Update configuration for early data transfer

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to updating a configuration for early data transmission. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, updating a configuration for early data transmission is proposed. According to embodiments of the present invention, a network device generates a record for early data transmission from a terminal device. The network device sends the record to a management device. The management device updates the configuration for early data transmission based on the record. In this way, the configuration for early data transmission can be dynamically updated. Resource waste can be avoided, and power at the terminal device can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to communication technology, and more particularly to methods, devices, and computer-readable media for updating a configuration for early data transmission. Background Art

[0002] As communication systems evolve, new technologies have been proposed. For example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has introduced Early Data Transfer (EDT) for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) to save power for eMTC users. It allows eMTC users to send uplink user data in Message 3 (MGS3). Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and corresponding apparatus for updating a configuration for early data transmission.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method includes obtaining, at a first device, first configuration information for early data transmission, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by a second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks. The method also includes sending, at the first device, the first configuration information to a third device. The method also includes receiving, at the first device, usage information of the total resource blocks from the third device. The method also includes determining, at the first device, second configuration information based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks.

[0005] In a second aspect, a method is provided. The method includes sending, at a third device, first configuration information for early data transmission received from a first device to a second device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by the second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks. The method also includes receiving, at the third device, the early data transmission from the second device. The method also includes generating, at the third device, usage information of the total resource blocks based at least on the early data transmission. The method also includes sending, at the third device, usage information to the first device.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes receiving, at a second device, first configuration information for early data transmission from a third device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by the second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks. The method also includes determining, at the second device, based on determining that data is to be sent, whether the data is suitable for early data transmission based on the amount of data and the first number of total resource blocks. The method also includes sending data to the third device based on the first configuration information at the second device, based on the data being suitable for early data transmission.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first device to obtain first configuration information for early data transmission, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by a second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks. The first device is also caused to send the first configuration information to a third device. The first device is also caused to receive usage information of the total resource blocks from the third device. The first device is also caused to determine second configuration information based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the third device to send first configuration information for early data transmission received from the first device to the second device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by the second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks. The third device is also caused to receive early data transmission from the second device. The third device is also caused to generate usage information of the total resource blocks based at least on the early data transmission. The third device is also caused to send usage information to the first device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; at least one memory, including computer program code; at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, together with at least one processor, cause the second device to receive first configuration information for early data transmission from a third device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by the second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks. The second device is also caused to determine whether the data is suitable for early data transmission based on the amount of data and the first number of total resource blocks according to determining that data is to be sent. The second device is also caused to send data to the third device based on the first configuration information according to whether the data is suitable for early data transmission.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a device is provided, comprising components for at least performing the method according to the first, second or third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least execute the method according to the first, second or third aspect above.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between devices provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a pattern period according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Fig.10 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Fig.11 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Fig.12 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Fig.13 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only to illustrate and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not represent any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways except the way described below.

[0029] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0030] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an example embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments (whether or not explicitly described).

[0031] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0032] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise", "include", "have", "have", "include" and / or "comprising" when used herein specify the presence of the features, elements and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0033] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following:

[0034] (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0035] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0036] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0037] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processors) with software, software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0038] (c) Hardware circuits and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0039] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0040] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), New Radio (NR), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to the communication protocol of any suitable generation, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.65G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the future fifth generation (5G) communication protocol, and / or and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be communication technologies and systems that can embody the future types of the present disclosure. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0041] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node (such as a femto, a pico), etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied.

[0042] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image acquisition terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless client device (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0043] As mentioned above, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced early data transmission (EDT) for enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) to save power for eMTC users. It allows eMTC users to send uplink user data in message 3 (MGS3). EDT parameters can be configured and updated according to the coverage enhancement (CE) level, and they are broadcast periodically in the system information block (SIB) 2 as follows:

[0044] edt-LastPreamble

[0045] This parameter provides a mapping of preambles to groups for each CE level of EDT. For the relevant CE level, if the PRACH resources configured by edt-PRACH-ParametersCE-r15 are different from the PRACH resources configured by PRACH-ParametersCE-r13 for all CE levels and edt-PRACH-ParametersCE-r15 for all other CE levels, then the preambles of EDT are preambles firstPreamble-r13 to edt-LastPreamble-r15, otherwise the preambles of EDT are preambles lastPreamble-r13+1 to edt-LastPreamble-r15.

[0046] edt-SmallTBS-Enabled

[0047] A value of true (TRUE) indicates that a UE performing EDT is allowed to select a TBS smaller than edt-TBS for Msg3 corresponding to the CE level.

[0048] ·edt-SmallTBS-Subset

[0049] The presence indicates that only two TBS values ​​can be used according to the edt-TBS corresponding to the CE level. When this field is not present, any TBS value according to the edt-TBS corresponding to the CE level can be used. This field is applicable to the CE level only when the corresponding CE level includes edt-SmallTBS-Enabled.

[0050] ·edt-TBS

[0051] Maximum TBS of Msg3 for CE level applicable to UEs performing EDT. Value is in bits. Value b328 corresponds to 328 bits, b408 corresponds to 408 bits, and so on. In addition, value b1000 or 456 corresponds to 1000 bits for CE level 0 and 1, and 456 bits for CE level 2 and 3.

