Data processing method and apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a data processing method and apparatus. The method can be applied to scenarios where a remote UE communicates with a network device through a relay UE. The method includes: during the initialization of an RRC connection establishment procedure, or during the initialization of an RRC connection recovery procedure, or during the initialization of an RRC connection reconstruction procedure, the remote UE starts a timer, and upon timeout, sends an indication message to the relay UE. This indication message can be used to instruct the relay UE not to forward data corresponding to the remote UE, or to release the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE, or to instruct the clearing of the buffer corresponding to the remote UE. The method provided in this application can save signaling overhead.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110761918.8, filed on July 6, 2021, entitled "A Communication Method, UE and Network Device", and Chinese Patent Application No. 202110898812.2, filed on August 5, 2021, entitled "Data Processing Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data processing method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In 3GPP Release 16, the first version of the NR sidelink was standardized in the new radio (NR) vehicle-to-everything (V2X) (where X can represent anything). This version focused on supporting V2X-related road safety services. Release 17 initiated the NR sidelink relay project, researching sidelink-based relay functions to improve sidelink or network coverage and enhance user equipment (UE) power efficiency, while also considering broader applications and services. NR sidelink relay functions specifically include UE-to-Network coverage extension and UE-to-UE coverage extension. Release 13 standardized the pro-service UE-to-network relay function, but this could not be applied to NR systems. In the proximity service UE and network relay function in Release 13, the relay UE can forward data between the remote UE and the network at the Internet Protocol (IP) layer, which is a layer-3 relay. However, Release 17's NR-side mobile link relay takes into account both layer-3 and layer-2 relay.

[0004] Generally, when a remote UE needs to establish an RRC connection with a network device through a relay UE, the remote UE can send an RRC connection request message to the base station through the relay UE, which then forwards the request message to the base station. However, when the relay UE is in an RRC disconnected state, it needs to continuously attempt to enter an RRC connected state in order to forward the request message to the base station. Even if the relay UE cannot enter an RRC connected state, it will still continuously attempt to do so. This increases signaling overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a data processing method and apparatus that can effectively reduce signaling overhead.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method. The method is applied to a remote terminal device or a chip, wherein the chip is used in the remote terminal device, and the remote terminal device communicates with a network device through a relay terminal device. The method includes: initiating a radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment process for the terminal device during initialization; and, if the timer times out, sending indication information to the relay terminal device. The indication information is used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0007] For example, an RRC connection is a connection between a remote terminal device and a network device. The signaling of the RRC layer is end-to-end between the remote terminal device and the network device and can be done without passing through a relay UE.

[0008] In this embodiment, if the timer times out, it indicates that the RRC connection between the remote terminal device and the network device has failed. Therefore, the remote terminal device can send an indication message to the relay terminal device, causing the relay terminal device to promptly release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device; or, the relay terminal device can clear the corresponding cache of the remote terminal device; or, the relay terminal device can stop forwarding the data carried on the Uu SRB of the remote terminal device. Thus, even if the remote terminal device has not successfully entered the RRC connection state, the relay terminal device can avoid continuously attempting to forward data between the remote terminal device and the network device; or, it can avoid continuously attempting to enter the RRC connection state to provide relay services to the remote terminal device; or, it can allow the relay terminal device to leave the RRC connection state as soon as possible (e.g., when it no longer needs to provide relay services to the remote terminal device). This avoids unnecessary signaling interactions between the relay terminal device and the network device, saving signaling overhead; and, since the relay terminal device does not need to enter the RRC connection state, power consumption can be saved.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method. The method is applied to a relay terminal device or a chip, wherein the chip is used in the relay terminal device, and a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device. The method includes: receiving indication information from the remote terminal device, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or, the indication information is used to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or, the indication information is used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device; and processing the indication information.

[0010] In this embodiment, when the relay terminal device receives an indication from the remote terminal device, it indicates that the RRC connection between the remote terminal device and the network device has failed. Therefore, by receiving this indication, the relay terminal device can promptly release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and itself; or, it can clear the corresponding cache of the remote terminal device; or, it can stop forwarding data carried on the Uu SRB of the remote terminal device. This avoids the relay terminal device continuously attempting to forward data between the remote terminal device and the network device when the remote terminal device has not successfully entered the RRC connection state; or, it avoids continuously attempting to enter the RRC connection state to provide relay services to the remote terminal device; or, it allows the relay terminal device to leave the RRC connection state as soon as possible (e.g., when it no longer needs to provide relay services to the remote terminal device). This avoids unnecessary signaling interactions between the relay terminal device and the network device, saving signaling overhead; and, since the relay terminal device does not need to enter the RRC connection state, power consumption is saved.

[0011] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method, which is applied to a relay terminal device or a chip. The chip is applied in the relay terminal device, and a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device. The method includes: receiving data carried on the signaling radiobearers (SRB) of the remote terminal device; starting a timer; and, if the timer times out, performing any one or more of the following: determining not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device; releasing the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device; and clearing the buffer corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0012] In this embodiment of the application, the data carried on the SRB of the remote terminal device includes: data carried on UuSRB0 of the remote terminal device and / or data carried on Uu SRB1 of the remote terminal device. For example, the data carried on UuSRB0 of the remote terminal device may refer to the data carried on the PC5 radiolink control (RLC) corresponding to Uu SRB0 of the remote terminal device, or the data carried on the side link logical channel, etc.

[0013] Understandably, when a relay terminal receives data carried on the Uu SRB of a remote terminal, it needs to enter the RRC connected state to forward the data. Therefore, by starting a timer, the relay terminal can determine whether it has successfully forwarded the data on the remote terminal's Uu SRB. When the timer expires, the relay terminal can confirm that it has not successfully forwarded the data. The timer expiration indicates that the failure to forward the data may have affected the remote terminal's entry into the RRC connected state. Therefore, the relay terminal can promptly release the unicast link between the remote terminal and the relay terminal; or, the relay terminal can clear the corresponding buffer of the remote terminal; or, the relay terminal can choose not to forward the data carried on the remote terminal's Uu SRB. This avoids unnecessary signaling interactions between the relay terminal equipment and the network equipment, saving signaling overhead; moreover, since the relay terminal equipment does not need to enter the RRC connected state, power consumption can be saved.

[0014] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method applied to a remote terminal device or a chip, wherein the chip is applied in the remote terminal device, and the remote terminal device communicates with a network device through a relay terminal device. The method includes: receiving third indication information from the relay terminal device, the third indication information indicating that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable; sending first indication information to the relay terminal device, the first indication information indicating that the relay terminal device does not forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or, the first indication information indicating that the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device is released, or, the first indication information indicating that the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device is cleared.

[0015] In this embodiment, the remote terminal device receives third indication information from the relay terminal device, enabling it to promptly obtain the RRC connection information of the relay terminal device. This allows for flexible determination of whether to continue interacting with the network device through the relay terminal device, or whether the remote terminal device can promptly re-interact with the network device (e.g., through other relay terminal devices). Consequently, the latency for the remote terminal device to enter the RRC connection state can be effectively reduced.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a data processing method applied to a relay terminal device or a chip, wherein the chip is applied in the relay terminal device, and a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device. The method includes: sending third indication information to the remote terminal device, the third indication information indicating that the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable; receiving first indication information from the remote terminal device, the first indication information indicating that the relay terminal device does not forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or, the first indication information indicating the release of the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or, the first indication information indicating the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0017] In this embodiment, by receiving third indication information from the relay terminal device, the remote terminal device can promptly obtain the RRC connection information of the relay terminal device. This allows for flexible determination of whether to continue interacting with the network device through the relay terminal device, or whether the remote terminal device can promptly re-interact with the network device (e.g., through other relay terminal devices). Consequently, the latency for the remote terminal device to enter the RRC connection state can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, by receiving first indication information, the relay terminal device can promptly release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device; or, it can clear the corresponding cache of the remote terminal device; or, it can prevent the relay terminal device from forwarding data carried on the Uu SRB of the remote terminal device, effectively saving power consumption.

[0018] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for performing the method described in the first or fourth aspect. The communication device includes units for performing the method described in the first or fourth aspect.

[0019] For example, the communication device can be a remote terminal device or a chip, which can be applied to remote terminal devices, etc.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for performing the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects. The communication device includes a unit capable of performing the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects.

[0021] For example, the communication device can be a relay terminal device or a chip, and the chip can be applied to relay terminal devices, etc.

[0022] In the sixth or seventh aspect, the aforementioned communication apparatus may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. Further details regarding the transceiver unit and processing unit can be found in the apparatus embodiments shown below.

[0023] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor for executing the methods described in the first or fourth aspect above. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a program stored in a memory, wherein when the program is executed, the methods described in the first or fourth aspect above are executed.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned communication device.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the memory is located within the aforementioned communication device.

[0026] In this embodiment of the application, the processor and memory can also be integrated into a single device, that is, the processor and memory can be integrated together.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals.

[0028] In this embodiment of the application, the communication device can be a remote terminal device or a chip, and the chip can be applied to remote terminal devices, etc.

[0029] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor for executing the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects above. Alternatively, the processor may execute a program stored in a memory, wherein when the program is executed, the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects above are executed.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned communication device.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the memory is located within the aforementioned communication device.

[0032] In the embodiments of this application, the processor and memory can also be integrated into a single device, that is, the processor and memory can be integrated together.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals.

[0034] In this embodiment of the application, the communication device can be a relay terminal device or a chip, and the chip is used in relay terminal devices, etc.

[0035] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit and the interface being coupled; the interface being used to input and / or output code instructions; the logic circuit being used to execute the code instructions to cause the method described in the first aspect or the fourth aspect to be executed.

[0036] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, wherein the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output code instructions; and the logic circuit is used to execute the code instructions to cause the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects to be executed.

[0037] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods described in the first or fourth aspect above to be performed.

[0038] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects above to be performed.

[0039] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program or computer code that, when run on a computer, causes the methods described in the first or fourth aspect above to be executed.

[0040] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program or computer code that, when run on a computer, causes the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects above to be performed.

[0041] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, executes the methods described in the first or fourth aspect above.

[0042] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, executes the methods described in the second, third, or fifth aspects above.

[0043] Eighteenthly, embodiments of this application provide a wireless communication system, which includes a remote terminal device and a relay terminal device.

[0044] Optionally, the remote terminal device is used to execute the method shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the relay terminal device is used to execute the method shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0045] Optionally, the remote terminal device is used to perform the method shown in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, and the relay terminal device is used to perform the method shown in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1a and Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figures 2 to 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figures 14 to 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0050] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, 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.

[0051] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0052] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0053] The method provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems emerging in future communication development (such as 6G). The method also can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi).

[0054] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to machine-type communication (MTC), long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M) technology, device-to-device (D2D) networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, internet of things (IoT) networks, proximity-based services (ProSe) networks, or other networks. Among these, IoT networks may include, for example, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks. The communication methods in V2X systems are collectively referred to as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), where X can represent anything. For example, V2X may include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc. Examples are shown below. Figure 1a and Figure 1b In this context, terminal devices can communicate with each other using technologies such as D2D, M2M, V2X, or ProSe.

[0055] This application provides a communication system. The method embodiments shown below can be applied to this communication system. The communication system may include at least one network device, at least one relay terminal device, and at least one remote terminal device.

[0056] Network equipment can be a next-generation node B (gNB), a next-generation evolved node B (ng-eNB) (which can be abbreviated as eNB), or network equipment in future 6G communications. Network equipment can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities, including but not limited to the base stations mentioned above. The base station can also be a base station in future communication systems such as sixth-generation communication systems. Optionally, the network equipment can be an access node, wireless relay node, or wireless backhaul node in a wireless local area network (WiFi) system. Optionally, the network equipment can be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the network equipment can be a wearable device or an in-vehicle device. Optionally, the network equipment can also be a small cell, a transmission reception point (TRP) (or transmission point), etc. It is understood that the network equipment can also be a base station in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0057] The relay terminal equipment can also be referred to as relay user equipment (relay UE) or pro-service UE-to-network relay, and the remote terminal equipment can also be referred to as remote user equipment (remote UE), etc. For example, both relay terminal equipment and remote terminal equipment can be considered terminal equipment. The description of terminal equipment is as follows:

[0058] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE) or a terminal, is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be deployed on land (indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted), on water (e.g., on ships), or in the air (e.g., on airplanes or balloons). Terminal equipment can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, and so on. It can also be understood that this terminal equipment could be a terminal device in future 6G networks or a terminal device in future evolved PLMNs. Optionally, the terminal device shown in this application may include not only vehicles (such as complete vehicles) in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), but also in-vehicle equipment or in-vehicle terminals (including T-boxes or host units in the IoV system), etc. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal device when applied to the IoV. It is understood that the above description of the terminal device also applies to relay terminal devices and remote terminal devices.

