A communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: a network device determining that relay discovery needs to be activated; the network device determining role indication information for a first terminal device and role indication information for a second terminal device, wherein the first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices participating in the relay discovery; the network device sending the role indication information of the first terminal device to the first terminal device; and the network device sending the role indication information of the second terminal device to the second terminal device. Through this method, the network device can assign roles for participating in relay discovery to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, enabling the first terminal device and the second terminal device to participate in relay discovery according to the roles indicated by their respective assigned role indication information. This improves the efficiency of relay discovery and reduces the power consumption of either the first terminal device or the second terminal device, thus saving power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method, apparatus, and system. Background Technology

[0002] Device-to-Device (D2D) communication is a method that allows multiple terminal devices to communicate directly. This technology enables these devices to share spectrum resources under the control of a cell network, thereby improving spectrum utilization. This technology supports both one-to-one and one-to-many communication between terminal devices. In one-to-one communication, when the distance between the source and target terminal devices is within the range supporting D2D communication (this distance range depends on the specific application), they can communicate directly after discovering each other.

[0003] When a remote terminal device is located outside network coverage, or when the network signal strength is below the level required for communication, the remote terminal device uses a relay terminal device to establish communication with the network. For example, the remote terminal device establishes communication with the relay terminal device, and the relay terminal device establishes communication with the network. Furthermore, the remote terminal device can then establish communication with the network through the relay terminal device. Through the relay terminal device, remote terminal devices outside the network coverage area can establish communication with the network, thus extending the communication coverage.

[0004] The above method relies on either the remote terminal device or the source terminal device first performing relay discovery, i.e., discovering the relay terminal device. Taking the remote terminal device as an example, relay terminal device discovery can be achieved by one of the remote terminal device or the relay terminal device sending a discovery message, while the other listens for the discovery message. If one of the remote terminal device or the relay terminal device sends a discovery message, but the other does not listen for the discovery message, the relay discovery fails. Therefore, the remote terminal device or the relay terminal device periodically repeats the above actions, for example, by frequently sending discovery messages or randomly repeating the above actions, to increase the probability of successful relay discovery. However, this method is inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application describes a communication method, apparatus, and system for improving the efficiency and success rate of relay discovery.

[0006] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method executed by a network device. The method includes: the network device determining that relay discovery needs to be activated; the network device determining role indication information for a first terminal device and role indication information for a second terminal device, wherein the first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices participating in the relay discovery; the network device sending the role indication information of the first terminal device to the first terminal device; and the network device sending the role indication information of the second terminal device to the second terminal device. Through this method, the network device can assign roles for participating in relay discovery to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, enabling the first terminal device to participate in relay discovery according to the role indicated by its role indication information, and the second terminal device to participate in relay discovery according to its role indication information. This improves the efficiency of relay discovery and reduces the power consumption of either the first or second terminal device, thus saving power.

[0007] It should be noted that participating in relay discovery can be understood as sending discovery messages or listening to discovery messages. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the network device determines that relay discovery needs to be activated, including: the network device receiving relay activation request information or signal measurement information; and the network device determining that relay discovery needs to be activated based on the relay activation request information or the signal measurement information.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the role indication information of the first terminal device is at least one of the role information of the first terminal device or the relay discovery mode information of the first terminal device, and the role indication information of the second terminal device is at least one of the role information of the second terminal device or the relay discovery mode information of the second terminal device. It is understood that the role information refers to the role involved in relay discovery, and the relay discovery mode information refers to the mode of relay discovery. Since the first terminal device explicitly identifies itself as a remote terminal device, upon receiving the relay discovery mode, the first terminal device determines which role it will participate in relay discovery with. For example, if the relay discovery mode information is mode B, then the first terminal device determines that it will participate in relay discovery as a declaring terminal device. Similarly, the second terminal device explicitly identifies itself as a relay terminal device, and upon receiving the relay discovery mode, the second terminal device determines which role it will participate in relay discovery with. For example, if the relay discovery mode information is mode B, then the first terminal device determines that it will participate in relay discovery as a listening terminal device. It is understood that the role information of the first terminal device is different from that of the second terminal device, while the relay discovery mode information of the first terminal device is the same as that of the second terminal device. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here. Similarly, it is understood that if the role indication information of the first terminal device is the role information of the first terminal device, then the role indication information of the second terminal device is the role information of the second terminal device; if the role indication information of the first terminal device is the relay discovery mode information of the first terminal device, then the role indication information of the second terminal device is the relay discovery mode information of the second terminal device. That is, both the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device are role information, or both are mode information, or both include both role information and mode information. Of course, the role indication information of the first terminal device may be the role information of the first terminal device, while the role indication information of the second terminal device may be the mode information of the second terminal device, and vice versa; this application does not limit this. However, it should be emphasized that the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device can ultimately achieve the effect of the first terminal device and the second terminal device participating in relay discovery according to different roles.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device, including: if the network device is a core network element, the core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, the request message including the status information of the first terminal device; the core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, the registration message including the status information of the second terminal device; the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the status information of the first terminal device and the status information of the second terminal device; or, if the network device is an access network device, the access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, the RRC message or the first message including the status information of the first terminal device; the access network device obtains the status information of the second terminal device; the access network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the status information of the first terminal device and the status information of the second terminal device. For example, if the network device is a core network element, the request message in this embodiment may include the relay activation request information or signal measurement information from the aforementioned embodiments. If the network device is an access network device, the RRC message in this embodiment may include the relay activation request information or signal measurement information from the aforementioned embodiments, or the first message may include the relay activation request information or signal measurement information from the aforementioned embodiments. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0011] For example, the status information of the first terminal device included in the first message is obtained by the access and mobility management function device from the first terminal device. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0012] For example, this status information can be battery status information, or other status information, such as load status information, or mobility status information. For instance, taking battery status information as an example, the network device can select terminal devices with remaining battery power exceeding a certain threshold based on the battery status information of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and assign these terminal devices the role of announcing terminal devices. This can maximize the duration of service continuity and ensure the stability of service quality. On the other hand, it can reduce the accelerated battery consumption of terminal devices with less than the certain threshold after assuming the role of announcing terminal devices. For example, if the terminal device with more remaining battery power is the first terminal device, then the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device, that is, determines the role of the first terminal device as announcing terminal device, or determines the relay discovery mode information of the first terminal device as mode B. If the status information is load status information, the network device selects a terminal device with a load below a specific threshold, or selects the terminal device with the lowest load among the first and second terminal devices and assigns it the role of announcing a terminal device. This method can also maximize the sustainability of services and ensure the stability of service quality. It can also alleviate the burden on terminal devices with loads above the specific threshold by assigning the role of announcing a terminal device to the terminal device with the lowest load, and reduce power consumption of terminal devices with loads above the specific threshold. The mobility status information can indicate the mobility status of the terminal device. If the status information is mobility status information, the network device selects a stationary terminal device, or the terminal device that has remained stationary for the longest period of time within a specific timeframe. This can reduce handover caused by terminal device movement and reduce signaling interaction. The network device can assign the terminal device the role of announcing a terminal device or the role of listening a terminal device. Furthermore, the network device can also receive status information from either the first terminal device or the second terminal device, and determine the role indication information for the first and second terminal devices based on the received status information of one terminal device. For example, if the network device receives status information from the first terminal device, and this status information is battery status information showing that the remaining battery power is greater than a certain threshold (this application does not limit the threshold), then the network device determines that the first terminal device's role is an announcing terminal device, or that the first terminal device participates in relay discovery in mode B. Correspondingly, the network device determines that the second terminal device's role is a listening terminal device, or that the second terminal device participates in relay discovery in mode B. The same logic applies if the status information is load status information or mobility status information.Subsequent implementations can also refer to the logic of this implementation, that is, the network device can determine the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based solely on the information of one terminal device. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device, including: if the network device is a core network element, the core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, the request message including the role intention information of the first terminal device; the core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, the registration message including the role intention information of the second terminal device; the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information of the first terminal device and the role intention information of the second terminal device; or, if the network device is an access network device, the access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, the RRC message or the first message including the role intention information of the first terminal device; the access network device obtains the role intention information of the second terminal device; the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information of the first terminal device and the role intention information of the second terminal device. In other words, network devices can determine the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device according to their respective wishes, which can meet the needs of the terminal devices.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device, including: if the network device is a core network element, the core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, the request message including the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device; the core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, the registration message including the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device; the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device, and the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device. The role indication information of the terminal device; or, if the network device is an access network device, the access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, wherein the RRC message or the first message includes the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device; the access network device obtains the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device; the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device, and the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the core network element includes a direct-connection discovery name management function network element, a policy control function network element, or an access management function network element. It should be understood that the core network element can be any network element or device that can be used for relay discovery. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device receiving relay capability information of the second terminal device from the second terminal device, the relay capability information being used to represent the relay capability of the second terminal device; and the network device determining the second terminal device as a relay terminal device based on the relay capability information of the second terminal device.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device acquiring service information of the first terminal device and service information of the second terminal device; the network device determining whether the service information of the first terminal device and the service information of the second terminal device match; and if the service information of the first terminal device and the service information of the second terminal device match, then determining that the second terminal device is a relay terminal device. The service information can be understood as information about the services authorized by the terminal device. The above description also applies to methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here. For example, the service information may be identification information of the service type of the network slice that the first terminal device can use, or a relay service codeword. It is understood that when the codeword of the first terminal device is the same as or corresponds to the codeword of the second terminal device in a specific way, then the first terminal device can participate in the same relay discovery service as the second terminal device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device acquiring the location information of the first terminal device and the location information of the second terminal device; the network device selecting the second terminal device whose location information is within a first threshold range from the location information of the first terminal device as a relay terminal device. Through this implementation, the network device selects the second terminal device whose distance from the first terminal device is within a specific range. The smaller the distance between the two terminal devices, the more energy the method can save in relay discovery, thus further saving power consumption of either the first or second terminal device.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the network device receives the location information of the first terminal device and the location information of the second terminal device, including: the network device receiving the location information of the first terminal device from the first terminal device and receiving the location information of the second terminal device from the second terminal device, or the network device receiving the location information of the first terminal device and the location information of the second terminal device from a gateway mobile location center.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device obtaining relay service authorization information of the second terminal device, the relay service authorization information representing the relay service authorization information of the second terminal device; and the network device determining the second terminal device based on the relay service authorization information of the second terminal device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending first activation time information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, wherein the first activation time information is at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or the relay discovery activation cycle. It is understood that the activation duration can be the duration for which the first terminal device and the second terminal device activate relay discovery once, and the activation cycle can be the cycle for which the first terminal device and the second terminal device activate relay discovery once. The specified activation duration eliminates the need for the first terminal device and the second terminal device to continuously maintain relay discovery, saving their respective power consumption. The specified activation cycle ensures that the first terminal device and the second terminal device activate relay discovery at a certain interval, increasing the activation duration and thus improving the efficiency of relay discovery. The above description also applies to methods provided in other aspects of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device receiving second activation time information from the first terminal device, the second activation time being used to determine the first activation time information.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending relay discovery activation information to the second terminal device, the relay discovery activation information being used to instruct the second terminal device to participate in relay discovery. That is, the second terminal device initiates relay discovery upon receiving the relay discovery activation information.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method executed by a first terminal device. The method includes: the first terminal device sending a relay activation request or signal measurement information to a network device; the first terminal device receiving first information from the network device, the first information including role indication information of the first terminal device; the first terminal device determining its role in relay discovery based on the role indication information; and the first terminal device participating in relay discovery according to the role. Through this method, the first terminal device can perform specific actions according to a designated role, improving the efficiency of relay discovery and reducing power consumption, thus saving the power of the first terminal device.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the role indication information is at least one of first role information or relay discovery mode information.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: if the network device is a core network element, the first terminal device sends a request message to the core network element, the request message including at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information; if the network device is an access network device, the first terminal device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the access network device; or, triggers an Access and Mobility Management (AMM) device to send a first message to the network device, the RRC message including at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information; the first message includes at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information, and the first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information is used to determine the first information. It should be understood that when the first message includes the first terminal device's role intention information, the request message also includes the first terminal device's role intention information; when the first message includes the first terminal device's status information, the request message also includes the first terminal device's status information. In this embodiment, the first terminal device triggers the access and mobility management function (AMU) to send a first message to the network device, which can be implemented as follows: the first terminal device sends at least one of its role intention information or its status information to the AMU; the AMU then sends a first message to the network device, the first message including at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or its status information. In other words, through the first message, the AMU forwards at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or its status information. The above description also applies to the methods provided in other embodiments of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: if the network device is a core network element, the first terminal device sends a request message to the core network element, the request message including at least one of the location information or service information of the first terminal device; if the network device is an access network device, the first terminal device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the access network device; or, triggers an Access and Mobility Management (AMI) device to send a first message to the network device, the RRC message including at least one of the location information or service information of the first terminal device, the location information or service information of the first terminal device in the first message being used to determine a second terminal device, the second terminal device being a terminal device participating in the relay discovery.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first terminal device receiving first activation time information from the network device, wherein the first activation duration is at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or activation cycle.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first terminal device sending second activation time information to the network device, the second activation time being used to determine the first activation time information.