[0052] ·mac-ContentionResolutionTimer

[0053] The timer used for contention resolution is defined in TS 36.321 [6] and the value is in subframes. The value sf8 corresponds to 8 subframes, sf16 corresponds to 16 subframes, and so on. mac-ContentionResolutionTimer-r15 applies only to EDT. A UE performing EDT shall use mac-ContentionResolutionTimer-r15, if present.

[0054] When a preamble for EDT is detected, the network device can decide to use a normal random access response (RAR) or EDT-RAR for the preamble. EDT-RAR can allocate more resources than normal RAR. EDT-RAR is indicated by the "R" bit in MAC-RAR. The description in TS36.213-f60 is as follows:

[0055] MAC payload of random access response

[0056] A macro has a fixed size and consists of the following fields:

[0057] -R: Reserved bit, set to "0". For a terminal device in CE, this bit is set to "1", indicating that the UL grant in the random access response is for EDT.

[0058] The EDT-RAR format is as follows, which comes from TS36.213-f60, and the modulation order is set to 2:

[0059] Table 6.2-F: Random Access Response Grant Content field size for EDT.

[0060]

[0061] The terminal device selects the transport block size (TBS) based on the EDT parameters from the following table in TS36.213-f60:

[0062] Table 8.6.2-1: EDT TBS for CEModeA with edt-SmallTBS-Enabled-r15 set to true.

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] Table 8.6.2-2: EDT TBS for CEModeB with edt-SmallTBS-Enabled-r15 set to true.

[0066]

[0067] The network device can decode the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) according to the EDT configuration. If "edt-SmallTBS-Enabled-r15" is true, the network device must attempt to decode each allowed TBS value; if "edt-SmallTBS-Enabled-r15" does not exist, the TBS is given by the parameter "edt-TBS".

[0068] It is difficult for customers to predict the data size of each CE level of EDT. And a fixed TBS is difficult to cover all use cases, which is not good for EDT functions. For example, a small TBS will cancel the EDT function on the user side, and a large one may bring a lot of padding and resource waste. Therefore, a dynamic algorithm is needed (and a dynamic algorithm may be inevitable) to adjust EDT parameters according to actual use cases.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is proposed to update the configuration for early data transmission. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a network device generates a record for early data transmission from a terminal device. The network device sends the record to a management device. The management device updates the configuration for early data transmission based on the record. In this way, the configuration for early data transmission can be dynamically updated. Resource waste can be avoided, and power at the terminal device can be saved.

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. The communication system 100 as part of a communication network includes devices 120-1, 120-2, ..., 120-N, which may be collectively referred to as "(multiple) second devices 120". The communication system 100 also includes a third device 130. One or more devices are associated with a cell and are covered by the cell. It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and units shown in is given for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation. The communication system also includes a first device 110. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may be a core network device. The first device 110 may be a physical or virtual network function. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may also be implemented on a third device 130.

[0071] In the communication system 100, the first device 110 and the third device 130 can communicate with each other. In the case where the second device 120 is a terminal device and the third device 130 is a network device, the link from the third device 130 to the second device 120 is called a downlink (DL), and the link from the second device 130 to the second device 120 is called a downlink (DL). The link from the device 120 to the third device 130 is called an uplink (UL). Figure 1 The number of devices shown in is given for the purpose of illustration and does not imply any limitation. It should also be noted that the second device 120 and the third device 130 can be interchanged.

[0072] The communication in the communication system 100 can be implemented according to any appropriate (multiple) communication protocols, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G), wireless local area network communication protocols (such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc.), and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication can utilize any appropriate wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0073] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an interaction 200 between devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The interaction 200 may be implemented on any suitable device. For illustrative purposes only, the interaction 200 is described as being implemented at the first device 110, the second device 120-1, and the third device 130.

[0074] The first device 110 obtains 2005 first configuration information for EDT. The first configuration indicates the number of total resource blocks and the number of allowed resource blocks. For example, the first configuration may indicate that the total bit length for EDT is 600 bits. The length of the allowed bits may be 600. In some embodiments, the length of the allowed bits may be 328, 408, 504, and 600. In other embodiments, the length of the allowed bits may be 408 and 600. Tables 1 and 2 below show possible configurations for EDT.

[0075] Table 1 EDTTBS priority table for CEModeA

[0076]

[0077]

[0078] Table 2: EDT TBS priority table for CEModeB

[0079]

[0080] In some embodiments, the first configuration may be obtained from a customer. Alternatively or additionally, the first configuration may be a default configuration. The first device 110 sends 2010 the first configuration to the third device 130 .

[0081] The third device 130 sends 2020 the first configuration to the second device 120-1. For example, the third device 130 may periodically broadcast the first configuration in SIB2. In some embodiments, the third device 130 may generate 2015 a repeating pattern and send the repeating pattern together with the first configuration to the second device 120-1. The repeating pattern may include multiple available resource blocks and multiple time slots. For example, only one resource block is available at a time, and the time slot between the third device 130 and the second device 120-1 is known. Table 3 below shows the code of the repeating pattern.