[0059] Figure 1a and Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1a and Figure 1b Remote terminal devices connect to base stations via relay terminal devices, or receive paging or system information via relay terminal devices. Figure 1a In the communication system shown, the remote terminal equipment can be within the coverage area of ​​the base station (i.e., in-coverage). Figure 1b In the communication system shown, the remote terminal equipment can be outside the coverage area of ​​the base station (i.e., out-of-coverage).

[0060] For example, in Layer 2 relaying, the relay terminal device can perform relaying based on the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer or protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., the Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) layer (also known as the adaptation layer), the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer). The access network device and the remote terminal device can have corresponding PDCP, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and RRC layers. The Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layers are end-to-end between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, and between the relay terminal device and the access network device. An RRC connection can be established between the remote terminal device and the access network device, and RRC messages can be exchanged through the relay terminal device. In this case, it can be considered that the remote terminal device communicates with the access network device through the relay terminal device.

[0061] D2D communication based on cellular networks, also known as proximity service (ProSe) in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), is a technology that enables direct communication between terminal devices under network control. It can increase the spectrum efficiency of cellular communication systems, reduce the transmit power of terminal devices, and alleviate the problem of spectrum scarcity in wireless communication systems to some extent. Proximity service direct communication refers to direct communication between two or more adjacent ProSe-enabled UEs, without needing any network nodes. Proximity service direct communication can be implemented through sidelink communication access layer functions.

[0062] Further explanation regarding remote terminal equipment and relay terminal equipment is as follows:

[0063] Under any one or more of the following conditions, remote terminal devices can communicate with network devices through relay terminal devices.

[0064] The remote terminal device is located far from the network device; the remote terminal device is not within the coverage area of ​​the network device; the remote terminal device is at the edge of the network device's coverage; the link quality between the remote terminal device and the network device is poor; the remote terminal device cannot be directly served by the network device; the remote terminal device does not have a Uu interface; the remote terminal device does not support radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), or physical (PHY) layer protocols or entities in the Uu interface; the remote terminal device has low battery power; the remote terminal device is in power-saving mode; the remote terminal device wants to save power. The aforementioned Uu interface is the interface between the terminal device and the radio access network (e.g., next-generation (NG) RAN, evolved universal mobile telecommunications system terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), etc.).

[0065] A relay terminal device can be a terminal device that provides network access to remote terminal devices; that is, a relay terminal device can provide relay services to remote terminal devices. Providing relay services to remote terminal devices can be understood as the relay terminal device forwarding information or data sent from the remote terminal device to the network device, and vice versa.

[0066] For the sake of brevity, the relay terminal device will be referred to as the relay UE and the remote terminal device as the remote UE.

[0067] Generally, after establishing a PC5 unicast link (also known as a PC5 unicast connection) between a remote UE and a relay UE, the relay UE can provide relay services to the remote UE. Thus, sidelink communication occurs between the remote UE and the relay UE, with the interface between them being a PC5 interface. After the PC5 unicast link is established, a corresponding PC5 radio resource control (RRC) connection is also established. That is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the PC5 RRC connection and the PC5 unicast link. Therefore, the remote UE and the relay UE can perform sidelink unicast communication. For sidelink unicast communication, the PC5 RRC connection is a logical connection between a source and a destination pair. For example, the source can be the sender of data in the sidelink unicast communication, and the destination can be the target or receiver of data in the sidelink unicast communication.

[0068] The following describes the RRC connection involved in this application. It is understood that the RRC connection described below is illustrated using a UE as an example; however, the UE may include a relay UE or a remote UE. That is, the description of the RRC connection in this application applies to both remote UEs and relay UEs.

[0069] When a UE is in RRC idle mode, if its upper RRC layer (also known as the UE's higher layer) requests to establish an RRC connection, the UE can initialize (or initiate, etc.) the RRC connection establishment procedure. Once the UE initializes the RRC connection establishment procedure, the UE can execute one or more of the following:

[0070] Perform the unified access control (UAC) process;

[0071] Apply the default layer 1 (L1) parameter values;

[0072] Apply the default MAC cell group configuration;

[0073] Configure using the common control channel (CCCH);

[0074] Start (or enable) timer T300;

[0075] Initiate the transmission of the RRC Setup Request message.

[0076] Optionally, once the UE receives an RRC Setup message from the base station, the UE stops timer T300. Optionally, once the UE receives an RRC Reject message from the base station, the UE stops timer T300, and can also reset the MAC, release the default MAC cell group configuration, and indicate to higher layers that the RRC connection establishment failed, i.e., the RRC connection establishment process ends. If a wait time (also called waiting duration) is configured in the RRC Reject message, the UE starts timer T302 and sets the value of timer T302 to the wait time. If timer T300 times out, the UE can also reset the MAC, release the MAC configuration, re-establish the radio link control (RLC) of the established radio bearer (RB), and indicate to higher layers that the RRC connection establishment failed, i.e., the RRC connection establishment process ends. It is understood that timers T300 and T302 shown in this application are merely examples. For instance, timer T300 is used to time the UE's RRC connection establishment process; and timer T302 is used to time the UE's waiting time. Timers T300 and / or T302 shown in this application can also be other timers with corresponding functions, and this application does not limit them. The start and stop conditions of such other timers with corresponding functions can be the same as those of timers T300 or T302 described above.

[0077] It is understood that the value of T300 can be configured by the system information block (SIB), etc., and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0078] Optionally, the timer T300 shown above is illustrated using the UE's initialization of the RRC connection establishment process as an example. If the UE needs to initialize the RRC connection recovery process, the corresponding timer may include timer T319, which stops when a response message to the RRC connection recovery request message from the base station is received. If the UE needs to initialize the RRC connection reconstruction process, the corresponding timer may include timer T301, which stops when a response message to the RRC connection reconstruction request message from the base station is received. For specific details regarding the UE's RRC connection recovery or reconstruction process, please refer to relevant standards or protocols, etc., which will not be detailed here. It is understood that timers T319 and T301 shown in this application are merely examples. For example, timer T319 is used to time the UE's RRC connection recovery process; and timer T301 is used to time the UE's RRC connection reconstruction process. Therefore, timers T319 and / or T301 shown in this application may also be other timers with corresponding functions, and this application does not limit them. The start and stop conditions of the other timers with corresponding functions can be the same as those of the aforementioned timer T319 or timer T301.

[0079] Once the UE initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure, if the upper layer of the UE's RRC layer provides an access category and one or more access identities when requesting to establish an RRC connection, a unified access control procedure is initiated. If the UE determines that the access attempt is barred, the RRC connection establishment procedure ends. For example, in the unified access control procedure, if timer T390 corresponding to the access category is running, it indicates that the access attempt is barred. Otherwise, if timer T302 is running and the access category is neither "2" nor "0", it indicates that the access attempt is barred. Optionally, the UE can perform an access barring check on the access category, the result of which may include an access attempt being barred. In this case, it indicates that the UE's RRC connection access attempt is barred, and the RRC connection establishment procedure ends. Otherwise, the RRC connection establishment procedure continues. Specifically, in the access barring check, if the access attempt for the access category is considered barred, T390 corresponding to that access category is activated. The access category "2" indicates emergency, and access category "0" indicates mobile station signaling resulting from paging. Optionally, the access category may also include "1" to indicate access or abnormal data initiated by the mobile station other than emergency. It is understood that if timer T302 times out or stops during the access prohibition check, and the corresponding T390 for the access category is not running, then the prohibition for that access category is considered to have been alleviated (also known as deactivated).

[0080] It is understood that the value of timer T302 can be the waiting time carried in the RRC rejection message. The duration of timer T390 can be determined by a random number generated by the UE. This application does not limit the method for determining the duration of timers T302 and T390. It is understood that timers T302 and T390 shown in this application are merely examples, and may be other timers with corresponding functions, etc., which are not limited here. The setting method for the value of such other timers with corresponding functions can be the same as that for timers T302 or T390 shown above.

[0081] Generally, before transmitting user plane data, a remote UE needs to establish a packet data network (PDU) session and data radio bearers (DRBs) with the network. The remote UE also needs to establish an RRC connection with the base station. Before the remote UE establishes an RRC connection with the network through a relay UE, a PC5 unicast link needs to be established between the remote UE and the relay UE. Then, the remote UE sends an RRC setup request message to the base station through the relay UE; this RRC setup request message can also be called the first RRC message establishing an RRC connection between the remote UE and the base station. The base station sends an RRC setup (RRCSetup) message (also known as a response message to the RRC setup request message) to the remote UE through the relay UE. The remote UE sends an RRC setup complete message to the base station through the relay UE, indicating that the RRC connection establishment process between the remote UE and the base station is complete.

[0082] However, when a remote UE initiates an RRC connection with the base station via a relay UE, if the relay UE is not in an RRC connected state (e.g., in an RRC idle state), it needs to attempt to establish an RRC connection with the base station. In this case, the relay UE may experience RRC connection establishment failure or RRC access prohibition. Similarly, if the relay UE is in an RRC inactive state, it needs to attempt to restore the RRC connection with the base station. In this case, the relay UE may experience RRC restoration failure or RRC access prohibition. Furthermore, if the relay UE is in an RRC connected state and a radio link failure (RLF) occurs, it needs to attempt to rebuild the RRC connection with the base station. In this case, the relay UE may experience RRC connection failure, etc. In these situations, whether the relay UE should continue forwarding data (e.g., RRC messages) between the remote UE and the base station needs to be addressed. For example, in the above scenario, the relay UE still attempts to establish an RRC connection even when it cannot establish one with the base station. This not only prevents the relay UE from promptly forwarding the RRC establishment request message to the base station, increasing the access latency of the remote UE, but also increases signaling overhead (such as the relay UE continuously initiating RRC connection establishment procedures by repeatedly trying to enter the RRC connection state).

[0083] It is understood that the above is an example of a remote UE initiating an RRC connection with a base station through a relay UE. This application is also applicable to remote UE initiating the restoration of an RRC connection with a base station through a relay UE, or remote UE initiating the reconstruction of an RRC connection with a base station through a relay UE, etc.

[0084] In view of this, this application provides a data processing method and apparatus that can effectively improve the following situations: such as when a relay UE cannot enter the RRC connection state and cannot forward data from a remote UE to the base station in a timely manner, or cannot forward data from the base station to a remote UE in a timely manner, or the relay UE continues to try to establish an RRC connection with the base station, or the relay UE continues to try to restore the RRC connection with the base station, or the relay UE continues to try to rebuild the RRC connection with the base station. Implementing the method provided in this application, when a relay UE cannot enter the RRC connected state and therefore cannot promptly forward data from a remote UE to the base station or forward data from the base station to a remote UE, the remote UE can, through interaction with the relay UE, avoid the relay terminal device continuously attempting to forward data between the remote terminal device and the network device; or, avoid continuously attempting to enter the RRC connected state to provide relay services to the remote terminal device; or, allow the relay terminal device to leave the RRC connected state as soon as possible (e.g., no longer needing to provide relay services to the remote terminal device). This avoids unnecessary signaling interactions between the relay terminal device and the network device, saving signaling overhead; and, since the relay terminal device does not need to enter the RRC connected state, power consumption is saved. Optionally, through interaction with the remote UE, the remote UE can promptly obtain the relay UE's RRC connection information, thereby flexibly determining whether to continue interacting with the base station through the relay UE, and promptly re-interacting with the base station, reducing the latency of entering the RRC connected state.

