sends sixth data on the first transmission resource to the second network device; the sixth data is uplink feedback information sent to the second network device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The parameters of the first transmission resource include at least one of the following: modulation and coding strategy, resource block. The feedback information includes at least one of the following: New Radio - Radio Link Control status report, New Radio scheduling request, or feedback information of New Radio - Channel State Information.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein Before the terminal device receives the fifth indication information, it further includes: The terminal device sends seventh data to the second network device; the seventh data is used to indicate the parameters of the channel state between the terminal device and the second network device; the parameters of the channel state include at least one of the following: uplink bit error rate, uplink synchronization signal and Physical Channel Block - Reference Signal Received Power, duration of bit error rate lower than a preset threshold, or duration of synchronization signal and Physical Channel Block - Reference Signal Received Power lower than a preset threshold. The terminal device receives sixth indication information; the sixth indication information is used to indicate that the terminal device releases the cell resources where the second network device is located.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, It includes: The first network device receives second data from the terminal device through the first protocol layer. The second data is used to carry the uplink feedback information of the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; the second network device and the first network device are network devices of different systems; the second data includes the first protocol layer header of the first network device; the first protocol layer header includes first indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate the type of the first data; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer below the packet data convergence protocol layer. The first network device sends the first data to the second network device, and the first data is obtained by removing the first protocol layer header of the second data.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first protocol layer is the media access control layer of the Long Term Evolution Radio Access Network; the first indication information is carried in at least one of the following: R field of the media access control header, or regional setting identification field of the media access control header.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The first data further includes a second protocol layer header; the second protocol layer is the radio link control layer of the long term evolution radio access network; the second indication information is used to indicate the type of the third data; The third data carries uplink feedback information of the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; The method further includes: The first network device receives the first data through the second protocol layer; The first network device removes the second protocol layer header of the first data to obtain the third data; The first network device sends the third data to the second network device through the second protocol layer.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The second indication information is carried in the radio link control protocol data unit field.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The third data further includes a third protocol layer header; the third protocol layer is the packet data convergence protocol layer of the new radio; the third protocol layer header includes fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fourth data; The fourth data carries uplink feedback information of the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; The method further includes: The first network device receives the third data through the third protocol layer; The first network device removes the third protocol layer header of the third data to obtain the fourth data; The first network device sends the fourth data to the second network device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The fourth indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the packet data convergence protocol control protocol data unit format field, the packet data convergence protocol control protocol data unit field.

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The third data further includes a fourth protocol layer header; the fourth protocol layer is the packet data convergence protocol layer of the long term evolution radio access network; the fourth protocol layer header includes fourth indication information; the fourth indication information is used to indicate the type of the fifth data; The fifth data carries uplink feedback information of the communication link between the terminal device and the second network device; The method further includes: The first network device receives the third data through the fourth protocol layer; The first network device removes the fourth protocol layer header of the third data to obtain the fifth data; The first network device sends the fifth data to the second network device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The fourth indication information is carried in at least one of the following: the packet data convergence protocol control protocol data unit format field, the packet data convergence protocol control protocol data unit field.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor is coupled to at least one memory, and the processor is configured to read a computer program stored in the at least one memory to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor is coupled to at least one memory, and the processor is configured to read a computer program stored in the at least one memory to perform the method according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Comprising a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising a first network device and a second network device; Wherein, the first network device is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, and the first network device and the second network device are network devices of different standards.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product is used for storing a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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