[0082] Table 3

[0083]

[0084] Where edt-Pattern-Period is the period of the EDT repetition pattern. The value day1 corresponds to 1 day and day2 corresponds to 2 days. The period contains eight time slots, each of which has a duration of 1 / 8edt-Pattern-Period. Each available resource block occupies a time slot in increasing order. For CE ModeA, they are {b328, b408, b504, b600, b712, b808, b936, b1000}, and for CE ModeB, they are {b328, b408, b504, b600, b712, b808, b936, b456}.

[0085] If the second device 120-1 needs to send data to the third device 130, the second device 120-1 can determine whether the data can be sent as early data transmission based on the amount of data and the first configuration. The second device 120-1 sends 2030 data to the third device 130. For example, if the total bit length of the EDT is 600 and the amount of data does not exceed 600 bits, the data can be sent as the EDT. In other embodiments, if the first configuration information indicates that the total bit length of the EDT is 600, and the allowed bit lengths are 328, 408, 504, and 600, and the amount of data is 400 bits, the third device 130 can select 408 bits and send data using 408 bits with padding.

[0086] The third device 130 generates 2035 usage information of the total resource blocks allocated for the EDT. The usage information may include one or more of the following: the number of total early data transmissions during a period of time, the number of successful early data transmissions during the period of time, the number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes during the period of time, and the number of resource blocks used by the second device during the period of time. Table 4 below shows an example EDT record for an EDT.

[0087] Table 4

[0088]

[0089] The third device 130 may generate usage information of the first configuration based on the EDT record. Table 5 below shows example usage information of the first configuration.

[0090] Table 5

[0091]

[0092] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 A method 300 for generating usage information according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0093] At block 310, the third device 130 detects the EDT preamble. At block 320, the third device 310 increases the number of EDTs. At block 330, the third device 130 determines whether the HARQ for Msg3 is successful. If the HARQ for Msg3 is unsuccessful, the third device 130 records the EDT as a failure at block 340. If the HARQ for Msg3 is successful, the third device 130 records the EDT as a success at block 350.

[0094] Figure 4 A method 400 for generating usage information according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0095] In box 410, the third device 130 detects a normal preamble. The third device 130 increases the number of normal transmissions in box 420. In box 430, the third device 130 determines whether the HARQ for MSG3 is successful. If the HARQ for MSG3 is unsuccessful, the third device 130 may not record the transmission. If the HARQ for MSG3 is successful, the third device 130 determines in box 440 whether a buffer status report (BSR) in MSG3 is received. If the BSR is not received, the third device 130 may not record the transmission. If the BSR is received, the third device 130 obtains the resource block from the BSR. In box 460, the third device 130 records the number of resource blocks in the BSR.

[0096] Return to reference Figure 2 , the third device 130 sends 2040 usage information to the first device 110. The first device 110 determines 2075 second configuration information based at least on the usage information. The first device 110 may perform polling to determine the second configuration information. In this way, the configuration for early data transmission may be dynamically updated. Waste of resources may be avoided and power at the terminal device may be saved.

[0097] For example, if the first configuration information indicates that the number of total resource blocks is 600, the first device 110 may send 2045 third configuration information indicating that the number of total resource blocks is 712. The third information may indicate another number of total resource blocks and another number of allowed resource blocks. The third device 130 may send 2050 the third information to the second device 120-1. If the second device needs to send additional data, the second device 120-1 may determine 2055 whether the additional data is suitable for EDT based on the amount of the additional data and the third configuration information. The second device 120-1 may send 2060 the additional data to the third device 130. The third device 130 may generate 2065 additional usage information based on the additional data. The additional usage information may be generated in a manner similar to the generation of the usage information. The third device 130 may send 2070 the additional usage information to the first device 110.

[0098] In this case, the first device 110 may determine the second configuration information based on the correlation between the usage information and the additional usage information. For example, if the number of successful EDTs in the additional usage information is greater than the number of successful EDTs in the usage information, the first device 110 may determine the third configuration information as the second configuration information.

[0099] In other embodiments, the first device 110 may update the first configuration information based on the usage information as the second configuration information. For example, the first device 110 may calculate the resource block distribution based on the usage information. Figure 5 A method 500 for determining the number of resource blocks for CE Mode A is shown. For illustrative purposes, the first device 110 may obtain a transport block size (TBS) for EDT from the usage information. For illustrative purposes only, TBs hereinafter refer to resource blocks. It should be noted that a resource block may include any suitable type of resource block.

[0100] At block 505, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 936 bits. If the TBS is greater than 936 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 1000 bits for the TBS at block 510. If the TBS is less than 936 bits, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 808 bits at block 515. If the TBS is greater than 808 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 936 bits for the TBS at block 520. If the TBS is less than 808 bits, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 712 bits at block 525. If the TBS is greater than 712 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 808 bits for the TBS at block 530. If the TBS is less than 712 bits, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 600 bits at block 535. If the TBS is greater than 600 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 712 bits for the TBS at block 540. If the TBS is less than 600 bits, the first device 100 may determine at block 545 whether the TBS is greater than 504 bits. If the TBS is greater than 504 bits, the first device 110 may count one for the TBS of 600 bits at block 550. If the TBS is less than 504 bits, the first device 100 may determine at block 555 whether the TBS is greater than 408 bits. If the TBS is greater than 408 bits, the first device 110 may count one for the TBS of 504 bits at block 560. If the TBS is less than 408 bits, the first device 100 may determine at block 565 whether the TBS is greater than 328 bits. If the TBS is greater than 328 bits, the first device 110 may count one for the TBS of 408 bits at block 570. If the TBS is less than 328 bits, the first device 100 may count one for the TBS of 328 bits at block 575.