[0085] In the method provided in this application, when the remote UE initiates RRC connection establishment (or RRC connection recovery, or RRC connection reconstruction) through the relay UE, and the relay UE is not in an RRC connection state, i.e., the relay UE's own RRC connection establishment fails or access is prohibited, this application will consider the following two aspects:

[0086] First, whether the relay UE continues to attempt to forward the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB.

[0087] In this application, the Uu RB includes the Uu signaling radio bearer (SRB) and / or the Uu data radio bearer (DRB). The Uu RB of the remote UE is an end-to-end radio bearer between the remote UE and the base station on the Uu interface. For example, the Uu SRB of the remote UE includes any one or more of the remote UE's Uu SRB1 or the remote UE's UuSRB1.

[0088] Optionally, the relay UE continues to attempt to forward the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB. The relay UE continues to initiate RRC connection establishment for forwarding the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB. If the relay UE's RRC connection establishment is successful, the relay UE forwards the data carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB0. In order for the relay UE to continue forwarding the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB, after its own RRC connection establishment fails, the relay UE needs to continue to cache the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB, i.e., it does not clear the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB. For an explanation of this situation, please refer to the following section. Figure 7 The method shown.

[0089] Optionally, the relay UE will no longer forward the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB. The relay UE will clear the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB. The relay UE will no longer initiate RRC connection establishment to forward the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB. For an explanation of this situation, please refer to the following section. Figure 8 The method shown.

[0090] Second, does the relay UE notify the remote UE that its RRC connection is unavailable?

[0091] Optionally, the relay UE notifies the remote UE that its RRC connection is unavailable (also referred to as the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station being unavailable). The relay UE can send indication information to the remote UE, which indicates that the relay UE's RRC connection is unavailable. Optionally, the relay UE indicates the reason for the RRC connection being unavailable. Optionally, the relay UE indicates the duration of the RRC connection being unavailable. Optionally, the relay UE sends a unicast link release request message to the remote UE, thereby releasing the PC5 unicast link between the relay UE and the remote UE.

[0092] Optionally, the relay UE does not notify the remote UE that its RRC connection is unavailable.

[0093] It is understood that the unavailability of the RRC connection shown in this application includes: RRC connection failure, RRC connection establishment failure, RRC connection reconstruction failure, RRC connection recovery failure, or RRC access prohibition. The RRC connection of the relay UE shown below refers to the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, and the RRC connection of the remote UE refers to the RRC connection between the remote UE and the base station.

[0094] The following details the data processing method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0095] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0096] In this embodiment, after the remote UE initiates the RRC connection state via the relay UE (e.g., establishing an RRC connection, restoring an RRC connection, or rebuilding an RRC connection), if it fails to successfully enter the RRC connection state (e.g., RRC establishment failure, RRC restoration failure, RRC rebuilding failure, or RRC connection failure), the process of the remote UE entering the RRC connection state ends. In this case, if the relay UE continues to forward data between the remote UE and the base station, it may cause unnecessary signaling transmission (e.g., to save signaling overhead) or cause the remote UE to misunderstand the received signaling. If the remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment process again after the RRC connection fails, and if the remote UE receives a response message from the base station, it may be unable to effectively distinguish between the two, thus causing misunderstanding of the received signaling.

[0097] like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0098] 201. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0099] For example, this unicast link can also be called a PC5 unicast link, etc. For instance, the remote UE sends a direct communication request message to the relay UE, which requests the establishment of a unicast link with the relay UE. The relay UE then sends a direct communication accept message to the remote UE. Thus, a unicast link is established between the remote UE and the relay UE. It is understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the method for establishing a unicast link. The establishment of a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE constitutes the establishment of a PC5-RRC connection.

[0100] Since there is a one-to-one correspondence between the PC5 RRC connection and the PC5 unicast link, step 201 above can also be expressed as: establishing a PC5 RRC connection between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0101] 202. The remote UE initializes the RRC connection establishment process and starts the first timer.

[0102] For example, when a remote UE is in RRC idle state, if its higher layers request the establishment of an RRC connection, the remote UE can initiate the RRC connection establishment procedure. Once the remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure, it can start the first timer. In the case of the remote UE initiating the RRC connection establishment procedure, it can also be understood that once the remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure, the remote UE can send an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (The dashed line indicates the portion shown). This RRC establishment request message is used to request the establishment of an RRC connection with the base station. For example, when the remote UE is in RRC idle mode, it may send an RRC establishment request message to the base station through a relay UE. After the remote UE receives the RRC establishment message sent by the base station, it can enter the RRC connected mode. The aforementioned RRC establishment request message can be carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB0.

[0103] It is understandable that the aforementioned remote UE sending an RRC establishment request message to the base station through a relay UE can be interpreted as follows:

[0104] There is a peer-to-peer RRC layer between the remote UE and the base station, and the RRC messages between the remote UE and the base station can be understood as end-to-end. The relay UE can perform relaying based on the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer or protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the adaptation layer or RLC layer). Optionally, the remote UE, relay UE, and base station can all use Layer 2 relay technology.

[0105] When a remote UE establishes an RRC connection via a relay UE, the aforementioned timer can stop when the following conditions are met: the remote UE receives an RRC establishment message from the base station via the relay UE, or the remote UE receives an RRC rejection message from the base station via the relay UE. In other words, the remote UE can start the first timer when initializing the RRC connection establishment procedure; and then stop the first timer when it receives a response message from the base station regarding the RRC connection establishment request message via the relay UE. It can be understood that after the remote UE receives a response message from the base station via the relay UE, such as an RRC establishment message or an RRC rejection message, it indicates that the RRC connection establishment procedure for the remote UE has ended.

[0106] Optionally, the value of the first timer can be configured by the base station through SIB, or negotiated in advance, or predefined by the protocol, or configured by the relay UE, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0107] Optionally, the value of the first timer used by the remote UE to establish an RRC connection with the base station through a relay UE can be the same as or different from the value of the second timer (e.g., T300) used by the UE to establish an RRC connection directly with the base station (when the UE does not establish an RRC connection through a relay UE). The timer values ​​shown in the embodiments of this application can also be understood as the timing duration of the timer. The first timer and the second timer can be the same timer or different timers.

[0108] Optionally, the value of the first timer is a first value, and the value of the second timer is a second value. For example, the first value can be greater than or equal to the second value. As an example, the values ​​of the first and second timers can be configured separately by the base station. Alternatively, the value of the second timer can be configured by the base station, and the value of the first timer can be configured by the relay UE. As yet another example, the base station can configure the value of the second timer and the offset of the first timer relative to the second timer. For example, the base station can configure a first value and an offset of 1, then the value of the first timer can be the sum of the first value and the offset of 1, or the difference between the first value and the offset of 1, etc. As yet another example, the base station can configure the value of the first timer and the offset of the second timer relative to the first timer, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the method for configuring the values ​​of the first and second timers. It is understood that the difference between the first value and the offset of 1 can include the difference between the first value and the offset of 1, etc., and the methods shown below are similar.

[0109] Optionally, when a remote UE establishes an RRC connection with a base station through a relay UE, the first timer used when the relay UE is in the RRC connected state can be a different timer or have different values ​​than the first timer used when the relay UE is in the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state. For example, timer 1 corresponds to the relay UE being in the RRC connected state, and timer 2 corresponds to the relay UE being in the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state. For example, timer 1 and timer 2 can be understood as different timers. Alternatively, timer 1 and timer 2 can be the same timer, but with different values. For example, timer 1 has a third value, and timer 2 has a fourth value. As an example, the base station can configure the values ​​of timer 1 and timer 2 separately. Or, the relay UE can configure the values ​​of timer 1 and timer 2 separately. As yet another example, the base station can configure the value of timer 1 and the offset of timer 2 relative to timer 1. For example, the base station can configure a third value and an offset of 2, then the value of timer 2 can be the sum of the third value and the offset of 2, or the difference between the third value and the offset of 2, etc. As another example, the base station can configure the value of Timer 2 and the offset of Timer 1 relative to Timer 2. For example, the base station can configure a fourth value and an offset of 3, then the value of Timer 1 is the sum of the fourth value and the offset of 3, or the difference between the fourth value and the offset of 3, etc. Optionally, the base station can configure the values ​​of Timer 1, Timer 2, and the second timer separately. As an example, the base station can configure the value of Timer 1, the offset of Timer 2 relative to Timer 1, and the value of the second timer separately. For example, the base station configures a third value, an offset of 2, and a second value. Then the value of Timer 2 is the sum of the third value and the offset of 2, or the difference between the third value and the offset of 2, etc. As yet another example, the base station can configure the value of the second timer, the offset of Timer 1 relative to the second timer, and the offset of Timer 2 relative to the second timer. For example, the base station configures a second value, an offset of 4, and an offset of 5, then the value of Timer 1 is the sum of the second value and the offset of 4, or the difference between the second value and the offset of 4, etc., and the value of Timer 2 is the sum of the second value and the offset of 5, or the difference between the second value and the offset of 5, etc. As another example, the base station configures the value of the second timer, the offset of timer 1 relative to the second timer, and the offset of timer 2 relative to timer 1. As yet another example, the base station configures the value of the second timer, the offset of timer 2 relative to the second timer, and the offset of timer 1 relative to timer 2. It is understood that the methods shown above are merely examples, and other configuration methods will not be described in detail in this application's embodiments.

[0110] To enable the remote UE to obtain the value of the first timer, the relay UE can indicate its RRC state to the remote UE, such as any one of RRC connected state, RRC idle state, or RRC inactive state. The remote UE determines the timer value based on the relay UE's RRC state indication. Alternatively, the relay UE can indicate the value of the first timer to the remote UE based on its own RRC state, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment. It is understood that the above description of the timer can be compared with... Figure 2 The methods shown are coupled, or the timer shown above can be a standalone embodiment, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0111] Optional, Figure 2 The method shown can also be applied to situations where a remote UE restores its RRC connection with a base station via a relay UE, or where a remote UE rebuilds its RRC connection with a base station via a relay UE. In other words, step 202 can also be represented as: the remote UE initializes the RRC connection restoration procedure and starts the first timer. Alternatively, the remote UE initializes the RRC connection reconstruction procedure and starts the first timer. Alternatively, the remote UE initializes the entry into the RRC connection state procedure and starts the first timer. Entering the RRC connection state includes at least one of the following: RRC connection establishment, RRC connection restoration, or RRC connection reconstruction. Optionally, the value of the first timer used in different procedures can be the same. Optionally, the value of the first timer used in different procedures can also be different. Optionally, there may be cases where the value of the first timer is the same for at least two procedures.

[0112] For example, if the remote UE initiates the RRC connection reconstruction procedure, or if the remote UE selects or reselects a relay UE, then the first timer is started. Similarly, if the remote UE initiates the RRC connection recovery procedure, the first timer is started. If the remote UE experiences RRC reconfiguration failure, PC5 radio link failure, etc., then the remote UE needs to rebuild the RRC connection, i.e., the remote UE initiates the RRC connection reconstruction procedure. Optionally, in the case of initiating the RRC connection reconstruction procedure, the remote UE can select or reselect a relay UE. That is, the remote UE can start the first timer after selecting or reselecting a relay UE through the relay UE to rebuild the RRC connection. It can be understood that the remote UE can also start the first timer after selecting or reselecting a relay UE through the relay UE to rebuild the RRC connection and obtaining the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE. In the case of the remote UE selecting or reselecting a relay UE, it can also be understood that once the remote UE selects or reselects a relay UE, the remote UE can send an RRC reconstruction request message to the base station through the relay UE. If the remote UE is in an inactive RRC state, its higher layer or access stratum (AS) requests the restoration of the RRC connection, i.e., the remote UE initiates the RRC connection restoration procedure. In the case of the remote UE initiating the RRC connection restoration procedure, it can also be understood that once the remote UE initiates the RRC connection restoration procedure, the remote UE can send an RRC restoration request message to the base station through the relay UE.