[0030] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method executed by a second terminal device. The method includes: the second terminal device receiving second information from a network device, the second information including role indication information of the second terminal device; the second terminal device determining its role in relay discovery based on the role indication information; and the second terminal device participating in relay discovery according to the role. Through this method, the second terminal device can perform specific actions according to a designated role, improving the efficiency of relay discovery and reducing power consumption, thus saving power.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the second information includes relay discovery activation information, and the second terminal device participates in relay discovery based on the relay discovery activation information.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the role indication information of the second terminal device is at least one of second role information or relay discovery mode information.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second terminal device sending at least one of the second terminal device's second status information or the second terminal device's second role intention information to the network device, wherein the second status information or the second terminal device's second role intention information is used to determine the second information.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second terminal device sending at least one of the relay capability information, service information, or location information of the second terminal device to the network device, wherein the relay capability information is used to indicate the relay capability of the second terminal device, and at least one of the relay capability information, service information, or location information of the second terminal device is used to determine the second terminal device.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second terminal device receiving location information of the first terminal device from the network device, the first terminal device being a terminal device participating in the relay discovery; the second terminal device determining, based on the location information of the first terminal device, whether the distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is within a first threshold range; if the distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is within the first threshold range, the second terminal device determines to participate in the relay discovery.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second terminal device receiving first activation time information from the network device, the first activation time information being at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or the relay discovery activation cycle.

[0037] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor configured to read from and run a program from a memory, such that the communication device implements the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation above (e.g., when the communication device is a network device), or implements the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation above (e.g., when the communication device is a first terminal device), or implements the method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation above (e.g., when the communication device is a second terminal device).

[0038] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including a network device, a first terminal device, and a second terminal device. The network device can execute the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation, the first terminal device can execute the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation, and the second terminal device can execute the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation, or the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation, or the method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause a processor to perform the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation, or the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation, or the method as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This application describes a 5G ProSe communication system network architecture to which this application applies.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a relay capability to which this application applies;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a relay discovery mode applicable to this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another relay discovery mode applicable to this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a method for activating relay discovery applicable to this application.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interactive process of another method for activating relay discovery applicable to this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies.

[0051] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies.

[0052] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or New Radio (NR) systems, or to future communication systems or other similar communication systems. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other future-oriented communication technologies. The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0055] Device-to-device (DTM) communication is a method that allows direct communication between multiple user terminal devices. This technology enables these user devices to share spectrum resources under the control of a cell network, effectively improving spectrum resource utilization. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organization has developed the DTM standard, also known as Proximity-based Services (ProSe). ProSe includes ProSe discovery, which can be referred to as terminal device discovery. Its purpose is to enable ProSe-enabled terminal devices to discover neighboring ProSe-enabled terminal devices. Through terminal device discovery, one terminal device can communicate with another terminal device via the PC5 (ProSe Communication 5) interface.

[0056] This application takes a 5G system as an example. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a network architecture for a 5G ProSe communication system to which this application applies. The aforementioned network architecture can include the following components: terminal equipment, radio access network (RAN), core network, and ProSe application server.

[0057] The following is a detailed explanation of the parts involved in this network architecture:

[0058] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It connects wirelessly to access network devices to access the communication system. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality terminal devices, augmented reality terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in remote surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, etc. This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device. As an example and not a limitation, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also called wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Wearable smart devices in a broad sense include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on only one type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring. Terminal devices can also be onboard modules, onboard components, onboard chips, or onboard units built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in onboard modules, onboard components, onboard chips, or onboard units. For ease of description, the terminal device is hereinafter referred to as UE, the remote terminal device as remote UE, the relay terminal device as relay UE, the source terminal device as source UE, and the target terminal device as target UE.

[0059] A wireless access network (WLAN) is used to implement wireless-related functions. Nodes in a WLAN, also known as access network devices or base stations, are used to connect terminal devices to the wireless network. These access network devices can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs) in LTE systems or evolved LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception points (TRPs), base band units (BBUs), WiFi access points (APs), base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. WLAN devices can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station; for example, they can be centralized units (CUs) or distributed units (DUs). This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the WLAN devices. For example, in one network structure, the WLAN device can be a CU node, a DU node, or an access network device including both CU and DU nodes. Specifically, CU nodes support protocols such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP); DU nodes support Radio Link Control (RLC) layer protocols, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocols, and physical layer protocols. For ease of explanation, the Radio Access Network will be referred to as RAN below.

[0060] The core network may include one or more of the following network elements: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, network data analytics function (NWDAF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, 5G Direct Discovery Name Management Function (5DNMF) network elements, etc.

[0061] Access and Mobility Management (AM) network elements are primarily used for terminal attachment and mobility management in mobile networks. When providing services for a terminal device's session, AM network elements provide control plane storage resources for that session, such as storing session identifiers and session management function network element identifiers associated with those session identifiers.

[0062] Session management network elements: These are primarily used for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include assigning Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals and selecting user plane network elements that provide packet forwarding capabilities.

[0063] User plane functional network elements are primarily responsible for processing user packets, such as forwarding, billing, and authorized listening. User plane network elements can also be referred to as protocol data unit (PDU) session anchors (PSAs).

[0064] Policy control function network elements include user subscription data management, policy control, billing policy control, and quality of service (QoS) control. It should be noted that in actual networks, PCFs can take various forms depending on their layer or function, such as global PCFs and PCFs within network slices, or Session Management PCFs (SM-PCFs) and Access Management PCFs (AM-PCFs).

[0065] Network data analysis function network elements: can collect data from various network function (NF) network elements, such as policy control function network elements, session management function network elements, user plane function network elements, application function network elements, etc., and perform analysis and prediction.

[0066] Unified data management network element: Responsible for managing the subscription information of terminal devices. For example, storing and managing terminal device identifiers, and authorizing access to terminal devices.

[0067] The 5G Direct Connectivity (DCT) Name Management Network Element is used for terminal device discovery, allocating discovery parameters to ProSe-enabled terminal devices. Typically, operators deploy one DCT Name Management Network Element within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). The DCT Name Management Network Element interacts with the ProSe application server via the PC2 (ProSe Communication 2) interface or a service-based interface. This PC2 interface or service-based interface is used by the DCT Name Management Network Element to obtain ProSe discovery authorization information from the ProSe application server. The DCT Name Management Network Element interacts with terminal devices via the PC3a (ProSe Communication 3a) interface. This PC3a interface is used by the terminal devices to obtain discovery parameters from the DCT Name Management Network Element.

[0068] The above-mentioned "network elements" can also be referred to as "entities" or "devices," and this application does not impose any restrictions. For ease of description, the session management function network element is abbreviated as SMF, the policy control function network element is abbreviated as PCF, and other network elements are similarly referred to, and will not be described in detail here.

[0069] The ProSe Application Server is a server used to provide application services for ProSe. This server communicates with terminal devices through protocol data unit (PDU) sessions.

[0070] Figure 2This diagram illustrates a UE-to-Network Relay communication method applicable to this application. When a remote UE is located outside network coverage or has poor network signal, the remote UE establishes communication with the network side using a relay UE. For example, the remote UE establishes communication with the relay UE, and the relay UE establishes communication with the network side. Furthermore, the remote UE can establish communication with the network side through the relay UE. Through the relay UE, a remote UE outside the network coverage area can establish communication with the network, extending the communication coverage. UE-to-Network Relay communication can be specifically divided into Layer-2 relay (L2relay) mode and Layer-3 relay (L3relay) mode. In Layer-2 relay mode, the remote UE establishes an end-to-end radio resource control (RRC) connection with the base station through the relay UE. The relay UE forwards the uplink and downlink signaling of the remote UE according to the Access Stratum layer (AS layer), enabling the remote UE to access the RAN. In Layer 3 trunk mode, data from the remote UE is forwarded through the Internet Protocol (IP) layer. That is, the remote UE's data is parsed to the IP layer by the trunk UE and then forwarded through the trunk UE's PDU session. In Layer 2 trunk mode, the trunk UE has Layer 2 trunk capabilities; in Layer 3 trunk mode, the trunk UE has Layer 3 trunk capabilities.

[0071] Currently, relay discovery methods can be used Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustrated mode implementation. The remote UE is... Figure 3 or Figure 4 UE1 in the middle, the relay UE is Figure 3 or Figure 4 UE2 (or UE3) in the middle, or, the remote UE is Figure 3 or Figure 4 UE2 (or UE3) in the middle, the relay UE is Figure 3 or Figure 4 UE1 in the middle.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one relay discovery mode applicable to this application. This mode is Mode B. Figure 3 As shown, this mode includes the following steps:

[0073] Step 301: UE1 (remote UE) sends a discovery message. For example, this discovery message is a Relay Discovery Solicitation Message. Correspondingly, UE2 and UE3 (relay UEs) listen for and receive the discovery message.

[0074] The discovery message is a broadcast message and an omnidirectional message, meaning that UEs in all directions around UE1 can receive this discovery message.

[0075] The discovery message may include a message type (e.g., Solicitation), a Destination Layer 2 ID, a Source Layer 2 ID, a User InfoID, and discovery parameters. In this discovery message, the Destination Layer 2 ID is the broadcast address, the Source Layer 2 ID is the Layer 2 ID of UE1, the User InfoID is the UE1's identifier (which may be the UE1's application layer identifier), and the discovery parameters include the Relay Service Code. It should be noted that before step 301, UE1 obtains the Relay Service Code from the core network element PCF. Layer 2 relay mode and Layer 3 relay mode correspond to different Relay Service Codes. In other words, if UE1 wants to perform Layer 2 relay mode communication, the Relay Service Code in the discovery message is the code corresponding to Layer 2 relay mode; if UE1 wants to perform Layer 3 relay mode communication, the Relay Service Code in the discovery message is the code corresponding to Layer 3 relay mode.