[0101] Figure 6 A method 600 for determining the distribution of the number of resource blocks of CE Mode B is shown.

[0102] At block 605, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 808 bits. If the TBS is greater than 808 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 936 bits for the TBS at block 610. If the TBS is less than 808 bits, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 712 bits at block 615. If the TBS is greater than 712 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 808 bits for the TBS at block 620. If the TBS is less than 712 bits, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 600 bits at block 625. If the TBS is greater than 600 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 712 bits for the TBS at block 630. If the TBS is less than 600 bits, the first device 100 may determine whether the TBS is greater than 504 bits at block 635. If the TBS is greater than 504 bits, the first device 110 may count one for 600 bits for the TBS at block 640. If the TBS is less than 504 bits, the first device 100 may determine at block 645 whether the TBS is greater than 456 bits. If the TBS is greater than 465 bits, the first device 110 may count one for the TBS for 504 bits at block 650. If the TBS is less than 456 bits, the first device 100 may determine at block 655 whether the TBS is greater than 408 bits. If the TBS is greater than 408 bits, the first device 110 may count one for the TBS for 456 bits at block 660. If the TBS is less than 408 bits, the first device 100 may determine at block 665 whether the TBS is greater than 328 bits. If the TBS is greater than 328 bits, the first device 110 may count one for the TBS for 408 bits at block 670. If the TBS is less than 328 bits, the first device 100 may count one for the TBS for 328 bits at block 675.

[0103] In an example embodiment, the first device 110 may determine the second configuration information for EDT based on the maximum TBS and HARQ success rate in the usage information. As described above, Tables 1 and 2 show possible configurations for EDT. The first device 110 may select the second configuration from Tables 1 and 2 based on the usage information. Figure 7 A method 700 for determining second configuration information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustration purposes only, the method 700 is described with reference to Table 1.

[0104] In block 705, the first device 110 obtains a maximum TBS from the usage information. In block 710, the first device 110 compares the maximum TBS with the TBS in the first configuration information. If the maximum TBS is different from the TBS in the first configuration information, in block 715, the first device 110 obtains an index from Table 1 based on the maximum TBS and selects a sub-index from Table 1 in block 720. For example, if the maximum TBS is 504 and the current TBS in the first configuration information is 600, the target TBS in the second configuration information is 504. In some embodiments, the allowed TBS may be 328, 408, 456, and 504. Alternatively, the allowed TBS may be only 504.

[0105] If the maximum TBS is the same as the TBS in the first configuration information, the first device 110 maintains the current TBS as the target TBS in the second configuration information in block 725. In block 730, the first device 110 compares the number of successful EDTs in the usage information with the first threshold number.

[0106] If the number of successful EDTs is higher than the first threshold number, the first device 110 compares the sub-index with the maximum sub-index in Table 1. If the sub-index is less than the maximum sub-index, the first device 110 increases the sub-index value at block 740. If the sub-index is not less than the maximum sub-index, the first device 110 maintains the current sub-index at block 740. In other words, if the number of successful EDTs is higher than the value of the first threshold, the first device 110 may reduce the allowed TBS. For example, if the allowed TBSs are 408 and 600, the first device 110 reduces the allowed TBS to 600.

[0107] If the number of successful EDTs is not higher than the first threshold number, then in box 750, the first device 110 compares the number of successful EDTs with the second threshold number. If the number of successful EDTs is less than the second threshold number, then in box 755, the first device 110 maintains the current sub-index, which means maintaining the current allowed TBS. If the number of successful EDTs is not less than the second threshold number, then in box 760, the first device 110 compares the current sub-index with the minimum sub-index. If the current sub-index is greater than the minimum sub-index, then in box 765, the first device 110 decreases the sub-index value. If the current sub-index is not greater than the minimum sub-index, then in box 765, the first device 110 maintains the sub-index value. In other words, if the number of successful EDTs is not higher than the value of the first threshold, the first device 110 can increase the allowed TBS. For example, if the allowed TBS is 408 and 600, the first device 110 increases the allowed TBS to 328, 408, 504, and 600.

[0108] Figure 8A schematic diagram of a configuration pattern is shown. If the first device 110 receives an EDT statistics message, it can calculate the time distribution between pattern periods 810. The pattern period 810 can contain N statistical periods, and the granularity can be daily or configured by the customer. By way of example only, there are 14 time slots during the pattern period 810, time slot #0, time slot #1, time slot #2, time slot #3, time slot #4, time slot #5, time slot #6, time slot #7, time slot #8, time slot #9, time slot #10, time slot #11, time slot #12, time slot #13. The first device 110 can determine a target time slot in which most EDTs are sent, such as time slot #6. The first device 110 can determine a second configuration for the target time slot. The first device can send a request for updating the first configuration information at the beginning of the target time slot.