[0113] When a remote UE resumes an RRC connection with a base station via a relay UE, the aforementioned first timer can be stopped when the following conditions are met: the remote UE receives an RRC resume message from the base station via the relay UE, or the remote UE receives an RRC rejection message from the base station via the relay UE, or the remote UE receives an RRC establishment message from the base station via the relay UE (if the base station has not obtained the remote UE's UE context), or the remote UE receives an RRC release message from the base station via the relay UE. In other words, the remote UE can start the first timer when initializing the RRC connection resume procedure; and then stop the first timer when it receives the RRC connection resume response message from the base station via the relay UE. It can be understood that after the remote UE receives the response message from the base station, such as an RRC resume message or an RRC rejection message, the RRC connection resume procedure for that remote UE ends.

[0114] For example, the first timer used when the remote UE restores the RRC connection with the base station through the relay UE can be timer T319 or other timers, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. The value of the first timer used by the remote UE to restore the RRC connection with the base station through the relay UE can be the same as or different from the value of timer T319 used when the UE directly restores the RRC connection with the base station (the UE does not restore the RRC connection through the relay UE). It is understood that the description of the first timer used by the remote UE to restore the RRC connection with the base station through the relay UE, and the description of the timer used when the UE directly restores the RRC connection with the base station, can be found in the description of the RRC connection establishment process of the remote UE to the base station through the relay UE and the RRC connection establishment process of the UE directly restores the RRC connection with the base station above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0115] When a remote UE re-establishes an RRC connection with the base station via a relay UE, the aforementioned first timer can be stopped when the following conditions are met: the remote UE receives an RRC re-establishment message from the base station via the relay UE, or the remote UE receives an RRC establishment message from the base station via the relay UE. In other words, the remote UE can start the first timer when initializing the RRC connection re-establishment procedure; and then stop the first timer when it receives a response message from the base station regarding the RRC connection re-establishment via the relay UE. It can be understood that after the remote UE receives a response message from the base station via the relay UE, such as an RRC re-establishment message or an RRC establishment message, the RRC connection re-establishment procedure for that remote UE ends. When a remote UE starts a first timer after selecting or reselecting a relay UE during RRC connection reconstruction via a relay UE, or after the remote UE selects or reselects a relay UE and obtains the system information of the relay UE's serving cell during RRC connection reconstruction, the first timer stops after the remote UE receives an RRC reconstruction message from the base station via the relay UE, or after the remote UE receives an RRC establishment message from the base station via the relay UE. When a remote UE initiates the RRC connection reconstruction process and starts the first timer, the first timer stops after the remote UE selects or reselects a relay UE. It is understandable that the remote UE can also stop the first timer after selecting or reselecting a relay UE and establishing a unicast connection with the relay UE. The remote UE can also stop the first timer after selecting or reselecting a relay UE and obtaining the system information of the relay UE's serving cell. The remote UE can also stop the first timer after selecting or reselecting a relay UE, establishing a unicast connection with the relay UE, and obtaining the system information of the relay UE's serving cell. The remote UE selects a relay UE, which includes any of the following: 1) The remote UE continues to use the relay UE that was connected when the RRC connection was initialized and re-established; 2) The remote UE did not have a connection to a relay UE when the RRC connection was initialized and re-established, and selects a relay UE after the RRC connection is initialized and re-established; 3) The remote UE had a connection to the first relay UE when the RRC connection was initialized and re-selects a second relay UE after the RRC connection is initialized and re-established. The second relay UE can be the same as or different from the first relay UE.

[0116] For example, the timer used when the remote UE re-establishes an RRC connection with the base station through a relay UE can be T301 or other timers, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. The value of the first timer used by the remote UE to re-establish an RRC connection through a relay UE can be the same as or different from the value of T301 used when the UE directly re-establishes an RRC connection with the base station (the UE does not re-establish an RRC connection through a relay UE). It is understood that the description of the first timer used when the remote UE re-establishes an RRC connection with the base station through a relay UE, and the description of the timer used when the UE directly re-establishes an RRC connection with the base station, can be found in the descriptions of the RRC connection establishment process of the remote UE through a relay UE and the RRC connection establishment process of the UE directly with the base station above, and will not be described in detail here. The timer used by the remote UE when re-establishing the RRC connection with the base station through the relay UE can be either the first timer started after the remote UE selects or reselects the relay UE when re-establishing the RRC connection through the relay UE, or the first timer started after the remote UE selects or reselects the relay UE when re-establishing the RRC connection through the relay UE and obtains the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE.

[0117] For example, when a remote UE re-establishes an RRC connection with a base station through a relay UE, the first timer started by the remote UE during the initialization of the RRC connection re-establishment process can be T311 or other timers, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. The value of the first timer used by the remote UE to re-establish an RRC connection through a relay UE can be the same as or different from the value of T311 used when the UE directly re-establishes an RRC connection with the base station (the UE does not re-establish an RRC connection through a relay UE). It is understood that the description of the first timer used by the remote UE to re-establish an RRC connection with the base station through a relay UE, and the description of the timer used by the UE to re-establish an RRC connection directly with the base station, can be found in the descriptions of the RRC connection establishment process of the remote UE to establish an RRC connection with the base station through a relay UE and the RRC connection establishment process of the UE directly with the base station above, and will not be detailed here. 203. In the case of the first timer timeout, the remote UE sends an indication message to the relay UE, which is used to indicate the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE. Correspondingly, the relay UE receives the indication message.

[0118] The above-mentioned situation where the first timer expires can also be understood as: if the first timer expires, or once the first timer expires, etc. The above indication information can also be understood as: the indication information is used to request the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0119] Optionally, the indication information can be a unicast link release request message, such as a disconnect request message. That is, the indication information can be used to release the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE. If the first timer expires and the remote UE's RRC layer notifies the upper layer (e.g., ProSe layer, or V2X layer, NAS layer) that the RRC connection establishment has failed, the upper layer triggers the sending of the indication information to the relay UE.

[0120] Optionally, the indication information is used to indicate the release of the PC5 RRC connection between the remote UE and the relay UE. For example, the indication information may be a PC5 RRC connection release request message.

[0121] Optionally, the indication information may be included in the PC5 RRC message, or the indication information may be a PC5 RRC message, or the indication information may be a PC5-S message, or the indication information may be included in the PC5-S message, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this. For example, a remote UE sends a PC5 RRC message to a relay UE, which is used to indicate that the RRC connection establishment between the remote UE and the base station has failed. The message may also include indication information for indicating that the RRC connection establishment between the remote UE and the base station has timed out, or indication information for indicating that the base station rejects the RRC connection establishment of the remote UE, etc.

[0122] Optionally, the indication information can be used to indicate the end of the process for the remote UE to enter the RRC connection state. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the remote UE will no longer enter the RRC connection state through the aforementioned relay UE. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the remote UE's entry into the RRC connection state failed. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the remote UE's entry into the RRC connection state timed out. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the base station rejects the remote UE's entry into the RRC connection state. Entering the RRC connection state includes at least one of the following: RRC connection establishment, RRC connection recovery, and RRC connection reconstruction. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the relay UE reconstructs or releases the PC5 RLC corresponding to the remote UE's Uu RB.

[0123] Optionally, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection establishment process between the remote UE and the base station has ended. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the remote UE will no longer establish an RRC connection with the base station through the aforementioned relay UE. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection establishment between the remote UE and the base station has failed. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection establishment between the remote UE and the base station has timed out. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the base station rejects the RRC connection establishment of the remote UE.

[0124] Optionally, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection restoration process between the remote UE and the base station has ended. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the remote UE will no longer restore the RRC connection with the base station through the aforementioned relay UE. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection restoration between the remote UE and the base station has failed. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection restoration between the remote UE and the base station has timed out. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the base station rejects the RRC connection restoration of the remote UE.

[0125] Optionally, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection reconstruction process between the remote UE and the base station has ended. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the remote UE will no longer reconstruct the RRC connection with the base station through the aforementioned relay UE. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection reconstruction between the remote UE and the base station has failed. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the RRC connection reconstruction between the remote UE and the base station has timed out. Alternatively, the indication information can be used to indicate that the base station rejects the RRC connection reconstruction of the remote UE.

[0126] Optionally, in the event of the first timer expiration, the remote UE may also rebuild or release the PC5RLC corresponding to Uu RB, and / or, the remote UE may release the side link logical channel corresponding to Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0127] Optionally, if the first timer expires, the remote UE can trigger a reselection of the relay UE. The remote UE can then establish, rebuild, or restore an RRC connection with the base station through the reselected relay UE. The remote UE can reselect a relay UE whose serving cell is different from the current relay UE's serving cell. Reselecting a relay UE can improve the success rate of the remote UE entering an RRC connection and reduce the latency of the remote UE entering the RRC connection state.

[0128] Optionally, if the remote UE receives an RRC rejection message from the base station via the relay UE before the first timer expires, or if the remote UE receives an RRC release message from the base station via the relay UE, it indicates that the remote UE failed to enter the RRC connection state via the relay UE, and the remote UE can trigger a reselection of the relay UE. The remote UE can then establish, rebuild, or restore the RRC connection with the base station through the reselected relay UE. The remote UE can reselect a relay UE whose serving cell is different from the current relay UE's serving cell. Reselecting a relay UE can improve the success rate of the remote UE entering the RRC connection and reduce the latency of the remote UE entering the RRC connection state.

[0129] For example, steps 202 and 203 above can also be understood as:

[0130] The remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment process by determining whether it has received a response message (such as an RRC establishment message or an RRC rejection message) from the base station within a preset duration of the RRC connection establishment process. If no response message is received, the remote UE sends an indication message to the relay UE. For example, the relationship between the first timer and the preset duration can be as follows: the timing duration of the first timer is the preset duration, or the value of the first timer is the preset duration, or the timing duration of the first timer is the preset duration.

[0131] It is understandable that if the first timer maintained by the remote UE times out, regardless of whether the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is successfully established, or whether the relay UE successfully forwards the RRC establishment request message to the base station, or whether the relay UE receives the response message sent by the base station to the remote UE, this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0132] 204. The relay UE releases the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0133] For example, if a relay UE releases the unicast link between itself and a remote UE, the relay UE deletes the context of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE. The relay UE's ProSe or V2X layer notifies the AS layer that the unicast link has been released. The relay UE's AS layer discards the configuration associated with the sidelink communication with the remote UE, releases the PC5RLC with the remote UE, and releases the sidelink SRB with the remote UE.

[0134] Optionally, step 204 can also be understood as: the relay UE releases the PC5 RRC connection between the remote UE and the relay UE. The relay UE's AS layer discards the configuration related to the sidelink communication with the remote UE, releases the PC5 RLC with the remote UE, and releases the sidelink SRB with the remote UE. The relay UE's AS layer notifies the ProSe layer or V2X layer that the PC5 RRC connection has been released. Optionally, the relay UE can also rebuild or release the Uu RLC corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE. The relay UE can also release the Uu logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0135] Optionally, the relay UE indicates to the base station that the process of the remote UE entering the RRC connection state has ended. The relay UE may also indicate to the base station the identifier of the remote UE whose process of entering the RRC connection state has ended. After receiving the indication, the base station instructs the relay UE to rebuild or release the Uu RLC corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE, and / or release the Uu logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0136] Optionally, after the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE is released, the remote UE can establish a PC5 unicast link and a PC5 RRC connection with another relay UE, allowing the remote UE to enter the RRC connection state through the other relay UE, such as establishing an RRC connection. Optionally, after the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE is released, if the remote UE wants to continue sending messages to the base station through the relay UE, the remote UE needs to re-establish the unicast link with the relay UE and re-establish the PC5 RRC connection.

[0137] Step 204 above can also be understood as: the relay UE processes the indication information, or the relay UE processes the indication information, etc.

[0138] In this embodiment of the application, if the first timer times out, it indicates that the RRC connection between the remote UE and the base station has failed (or the RRC connection establishment process has failed, the RRC connection recovery process has failed, or the RRC connection reconstruction process has failed, etc.).

[0139] For example, if the remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment process and starts a first timer, and the first timer expires, the RRC connection establishment between the remote UE and the base station fails. The remote UE's RRC layer notifies the upper layer (e.g., non-access stratum layer, NAS layer) of the RRC connection establishment failure. The remote UE's RRC connection establishment process ends.