[0076] In step 302, UE2 and UE3 send a response message to UE1 in response to the discovery message. For example, this response message is a Relay Discovery Response Message. The response message may include a message type (e.g., Response), a destination Layer 2 identifier, a source Layer 2 identifier, a user information identifier, and discovery parameters. In this response message, the destination Layer 2 identifier is the source Layer 2 identifier from the discovery message in step 301, the source Layer 2 identifier is the destination Layer 2 identifier from the discovery message in step 301, and the user information identifier is the identifier of the UE sending the response message, such as the application layer identifier of UE3. The discovery parameters are the relay service codewords from the request message.

[0077] It should be noted that when the discovery parameter in the discovery message is a relay service codeword, only that specific UE will send a response message to UE1 because only a specific UE has the same relay service codeword. In other words, when the discovery parameter is a relay service codeword, only a specific UE with the same or corresponding relay service codeword can discover each other with UE1 and conduct subsequent UE-to-network relay communication.

[0078] Should Figure 3The method shown allows UE1 to act as a remote UE. UE1 actively sends a discovery message to find a relay UE. When a UE (e.g., UE2 or UE3) receives the discovery message and determines that the message contains discovery parameters that it can match or is interested in, it sends a response message to UE1, informing UE1 that it (e.g., UE2 or UE3) can act as a relay UE. This achieves relay discovery.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another relay discovery mode applicable to this application. This mode is Mode A. Figure 4 As shown, this mode includes the following steps:

[0080] Step 401, UE1 (relay UE) sends a discovery message. For example, this discovery message is a relay discovery announcement message. Correspondingly, at least one of UE2 or UE3 (remote UE) listens for and receives the discovery message.

[0081] The discovery message may include a message type (i.e., Announcement), a destination Layer 2 identifier, a source Layer 2 identifier, a user information identifier, and discovery parameters. For example, the discovery parameters may include a relay service codeword. Before step 401, UE1 can obtain the relay service codeword from the PCF.

[0082] Subsequently, when at least one of UE2 or UE3 is interested in the discovery parameters in the discovery message (and can match the discovery parameters, such as relay service codewords), it can initiate a connection establishment request to UE1, thereby enabling UE2 or UE3 to perform UE-to-network relay communication with UE1.

[0083] Figure 4 In the method shown, UE1 acts as a relay UE and sends a discovery message to at least one of the surrounding UE2 or UE3, informing at least one of UE2 or UE3 that UE1 can act as a relay UE and that any remote UE that matches the discovery parameters in the discovery message can initiate a connection establishment request to UE1 in the future.

[0084] It should be noted that for a remote UE or relay UE to participate in relay discovery, the following conditions must be met: When the air interface signal strength of the remote UE is below threshold 1, the remote UE can participate in relay discovery; when the air interface signal strength of the relay UE is below threshold 2 but above threshold 3, the relay UE can participate in relay discovery. Taking a relay UE as an example, the relay UE can obtain the above threshold information (threshold 1, threshold 2, and threshold 3) from the RAN, or the above threshold information may be pre-configured in the relay UE. Whether the UE actively sends a discovery message or listens for and receives a discovery message, both can be understood as the UE participating in relay discovery.

[0085] Through the above Figure 3 or Figure 4 The method shown enables remote UEs and relay UEs to discover relays, thereby allowing the remote UE to establish a connection with the relay UE and ultimately communicate with the network.

[0086] However, when a remote UE wants to discover a relay UE, the remote UE selects to use... Figure 3 The method shown is an example where the remote UE selects itself as the advertised UE. In another possible scenario, the relay UE selects itself using... Figure 4 The method shown involves the relay UE selecting itself as the advertiser UE. In the above possible scenarios, both the relay UE and the remote UE send discovery messages. Alternatively, in another possible scenario, the relay UE does not enable relay discovery, in which case relay discovery cannot be achieved between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0087] Going forward, the remote UE may continue to use... Figure 3 The method shown waits for the relay UE to also enable relay discovery and select to use... Figure 3 The method shown. Alternatively, if the remote UE discovers that relay discovery cannot be successfully achieved, it can immediately choose to use... Figure 4 The method shown can be used, or you can wait for a period of time before choosing to adopt it. Figure 4 The method described above changes the UE's role to that of a listening UE, waiting to receive a discovery message from the relay UE. When both the relay UE and the remote UE enable relay discovery and choose the same method, or in other words, choose a different role than the other, relay discovery can be achieved. That is, if initially neither UE achieves relay discovery, the UE acting as the announcer will periodically send discovery messages, while the UE acting as the listener will continuously enable the listening function. The remote UE or the relay UE will also switch their chosen roles or methods until relay discovery is achieved. However, this method leads to increased power consumption for the relay UE or the remote UE and low efficiency in achieving relay discovery. This application provides a method to solve the above problems.

[0088] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of activating relay discovery to which this application applies. In this embodiment, the entity executing the actions performed by DDNMF can be DDNMF, PCF, AMF, or a new network element. All such entities are network elements or devices capable of providing relay discovery services; this application does not limit the scope of the implementation. The following description uses DDNMF as an example.

[0089] The method includes the following steps:

[0090] Step 501: The relay UE sends its identifier and relay capability information to the DDNMF.

[0091] The relay UE may include UE1, UE2, or other UEs that can act as relays; that is, the relay UE may be at least one UE. The above description also applies to the methods described in other embodiments of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] For example, a relay UE sends a registration message to the DDNMF, which includes the relay UE's identifier, relay capability information, and role intention information.

[0093] Taking UE1 as the relay UE as an example, UE1 sends a registration message to DDNMF. This registration message includes UE1's identifier, UE1's relay capability information, and UE1's role intention information. UE2 or other UEs that can act as relays can refer to the relevant description of UE1, which will not be repeated here.

[0094] The identifier for UE1 can be the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) for UE1.

[0095] The relay capability information of UE1 may include at least one of layer 2 relay capability information or layer 3 relay capability information, wherein the layer 2 relay capability information indicates that UE1 has layer 2 relay forwarding capability, and the layer 3 relay capability information indicates that UE1 has layer 3 relay forwarding capability.

[0096] Optionally, UE1 may also send UE1’s role intention information to DDNMF. The UE1’s role intention information includes at least one of the announcement UE or the listening UE. The UE1’s role intention information is used to indicate that UE1 is willing to act as the announcement UE or the listening UE, or is willing to act only as the announcement UE, or is willing to act only as the listening UE.

[0097] Optionally, UE1 may also send indication information to DDNMF, which indicates that UE1 can act as a relay UE or wants to act as a relay UE.

[0098] Optionally, UE1 also sends its location information to the DDNMF, which represents UE1's real-time location or its movement path information. For example, UE1's location information can be obtained by UE1 through a fifth-generation communication system or by UE1 through the Global Positioning System (GPS). For example, UE1's location information can be sent via a registration message or other types of messages, such as notification messages; this application is not limited to these. Furthermore, UE1's location information can be acquired periodically and sent by UE1 to the DDNMF.

[0099] Optionally, UE1 also sends its status information to DDNMF. This status information may include battery status, load status, or mobility status. The battery status of UE1 may indicate its current remaining battery power, the estimated time the battery power will last, or other information related to the battery power. This application is not limited to these parameters, and the same applies to other embodiments. This status information can be used to determine the role of UE1. For example, if the status information is battery status, then when the remaining battery power of UE1 is below a certain threshold, UE1 can be identified as a listening UE; if the remaining battery power of UE1 is above a certain threshold, UE1 can be identified as a broadcasting UE. This threshold depends on the specific implementation and is not limited in this application. For example, the battery status of UE1 can be sent via a registration message or other types of messages, such as notification messages. This application is not limited to these methods. Furthermore, the battery status of UE1 can be periodically acquired and sent by UE1 to DDNMF. Furthermore, if the status information of UE1 includes the load status of UE1, and if the load of UE1 is below a certain threshold, then UE1 can be subsequently identified as a broadcasting UE; otherwise, UE1 can be subsequently identified as a listening UE. This specific threshold is not limited in this application. If the status information of UE1 includes the mobility status information of UE1, and the mobility status information indicates that UE1 is a stationary UE, or indicates that UE1 is the terminal device that has maintained a stationary state for the longest period of time within a specific timeframe, then UE1 can be subsequently selected as a relay UE.

[0100] Step 502: DDNMF obtains the relay service authorization information of the relay UE.

[0101] For example, DDNMF obtains the relay service authorization information of the relay UE from UDM. This relay UE is the relay UE mentioned in step 501.

[0102] The relay service authorization information of a relay UE indicates whether the UE is authorized to provide relay services, for example, whether it is authorized to provide Layer 2 relay services or whether it is authorized to provide Layer 3 relay services.

[0103] The relay service authorization information of the relay UE may also include the service information authorized to be provided by the UE, which is the identification information of the service type of the network slice that the remote UE can use or the relay service codeword.

[0104] One possible implementation method is that the DDNMF sends a request message to the UDM, which includes the identifier of the relay UE. The request message is used to request the UDM to provide the relay service authorization information of the relay UE represented by the identifier. Specifically, the UDM finds the relay service authorization information of the relay UE based on the identifier and the subscription data of the relay UE, and sends the relay service authorization information of the relay UE to the DDNMF.

[0105] Step 503: DDNMF obtains the location information of the relay UE.

[0106] The relay UE is the relay UE in step 501.

[0107] For example, the DDNMF obtains the location information of the relay UE from the Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GLMC). Specifically, the DDNMF requests the location information of the relay UE from the GLMC, the GLMC then triggers the positioning process of the fifth-generation communication system to obtain the location information of the relay UE, and the GLMC sends the location information of the relay UE to the DDNMF.

[0108] This step is optional. For example, if the relay UE sends its location information in step 501, or if the relay UE does not send its location information in step 501, then DDNMF obtains the relay UE's location information through this step. In other words, regardless of whether it is through step 501 or step 503, DDNMF ultimately obtains the relay UE's location information.

[0109] Step 504: The remote UE sends the remote UE's identifier and relay activation request information to the DDNMF.

[0110] The relay activation request information can also be a layer 2 relay activation request information or a layer 3 relay activation request information. The layer 2 relay activation request information indicates a request to activate the layer 2 relay, and the layer 3 relay activation request information indicates a request to activate the layer 3 relay.

[0111] This step can be triggered by the following possible situations:

[0112] One possible scenario is that the remote UE detects that the signal strength is below a certain threshold, or finds that the quality of service (QoS) cannot be guaranteed, or finds that the QoS has been degraded. In this case, the remote UE needs to discover a relay UE and establish a relay link through the relay UE to improve the QoS.

[0113] Another possibility is that the remote UE has already performed relay discovery, but no available relay UEs have been found.

[0114] In one optional implementation, the remote UE sends a request message to the DDNMF, which includes the identifier of the remote UE and relay activation request information.

[0115] In one optional implementation, the remote UE sends a relay activation request message to the DDNMF, the relay activation request message including the identifier of the remote UE. Optionally, the relay activation request message also includes relay activation request information.

[0116] For example, the identifier of the remote UE can be the SUPI of the remote UE.

[0117] Optionally, the remote UE may also send the remote UE’s role intention information to the DDNMF. The remote UE’s role intention information includes at least one of announcing UE or listening UE. The remote UE’s role intention information is used to indicate that the remote UE is willing to act as an announcing UE or a listening UE, or is willing to act only as an announcing UE, or is willing to act only as a listening UE.