[0109] Return to reference Figure 2 , in some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine whether the change from the first configuration to the second configuration is acceptable. If the change is allowed, the first device 110 may send 2080 a request to update the configuration to the third device 130. The third device 130 may generate 2085 a response to the request. The third device 130 may determine whether to accept the request based on its capabilities. For example, the third device 130 may determine whether to accept the request based on its decoding efforts and / or available resources. The third device 130 sends 2090 a response to the first device 110. If the response indicates confirmation, the first device sends 2095 second configuration information to the third device 130. The third device 130 may send 2100 the second configuration information to the second device 120-1.

[0110] Fig. 9 The flowchart of the method 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 900 can be implemented in any suitable device. For example, the method can be implemented at the first device 110.

[0111] At block 910, the first device 110 obtains first configuration information for early data transmission. The first configuration information indicates a first number of total resource blocks and a second number of allowed resource blocks for early data transmission by the second device 120-1. In some embodiments, the first configuration may be obtained from a client. Alternatively or additionally, the first configuration may be a default configuration.

[0112] At block 920 , the first device 110 sends the first configuration information 130 to the third device.

[0113] At block 930, the first device 110 receives usage information of the total resource blocks from the third device 130. The usage information may include one or more of: a number of total early data transmissions during a period of time, a number of successful early data transmissions during the period of time, a number of HARQ processes during the period of time, and a number of resource blocks used by the second device during the period of time.

[0114] At block 930, the first device 110 determines second configuration information based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information. The second configuration information indicates a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine a third number of resource blocks used by the second device based on the usage information. The first device 110 may compare the third number of resource blocks with the first number of total resource blocks. If the third number of resource blocks is different from the first number of total resource blocks, the first device 110 may determine the target number of total resource blocks as the third number of resource blocks.

[0116] In some embodiments, if the number of the third resource blocks is the same as the first number of the total resource blocks, the first device 110 may determine the number of successful early data transmissions based on the usage information. The first device 110 may compare the number of successful early data transmissions with the first threshold number. If the number of successful early data transmissions exceeds the first threshold number, the first device 110 may reduce the second number of allowed resource blocks to the fourth number of allowed resource blocks. If the second number of allowed resource blocks cannot be reduced, the first device 110 may maintain the second number of allowed resource blocks. The first device 110 may determine the target number of total resource blocks as the third number of resource blocks and determine the target number of allowed resource blocks as the fourth number of allowed resource blocks.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, if the number of successful early data transmissions is below the first threshold number, the first device 110 may compare the number of successful early data transmissions to a second threshold number that is less than the first threshold number. If the number of successful early data transmissions is below the second threshold number, the first device 110 may increase the second number of allowed resource blocks to a fifth number of allowed resource blocks. If the second number of allowed resource blocks cannot be increased, the first device 110 may maintain the second number of allowed resource blocks. The first device 110 may determine the target number of total resource blocks as the third number of resource blocks and determine the target number of allowed resource blocks as the fifth number of allowed resource blocks.

[0118] In some embodiments, if the number of successful early data transmissions is below a first threshold number, the first device 110 may compare the number of successful early data transmissions to a second threshold number that is less than the first threshold number. If the number of successful early data transmissions exceeds the second threshold number, the first device 110 may determine the target number of total resource blocks as a third number of resource blocks and the target number of allowed resource blocks as the second number of allowed resource blocks.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may determine the second configuration information by polling. For example, the first device 110 may send third configuration information for early data transmission. The third configuration information may indicate a sixth number of total resource blocks used by the second device for early data transmission and a seventh number of allowed resource blocks. The first device 110 may receive additional usage information of the resource blocks from the third device 130. The first device may determine the second configuration information by comparing the usage information and the additional usage information.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may send an update request for the first configuration information to the third device 130. The first device 110 may receive a response to the update request. If the response indicates confirmation, the first device may send the second configuration information to the third device 130.

[0121] Fig.10 A flow chart of method 1000 is shown. Method 1000 may be implemented at any suitable device. For example, the method may be implemented at third device 130.

[0122] At block 1010, the third device sends first configuration information for early data transmission to the second device 120-1. The first configuration information is received from the first device 110. The first configuration information indicates a first number of total resource blocks to be used by the second device 120-1 for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks.

[0123] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may determine a repeating pattern. The repeating pattern may include a plurality of time slots and a plurality of available resource blocks for early data transmission. The third device 130 may send the first configuration information together with the repeating pattern.

[0124] At block 1020, the third device 130 receives the early data transmission from the second device 120-1. In some embodiments, the third device 130 may also receive data sent in a normal process instead of in the EDT.

[0125] At block 1030, the third device 130 generates usage information of the total resource blocks based at least on the early data transmission. The usage information may include one or more of: the number of total early data transmissions during a period of time, the number of successful early data transmissions during the period of time, the number of HARQ processes during the period of time, and the number of resource blocks used by the second device during the period of time.

[0126] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may receive a buffer status report from the second device 120-1. The third device may generate the usage information based on the buffer status report and the early data transmission.

[0127] At block 1040, the third device 130 sends the usage information of the total resource blocks to the first device 110. In some embodiments, the third device 130 may receive an update request for the first configuration from the first device 110. The third device 130 may generate a response to the update request based on the capability of the third device 130. The third device 130 may send a response to the first device 110.

[0128] If the response indicates confirmation, the third device 130 may receive second configuration information based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information. The second configuration information may indicate a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks.