[0140] For example, if a first timer is started when the remote UE initiates the RRC connection reconstruction procedure, or after the remote UE selects or reselects a relay UE during RRC connection reconstruction via a relay UE, or after the remote UE selects or reselects a relay UE during RRC connection reconstruction via a relay UE and obtains the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE, and the first timer expires, the RRC connection reconstruction between the remote UE and the base station fails. The remote UE's RRC layer notifies the upper layer (e.g., non-access stratum layer, NAS layer) of the RRC connection failure. The remote UE returns to the RRC idle state. The RRC connection reconstruction procedure of the remote UE ends.

[0141] For example, if the remote UE initiates the RRC connection recovery process and starts a first timer, and the first timer expires, the RRC connection recovery between the remote UE and the base station fails. The remote UE's RRC layer notifies the upper layer (e.g., non-access stratum layer, NAS layer) of the RRC connection recovery failure. The remote UE returns to the RRC idle state. The RRC connection establishment recovery of the remote UE ends.

[0142] By sending an indication message to the relay UE, the remote UE can enable the relay UE to promptly release the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE. The remote UE can then select another relay UE to establish an RRC connection with the base station. The method provided in this application, when the remote UE fails to successfully enter the RRC connection state, avoids the relay UE needing to continuously attempt to forward data between the remote UE and the base station unnecessarily, or avoids continuing to attempt to enter the RRC connection state while providing relay services to the remote UE. Alternatively, it allows the relay UE to leave the RRC connection state as quickly as possible, saving both signaling overhead and power consumption. Optionally, it can also prevent the remote UE from receiving response messages from the base station after the RRC connection entry process fails, thus avoiding misunderstandings. Optionally, it allows the remote UE to reselect a relay UE, facilitating timely connection between the remote UE and the base station, reducing access latency, and enabling faster service delivery.

[0143] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0144] 301. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0145] 302. The remote UE initializes the RRC connection establishment process and starts the timer.

[0146] For explanations of steps 301 and 302, please refer to... Figure 2 Steps 201 and 202 shown will not be repeated here.

[0147] 303. In the event of a timer expiration, the remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE. This first indication message instructs the relay UE not to forward the data corresponding to the remote UE (or, in other words, instructs the relay UE not to establish an RRC connection through the relay UE, or instructs the relay UE not to forward the data corresponding to the remote UE), or instructs the relay UE to clear the cache corresponding to the remote UE. The relay UE receives this first indication message.

[0148] Optionally, the first indication information is used to instruct the relay UE to discard the data corresponding to the remote UE, or the first indication information is used to instruct the relay UE to rebuild or release the PC5 RLC corresponding to the remote UE's Uu RB, or the first indication information is used to instruct the relay UE to release the data carried on the sidelink logical channel corresponding to the remote UE's Uu RB. It can be understood that forwarding the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB can refer to forwarding the RLC SDU corresponding to the remote UE's Uu RB.

[0149] The PC5 RLC corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE includes discarding all RLC service data units (SDUs) and RLC protocol data units (PDUs). The data corresponding to the remote UE is the data carried on the Uu RB of the remote UE. The buffer corresponding to the remote UE can be a buffer of the data carried on the Uu RB of the remote UE. The Uu radio bearer (RB) in this application includes the Uu signaling radio bearer (SRB) and the Uu data radio bearer (DRB). The Uu RB of the remote UE is the end-to-end radio bearer between the remote UE and the base station on the Uu interface. The data carried on the Uu SRB of the remote UE includes RRC establishment request messages, RRC recovery request messages, RRC reconstruction request messages, RRC establishment messages, RRC recovery messages, RRC reconstruction messages, RRC rejection messages, RRC release messages, etc.

[0150] It is understandable that after the relay UE reconstructs or releases the PC5 RLC corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE, or after the relay UE releases the side link logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE, or after the relay UE clears the buffer corresponding to the remote UE, the relay UE does not forward the data corresponding to the remote UE.

[0151] It is understood that, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the relay UE determines not to forward data corresponding to the remote UE or clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE, the unicast link between the relay UE and the remote UE may still exist. When the remote UE needs to send an RRC establishment request message to the base station again through the relay UE, the remote UE can directly send an RRC establishment request message to the relay UE. It is also understood that the explanation of the first indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2The indicated information shown will not be described in detail here. For example, the first indicated information can be used to indicate the end of the RRC connection establishment process between the remote UE and the base station. Alternatively, the first indicated information can be used to indicate the end of the RRC connection restoration process between the remote UE and the base station. Or, the first indicated information can be used to indicate the end of the RRC connection reconstruction process between the remote UE and the base station. In other words, Figure 2 The instructions shown also apply to Figure 3 The method shown. The difference is, Figure 2 In the method shown, after receiving the indication information, the relay UE will release the unicast link between itself and the remote UE. Figure 3 The method shown may result in the relay UE not forwarding the data corresponding to the remote UE after receiving the indication information, or clearing the cache corresponding to the remote UE.

[0152] When a remote UE fails to receive a response message from the base station via a relay UE within a preset time period, a timer may time out. The value of the timer is a preset time period (also referred to as the preset duration of the timer). For example, the reasons why the remote UE may not receive an RRC establishment message or an RRC rejection message from the base station via a relay UE within the preset time period may include:

[0153] 1. Base station failure, unable to respond to RRC establishment request messages from remote UEs in a timely manner;

[0154] 2. The base station's response to the RRC establishment request message has a large delay, causing the remote UE to be unable to receive the response message of the RRC establishment request message in a timely manner;

[0155] 3. The RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station failed, causing the relay UE to be unable to forward the RRC establishment request message to the base station;

[0156] 4. The RRC connection establishment time between the relay UE and the base station is too long, which causes the relay UE to be unable to forward the RRC establishment request message to the base station in a timely manner.

[0157] In other words, if the timer expires, the relay UE may have already forwarded the RRC establishment request message. However, it may not have forwarded the response message sent by the base station to the remote UE in a timely manner, meaning that the response message may be cached in the relay UE. Alternatively, if the timer expires, the relay UE may not have forwarded the RRC establishment request message to the base station, meaning that the RRC establishment request message is cached in the relay UE.

[0158] Understandably, for points 3 and 4 above, if the relay UE does not receive the first indication information, it will continue to attempt to establish an RRC connection with the base station, or continue to attempt to forward the RRC establishment request message to the base station. This will increase the power consumption of the relay UE, and may also result in the relay UE still being unable to successfully forward the RRC establishment request message to the base station.

[0159] It is understandable that the above explanation regarding the reasons why the remote UE did not receive the RRC establishment message or RRC rejection message from the base station within the preset time period also applies to... Figure 2 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The methods shown, etc.

[0160] 304. The relay UE determines not to forward the data corresponding to the remote UE, or the relay UE clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE.

[0161] The relay UE's decision not to forward data corresponding to the remote UE can also be understood as: the relay UE does not forward data corresponding to the remote UE. Alternatively, step 305 above can also be understood as: the relay UE processes the first indication information, or the relay UE processes the data according to the first indication information, etc.

[0162] Upon receiving the first indication information, the relay UE can perform one or more of the following actions:

[0163] The relay UE does not forward the data corresponding to the remote UE, the relay UE clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE, the relay UE discards the data corresponding to the remote UE, the relay UE reconstructs or releases the PC5 RLC corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE, and the relay UE releases the side link logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0164] Optionally, the relay UE may also rebuild or release the Uu RLC corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE. Alternatively, the relay UE may also release the Uu logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE. Alternatively, the relay UE may indicate to the base station that the procedure for the remote UE to enter the RRC connection state has ended. Alternatively, the relay UE may indicate to the base station the identifier of the remote UE whose procedure for entering the RRC connection state has ended. After receiving the indication, the base station instructs the relay UE to rebuild or release the Uu RLC corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE, and / or release the Uu logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0165] In one possible implementation, Figure 3 The method shown also includes:

[0166] 305. The relay UE sends a second indication message to the remote UE, the second indication message indicating that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the second indication message.

[0167] By sending a second indication message to the remote UE, the relay UE can inform the remote UE that the relay UE has entered the RRC connection state, and that the remote UE can forward the data carried on Uu SRB0 to the base station through the relay UE. For example, if step 305 above indicates that the relay UE does not want to forward the data corresponding to the remote UE, the relay UE can forward the data corresponding to the remote UE after entering the RRC connection state. As another example, if step 305 above indicates that the relay UE releases the buffer corresponding to the remote UE, and sends the second indication message to the remote UE, the remote UE can resend the RRC establishment request message if it still needs to establish an RRC connection with the base station after receiving the second indication message.

[0168] The method provided in this application, when the remote UE fails to successfully enter the RRC connection state, can avoid the relay UE needing to continuously attempt to forward data between the remote UE and the base station unnecessarily, or avoid providing relay services to the remote UE by continuing to attempt to enter the RRC connection state, or allow the relay UE to leave the RRC connection state as soon as possible. This not only saves signaling overhead but also power consumption. Optionally, it can also prevent the remote UE from receiving RRC messages from the base station after the RRC connection entry process fails, thus avoiding misunderstandings. Optionally, it can allow the remote UE to reselect the relay UE, facilitating timely connection between the remote UE and the base station, reducing access latency for the remote UE, and enabling faster service. Optionally, when the remote UE re-enters the RRC connection state through the relay UE, the remote UE does not need to establish a unicast link again, reducing latency. In addition, the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE may also be used for ProSe direct communication.

[0169] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0170] 401. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0171] 402. The remote UE initializes the RRC connection establishment process and starts the first timer.

[0172] 403. If the first timer has not expired and the remaining duration is less than the first duration, the remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE. This first indication message instructs the relay UE not to forward data corresponding to the remote UE, or instructs the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote UE, or instructs the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE. Correspondingly, the relay UE receives the first indication message.

[0173] Generally, there is a transmission delay between the remote UE and the relay UE, so the first duration can be equal to or less than this transmission delay. For example, if the remaining duration of the first timer is less than the first duration, even if the relay UE receives the response message sent by the base station to the remote UE, the remote UE will not receive the response message within the first duration due to the delay in forwarding the response message from the relay UE to the remote UE. Therefore, the remote UE can send a first indication message to the relay UE to prevent the relay UE from continuing to forward the data corresponding to the remote UE. If the remote UE does not send the first indication message, the relay UE may continue to forward the data. In this case, the remote UE's first timer has expired, meaning the remote UE's RRC connection process has ended. Even if the relay UE forwards the response message, it will be useless, or it may cause the remote UE to misunderstand the message.

[0174] Optionally, if the first timer has not expired and the remaining duration is less than the first duration, the remote UE may also rebuild or release the PC5 RLC corresponding to Uu RB, and / or, the remote UE may release the side link logical channel corresponding to Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0175] Understandably, for details regarding the first timer, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The timers shown will not be described in detail here.

[0176] Optionally, step 403 above can also be expressed as:

[0177] If the second timer expires, the remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE. Correspondingly, the relay UE receives this first indication message.

[0178] The second timer shares the same start and / or stop conditions as the first timer, but its value is less than that of the first timer. The second timer's value can be configured in the SIB, predefined, or configured by the relay UE, etc. Optionally, if the second timer times out, the remote UE can also rebuild or release the PC5RLC corresponding to the Uu RB, and / or, the remote UE can release the sidelink logical channel corresponding to the remote UE's Uu RB. It is understood that... Figure 4 The second timer shown is Figure 2 The second timer shown can be the same or different.

[0179] Optionally, step 403 above can also be expressed as:

[0180] If the remote UE receives an RRC rejection message from the base station via the relay UE, the remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE, which is used to indicate the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0181] When a relay UE receives an RRC rejection message from a base station, it can also be understood that once a relay UE receives an RRC rejection message from a base station...

[0182] If a remote UE receives an RRC rejection message from a base station via a relay UE, it indicates that the RRC connection between the remote UE and the base station has failed to be established. Therefore, by sending a first indication message to the relay UE, the relay UE can release the unicast link with the remote UE. It is understood that the first timer has not expired before the remote UE receives the RRC rejection message from the base station.