[0118] Optionally, the remote UE may also send an activation duration to the DDNMF. This activation duration can be used to indicate that the remote UE does not need to send a relay activation request again within the activation duration following the sending of the relay activation request.

[0119] Optionally, the remote UE may also send its location information to the DDNMF, which indicates the location of the remote UE or its route over a period of time. The location information of the remote UE can be found in the description of step 501.

[0120] Optionally, the remote UE may also send its status information to the DDNMF, which can be referred to in step 501.

[0121] Optionally, the remote UE also sends an activation period to the DDNMF. This activation period can be used by the DDNMF to periodically send relay activation request information to the relay UE in subsequent processes, or to request the relay UE to periodically enable relay service, so that the relay UE can enable relay service according to the activation period.

[0122] Optionally, the remote UE may also send its service information to the DDNMF. This service information refers to the services that the remote UE can use. For example, the service information may be the identification information of the service type of the network slice that the remote UE can use, or the relay service codeword.

[0123] It should be noted that this step can trigger the execution of step 503. That is, step 503 can be executed after step 504. In other words, the remote UE requests to activate relay discovery, and DDNMF then requests GLMC to obtain the location information of the relay UE.

[0124] Step 505: DDNMF obtains the relay service authorization information of the remote UE.

[0125] This step can be referred to in the description of step 502.

[0126] The relay service authorization information of a remote UE indicates whether the UE is authorized to use relay services or access the network through a relay, for example, whether it is authorized to use Layer 2 relay services or whether it is authorized to use Layer 3 relay services.

[0127] Step 506: DDNMF determines that the UE is a remote UE.

[0128] For example, based on the relay service authorization information of the remote UE in step 505, DDNMF determines that the UE (i.e., the remote UE in the aforementioned steps in the figure) is authorized as a remote UE, or in other words, determines that the UE can enable relay discovery or perform relay communication.

[0129] For example, the DDNMF root DDNMF knows, based on the relay service authorization information of the remote UE in step 505, that the UE is authorized to discover relay terminals that support the aforementioned relay service codewords.

[0130] Step 507: DDNMF obtains the location information of the remote UE.

[0131] This step can be referred to in the description of step 503.

[0132] Step 508, DDNMF determines that UE1 has activated relay discovery.

[0133] In other words, DDNMF selects UE1 as the relay UE of this remote UE.

[0134] Activating relay discovery means that the UE has enabled or is participating in the relay discovery process.

[0135] For example, in one possible implementation, DDNMF determines UE1 based on the distance between the remote UE and the relay UE. For instance, if the distance between the remote UE and the relay UE is less than a certain set threshold, and the relay UE that meets this condition is UE1, then DDNMF selects UE1 as the relay UE for the remote UE. This threshold can be set by DDNMF, pre-configured in DDNMF, or obtained by DDNMF through other means.

[0136] One possible implementation is that DDNMF selects UE1 based on the role intention information of the remote UE and the role intention information of the relay UE. For example, if the role intention information of the remote UE is to announce UE, the role intention information of UE1 among the relay UEs is to listen UE, and the role intention information of UE2 is to announce UE, then DDNMF selects UE1 as the relay UE of the remote UE.

[0137] One possible implementation is that, based on the relay UE's status information (e.g., battery status), DNMF selects UE1, the relay UE with the best battery status (e.g., the largest remaining battery), as the relay UE for the remote UE. If the status information includes load status information, then DNMF selects a terminal device with a load below a certain threshold as the relay UE for the remote UE. If the relay UE's status information includes mobility status information, then DNMF can select a stationary terminal device, or a terminal device that has remained stationary for the longest period of time, based on the mobility status information. This can reduce handover caused by terminal device movement and also reduce signaling interaction.

[0138] One possible implementation is that DDNMF obtains the service information of the relay UE and selects UE1 among the relay UEs that matches the service information of the remote UE. The service information matching can be based on the relay service codeword, that is, the relay service codeword authorized by UE1 includes the relay service codeword requested by the remote UE, or corresponds to the relay service codeword requested by the remote UE.

[0139] One possible implementation is that DDNMF selects UE1 as the relay UE based on the remote UE's relay activation request information and the relay UE's relay service authorization information. For example, the relay activation request information is Layer 2 relay activation request information; however, if the relay UE's relay service authorization information indicates that the relay UE is not authorized to provide Layer 2 relay services, then the relay UE cannot participate in relay discovery. As another example, if the relay activation request information is Layer 3 relay activation request information, and the relay UE's relay service authorization information indicates that the relay UE is authorized to provide Layer 3 relay services, then the relay UE can participate in relay discovery.

[0140] One possible implementation is that DDNMF selects UE1 as the relay UE based on the remote UE's relay activation request information and the relay UE's relay capability information. For example, the relay activation request information is Layer 2 relay activation request information; however, if the relay UE's relay capability information indicates that the UE does not support Layer 2 relay services, then the relay UE cannot participate in relay discovery. As another example, the relay activation request information is Layer 3 relay activation request information; if the relay UE's relay capability information indicates that the UE supports Layer 3 relay services, then the relay UE can participate in relay discovery.

[0141] It is understandable that the above implementation methods can be combined, that is, DDNMF can combine at least one of the following: business information, role willingness information, status information, distance, relay service authorization information or relay capability information, and select UE1.

[0142] Step 509: DDNMF sends relay discovery activation information and UE1's role information to UE1.

[0143] This relay discovery activation information is used to activate the relay discovery service for UE1.

[0144] One possible implementation is that DDNMF sends a request message (e.g., a request message) to UE1, which includes relay discovery activation information.

[0145] Another possible implementation is that DDNMF sends a relay discovery activation message to UE1.

[0146] The role information of UE1 is used to indicate whether UE1 is an announcing UE or a listening UE. For example, in one possible implementation, the role information of UE1 can be determined by DDNMF based on the status information of UE1 or the remote UE. Specifically, taking the status information as battery status as an example, if the battery balance of UE1 is greater than that of the remote UE, then the role information of UE1 is an announcing UE; otherwise, the role information of UE1 is a listening UE. This method can determine the different roles of the two types of UEs (remote UE and UE1) based on their battery status. The method of selecting the relay UE based on the battery status can maximize the sustainability of the service, thereby further optimizing the allocation of power resources, extending the working time of the two types of UEs providing relay discovery services, and ensuring the stability of service quality. On the other hand, it can reduce the accelerated consumption of the remaining power of terminal devices with less than a certain threshold of remaining power after taking on the role of an announcing terminal device. If the status information is load status information, the method of selecting relay UEs and assigning role information based on load status can also maximize the duration of service sustainability and ensure the stability of service quality. It can also alleviate the burden on terminal devices with loads exceeding a certain threshold by having the terminal device with the lowest load take on the role of the announcement terminal device, and reduce the power consumption of terminal devices with loads exceeding a certain threshold.

[0147] Optionally, DDNMF also sends an activation duration to UE1. This activation duration can be the activation duration in step 504, or it can be an activation duration set by DDNMF itself. In other words, this activation duration can be the same as or different from the activation duration in step 504. The function of this activation duration can be found in the description in step 504.

[0148] Optionally, DDNMF also sends an activation period to UE1, which can be the activation period from step 504. This activation period can be used to instruct UE1 to enable relay discovery at a specific period to meet the needs of remote UEs.

[0149] Optionally, DDNMF also sends the location information of the remote UE to UE1. The location information of the remote UE can be the location information of the remote UE in step 504 or step 506, so that the relay UE can determine whether to activate relay discovery. For example, when the relay UE determines that the distance between it and the remote UE is within a certain threshold range based on the location information of the remote UE, the relay UE determines to activate relay discovery.

[0150] In addition, the DDNMF can also store events such as sending relay discovery activation information to UE1. This allows DDNMF to stop sending relay discovery activation information to the relay UE if other remote UEs also request to activate the relay discovery service of UE1 within the activation duration, thereby reducing signaling interactions.

[0151] Step 510: DDNMF sends the role information of the remote UE to the remote UE.

[0152] For example, DDNMF sends a response message to the remote UE, which is the response message in step 504, and the response message includes the role information of the remote UE.

[0153] The role information of the remote UE is used to indicate whether the remote UE is a broadcasting UE or a listening UE. It should be noted that if the role information of UE1 in step 509 is broadcasting UE, then the role information of the remote UE is listening UE. In other words, the role information indicating the remote UE is different from the role information indicating UE1.

[0154] Optionally, DDNMF sends the identifier of UE1 to the remote UE, so that the remote UE can know the implementation of relay discovery with UE1.

[0155] Optionally, DDNMF also sends an activation duration to the remote UE, which can be the activation duration in step 509.

[0156] In addition, the role information of the remote UE in this step can be the same as the role information of UE1 in step 509, that is, both are either the announcer UE or both are the listener UE. In this case, both can choose to be the announcer UE or the listener UE according to their own wishes.

[0157] It is understandable that in steps 509 and 510, if the remote UE or the relay UE (UE1) receives its respective role information, then relay discovery is activated. Alternatively, it is understandable that the role information implicitly instructs the UE to activate relay discovery. Therefore, in step 509, DDNMF may not send relay discovery activation information to the remote UE.

[0158] Step 511: The remote UE and the relay UE complete the relay discovery process.

[0159] Specifically, the remote UE and the relay UE complete the relay discovery process according to their respective received role information. For example, the remote UE acts as the announcing UE, and UE1 acts as the listening UE. The listening UE and the announcing UE can adopt the aforementioned... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The relay discovery is achieved in the manner shown.

[0160] It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the method of the illustrated embodiment, both the role information of the remote UE and the role information of the relay UE (UE1) can be replaced with relay discovery mode information, which is... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The method shown is for ease of description. Figure 3 The method shown can be called Pattern B. Figure 4 The method shown can be called Mode A. That is, the role information of the remote UE and the role information of the relay UE (UE1) can be replaced with Mode A or Mode B. It should be understood that if the relay discovery mode information received by the remote UE or relay UE from the DDNMF is Mode A, the remote UE acts as a listening UE, and the relay UE acts as an advertising UE; if the relay discovery mode information received by the remote UE or relay UE from the DDNMF is Mode B, the remote UE acts as an advertising UE, and the relay UE acts as a listening UE. Regardless of whether the method in the embodiment uses relay discovery mode information or role information, it can be replaced with a type of information that has the same function. This type of information is used to inform the UE that it should act as a UE sending a discovery message or as a UE listening to a discovery message. Other embodiments are equally applicable to the above description and will not be repeated here.

[0161] In this embodiment, the remote UE sends a relay activation request to the DDNMF, which then sends the relay UE's role information to the relay UE and the remote UE's role information. The relay UE and the remote UE determine their respective roles in relay discovery based on the received role information, thus completing the relay discovery process. This method allows the relay UE to initiate relay discovery as required, improving its efficiency and reducing power consumption.

[0162] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another method for activating relay discovery applicable to this application. In this embodiment, the executing entity that performs the action of DDNMF can be DDNMF, PCF, AMF, or a new network element. All executing entities are network elements or devices that can implement relay discovery services. This application does not limit the scope of the executing entity. The following description uses DDNMF as an example.

[0163] The method includes the following steps:

[0164] Step 601: The relay UE sends its identifier and relay capability information to the DDNMF.

[0165] Step 602: DDNMF obtains the relay service authorization information of the relay UE.

[0166] Step 603: DDNMF obtains the location information of the relay UE.