[0129] Fig.11 A flow chart of a method 1100 is illustrated. The method 1100 may be implemented at any suitable device. For example, the method may be implemented at the second device 120-1.

[0130] At block 1110, the second device 120-1 receives first configuration information for EDT from the third device 130. The first configuration indicates the number of total resource blocks and the number of allowed resource blocks. In some embodiments, the second device 120-1 may receive a repeating pattern along with the first configuration information. The repeating pattern may include a plurality of time slots and a plurality of available resource blocks for early data transmission.

[0131] In block 1120 , if there is data to send, the second device 120 - 1 determines whether the data is suitable for EDT based on the amount of the data and the first number of total resource blocks.

[0132] In block 1130 , if the data is suitable for the EDT, the second device 120 - 1 transmits the data to the third device based on the first configuration information.

[0133] In some embodiments, an apparatus for executing method 900 (e.g., first device 110) may include corresponding components for executing corresponding steps in method 900. These components may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, it may be implemented by a circuit system or a software module.

[0134] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for obtaining first configuration information for early data transmission at a first device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by a second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks; a component for sending the first configuration information to a third device; a component for receiving usage information of the total resource blocks from the third device; and a component for determining second configuration information based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks.

[0135] In some embodiments, the usage information includes one or more of: the number of total early data transmissions during a period of time, the number of successful early data transmissions during the period of time, the number of hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ processes during the period of time, and the number of resource blocks used by the second device during the period of time.

[0136] In some embodiments, the component for determining the second configuration information includes: a component for determining a third number of resource blocks used by the second device based on the usage information; a component for comparing the third number of resource blocks with the first number of total resource blocks; and a component for determining the target number of total resource blocks as the third number of resource blocks based on the third number of resource blocks being different from the first number of total resource blocks.

[0137] In some embodiments, the component for determining the second configuration information includes: a component for determining a third number of resource blocks used by the second device based on the usage information; a component for comparing the third number of resource blocks with the first number of total resource blocks; a component for determining the number of successful early data transmissions based on the usage information in accordance with the third number of resource blocks being the same as the first number of total resource blocks; a component for comparing the number of successful early data transmissions with a first threshold number; a component for reducing the second number of allowed resource blocks to a fourth number of allowed resource blocks in accordance with determining that the number of successful early data transmissions exceeds the first threshold number; and a component for determining the target number of total resource blocks to be the third number of resource blocks and the target number of allowed resource blocks to be the fourth number of allowed resource blocks.

[0138] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for comparing the number of successful early data transmissions with a second threshold number based on determining that the number of successful early data transmissions is below a first threshold number, the second threshold number being less than the first threshold number; and means for increasing the second number of allowed resource blocks to a fifth number of allowed resource blocks based on determining that the number of successful early data transmissions is below the second threshold number; and means for determining the target number of total resource blocks to be the third number of resource blocks and the target number of allowed resource blocks to be the fifth number of allowed resource blocks.

[0139] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a component for comparing the number of successful early data transmissions with a second threshold number based on determining that the number of successful early data transmissions is lower than a first threshold number, the second threshold number being lower than the first threshold number; and a component for determining the target number of total resource blocks as a third number of resource blocks and the target number of allowed resource blocks as a second number of allowed resource blocks based on determining that the number of successful early data transmissions exceeds the second threshold number.

[0140] In some embodiments, the component for determining the second configuration information includes: a component for sending third configuration information for early data transmission, the third configuration information indicating a sixth number of total resource blocks and a seventh number of allowed resource blocks to be used by the second device for early data transmission; a component for receiving additional usage information of the resource blocks from the third device; and a component for determining the second configuration information based on a correlation between the usage information and the additional usage information.

[0141] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an update request for the first configuration information to a third device; and means for receiving a response to the update request; and means for sending the second configuration information to the third device in response to determining that the response indicates confirmation.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a manager device, the second device comprises a terminal device, and the third device comprises a network device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the apparatus for executing method 1000 (e.g., the third device 130) may include corresponding components for executing corresponding steps in method 1000. These components may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, it may be implemented by a circuit system or a software module.

[0144] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for sending first configuration information for early data transmission received from a first device to a second device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by the second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks; a component for receiving early data transmission from the second device; a component for generating usage information of the total resource blocks based at least on the early data transmission; and a component for sending the usage information to the first device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the usage information includes one or more of: the number of total early data transmissions during a period of time, the number of successful early data transmissions during the period of time, the number of hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ processes during the period of time, and the number of resource blocks used by the second device during the period of time.

[0146] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an update request for the first configuration from the first device; means for generating a response to the update request based on capabilities of the third device; and means for sending the response to the first device.

[0147] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes means for receiving second configuration information based on at least the usage information and the first configuration information in response to determining that the response indicates an acknowledgement, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks.

[0148] In some embodiments, the means for sending the first configuration information comprises: means for determining a repeating pattern comprising a plurality of time slots and a plurality of available resource blocks for early data transmission; and means for sending the first configuration information together with the repeating pattern.

[0149] In some embodiments, means for generating usage information of the resource block comprises means for receiving a buffer status report from the second device; and means for generating usage information of the resource block based on the buffer status report and the early data transmission.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a manager device, the second device comprises a terminal device, and the third device comprises a network device.