[0183] If a remote UE receives an RRC rejection message from a base station via a relay UE, the remote UE may rebuild or release the PC5 RLC corresponding to the Uu RB, and / or, the remote UE may release the side link logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0184] Optionally, step 403 above can also be expressed as:

[0185] In the event that the RRC connection state process is aborted, the remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE, which is used to indicate the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0186] Entering the RRC connection state includes at least one of the following: RRC connection establishment, RRC connection recovery, and RRC connection reconstruction. For example, the upper layer of the RRC layer of the remote UE suspends the RRC connection establishment process, and the remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE. It can be understood that the first timer has not expired before the remote UE suspends the process of entering the RRC connection state.

[0187] In the event that the process of entering the RRC connection state is terminated, the remote UE reconstructs or releases the PC5 RLC corresponding to the Uu RB, and / or the remote UE releases the side link logical channel corresponding to the Uu RB of the remote UE.

[0188] Understandably, the explanation of the first instruction information can be found here. Figure 2 The indicated information or Figure 3The first instruction information shown will not be described in detail here.

[0189] 404. The relay UE processes the first instruction information.

[0190] It is understandable that for a detailed explanation of step 404, please refer to steps 204 and / or 304 above, etc., and will not be repeated here.

[0191] In one possible implementation, Figure 4 The method shown also includes:

[0192] 405. The relay UE sends a second indication message to the remote UE, the second indication message indicating that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the second indication message.

[0193] For example, if the first indication information is used to instruct the relay UE not to forward data corresponding to the remote UE, or if the first indication information is used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote UE, then after the relay UE processes the data according to the first indication information, if the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station becomes available, the relay UE can send a second indication information to the remote UE, which is used to instruct the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station to become available. Figure 4 The beneficial effects of the method shown can be referenced. Figure 2 or Figure 3 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0194] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0195] 501. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0196] 502. The remote UE sends an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE. Correspondingly, the relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message.

[0197] When a remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment process, the remote UE sends an RRC establishment request message to the relay UE.

[0198] Optionally, step 502 can also be expressed as: the remote UE initiates the RRC connection recovery procedure and sends an RRC recovery request message to the base station through the relay UE. Alternatively, the remote UE initiates the RRC connection reconstruction procedure and sends an RRC reconstruction request message to the base station through the relay UE.

[0199] Understandably, for detailed explanations of RRC establishment request messages, RRC recovery request messages, or RRC reconstruction request messages, please refer to the above. Figures 2 to 4 The methods shown will not be described in detail here.

[0200] 503. When a relay UE receives an RRC establishment request message from a remote UE, it starts a timer.

[0201] It is understandable that the above situation of receiving an RRC establishment request message from a remote UE can also be referred to as "once an RRC establishment request message from a remote UE is received".

[0202] Optionally, the relay UE starts a timer upon receiving an RRC recovery request message from a remote UE (also known as once an RRC recovery request message is received from a remote UE).

[0203] Optionally, the relay UE starts a timer when it receives an RRC reconstruction request message from a remote UE (or, once it receives an RRC reconstruction request message from a remote UE).

[0204] Optionally, the relay UE may not know the type of message it received, such as only knowing that it received data carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB0. It is understood that the data carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB0 mentioned here could refer to data carried on the PC5 RLC corresponding to the remote UE's Uu SRB0, or data carried on the sidelink logical channel, etc.

[0205] 504. In the event of a timer expiration, the relay UE determines not to forward the RRC establishment request message, or clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE, or releases the unicast link with the remote UE.

[0206] The duration of the aforementioned timer (the preset duration shown below) can be configured by the relay UE, or by the remote UE, or by the base station, etc., and this embodiment of the application does not limit this. For example, the aforementioned timer is stopped when any one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0207] 1. The relay UE receives data carried on the Uu RB (such as Uu SRB0 or ​​Uu SRB1) of the remote UE from the base station;

[0208] 2. The relay UE forwards the Uu RB (e.g., Uu SRB0 or ​​UuSRB1) from the remote UE to the remote UE;

[0209] 3. The relay UE forwards the RRC establishment request message to the base station;

[0210] 4. The relay UE forwards the RRC recovery request message to the base station;

[0211] 5. The relay UE forwards the RRC reconstruction request message to the base station;

[0212] 6. The relay UE forwards the data carried on the Uu RB of the remote UE to the base station;

[0213] 7. The remote UE completes the establishment of an RRC connection with the base station;

[0214] 8. The remote UE completes the restoration of the RRC connection with the base station;

[0215] 9. The remote UE completes the re-establishment of the RRC connection with the base station;

[0216] 10. The remote UE enters the RRC connection state.

[0217] It is understood that the data carried on UuSRB0 includes any one of RRC establishment messages and RRC rejection messages. The data on UuSRB1 includes any one of RRC recovery messages, RRC reconstruction messages, and RRC release messages.

[0218] It is understood that if any one or more of the above conditions are met during the timer's operation, the timer will stop. It is also understood that when a remote UE enters the RRC connection state, it can send indication information to the relay UE, thereby indicating that it has entered the RRC connection state. This application embodiment does not limit how the relay UE knows that the remote UE's RRC connection establishment process, RRC connection recovery process, or RRC connection reconstruction process has ended.

[0219] If the timer times out, it means that the relay UE has not received the data carried on the Uu RB from the remote UE of the base station, or has not forwarded the data carried on the Uu RB from the remote UE of the base station to the remote UE. As a result, the remote UE has not received the data carried on the Uu RB from the base station. Therefore, the remote UE cannot receive the response message for entering the RRC connection state from the base station within a certain period of time, indicating that the remote UE has failed to enter the RRC connection state.

[0220] Understandably, explanations regarding RRC connections, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection reconstruction, and RRC connection recovery can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The methods shown are as follows.

[0221] For example, steps 503 and 504 above can also be understood as:

[0222] The relay UE determines whether it has successfully forwarded the RRC establishment request message to the base station within a preset time period after receiving the RRC establishment request message (or the data carried on the Uu RB of the remote UE). If the relay UE has not successfully forwarded the RRC establishment request message to the base station within the preset time period, it determines that it will no longer forward the RRC establishment request message, or clears the buffer corresponding to the remote UE or releases the unicast link with the remote UE.

[0223] Alternatively, the relay UE may determine whether it has successfully established an RRC connection with the base station within a preset time period after receiving an RRC establishment request message (or data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB). If the relay UE fails to establish an RRC connection with the base station within the preset time period, it will determine not to forward the RRC establishment request message. Optionally, the relay UE may also choose not to continue attempting to establish an RRC connection with the base station.

[0224] In other words, if the relay UE fails to establish an RRC connection with the base station, it means that the relay UE cannot successfully forward the RRC establishment request message from the remote UE to the base station, and the relay UE can stop trying to forward the RRC establishment request message.

[0225] Optional, Figures 2 to 4 The first timer in the remote UE shown can also be used with Figure 5 The timer combination in the relay UE shown. Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example, the above... Figures 2 to 4 The first timer shown is in Figure 6 The method shown can be a first timer. Figure 5 The timer shown is in Figure 6 The method shown can include a third timer. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0226] 601. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0227] 602. The remote UE sends an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE. Correspondingly, the relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message.

[0228] 603. When a relay UE receives an RRC establishment request message from a remote UE, it starts a third timer.

[0229] For example, the duration of the third timer can be determined based on the duration of the first timer. For instance, the duration of the third timer can be less than the duration of the first timer. For instance, the duration of the third timer can be determined based on the duration of the first timer and an offset, where the offset can be configured by the SIB or predefined, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. For instance, the duration of the third timer can be the difference between the duration of the first timer and the offset. Or, the difference between the first timer and the offset is the third timer. Or, the duration of the third timer can be equal to the duration of the first timer.

[0230] 604. In the event of the first timer expiring, the remote UE sends an indication message to the relay UE. This indication message is used to instruct the relay UE not to forward the data corresponding to the remote UE, or to instruct the relay UE to clear the cache corresponding to the remote UE, or to instruct the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE to be released.

[0231] 605. In the event of a timeout of the third timer, or in the event of receiving an indication from the remote UE, the relay UE determines not to forward the RRC establishment request message, or the relay UE clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE, or the relay UE releases the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0232] In other words, the relay UE can execute step 605 if either the third timer in the relay UE times out or the indication information is received; or, if both conditions are met, the relay UE can execute step 605. It is understood that regarding... Figure 6 For detailed instructions, please refer to Figure 5 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0233] In this embodiment, when the remote UE fails to enter the RRC connection state, the relay UE can avoid needing to continuously attempt to forward data between the remote UE and the base station, or avoid continuing to attempt to enter the RRC connection state while providing relay services to the remote UE, or allow the relay UE to leave the RRC connection state as soon as possible. This not only saves signaling overhead but also saves power consumption.

[0234] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0235] In this embodiment, when a relay UE receives an RRC establishment request message (or RRC reconstruction request message, or RRC recovery request message, etc.) from a remote UE, even if the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable (also referred to as the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station failing, or the relay UE failing to enter the RRC connection state), the relay UE can still continue to attempt to forward the RRC establishment request message (or RRC reconstruction request message, or RRC recovery request message, etc.). That is, the relay UE can continue to initiate RRC connection establishment for forwarding the RRC establishment request message (or RRC reconstruction request message, or RRC recovery request message). To enable the relay UE to continue forwarding the RRC establishment request message, the RRC establishment request message can continue to be cached after the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station fails (i.e., the cache corresponding to the remote UE is not cleared).

[0236] Similarly, the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station can also include situations where the relay UE's RRC connection is blocked by access restrictions. If the relay UE receives an RRC establishment request message (or RRC reconstruction request message, or RRC recovery request message) from a remote UE, and access to the relay UE's RRC connection is considered blocked, then after the access restriction is lifted, the relay UE can continue to attempt to forward the RRC establishment request message; that is, the relay UE continues to initiate RRC connection establishment for the RRC establishment request message. In order for the relay UE to continue forwarding the RRC request message, even after the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is blocked by access restrictions, the relay UE still needs to continue to cache the RRC establishment request message from the remote UE; that is, the cached RRC establishment request message is not cleared.

[0237] In other words, in this embodiment of the application, the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station includes: failure to establish the RRC connection of the relay UE, failure to rebuild the RRC connection of the relay UE, failure to restore the RRC connection of the relay UE, and access being blocked for the RRC connection of the relay UE. It can be understood that the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station can also be understood as the failure of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station.

[0238] like Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0239] 701. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0240] 702. The remote UE sends an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE, and the corresponding relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message.

[0241] Understandably, the explanations for steps 701 and 702 can be found above, such as... Figure 5 Steps 501 and 502 shown, or, as... Figures 2 to 4 The examples shown are RRC establishment request messages, RRC recovery request messages, and RRC reconstruction request messages.

[0242] In this embodiment of the application, when the relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message, it may be in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. Therefore, after the relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message, the following situation may occur:

[0243] Case 1: RRC connection establishment failed, or RRC reconstruction failed, or RRC recovery failed, or access is prohibited.

[0244] It is understandable that the RRC connection establishment failures described above include: timer T300 timeout or receiving an RRC rejection message from the base station, etc. RRC reconstruction failures include: timer T301 timeout (e.g., no response message received from the base station within a certain time) or timer T311 timeout (e.g., no suitable cell selected within a certain time). RRC recovery failures include: timer T319 timeout (no response message received from the base station within a certain time), receiving an RRC release message from the base station, or receiving an RRC rejection message from the base station, etc. Access prohibition includes: timer T390 is running or timer T302 is running, and the access category is neither "2" nor "0".

[0245] Scenario 2: An RRC connection establishment process with the base station is initiated to forward an RRC establishment request message, but the RRC connection establishment fails. Alternatively, an RRC connection establishment process with the base station is initiated to forward an RRC establishment request message, but the RRC connection is blocked. Alternatively, an RRC connection recovery process with the base station is initiated to forward an RRC establishment request message, but the RRC connection recovery fails.