[0167] Steps 601 to 603 can be referenced. Figure 5 The description in steps 501 to 503.

[0168] Step 604: DDNMF sends network performance evaluation subscription information to NWDAF.

[0169] This network performance evaluation subscription information is used to subscribe to network performance status information, such as a "Network performance" field. The purpose of this step is for DDNMF to subscribe to network performance status information from NWDAF, thereby obtaining the current network performance status, such as poor network signal strength within the network's coverage area, or other current network status information. NWDAF can send the current network performance data to DDNMF at regular intervals or irregularly.

[0170] Step 605: DDNMF obtains the area subset and cell status information (gNB status information).

[0171] For example, DDNMF obtains area subset and cell status information from Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM). A cell can be understood as the sector radiated by a base station's antenna; this area subset is at the cell granularity or TA (tracking area) granularity, and the TA can be understood as a set of cells. Specifically, this area subset can be understood as a certain signal coverage area. Cell status information can indicate that the cell is up, down, or has poor signal coverage performance.

[0172] For example, in one possible implementation, the remote UE sends signal measurement information to the DDNMF, which triggers the DDNMF to acquire the area subset and cell state information. For instance, the remote UE sends the signal measurement information to the DDNMF via the RAN. The signal measurement information can be the UE's measurement results of signals from different cells, and the measured values ​​can be reference signal received power or reference signal received quality. For example, this signal measurement information can trigger the DDNMF to acquire the area subset and cell state information from other network elements or devices (e.g., OAM or NDWAF). It is understood that this signal measurement information implicitly indicates to the DDNMF that the remote UE has a need to use a relay UE. After receiving the signal measurement information, the DDNMF acquires the area subset and cell state information.

[0173] For example, in one possible implementation, if the OAM determines that the signal quality in a subset of the area is poor, or the base station is not working, or a cell in the antenna is not working, it notifies the DDNMF. That is, the OAM can send the subset of the area and cell status information to the DDNMF.

[0174] For example, one possible implementation is that DDNMF obtains the area subset and cell status information from OAM after obtaining the information that can be used to determine the area subset and cell status information.

[0175] For example, in one possible implementation, NWDAF sends network performance status information to DDNMF, which may include area subsets and cell status information.

[0176] For example, OAM or DDNMF sends a notification message to DDNMF, which includes the information mentioned above that can be used to obtain area subset and cell status information.

[0177] Step 606: DDNMF sends relay discovery activation information and the role information of the relay UE to the relay UE.

[0178] For example, DDNMF sends a request message to the relay UE, which can include the relay discovery activation information.

[0179] It should be noted that the relay UE may be the relay UE in step 601, or it may be some of the relay UEs in step 601. That is, assuming that the relay UE in step 601 includes UE1 and UE2, the relay UE in this step may include UE1 and UE2 (as shown in the figure), or it may only include UE1, or it may only include UE2. For example, DDNMF determines which UEs among the relay UEs to send the relay discovery activation information to based on the area subset and the location information of the relay UE. Specifically, the UE is located in the area subset, or the UE is located in the edge area of ​​the area subset.

[0180] It should be noted that, taking the example of DDNMF sending role information to UE1 and UE2, it should be understood that DDNMF sends UE1's role information to UE1 and DDNMF sends UE2's role information to UE2.

[0181] In addition, DDNMF can also perform at least one of the following: obtain service information of the remote UE from other network elements, such as UDM, or obtain relay service authorization information of the remote UE and the relay UE. DDNMF then determines whether to authorize the relay UE and the remote UE to perform relay discovery. This service information can be referenced... Figure 5 The description of business information in step 504.

[0182] Optionally, DDNMF also sends the activation duration to the relay UE.

[0183] Optionally, DDNMF also sends an activation cycle to the relay UE.

[0184] This step can be referenced. Figure 5 The description in step 509.

[0185] Step 607: DDNMF sends the role information of the remote UE to the remote UE.

[0186] Optionally, DDNMF sends the identifier of the relay UE to the remote UE.

[0187] Optionally, DDNMF also sends the activation duration to the remote UE.

[0188] This step can be referenced. Figure 5 The description of step 510 in the text.

[0189] It should be noted that the role information of the relay UE in step 606 is different from the role information of the remote UE in step 607, and the methods for determining the role information of the relay UE and the remote UE can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5 The description in the text.

[0190] Furthermore, for the remote UE in this embodiment, the remote UE can be configured by default to enable relay discovery service, or the remote UE can also enable relay discovery service when poor signal quality is detected. For example, in one possible implementation, the remote UE can be configured by default to announce the UE's role, then the role information of the relay UE in step 606 of this embodiment is a listening UE. Therefore, step 607 is an optional step.

[0191] Step 608: The remote UE and the relay UE complete the relay discovery process.

[0192] This step can be referenced. Figure 5 The description of step 511 in the text.

[0193] The method shown in this embodiment involves a network element responsible for activating relay discovery services. Taking DDNMF as an example, this network element obtains a subset of the area and cell status information. Based on the subset of the area and cell status information, DDNMF selects a suitable relay UE for that cell and determines the role information of the relay UE and the remote UE. It then sends their respective role information to either the remote UE or the relay UE. The role information of the remote UE and the relay UE can be determined by DDNMF or based on the default role information configured in the remote UE.

[0194] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the workflow of another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies. The method includes the following steps:

[0195] Step 701: The remote UE sends a relay activation request or signal measurement information to the RAN.

[0196] The relay activation request information can also be a layer 2 relay activation request information or a layer 3 relay activation request information. The layer 2 relay activation request information indicates a request to activate the layer 2 relay, and the layer 3 relay activation request information indicates a request to activate the layer 3 relay.

[0197] For example, a remote UE sends a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message to the RAN, which includes the relay activation request information. Alternatively, the RRC signaling message may include signal measurement information. This signal measurement information could be the UE's measurement results of signals in different cells, and the measured values ​​could be reference signal received power or reference signal received quality. For instance, a remote UE sends a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message to the AMF, which includes the relay activation request information. The AMF then sends a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) message to the RAN, which also includes the relay activation request information.

[0198] This step can be triggered by the following possible situations:

[0199] One possible scenario is that when a remote UE detects that the signal strength is below a certain threshold, or finds that QoS cannot be guaranteed, or finds that the QoS has been downgraded, the remote UE needs to find a relay UE and establish a relay link through the relay UE to improve QoS.

[0200] Another possibility is that the remote UE has already performed relay discovery, but no available relay UEs have been found.

[0201] Information regarding this character's wishes can be found here. Figure 5 The description of step 501 in the text.

[0202] Optionally, the remote UE may also send to the RAN at least one of the following: the remote UE's service information, the remote UE's role intention information, the activation duration, the remote UE's location information, the relay UE's status information, or the activation period. All of the above information can be referenced. Figure 5 The description in step 504.

[0203] Step 702: The RAN obtains the relay service authorization information of the remote UE from the PCF.

[0204] For example, before step 701 in this embodiment, the remote UE performs a registration process (not shown in the figure), and the PCF obtains the relay service authorization information of the remote UE. In this step, the RAN obtains the relay service authorization information of the remote UE from the PCF through the AMF. For example, the RAN requests the relay service authorization information of the remote UE from the PCF through the AMF, and the PCF sends the relay service authorization information to the RAN through the AMF. Specifically, the RAN and AMF communicate via NGAP messages.

[0205] The relay service authorization information of a remote UE indicates whether the UE is authorized to use relay services or access the network through a relay, for example, whether it is authorized to use Layer 2 relay services or whether it is authorized to use Layer 3 relay services.

[0206] Optionally, step 702 is performed before step 701.

[0207] Step 703, the RAN determines that the UE is a remote UE.

[0208] This step can be understood as the RAN determining whether the remote UE uses relay services according to the role of the remote UE.

[0209] Based on the relay service authorization information of the remote UE obtained in step 702, the RAN determines that the UE can be used as a remote UE, or as a remote UE using Layer 2 relay, or as a remote UE using Layer 3 relay.

[0210] Step 704: The RAN sends relay discovery activation information and role information.

[0211] Specifically, the RAN determines whether relay discovery needs to be activated based on relay activation request information or signal measurement information. For example, if the UE's signal information is determined to be below a certain threshold based on signal measurement information, the RAN determines that the UE needs to access the network through a relay terminal device, thereby activating relay discovery.

[0212] It should be noted that the role information in this step can be determined by the RAN based on the role intention information in step 701. Similarly, the role information in this step can also be determined by the RAN based on at least one of the status information and location information in step 701. This role information can be referenced. Figure 5 The description in step 509 is as follows. Optionally, before step 704 (not shown in the figure), the relay UEs (e.g., UE1 and UE2) report at least one of their respective status information or location information to the RAN via RRC messages. Alternatively, the relay UEs (e.g., UE1 and UE2) send at least one of their status information or location information to the AMF via NAS messages, and the AMF forwards the aforementioned status information or location information included in the NAS message to the RAN via NGAP messages. This status information or location information can be referenced from... Figure 5 The description in step 501.

[0213] This step can be implemented in several ways:

[0214] Method 1:

[0215] In step 704A, the RAN sends relay discovery activation information and the relay UE's role information to the relay UE. Correspondingly, the relay UE receives the relay discovery activation information and the relay UE's role information.

[0216] The relay UE is at least one UE with relay capability residing in the RAN. In this embodiment, UE1 and UE2 are examples, and UE1 and UE2 are at least one UE with relay capability residing in the RAN.

[0217] For example, the RAN broadcasts the relay discovery activation information and the role information of the relay UE to the relay UE, where the role information of the relay UE is the role information of UE1 and the role information of UE2.

[0218] For example, the RAN sends relay discovery activation information and UE1's role information to UE1, and sends relay discovery activation information and UE2's role information to UE2.

[0219] Method 2:

[0220] Step 704B1: The RAN obtains the trunk service authorization information of the trunk UE from the PCF. The trunk UE is UE1 or UE2. The trunk service authorization information of the trunk UE indicates whether the UE is authorized to provide trunk services, or whether it is authorized to provide Layer 2 trunk services, or whether it is authorized to provide Layer 3 trunk services.

[0221] This step can be referred to in the description of step 702.

[0222] Step 704B2, RAN determines that UE1 has activated relay discovery.

[0223] Activating relay discovery means that the UE has enabled or is participating in the relay discovery process.

[0224] For example, the RAN determines that UE1 is authorized as a relay UE based on the relay service authorization information of the relay UE obtained in step 704B1. That is, the RAN selects a suitable UE (e.g., UE1) from UE1 and UE2 based on the relay service authorization information of UE1 and UE2, and activates relay discovery for UE1.

[0225] For example, the RAN selects UE1 as the relay UE based on the relay service authorization information of the relay UE and the relay activation request information of the remote UE obtained in step 704B1. For instance, if the remote UE's relay activation request information is Layer 2 relay activation request information, but the relay UE's relay service authorization information indicates that the relay UE is not authorized to provide Layer 2 relay services, then the relay UE cannot participate in relay discovery. As another example, if the remote UE's relay activation request information is Layer 3 relay activation request information, and the relay UE's relay service authorization information indicates that the relay UE is authorized to provide Layer 3 relay services, then the relay UE can participate in relay discovery.

[0226] Understandably, if both UE1 and UE2 meet the conditions to be relay UEs of the remote UE, then the RAN will select UE1 and UE2 to activate relay discovery.

[0227] Step 704B3: The RAN sends relay discovery activation information and UE1's role information to UE1.