[0151] In some embodiments, a device for executing method 1100 (eg, second device 120-1) may include corresponding components for executing corresponding steps in method 1100. These components may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, it may be implemented by a circuit system or a software module.

[0152] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a component for receiving, at a second device, first configuration information for early data transmission from a third device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks to be used by the second device for early data transmission and a second number of allowed resource blocks; a component for determining whether data is suitable for early data transmission based on an amount of data and the first number of total resource blocks according to determining that data is to be sent; and a component for sending data to the third device based on the first configuration information according to the data being suitable for early data transmission.

[0153] In some embodiments, means for receiving first configuration information comprises means for receiving the first configuration information and a repeating pattern comprising a plurality of time slots and a plurality of available resource blocks for early data transmission; and means for performing early data transmission based on the first configuration and the repeating pattern.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second device comprises a terminal device and the third device comprises a network device.

[0155] Fig.12 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1200 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1200 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 The first device 110, the second device 120-1, or the third device 130 is shown. As shown, the device 1200 includes one or more processors 1210, one or more memories 1220 coupled to the processors 1210, and one or more communication modules 1240 coupled to the processors 1210.

[0156] The communication module 1240 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 1240 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary to communicate with other network elements.

[0157] Processor 1210 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network, and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1200 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0158] The memory 1220 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1224, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1222 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0159] Computer program 1230 includes computer executable instructions executed by associated processor 1210. Program 1230 may be stored in ROM 1224. Processor 1210 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1230 into RAM 1222.

[0160] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by means of program 1230, so that the device 1200 can execute the following steps: Figure 2 and Fig.11 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the program 1230 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 1200 (such as in the memory 1220) or in other storage devices accessible to the device 1200. The device 1200 may load the program 1230 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 1222 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Fig.13 An example of a computer readable medium 1300 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer readable medium has a program 1230 stored thereon.

[0162] It should be understood that future networks may utilize network function virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may include one or more virtual machines that use standard or general-purpose types of servers rather than customized hardware to run computer program code. Cloud computing or data storage may also be used. In radio communications, this may mean that node operations are at least partially performed in a central / centralized unit CU (e.g., a server, host, or node) that is operationally coupled to a distributed unit DU (e.g., a radio head / node). Node operations may also be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of work between core network operations and base station operations may vary depending on the implementation.

[0163] In an embodiment, the server may generate a virtual network through which the server communicates with the distributed units. In general, a virtual network may involve the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Such a virtual network may provide a flexible distribution of operations between the server and the radio head / node. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundaries of the transfer of responsibilities between the CU and the DU may be selected based on the implementation.

[0164] Thus, in an embodiment, a CU-DU architecture is implemented. In this case, the device 1200 may be included in a central unit (e.g., a control unit, an edge cloud server, a server) that is operatively coupled (e.g., via a wireless or wired network) to a distributed unit (e.g., a remote radio head / node). That is, the central unit (e.g., an edge cloud server) and the distributed units may be independent devices that communicate with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection. Alternatively, they may be in the same entity that communicates via a wired connection, etc. The edge cloud or edge cloud server may serve multiple distributed units or radio access networks. In an embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the central unit. In another embodiment, the device 1200 may instead be included in a distributed unit, and at least some of the described processes may be performed by the distributed unit.

[0165] In an embodiment, the execution of at least some of the functions of the device 1200 can be shared between two physically separate devices (DU and CU) that form an operating entity. Therefore, the device can be regarded as depicting an operating entity including one or more physically separate devices for performing at least some of the described processes. In an embodiment, such a CU-DU architecture can provide a flexible distribution of operations between the CU and the DU. In practice, any digital signal processing task can be performed in the CU or the DU, and the boundary of the transfer of responsibilities between the CU and the DU can be selected according to the implementation. In an embodiment, the device 1200 controls the execution of the process regardless of the location of the device and regardless of where the process / function is executed.