[0246] In other words, in scenario 1 above, this application embodiment does not limit the reason for the relay UE to establish an RRC connection (or rebuild an RRC connection, or restore an RRC connection). In scenario 2, the reason for the relay UE to establish an RRC connection is to forward the RRC establishment request message from the remote UE to the base station.

[0247] For example, the reason (also known as the reason value) for a relay UE to establish an RRC connection can be included in: the RRC establishment request message sent by the relay UE to the base station; or, determined by the access class and / or access identifier provided by the upper layer of the relay UE's RRC layer when requesting to establish an RRC connection. It is understood that this application embodiment does not limit which messages carry the reason for the relay UE establishing an RRC connection.

[0248] It can be understood that the above process of initiating the establishment of an RRC connection with the base station by forwarding the RRC establishment request message can also be understood as: initiating the establishment of an RRC connection with the base station by providing relay services to the remote UE.

[0249] Case 3: The Nth RRC connection establishment fails, or the Nth RRC connection is blocked, or the Nth RRC connection reconstruction fails, or the Nth RRC connection recovery fails. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0250] Case 4: An RRC connection establishment process with the base station is initiated to forward an RRC establishment request message, and the RRC connection establishment fails for the Mth time. Alternatively, an RRC connection establishment process with the base station is initiated to forward an RRC establishment request message, and the RRC connection establishment fails for the Mth time. Alternatively, an RRC connection reconstruction process with the base station is initiated to forward an RRC establishment request message, and the RRC connection establishment fails for the Mth time. Alternatively, an RRC connection recovery process with the base station is initiated to forward an RRC establishment request message, and the RRC connection establishment fails for the Mth time. Here, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0251] Understandably, the explanations for cases 3 and 4 can be found in cases 1 and 2 above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0252] 703. The relay UE sends a third indication message to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the third indication message.

[0253] The aforementioned third indication information can also be understood as: indicating that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station has failed.

[0254] Optionally, the third indication information can be used to indicate the reason for the failure of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station. Thus, by indicating the reason to the remote UE, the remote UE can be informed that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station has failed. For example, the reasons for the failure of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station may include any one or more of the following: RRC connection establishment failure, RRC reconstruction failure, RRC recovery failure, access prohibition, timer T300 timeout, receiving an RRC rejection message from the base station, timer T319 timeout, timer T301 timeout, timer T311 timeout, receiving an RRC release message from the base station, timer T390 is running or timer T302 is running, and the access category is neither "2" nor "0". For a detailed explanation of each timer, please refer to the above; it will not be elaborated here.

[0255] Optionally, the third indication information is used to indicate the duration for which the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. Thus, by indicating the duration to the remote UE, the remote UE can not only be informed that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable, but also the duration of the unavailability. For example, when the duration is 0, it indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available; when the duration is greater than 0, it indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. As an example, when the relay UE receives an RRC rejection message from the base station, it sends the third indication information to the remote UE. The relay UE can then set the duration indicated by the third indication information based on the waiting time in the received RRC rejection message; wherein the RRC rejection message contains a waiting time (waitTime). As another example, after receiving an RRC rejection message from the base station, the relay UE sends a third indication message to the remote UE. The relay UE can determine the duration indicated by the third indication message based on the running duration of timer T302, or based on the remaining duration of timer T302. As yet another example, when the relay UE needs to send third indication information, if timer T390 is running, the relay UE can determine the duration indicated by the third indication message based on the running duration of timer T390, or its remaining duration. As yet another example, the duration indicated by the third indication message can also be the maximum of the remaining duration of timer T390 and the remaining duration of timer T302. Optionally, after the relay UE sends the third indication information to the remote UE, if the relay UE re-initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure (possibly with a new access category or access identifier), and if the relay UE receives an RRC rejection message from the base station again, and if the RRC rejection message includes another waiting time, the relay UE can re-send the third indication information to the remote UE to indicate this other waiting time. For example, if the relay UE re-initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure (possibly with a new access category or access identifier) ​​after sending the third indication information to the remote UE, and the relay UE successfully enters the connected state, then the duration of the relay UE's RRC connection being unavailable becomes 0. In this case, the relay UE can re-send the third indication information to the remote UE to indicate the updated duration (e.g., 0).

[0256] Optionally, the relay UE can indicate the duration of RRC connection unavailability to the remote UE using additional indication information. That is, different indication information can be used to indicate both the RRC connection unavailability and its duration. Optionally, different indication information can be used to indicate the reasons for the RRC connection unavailability, etc., but this embodiment does not limit this.

[0257] In one possible implementation, after receiving the third indication information, the remote UE can continue to wait for the relay UE to attempt to establish an RRC connection with the base station. That is, regardless of whether the third indication information indicates a duration, as long as it indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable, the remote UE can continue to wait. Correspondingly, after sending the third indication information to the remote UE, the relay UE can continue to attempt to establish an RRC connection with the base station and forward the RRC establishment request message. Once the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is successful, the relay UE can forward the RRC establishment request message. Optionally, after the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is successful, the relay UE can send a second indication information to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available.

[0258] In another possible implementation, the remote UE can wait for the relay UE to forward the RRC establishment request message based on the duration indicated in the third indication information. That is, when the relay UE is under access prohibition, it can send third indication information to the remote UE, indicating the duration for which the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. Once the access prohibition is relieved, the relay UE can continue to attempt to establish an RRC connection with the base station. For example, if the duration indicated in the third indication information is long, the remote UE can send second indication information to the relay UE (as shown in step 705 below). However, if the duration indicated by the third indication information is short, the remote UE can wait for the relay UE to continue attempting to establish an RRC connection to forward the RRC establishment request message. In other words, the remote UE can determine whether to send second indication information based on the duration indicated by the third indication information. It is understood that the remote UE can also directly send second indication information based on the third indication information, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0259] The remote UE determines the access prohibition relief time for the RRC connection of the relay UE based on the duration of the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station indicated by the third indication information. Optionally, after the access prohibition of the relay UE is relieved, the remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure with the base station through the relay UE. For example, the remote UE can resend the RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE. It is understood that after receiving the third indication information, the remote UE will not initiate the entry into the RRC connection state procedure through the relay UE within the time indicated by the third indication information, i.e., before the relay UE's access prohibition is relieved. It is understood that the description of the RRC establishment request message also applies to the description of the RRC recovery request message or the RRC reconstruction request message.

[0260] In another possible implementation, the relay UE may, for a period of time after sending the third indication information, refrain from attempting to forward the RRC establishment request message from the remote UE to the base station; that is, the relay UE will not initiate the RRC connection establishment process for forwarding the RRC establishment request message from the remote UE during this period. If, during this period, the relay does not receive the second indication information from the remote UE (as shown in step 705 below), the relay UE may continue to attempt to forward the RRC establishment request message; that is, the relay UE may continue to initiate the RRC connection establishment for forwarding the RRC establishment request message.

[0261] In one possible implementation, Figure 7 The method shown also includes:

[0262] 704. The remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE, the first indication message being used to instruct the relay UE not to forward the data corresponding to the remote UE, or the first indication message being used to instruct the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE, or the first indication message being used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote UE.

[0263] 705. The relay UE processes the first instruction information.

[0264] For example, the relay UE may perform any one or more of the following actions based on the first indication information: not forwarding data corresponding to the remote UE, releasing the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE, or clearing the cache corresponding to the remote UE.

[0265] Understandably, for details regarding steps 705 and 706, please refer to the above text, and they will not be repeated here.

[0266] In one possible implementation, when the first indication information is used to indicate the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE, the remote UE can also interact with another relay UE. Alternatively, after a period of time, the remote UE may attempt to establish a PC5 unicast link with the aforementioned relay UE again.

[0267] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is used to instruct the relay UE not to forward data corresponding to the remote UE, or the first indication information is used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote UE. Figure 7 The method shown may also include:

[0268] 706. The relay UE sends a second indication message to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the second indication message.

[0269] The RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station can include one or more of the following: the access ban of the relay UE is lifted, and the relay UE enters the RRC connection state.

[0270] For example, if a relay UE indicates the duration for which its RRC connection with the base station is unavailable via a third indication message, then after the access ban on the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is relieved, it can send a second indication message to the remote UE. Optionally, if the relay UE indicates the duration via the third indication message, and the access ban on the relay UE is relieved in advance, then the relay UE can send a second indication message to the remote UE.

[0271] Optionally, when the first indication information indicates that data corresponding to the remote UE should not be forwarded, since the relay UE still caches the data corresponding to the remote UE, the remote UE does not need to send an RRC establishment request message to the remote UE again. The remote UE can wait for the relay UE to continue attempting to establish an RRC connection with the base station and to forward the RRC establishment request message to the base station.

[0272] Optionally, when the first indication information indicates that the cache corresponding to the remote UE is cleared, since the relay UE has already cleared the cache corresponding to the remote UE, the remote UE needs to resend the RRC establishment request to the relay UE so as to establish an RRC connection with the base station through the relay UE.

[0273] It is understandable that after receiving the second indication information, the remote UE can initiate RRC connection establishment through the relay UE, or send an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE. It is also understandable that after receiving the third indication information, but before receiving the second indication information, i.e., before the relay UE's prohibition is relieved, the remote UE will not initiate the process of entering the RRC connection state through the relay UE.

[0274] In this embodiment, the remote UE can promptly obtain the RRC connection information of the relay UE, thereby flexibly determining whether to continue interacting with the base station through the relay UE, or whether the remote UE can promptly re-interact with the base station (e.g., through other relays), reducing the latency of entering the RRC connection state. The relay UE can continue to attempt to enter the RRC connection state, thereby promptly forwarding data between the remote UE and the base station, reducing the latency of the remote UE entering the RRC connection state.

[0275] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0276] In this embodiment, when a relay UE receives an RRC establishment request message (or RRC reconstruction request message, or RRC recovery request message) from a remote UE, if the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable, the relay UE will no longer attempt to forward the RRC establishment request message. In other words, if the relay UE's own RRC connection establishment fails, the relay UE will not continue to attempt to forward data carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB; that is, the relay UE will not initiate the RRC connection establishment process to forward data carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB. Simultaneously, the relay UE clears the cached data carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB.

[0277] like Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0278] 801. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0279] 802. The remote UE sends an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE, and the corresponding relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message.

[0280] Understandably, the explanations for steps 801 and 802 can be found above, and will not be repeated here.

[0281] 803. If the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable, the relay UE clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE.

[0282] After a relay UE receives an RRC establishment request message, four possible scenarios for that relay UE are as follows: Figure 7 As shown (e.g.) Figure 7 Cases 1 to 4 are shown below, and will not be described in detail here.

[0283] In one possible implementation, after the relay UE receives an RRC establishment request message from the remote UE, and an RRC connection establishment failure, RRC connection access prohibition, RRC connection reconstruction failure, or RRC connection recovery failure occurs, the relay UE can clear the cache corresponding to the remote UE. For example, the relay UE can directly clear the cache of the aforementioned RRC establishment request message. Other possible implementations include the relay UE not forwarding data corresponding to the remote UE, the relay UE discarding data corresponding to the remote UE, the relay UE reconstructing or releasing the PC5 RLC corresponding to the remote UE's Uu RB, and the relay UE releasing the sidelink logical channel corresponding to the remote UE's Uu RB.

[0284] In another possible implementation, if the relay UE fails to establish an RRC connection for the Nth time after receiving the RRC establishment request message, the relay UE can also directly clear the cache corresponding to the remote UE.

[0285] In another possible implementation, after the relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message, it initiates the RRC connection establishment process to forward the RRC request message. If the RRC connection establishment fails for the Mth time, the relay UE clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE.

[0286] In other words, after the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station fails (including the first RRC failure, the Nth RRC failure, or the Mth failure in order to forward the RRC establishment request message), the relay UE will no longer attempt to forward the RRC establishment request message from the remote UE to the base station.

[0287] In one possible implementation, if the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable, the relay UE can also send a unicast link release request message to the remote UE. That is, when the relay UE's RRC connection fails, the relay UE can request to release the unicast link between itself and the remote UE. For an explanation of the unicast link release request message, and the methods for the relay UE and the remote UE to release the unicast link, please refer to the above text; they will not be detailed here. Alternatively, in another possible implementation… Figure 8 The method shown may include step 804.