[0228] Similarly, it is understandable that if the RAN determines to activate relay discovery for UE1 and UE2, then the RAN will send relay discovery activation information and UE1's role information to UE1, and send relay discovery activation information and UE2's role information to UE2.

[0229] In both of the above methods, the RAN can also send at least one of the activation duration and location information. Specifically, in step 704A, the RAN sends the location information of UE1 to UE1, and the RAN sends the location information of UE2 to UE2; in step 704B3, the RAN sends the location information of UE1 to UE1. The relay discovery activation information, activation duration, or location information can all be referenced... Figure 5 The description in step 509.

[0230] Step 704 in this embodiment may also be implemented in other ways, which are not limited in this application.

[0231] Step 705: The RAN sends the role information of the remote UE to the remote UE.

[0232] For example, the RAN sends a response message to the remote UE, which is the response message from step 701.

[0233] This step can be referenced. Figure 5 The description of step 710 in the text.

[0234] In this embodiment, UE1 is taken as an example of a UE authorized to activate relay discovery. For example, in one possible implementation, the RAN also sends the identifier of UE1 to the remote UE. It should be understood that the RAN sends the identifier of the UE authorized to activate relay discovery to the remote UE.

[0235] The role information of the remote UE is different from the role information in step 704.

[0236] Step 706: The relay UE confirms that relay discovery is enabled.

[0237] This step is optional. The relay UE can be UE1 and UE2 in step 704 (method 1), or it can be UE1 in method 2. In short, the relay UE is the UE that has received the relay discovery activation information.

[0238] A relay UE can obtain its own service information or relay service authorization information from a network element, such as UDM or PCF, and determine whether it is authorized to provide relay services based on the service information or relay service authorization information.

[0239] The relay UE can also determine its relay capability based on its own configuration information.

[0240] The relay UE can also determine whether to activate the relay discovery service based on the location information of the remote UE in step 704A or step 704B3, as well as the location information of the relay UE itself.

[0241] Step 707: The remote UE and the relay UE complete the relay discovery process.

[0242] This step can be referenced. Figure 5 The description of step 511 in the text.

[0243] In the method shown in this embodiment, the remote UE sends a relay activation request to the RAN, and the RAN sends relay discovery activation information and role information to the relay UE, enabling both the relay UE and the remote UE to enable relay discovery according to their respective designated role information. The beneficial effects of this embodiment can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5 The description of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0244] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interactive process of another method for activating relay discovery applicable to this application.

[0245] The method includes the following steps:

[0246] Step 801: RAN receives notification information.

[0247] For example, the RAN receives this notification information from the OAM or the neighboring RAN, which is used to notify the RAN that the neighboring RAN is shut down or is not functioning properly.

[0248] Alternatively, for example, the RAN receives the notification information from the OAM, which informs the RAN that the OAM requests the RAN to perform signal coverage enhancement.

[0249] Step 802: The RAN sends relay discovery activation information and role information.

[0250] This step can be referenced. Figure 7 Description of step 704.

[0251] Similarly, the relay UE is a UE that can be used as a relay UE and is camped in this RAN. In the figure, the relay UE includes UE1 and UE2 as an example.

[0252] Step 803: The relay UE confirms that relay discovery is enabled.

[0253] Step 804: The remote UE and the relay UE complete the relay discovery process.

[0254] Steps 803 and 804 can be referenced. Figure 7 The descriptions of steps 706 and 707 are not repeated here.

[0255] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the remote UE can activate relay discovery based on preset information. For example, the remote UE activates relay discovery when it detects a signal strength below a preset threshold, or when it detects no signal. Alternatively, the remote UE can default to activating relay discovery, i.e., it will always maintain the active state of relay discovery. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the remote UE can be preset to either announcing a UE or listening a UE. The RAN can know this preset information before step 801, therefore the role information in step 802 is different from the preset information. That is, for example, if the remote UE is preset to announcing a UE, then the role information sent by the RAN is listening a UE.

[0256] The method described in this embodiment enables the RAN to send relay discovery activation information to the relay UE based on the received notification information when the remote UE cannot directly request relay discovery activation. The remote UE then performs the relay discovery process according to its preset role, and the relay UE performs the process according to the received role information. The beneficial effects of this embodiment can be found by referring to... Figure 5 The beneficial effects will not be described in detail here.

[0257] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interactive process of another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies. This diagram will be combined with... Figures 5 to 7 The steps are described below. Figure 9 The method is executed by the network device. For example, the first terminal device can be... Figures 5 to 7 In the remote UE, the second terminal device can be Figures 5 to 7 In the case of a relay UE, the network device can be a core network element, such as a network element for direct connection discovery and name management (e.g., ...). Figure 5 or Figure 6 The network elements in question include DDNMF (Device Network Management Function), policy control function network elements, or access management function network elements, or access network devices (such as DDNMF). Figure 7 (RAN in the text). For example, the method includes the following steps:

[0258] Step 901: The network device determines that relay discovery needs to be activated. This step can be referenced. Figure 5 Step 504 in the middle Figure 6 Step 604 and Figure 7 The description of step 701 in the text.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the network device receives relay activation request information or signal measurement information; based on the relay activation request information or the signal measurement information, the network device determines that relay discovery needs to be activated. The relay activation request information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5 The description in step 504 shown or Figure 7 The description of step 701 and the signal measurement information can be found by referring to... Figure 6 Step 604 or Figure 7 Description of step 701.

[0260] Step 902: The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device, wherein the first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices participating in the relay discovery.

[0261] The role indication information of the first terminal device can be referenced. Figures 5 to 7 The description of the role indication information of the remote UE in the text, the role indication information of the second terminal device can be referred to Figures 5 to 7 The role indication information of the relay UE or the description of the role information of UE1.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the role indication information of the first terminal device is at least one of the role information of the first terminal device or the relay discovery mode information of the first terminal device, and the role indication information of the second terminal device is at least one of the role information of the second terminal device or the relay discovery mode information of the second terminal device. The role information can be... Figures 5 to 7 The role information in the relay discovery mode includes either the role information of the relay UE or the role information of the remote UE. Figures 5 to 7 The pattern information in the data, namely pattern A or pattern B.

[0263] In one possible implementation, if the network device is a core network element, the core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, the request message including the status information of the first terminal device (see details for further information). Figure 5 (See the description of step 504 in the text); the core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, the registration message including the status information of the second terminal device (see the description of step 504 in the text); Figure 5 (Description of step 501 in the text); The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the status information of the first terminal device and the status information of the second terminal device; or, if the network device is an access network device, the access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, wherein the RRC message or the first message includes the status information of the first terminal device (see details in [reference]). Figure 7 (See the description of step 701 in the text); the access network device obtains the status information of the second terminal device (see the description of step 701 in the text). Figure 7 (as described in step 704); the access network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the status information of the first terminal device and the status information of the second terminal device.

[0264] Another possible implementation is that if the network device is a core network element, the core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, and the request message includes the role intention information of the first terminal device (see details for further information). Figure 5 (See the description of step 504 in the text); the core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, which includes the role intention information of the second terminal device (see the description of step 504 in the text); Figure 5 (Description of step 501 in the text); The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information of the first terminal device and the role intention information of the second terminal device; or, if the network device is an access network device, the access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, wherein the RRC message or the first message includes the role intention information of the first terminal device (see details in [reference]). Figure 7 (See the description of step 701 in the text); the access network device obtains the role willingness information of the second terminal device (see the description of step 701 in the text). Figure 7(as described in step 704); the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information of the first terminal device and the role intention information of the second terminal device.

[0265] Another possible implementation is that if the network device is a core network element, the core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device. This request message includes the first terminal device's role intention information and its status information (see details for further information). Figure 5 (See the description of step 504 in the text); The core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, which includes the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device (see the description of step 504 in the text); Figure 5 (Description of step 501 in the text); The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device, as well as the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device; or, if the network device is an access network device, the access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, wherein the RRC message or the first signaling message includes the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device (see details in [reference]). Figure 7 (as described in step 701); the access network device obtains the role intention information and the status information of the second terminal device; the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information and the status information of the first terminal device, as well as the role intention information and the status information of the second terminal device.

[0266] Further, alternatively, in one possible implementation, the network device receives relay capability information from the second terminal device, which is used to represent the relay capability of the second terminal device (see details for further information). Figure 5 (Description of step 501 in the text); The network device determines that the second terminal device is a relay terminal device based on the relay capability information of the second terminal device. This method can be referred to... Figure 5 The description of step 508 in the text.

[0267] Another possible implementation is that the network device obtains the service information of the first terminal device (see details for reference). Figure 5 Step 504 in the middle Figure 7The description of step 701 in the document and the service information of the second terminal device (see details in the document) Figure 5 Step 502 in the middle, Figure 7 (Description of step 706 in the previous section); The network device determines whether the service information of the first terminal device and the service information of the second terminal device match; If the service information of the first terminal device and the service information of the second terminal device match, then the second terminal device is determined to be a relay terminal device. This method can be referred to... Figure 5 The description of step 508 in the text.

[0268] Another possible implementation involves the network device acquiring the location information of the first terminal device and the location information of the second terminal device (see details in [reference]). Figure 5 (See the descriptions of steps 501, 503, 504, and 507 in the original text); the network device selects the second terminal device whose location information is within a first threshold range from the location information of the first terminal device as the relay terminal device (see details in [reference]). Figure 5 (Description of step 508 in the text).

[0269] In one possible implementation, the network device receives the location information of the first terminal device from the first terminal device and the location information of the second terminal device from the second terminal device (see details for further information). Figure 5 (As described in steps 501 and 504) or, the network device receives the location information of the first terminal device and the location information of the second terminal device from the gateway mobile location center (see details in [reference]). Figure 5 (Description of steps 503 and 507 in the text).

[0270] In another possible implementation, the network device obtains the relay service authorization information of the second terminal device, which represents the relay service authorization information of the second terminal device (see details for reference). Figure 5 (See the description of step 502 in the text); the network device determines the second terminal device based on the relay service authorization information of the second terminal device (see the description of step 502 in the text). Figure 5 (Description of step 506 in the text).

[0271] Step 903: The network device sends role indication information of the first terminal device to the first terminal device. This step can be referred to... Figure 5 Step 510 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, Figure 7 The description of step 705 in the text.

[0272] Step 904: The network device sends the role indication information of the second terminal device to the second terminal device. This step can be referenced... Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, Figure 7 The description of steps 704A and 704B3 in the text.

[0273] One possible implementation, as shown in the embodiment, further includes the network device sending relay discovery activation information to the second terminal device, the relay discovery activation information being used to instruct the second terminal device to participate in the relay discovery. This implementation can be referenced... Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, Figure 7 The description of steps 704A and 704B3 in the text.

[0274] It should be noted that steps 903 and 904 can be performed simultaneously or separately, and there is no order in which the two steps are performed separately.

[0275] In one possible implementation of steps 903 and 904, the network device sends first activation time information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The first activation time information is at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or the relay discovery activation cycle.

[0276] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the network device receives second activation time information from the first terminal device, and this second activation time is used to determine the first activation time information. This step can be referenced... Figure 5 Step 504 in the middle, Figure 7 The description in step 701.

[0277] The beneficial effects of the embodiment shown in the figure can be referred to... Figures 5 to 7 The description in the text will not be repeated here.