[0166] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented using hardware, while other aspects may be implemented using firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0167] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above referenced Figures 9 to 11 Methods 900-1100 described herein. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine executable instructions of program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0168] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code enables the function / operation specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be realized when executed by the processor or controller. The program code can be executed completely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0169] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0170] The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A more specific example of a computer readable storage medium will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0171] In addition, although the operations are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in order or performing all the operations shown to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0172] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: obtaining, at a first device, first configuration information for early data transmission, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks and a second number of allowed resource blocks to be used by a second device for the early data transmission; At the first device, sending the first configuration information to a third device; At the first device, receiving usage information of the total resource block from the third device; as well as determining, at the first device, second configuration information for the early data transmission based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks; Wherein determining the second configuration information comprises: sending, at the first device, third configuration information for early data transmission, the third configuration information indicating a sixth number of total resource blocks and a seventh number of allowed resource blocks to be used by the second device for the early data transmission; receiving, at the first device, further usage information of the resource block from the third device; and At the first device, the second configuration information is determined based on a correlation between the usage information and the further usage information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the usage information comprises one or more of the following: The total number of early data transfers during a period of time, the number of successful early data transmissions during the period of time, the number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes during the period of time, and The number of resource blocks used by the second device during the period of time.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the second configuration information comprises: determining, at the first device, a third number of resource blocks used by the second device based on the usage information; comparing, at the first device, the third number of resource blocks with the first number of total resource blocks; as well as According to the third number of resource blocks being different from the first number of total resource blocks, at the first device, the target number of total resource blocks is determined as the third number of resource blocks.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the second configuration information comprises: determining, at the first device, a third number of resource blocks used by the second device based on the usage information; comparing, at the first device, the third number of resource blocks with the first number of total resource blocks; In accordance with the third number of resource blocks being the same as the first number of total resource blocks, determining, at the first device, a number of successful early data transmissions based on the usage information; comparing, at the first device, the number of successful early data transmissions to a first threshold number; reducing, at the first device, the second number of allowed resource blocks to a fourth number of allowed resource blocks in response to determining that the number of successful early data transmissions exceeds the first threshold number; as well as At the first device, the target number of total resource blocks is determined as the third number of resource blocks, and the target number of allowed resource blocks is determined as the fourth number of allowed resource blocks.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Based on determining that the number of successful early data transmissions is below the first threshold number, at the first device, comparing the number of successful early data transmissions to a second threshold number, the second threshold number being less than the first threshold number; as well as In response to determining that the number of successful early data transmissions is below the second threshold number, increasing, at the first device, the second number of allowed resource blocks to a fifth number of allowed resource blocks; as well as At the first device, the target number of total resource blocks is determined as the third number of resource blocks, and the target number of allowed resource blocks is determined as the fifth number of allowed resource blocks.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Based on determining that the number of successful early data transmissions is below the first threshold number, at the first device, comparing the number of successful early data transmissions to a second threshold number, the second threshold number being less than the first threshold number; as well as Based on determining that the number of successful early data transmissions exceeds the second threshold number, at the first device, the target number of total resource blocks is determined to be the third number of resource blocks, and the target number of allowed resource blocks is determined to be the second number of allowed resource blocks.

7. A method for communication, comprising: At a third device, sending, to a second device, first configuration information for early data transmission received from the first device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks and a second number of allowed resource blocks to be used by the second device for the early data transmission; receiving, at the third device, the early data transmission from the second device; At the third device, generating usage information of the total resource block based at least on the early data transmission; as well as At the third device, sending the usage information to the first device; The method further comprises: receiving, at the third device, second configuration information for the early data transmission from the first device, the second configuration information being determined based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks; The second configuration information is further determined by: receiving, at the third device, third configuration information for early data transmission from the first device, the third configuration information indicating a sixth number of total resource blocks and a seventh number of allowed resource blocks to be used by the second device for the early data transmission; and At the third device, further usage information of the resource block is sent to the first device for determining the second configuration information also based on a correlation between the usage information and the further usage information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the usage information comprises one or more of the following: The total number of early data transfers during a period of time, the number of successful early data transmissions during the period of time, the number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes during the period of time, and The number of resource blocks used by the second device during the period of time.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: receiving, at the third device, an update request for the first configuration from the first device; generating, at the third device, a response to the update request based on capabilities of the third device; At the third device, sending the response to the first device; as well as Based on determining that the response indicates confirmation, second configuration information based at least on the usage information and the first configuration information is received at the third device, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein generating the usage information of the resource block comprises: receiving a buffer status report from the second device; as well as The usage information of the resource blocks is generated based on the buffer status report and the early data transmission.

11. A method for communication, comprising: receiving, at a second device, first configuration information for early data transmission from a third device, the first configuration information indicating a first number of total resource blocks and a second number of allowed resource blocks to be used by the second device for the early data transmission; In response to determining that data is to be transmitted, determining, at the second device, whether the data is suitable for the early data transmission based on an amount of the data and the first number of total resource blocks; as well as According to the data being suitable for the early data transmission, at the second device, sending the data to the third device based on the first configuration information; The method further comprises: At the second device, receiving second configuration information for the early data transmission from the third device, the second configuration information being determined based at least on the usage information of the total resource blocks and the first configuration information, the second configuration information indicating a target number of total resource blocks and a target number of allowed resource blocks; The second configuration information is further determined by: receiving, at the second device, third configuration information for early data transmission from the third device, the third configuration information indicating a sixth number of total resource blocks and a seventh number of allowed resource blocks to be used by the second device for the early data transmission; in response to determining that further data is to be sent, determining, at the second device, whether the further data is suitable for the early data transmission based on an amount of the further data and the sixth number of total resource blocks; and According to the additional data being suitable for the early data transmission, at the second device, the additional data is sent to the third device based on the third configuration information, wherein additional usage information is generated at the third device based on the received additional data, and the second configuration information is also determined based on a correlation between the usage information and the additional usage information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein receiving the first configuration information comprises: At the second device, receiving the first configuration information and a repeating pattern, the repeating pattern comprising a plurality of time slots and a plurality of available resource blocks for the early data transmission; as well as At the second device, the early data transmission is performed based on the first configuration and the repeating pattern.

13. A first device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A third device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the third device to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

15. A second device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform the method according to claim 11 or 12. 16 . A computer-readable storage medium, comprising program instructions stored thereon, wherein when the instructions are executed by a device, the device is caused to perform the method according to claim 1 .

17. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, wherein when the instructions are executed by a device, the device is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

18. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which instructions, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method according to claim 11 or 12.

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