[0278] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interactive process of another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies. This diagram will be combined with... Figures 5 to 8 The steps are described below. Figure 10 The method is executed by the first terminal device. For example, the first terminal device can be... Figures 5 to 7 For remote UEs, the network device can be a core network element, such as a direct-connection discovery name management function network element (e.g., Figure 5 or Figure 6 The network elements in question include DDNMF (Device Network Management Function), policy control function network elements, or access management function network elements, or access network devices (such as DDNMF). Figure 7 (RAN in the text). For example, the method includes the following steps:

[0279] Step 1001: The first terminal device sends a relay activation request or signal measurement information to the network device. This step can be referenced... Figure 5 Step 504 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 604 and Figure 7 The description of step 701 in the text.

[0280] Furthermore, one possible implementation is that if the network device is a core network element (see [reference needed] for details)... Figure 5 (Description of step 504 in the previous section) The first terminal device sends a request message to the core network element. The request message includes at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information. If the network device is an access network device (see reference for details), Figure 7 (as described in step 701) the first terminal device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the access network device, or triggers the Access and Mobility Management (AMI) device to send a first message to the network device. The RRC message includes at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information. The first message includes at least one of the first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information. The first terminal device's role intention information or the first terminal device's status information is used to determine the first information.

[0281] Another possible implementation is if the network device is a core network element (see reference for details). Figure 5 (as described in step 504), the first terminal device sends a request message to the core network element. This request message includes at least one of the first terminal device's location information or its service information. If the network device is an access network device (see reference [link] for details),... Figure 7 (As described in step 701), the first terminal device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the access network device, or triggers the Access and Mobility Management (AMI) device to send a first message to the network device. The RRC message includes at least one of the location information or service information of the first terminal device. The location information or service information of the first terminal device in the first message is used to determine the second terminal device, which is a terminal device participating in the relay discovery.

[0282] Step 1002: The first terminal device receives first information from the network device, the first information including the role indication information of the first terminal device. This step can be referenced... Figure 5 Step 510 and Figure 7 The description of step 705 in the text.

[0283] The role indication information of the first terminal device can be referenced. Figures 5 to 7The role indication information of the remote UE in the system.

[0284] In one possible implementation, the role indication information is at least one of first role information or relay discovery mode information.

[0285] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the first terminal device receives first activation time information from the network device, wherein the first activation duration is at least one of the activation duration or activation cycle of the relay discovery.

[0286] In one possible implementation, the first terminal device sends second activation time information to the network device, the second activation time being used to determine the first activation time information.

[0287] Step 1003: The first terminal device determines the role of the first terminal device in relay discovery based on the role instruction information.

[0288] Step 1004: The first terminal device participates in relay discovery according to its assigned role. This step can be referenced. Figure 5 Step 511 in Figure 6 Step 607 and Figure 7 The description of step 7077 in the text.

[0289] The beneficial effects of the embodiment shown in the figure can be referred to... Figures 5 to 8 The description in the text will not be repeated here.

[0290] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interactive process of another method for activating relay discovery to which this application applies. This diagram will be combined with... Figures 5 to 7 The steps are described below. Figure 11 The method is executed by the second terminal device. For example, the second terminal device can be... Figures 5 to 7 In the case of a relay UE, the network device can be a core network element, such as a network element for direct connection discovery and name management (e.g., ...). Figure 5 or Figure 6 The network elements in question include DDNMF (Device Network Management Function), policy control function network elements, or access management function network elements, or access network devices (such as DDNMF). Figure 7 (RAN in the text). For example, the method includes the following steps:

[0291] Step 1101: The second terminal device receives second information from the network device, the second information including role indication information of the second terminal device. This step can be referenced... Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, and Figure 7 The description of steps 704A and 704B3 in step 7.

[0292] The role indication information for the second terminal device can be referenced. Figures 5 to 7 The role indication information of the relay UE or the description of the role information of UE1.

[0293] In one possible implementation, the role indication information of the second terminal device is at least one of second role information or relay discovery mode information.

[0294] In one possible implementation, the second terminal device receives location information of the first terminal device from the network device; the first terminal device is a terminal device participating in the relay discovery. Based on the location information of the first terminal device, the second terminal device determines whether the distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is within a first threshold range. If the distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is within the first threshold range, the second terminal device determines that it will participate in the relay discovery. This implementation can be referred to... Figure 7 The description of step 706 in the text.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the second information includes relay discovery activation information, and the second terminal device participates in relay discovery based on the relay discovery activation information.

[0296] Before step 1101, in one possible implementation, the second terminal device sends at least one of its second status information or its second role intention information to the network device, wherein the second status information or the second role intention information is used to determine the second information. This implementation can be referred to... Figure 5 Step 501 and Figure 6 The description in step 601.

[0297] Before step 1101, in one possible implementation, the second terminal device sends at least one of the following to the network device: relay capability information, service information, or location information of the second terminal device. The relay capability information indicates the relay capability of the second terminal device, and at least one of the following—relay capability information, service information, or location information—is used to determine the second terminal device. This implementation can be referred to... Figure 5 Step 501 and Figure 6 The description in step 601.

[0298] Step 1102: The second terminal device determines its role in relay discovery based on the role instruction information.

[0299] Step 1103: The second terminal device participates in relay discovery according to its assigned role. This step can be referenced. Figure 5 Step 511 in Figure 6 Step 607 and Figure 7 The description of step 707 in the text.

[0300] Furthermore, in one possible implementation, the second terminal device receives first activation time information from the network device, the first activation time information being at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or the relay discovery activation cycle. This implementation can be referred to... Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, and Figure 7 The description of steps 704A and 704B3 in the text.

[0301] The beneficial effects of the embodiment shown in the figure can be referred to... Figures 5 to 7 The description in the text will not be repeated here.

[0302] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0303] The communication device includes a processing module 1201, a receiving module 1202, and a transmitting module 1203. The processing module 1201 is used to process data. The receiving module 1202 is used to receive content from the communication device and other units or network elements, and the transmitting module 1203 is used to receive content from the communication device and other units or network elements. It should be understood that the processing module 1201 in this embodiment can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuitry), the receiving module 1202 can be implemented by a receiver or receiver-related circuit components, and the transmitting module 1203 can be implemented by a transmitter or transmitter-related circuit components.

[0304] For example, the communication device may be a communication device equipment, or it may be a chip or other combination device or component that has the functions of the aforementioned communication device equipment applied in the communication device equipment.

[0305] For example, the communication device may be Figure 5 or Figure 6 Any of the DDNMFs in the DDNMF can also be Figure 7 or Figure 8 Any RAN in it can also be Figures 9 to 11 Any network device in the network, or it can be Figures 5 to 11 Any of the relay UEs or second terminal devices, or... Figures 5 to 11 Either the remote UE or the first terminal device.

[0306] When the communication device is Figure 5 or Figure 6 Any of the DDNMFs, or, Figure 7 or Figure 8 Any RAN in, or, Figures 9 to 11 When any of the network devices is involved, the processing module 1201 is used to determine whether relay discovery needs to be activated (e.g., Figure 9 Step 901); Processing module 1201 is used to determine the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device (e.g., ...). Figure 9 In step 902), the first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices participating in relay discovery; the sending module 1203 is used to send the role indication information of the first terminal device to the first terminal device (e.g., Figure 5 Step 510 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 607 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 705 in the middle, Figure 9 Step 903); the sending module 1203 is used to send the role indication information of the second terminal device to the second terminal device (e.g., ...). Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, Figure 7 Steps 704A and 704B3 in the text, Figure 8 Steps 802A and 802B3 in the process, Figure 9 Step 904 in the middle.

[0307] Furthermore, the modules described above can also be used to support other processes related to the techniques described herein. The beneficial effects are detailed in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0308] When the communication device is Figures 5 to 11 When any of the relay UEs or second terminal devices are used, the receiving module 1202 is used to receive second information from the network device (e.g., Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, Figure 7 Steps 704A and 704B3 in the text, Figure 8 Steps 802A and 802B3 in the process, Figure 11 In step 1101), the second information includes role indication information of the second terminal device; the processing module 1201 is used to determine the role of the second terminal device participating in relay discovery based on the role indication information (e.g., Figure 11 Step 1102); Processing module 1201 is used for the second terminal device to participate in relay discovery according to its role (e.g. Figure 5 Step 511 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 608 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 707 in the middle, Figure 8 Step 804 in the middle, Figure 11 Step 1103 in the middle.

[0309] Furthermore, the modules described above can also be used to support other processes related to the techniques described herein. The beneficial effects are detailed in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0310] When the communication device is Figures 5 to 11 When any remote UE or first terminal device is involved, the sending module 1203 is used to send a relay activation request or signal measurement information (e.g., ...) to the network device. Figure 5 Step 504 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 701 in the middle, Figure 10 Step 1001); the receiving module 1202 is used to receive first information from the network device (e.g., ... Figure 5 Step 510 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 607 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 705 in the middle, Figure 10 In step 1002), the first information includes role indication information of the first terminal device; the processing module 1201 is used to determine the role of the first terminal device participating in relay discovery based on the role indication information (e.g., Figure 10 Step 1003); Processing module 1201 is used for relay discovery according to role participation (e.g. Figure 5 Step 511 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 608 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 707 in the middle, Figure 8 Step 804 in the middle, Figure 10 Step 1004 in the process.

[0311] Furthermore, the modules described above can also be used to support other processes related to the techniques described herein. The beneficial effects are detailed in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0312] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processor 1301, a communication interface 1302, and a memory 1303. The processor 1301, communication interface 1302, and memory 1303 can be interconnected via a bus 1304. The bus 1304 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus 1304 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 13The term 1301 is represented by a single line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Processor 1301 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include hardware chips. These hardware chips can be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or combinations thereof. The PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. Memory 1303 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.

[0313] The processor 1301 is used to implement the data processing operation of the communication device, and the communication interface 1302 is used to implement the receiving and sending operations of the communication device.

[0314] For example, the communication device may be Figure 5 or Figure 6 Any of the DDNMFs in the DDNMF can also be Figure 7 or Figure 8 Any RAN in it can also be Figures 9 to 11 Any network device in the network, or it can be Figures 5 to 11 Any of the relay UEs or second terminal devices, or... Figures 5 to 11 Either the remote UE or the first terminal device.

[0315] When the communication device is Figure 5 or Figure 6 Any of the DDNMFs, or, Figure 7 or Figure 8 Any RAN in, or, Figures 9 to 11 When any of the network devices is in use, the processor 1301 is used to determine whether relay discovery needs to be activated (e.g., Figure 9 Step 901); Processor 1301 is used to determine the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device (e.g., ...). Figure 9 In step 902), the first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices participating in relay discovery; the communication interface 1302 is used to send role indication information of the first terminal device to the first terminal device (e.g., Figure 5 Step 510 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 607 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 705 in the middle, Figure 9 Step 903); Communication interface 1302 is used to send role indication information of the second terminal device to the second terminal device (e.g., ...). Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, Figure 7 Steps 704A and 704B3 in the text, Figure 8 Steps 802A and 802B3 in the process, Figure 9 Step 904 in the middle.

[0316] Furthermore, the modules described above can also be used to support other processes related to the techniques described herein. The beneficial effects are detailed in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0317] When the communication device is Figures 5 to 11 When any of the relay UEs or second terminal devices are used, the communication interface 1302 is used to receive second information from the network device (e.g., Figure 5 Step 509 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 606 in the middle, Figure 7 Steps 704A and 704B3 in the text, Figure 8 Steps 802A and 802B3 in the process, Figure 11 In step 1101), the second information includes role indication information of the second terminal device; the processor 1301 is used to determine the role of the second terminal device participating in relay discovery based on the role indication information (e.g., Figure 11 Step 1102); Processor 1301 is used for the second terminal device to participate in relay discovery according to its role (e.g. Figure 5 Step 511 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 608 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 707 in the middle, Figure 8 Step 804 in the middle, Figure 11 Step 1103 in the middle.

[0318] Furthermore, the modules described above can also be used to support other processes related to the techniques described herein. The beneficial effects are detailed in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0319] When the communication device is Figures 5 to 11 When any remote UE or first terminal device is involved, the communication interface 1302 is used to send a relay activation request or signal measurement information (e.g., ...) to the network device. Figure 5 Step 504 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 701 in the middle, Figure 10 Step 1001); Communication interface 1302 is used to receive first information from network device (e.g., ... Figure 5 Step 510 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 607 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 705 in the middle, Figure 10 In step 1002), the first information includes role indication information of the first terminal device; the processor 1301 is used to determine the role of the first terminal device participating in relay discovery based on the role indication information (e.g., Figure 10 Step 1003); Processor 1301 is used to participate in relay discovery according to role (e.g. Figure 5 Step 511 in the middle, Figure 6 Step 608 in the middle, Figure 7 Step 707 in the middle, Figure 8 Step 804 in the middle, Figure 10 Step 1004 in the process.

[0320] Furthermore, the modules described above can also be used to support other processes related to the techniques described herein. The beneficial effects are detailed in the preceding descriptions and will not be repeated here.

[0321] This application provides a communication system comprising the aforementioned network device (e.g., DDNMF), a first terminal device (e.g., remote UE), and a second terminal device (e.g., relay UE), wherein the network device performs... Figures 5 to 8 Any of the DDNMFs, Figure 9 The method executed by any of the network devices, the first terminal device executes Figures 5 to 8 Any remote UE in the middle, Figure 10 The method executed by either the first terminal device or the second terminal device. Figures 5 to 8 Any of the relay UEs, Figure 11 The method executed by any of the second terminal devices.

[0322] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figures 5 to 8In any of the embodiments shown, DDNMF, Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments involve processes related to network devices, or the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figures 5 to 8 In any of the embodiments shown, and the remote UE, Figure 10 The illustrated embodiments relate to the processes of the first terminal device, or the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figures 5 to 8 In any of the embodiments shown, with the relay UE, Figure 11 The process related to the second terminal device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0323] This application also provides a computer program product for storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figures 5 to 8 In any of the embodiments shown, DDNMF, Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments involve processes related to network devices, or the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figures 5 to 8 In any of the embodiments shown, and the remote UE, Figure 10 The illustrated embodiments relate to the processes of the first terminal device, or the computer can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments. Figures 5 to 8 In any of the embodiments shown, with the relay UE, Figure 11 The process related to the second terminal device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0324] This application also provides a chip including a processor. The processor is used to read and run a computer program stored in a memory to execute corresponding operations and / or processes of a network device or DDNMF, a first terminal device or a remote UE, a second terminal device or a relay UE, in the method for registering to multiple networks provided in this application. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory connected to the processor via a circuit or wire, the processor being used to read and execute the computer program in the memory. Further optionally, the chip also includes a communication interface to which the processor is connected. The communication interface is used to receive processed data and / or information, the processor obtaining the data and / or information from the communication interface and processing the data and / or information. The communication interface may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip. The processor may also be a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0325] The aforementioned chip can also be replaced with a chip system, which will not be elaborated here.

[0326] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0327] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0328] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0329] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0330] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The purpose of this embodiment can be achieved by selecting some or all of the units as needed.

[0331] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0332] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional 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 portion of the 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 to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0333] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Additionally, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0334] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device receives relay activation request information or signal measurement information; the relay activation request information or signal measurement information is sent by a remote terminal device; the signal measurement information is used to indicate the remote terminal device's need to use the relay terminal device; The network device determines whether relay discovery needs to be activated based on the relay activation request information or the signal measurement information. The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device. The first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices participating in the relay discovery. The first terminal device is the remote terminal device, and the second terminal device is a terminal device with relay capability. The network device sends the role indication information of the first terminal device to the first terminal device; The network device sends the role indication information of the second terminal device to the second terminal device; The role indication information of the first terminal device is used to determine that the first terminal device is a terminal device listening for discovery messages, and the role indication information of the second terminal device is used to determine that the second terminal device is a terminal device sending discovery messages; or, The role indication information of the first terminal device is used to determine that the first terminal device is the terminal device that sends the discovery message, and the role indication information of the second terminal device is used to determine that the second terminal device is the terminal device that listens for the discovery message.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the role indication information of the first terminal device is at least one of the role information of the first terminal device or the relay discovery mode information of the first terminal device, and the role indication information of the second terminal device is at least one of the role information of the second terminal device or the relay discovery mode information of the second terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device, comprising: If the network device is a core network element... The core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, the request message including the status information of the first terminal device; The core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, the registration message including the status information of the second terminal device; The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the status information of the first terminal device and the status information of the second terminal device; Alternatively, if the network device is an access network device, The access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, wherein the RRC message or the first message includes the status information of the first terminal device; The access network device obtains the status information of the second terminal device; The access network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the status information of the first terminal device and the status information of the second terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device, comprising: If the network device is a core network element... The core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, the request message including the role intention information of the first terminal device; The core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, the registration message including the role intention information of the second terminal device; The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information of the first terminal device and the role intention information of the second terminal device; Alternatively, if the network device is an access network device, The access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device, wherein the RRC message or the first message includes the role intention information of the first terminal device; The access network device obtains the role intention information of the second terminal device; The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information of the first terminal device and the role intention information of the second terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device, comprising: If the network device is a core network element... The core network element receives a request message from the first terminal device, the request message including the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device; The core network element receives a registration message from the second terminal device, the registration message including the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device; The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device, as well as the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device. Alternatively, if the network device is an access network device, The access network device receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the first terminal device, or receives a first message from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) device. The RRC message or the first message includes the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device. The access network device obtains the role intention information and the status information of the second terminal device; The network device determines the role indication information of the first terminal device and the role indication information of the second terminal device based on the role intention information and status information of the first terminal device, as well as the role intention information and status information of the second terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the core network element includes a direct connection discovery name management function network element, a policy control function network element, or an access management function network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: The network device receives relay capability information of the second terminal device from the second terminal device, the relay capability information being used to represent the relay capability of the second terminal device; The network device determines that the second terminal device is a relay terminal device based on the relay capability information of the second terminal device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: The network device acquires the service information of the first terminal device and the service information of the second terminal device; The network device determines whether the service information of the first terminal device and the service information of the second terminal device match; If the service information of the first terminal device matches the service information of the second terminal device, then the second terminal device is determined to be a relay terminal device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: The network device obtains the location information of the first terminal device and the location information of the second terminal device; The network device selects the second terminal device whose location information is within a first threshold range from the location information of the first terminal device as the relay terminal device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: The network device obtains the relay service authorization information of the second terminal device, wherein the relay service authorization information represents the authorization information of the relay service of the second terminal device; The network device determines the second terminal device based on the relay service authorization information of the second terminal device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising: The network device sends first activation time information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The first activation time information is at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or the relay discovery activation cycle.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The network device receives second activation time information from the first terminal device, and the second activation time information is used to determine the first activation time information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, further comprising: The network device sends relay discovery activation information to the second terminal device, the relay discovery activation information being used to instruct the second terminal device to participate in the relay discovery.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a communication device, wherein the communication device is a first terminal device or a chip of the first terminal device, the method includes: The communication device sends a relay activation request or signal measurement information to the network device; the first terminal device is a remote terminal device; the relay activation request or signal measurement information is used to determine that relay discovery needs to be activated; the signal measurement information is used to indicate the remote terminal device's need to use the relay terminal device; The communication device receives first information from the network device, the first information including role indication information of the first terminal device; The communication device determines the role of the first terminal device in relay discovery based on the role indication information; Participate in relay discovery according to the described roles; The role indication information of the first terminal device is used to determine that the first terminal device is a terminal device listening to the discovery message; or, the role indication information of the first terminal device is used to determine that the first terminal device is a terminal device sending the discovery message.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the role indication information is at least one of first role information or relay discovery mode information.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: If the network device is a core network element, the communication device sends a request message to the core network element. The request message includes at least one of the role intention information of the first terminal device or the status information of the first terminal device. If the network device is an access network device, the communication device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the access network device, or triggers the Access and Mobility Management (AMI) device to send a first message to the network device. The RRC message includes at least one of the role intention information or the status information of the first terminal device. The role intention information or the status information of the first terminal device is used to determine the first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, further comprising: If the network device is a core network element, the communication device sends a request message to the core network element, the request message including at least one of the location information of the first terminal device or the service information of the first terminal device. If the network device is an access network device, the communication device sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the access network device, or triggers an Access and Mobility Management (AMI) device to send a first message to the network device. The RRC message includes at least one of the location information of the first terminal device or the service information of the first terminal device. At least one of the location information or service information of the first terminal device is used to determine the second terminal device, which is a terminal device participating in the relay discovery.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, further comprising: The communication device receives first activation time information from the network device, wherein the first activation time information is at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or activation period.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The communication device sends a second activation time information to the network device, the second activation time information being used to determine the first activation time information.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14-19, further comprising: The second terminal device receives second information from the network device, the second information including role indication information of the second terminal device; The second terminal device is a terminal device with relay capabilities; The second terminal device determines its role in relay discovery based on the role indication information; The second terminal device participates in relay discovery according to the aforementioned role.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the role indication information of the second terminal device is used to determine that the second terminal device is a terminal device end that sends a discovery message; or, the role indication information of the second terminal device is used to determine that the second terminal device is a terminal device that listens for a discovery message.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the second information includes relay discovery activation information, and the second terminal device participates in relay discovery according to the relay discovery activation information.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein the role indication information of the second terminal device is at least one of second role information or relay discovery mode information.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20-23, further comprising: The second terminal device sends at least one of the second terminal device's second status information or the second terminal device's second role intention information to the network device, and the second status information or the second terminal device's second role intention information is used to determine the second information.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20-24, further comprising: The second terminal device sends at least one of the following to the network device: relay capability information of the second terminal device, service information of the second terminal device, or location information of the second terminal device. The relay capability information is used to represent the relay capability of the second terminal device, and at least one of the following is used to determine the second terminal device: relay capability information of the second terminal device, service information of the second terminal device, or location information of the second terminal device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 20-25, further comprising: The second terminal device receives the location information of the first terminal device from the network device, wherein the first terminal device is a terminal device participating in the relay discovery; The second terminal device determines whether the distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is within a first threshold range based on the location information of the first terminal device; If the distance between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is within a first threshold range, the second terminal device determines to participate in the relay discovery.

27. The method according to any one of claims 20-26, further comprising: The second terminal device receives first activation time information from the network device, wherein the first activation time information is at least one of the relay discovery activation duration or the relay discovery activation cycle.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Including the processor; The processor is configured to read from memory and run a program to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, 14-19.

29. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

30. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause a processor to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27.

31. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a network device, a first terminal device, and a second terminal device, wherein the network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13, the first terminal device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14-19, and the second terminal device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 20-27.

32. A communication method, characterized in that, The network device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-13, the first terminal device performs the method as described in any one of claims 14-19, and the second terminal device performs the method as described in any one of claims 20-27.

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