[0288] It is understood that the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station as shown in the embodiments of this application can include not only the failure to establish the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, but also the failure to restore the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, or the failure to rebuild the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station. For methods related to the failure to restore the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, and the methods related to the failure to rebuild the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, please refer to the above text, which will not be detailed here.

[0289] 804. The relay UE sends a third indication message to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the third indication message.

[0290] The aforementioned third indication information can also be used to instruct the relay UE to stop attempting to forward the data carried on the remote UE's Uu SRB0 and to initiate the RRC connection establishment process.

[0291] Understandably, further explanation regarding the third instruction information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 7The method shown will not be elaborated here.

[0292] In one possible implementation, after receiving the third indication information, the remote UE can send the first indication information to the relay UE, which releases the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0293] In another possible implementation, the remote UE reselects a relay UE. That is, the remote UE can establish an RRC connection with the base station through another relay UE.

[0294] In another possible implementation, the remote UE determines the access prohibition relief time for the relay UE's RRC connection based on the duration of the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station indicated by the third indication information. Optionally, after the access prohibition of the relay UE is relieved, the relay UE initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure with the base station. For example, the remote UE can resend the RRC establishment request message to the relay UE. It is understood that after receiving the third indication information, the remote UE does not initiate the process of entering the RRC connection state through the relay UE within the time indicated by the third indication information, i.e., before the access prohibition of the relay UE is relieved. In this case, Figure 8 The method shown may also include step 805.

[0295] In another possible implementation, the remote UE can continue to wait for the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station to be successfully established. In this case, Figure 8 The method shown may also include step 805.

[0296] In another possible implementation, after receiving the third indication information, the remote UE may also perform one or more of the following: rebuild or release all established PC5 RLCs corresponding to Uu RBs, confirm RRC connection failure, confirm the end of the RRC connection establishment process, confirm the end of the RRC connection recovery process, or confirm the end of the RRC connection reconstruction process.

[0297] 805. The relay UE sends a second indication message to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the second indication message.

[0298] For example, after receiving the second indication information, the remote UE can initiate RRC connection establishment through the relay UE, or send an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE. It is understood that after receiving the third indication information, but before receiving the second indication information, i.e., before the relay UE's prohibition is relieved, the remote UE will not initiate the process of entering the RRC connection state through the relay UE.

[0299] The above explanation uses the RRC connection establishment process as an example. The method provided in this application embodiment is also applicable to the RRC connection recovery process and the RRC connection reconstruction process. For example, step 802 above can also be: the remote UE sends an RRC recovery request message to the base station through the relay UE, or the remote UE sends an RRC reconstruction request message to the base station through the relay UE. In this application embodiment, when the relay UE's RRC connection is unavailable, the relay UE can stop forwarding the data carried on the remote UE's Uu RB and stop initiating the RRC connection state, thereby saving not only signaling overhead but also power consumption.

[0300] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the method includes:

[0301] 901. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0302] 902. The relay UE sends an indication message to the remote UE, which indicates the duration for which the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives this indication message.

[0303] 903. After receiving the indication information, the remote UE sends an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE. Correspondingly, the relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message.

[0304] The remote UE determines the access prohibition relief time for the relay UE's RRC connection based on the duration of the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station indicated by the indication information. Optionally, after the access prohibition of the relay UE is relieved, the remote UE initiates the RRC connection establishment procedure with the base station. For example, the remote UE can resend the RRC establishment request message to the relay UE. It is understood that after receiving the indication information, the remote UE will not initiate the process of entering the RRC connection state through the relay UE within the time indicated by the indication information, i.e., before the access prohibition of the relay UE is relieved.

[0305] For example, after receiving an RRC establishment request message, the relay UE forwards the message to the base station. The base station then receives the RRC establishment request message. Next, the base station sends an RRC establishment request message to the remote UE via the relay UE, and the remote UE receives this message. Finally, the remote UE sends an RRC establishment completion message to the base station via the relay UE, and the base station receives this message. This signifies the end of the RRC connection establishment process between the remote UE and the base station.

[0306] It is understood that the above is an example of the RRC connection establishment process. The method provided in this application embodiment is also applicable to the RRC connection recovery process and the RRC connection reconstruction process.

[0307] In this embodiment of the application, when the relay UE is in the RRC disconnected state, the remote UE can initiate the RRC connection establishment process, RRC recovery process, or RRC reconstruction process to the base station without the relay UE, thereby saving not only signaling overhead but also the power consumption of the relay UE.

[0308] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes:

[0309] 1001. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0310] 1002. The relay UE sends a third indication message to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the third indication message.

[0311] It is understandable that the method executed by the remote UE after receiving the third indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8 This will not be elaborated further here. For example, after receiving the third indication information, the remote UE can send a first indication information to the relay UE, which releases the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE. Another example is that the remote UE may reselect the relay UE. Yet another example is that the remote UE determines the access prohibition relief time for the relay UE's RRC connection based on the duration of the unavailability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station indicated by the third indication information. Yet another example is that the remote UE may continue to wait for the successful establishment of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station.

[0312] 1003. The relay UE sends a second indication message to the remote UE, the second indication message being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the second indication message.

[0313] It is understandable that the explanation of the first and second instruction information can be found above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0314] 1004. Remote UE initiates the establishment of an RRC connection between the aforementioned relay UE and the base station.

[0315] It is understandable that after receiving the second indication information, the remote UE can initiate RRC connection establishment through the relay UE, or send an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE. It is also understandable that after receiving the first indication information, but before receiving the second indication information, i.e., before the relay UE's prohibition is relieved, the remote UE will not initiate the process of entering the RRC connection state through the relay UE.

[0316] It is understood that the above description uses the RRC connection establishment process as an example. The method provided in this application embodiment is also applicable to the RRC connection recovery process and the RRC connection reconstruction process. For example, step 1004 above can also be: the remote UE initiates the restoration of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, or the remote UE initiates the reconstruction of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station.

[0317] In this embodiment of the application, when the relay UE is in the RRC disconnected state, the remote UE can initiate the RRC connection establishment process, RRC recovery process, or RRC reconstruction process to the base station without the relay UE, thereby saving not only signaling overhead but also the power consumption of the relay UE.

[0318] like Figure 11 As shown in the embodiments of this application, another data processing method includes:

[0319] 1101. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0320] The explanation of step 1101 can be found in step 201.

[0321] 1102. The relay UE sends a third indication message to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the third indication message.

[0322] For an explanation of step 1102, please refer to step 703, or step 804, or step 1002.

[0323] RRC connection unavailability can also include RRC handover failure. When a relay UE is in RRC connected state, an RRC handover may occur. An RRC handover for a relay UE can also be understood as the relay UE receiving an RRC Reconfiguration message from the base station for handover. This base station can also be referred to as the source base station in the handover process. The base station triggers an air interface handover by sending an RRC Reconfiguration message to the relay UE. This message contains information required for accessing the target cell, including the target cell identifier. After receiving the RRC Reconfiguration message, the relay UE starts timer T304. The relay UE synchronizes with the target cell and completes the RRC handover process by sending an RRC ReconfigurationComplete message to the target base station. If the relay UE completes the random access procedure on the target cell, timer T304 stops. If T304 times out, the relay UE triggers an RRC connection reconstruction procedure. It can be understood that if T304 times out, the RRC handover fails. The target base station and the source base station (i.e., the base station that sends the RRC reconfiguration message for handover to the relay UE) can be the same base station or different base stations. The target base station is the base station corresponding to the target cell.

[0324] In one possible implementation, after receiving the third indication information, the remote UE can send the first indication information to the relay UE, which releases the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0325] In another possible implementation, the remote UE reselects a relay UE. That is, the remote UE can reselect a relay UE so that it can receive paging through the reselected relay UE or enter RRC connected state through the reselected relay UE.

[0326] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0327] Before step 1102, 1103a, the remote UE sends an RRC establishment request message to the base station through the relay UE, and the corresponding relay UE receives the RRC establishment request message. Alternatively, the remote UE sends an RRC recovery request message to the base station through the relay UE, and the corresponding relay UE receives the RRC recovery request message. Alternatively, the remote UE sends an RRC reconstruction request message to the base station through the relay UE, and the corresponding relay UE receives the RRC reconstruction request message. Step 1103a can refer to step 702 or step 802.

[0328] In one possible implementation, if the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is unavailable, the relay UE clears the cache corresponding to the remote UE, referring to step 803.

[0329] Optionally, after step 1102, in step 1103b, the remote UE sends a first indication message to the relay UE. This first indication message instructs the relay UE not to forward data corresponding to the remote UE, or instructs the release of the unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE, or instructs the clearing of the buffer corresponding to the remote UE. Accordingly, the relay UE processes the first indication message. Refer to steps 704 and 705.

[0330] In one possible implementation, the method may further include:

[0331] 1104. The relay UE sends a second indication message to the remote UE, which indicates that the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station is available. Correspondingly, the remote UE receives the second indication message, referring to step 706 or step 1003. The availability of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station may also include the completion of RRC reconstruction after the relay UE's RRC handover failure. The completion of RRC reconstruction can be achieved by the relay UE sending an RRC re-establishment completion message to the base station, the relay UE receiving an RRC re-establishment message from the base station, or timer T301 stopping.

[0332] Optionally, 1105, the remote UE initiates the establishment of an RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, or the remote UE initiates the restoration of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, or the remote UE initiates the reconstruction of the RRC connection between the relay UE and the base station, referring to step 1004.

[0333] In this embodiment, the remote UE can promptly obtain the RRC connection information of the relay UE, thereby flexibly determining whether to continue maintaining a unicast connection with the relay UE and interact with the base station through the relay UE. Alternatively, the remote UE can promptly reselect the relay UE to interact with the base station, reducing the latency of entering the RRC connection state. The relay UE can continue to attempt to enter the RRC connection state, thereby promptly forwarding data between the remote UE and the base station, further reducing the latency of the remote UE entering the RRC connection state.

[0334] like Figure 12 As shown in the embodiments of this application, another data processing method includes:

[0335] 1201. Establish a unicast link between the remote UE and the relay UE.

[0336] The explanation of step 1201 can be found in step 201.

[0337] 1202. A relay UE experiences a Uu RLF handover, and a relay UE experiences an RRC handover.

[0338] In this context, Uu RLF for the relay UE refers to the Link Fault (RLF) of the link between the relay UE and the base station. A Uu RLF occurring in the relay UE can also be understood as the relay UE detecting a Uu RLF. After a Uu RLF occurs in the relay UE, the relay UE initiates an RRC connection reconstruction.

[0339] A relay UE undergoing RRC handover can also be understood as the relay UE receiving an RRC Reconfiguration message from the base station for handover. This base station can also be referred to as the source base station in the handover process. The base station triggers an air interface handover by sending an RRC Reconfiguration message to the relay UE. This message contains information required for accessing the target cell, including the target cell identifier. After receiving the RRC Reconfiguration message, the relay UE starts timer T304. The relay UE synchronizes with the target cell and completes the RRC handover process by sending an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the target base station. If the relay UE completes the random access procedure on the target cell, timer T304 stops. If T304 times out, the relay UE triggers an RRC connection reconstruction procedure. It can be understood that if T304 times out, the RRC handover fails. The target base station and the source base station (i.e., the base station that sends the RRC Reconfiguration message to the relay UE for handover) can be the same base station or different base stations. The target base station is the base station corresponding to the target cell.

[0340] 1203. The relay UE sends a fourth indication message to the remote UE. The fourth indication message is used to indicate that the relay UE is performing a Uu RLF, or the fourth indication message is used to indicate that the relay UE is performing an RRC handover.

[0341] The relay UE can send a fourth indication message to the remote UE after detecting Uu RLF.

[0342] The relay UE can send a fourth indication message to the remote UE after receiving the RRC Reconfiguration message for handover from the base station.

[0343] It is understandable that the relay UE may be unable to provide relay services to the remote UE due to a Uu RLF or RRC handover. Therefore, the fourth indication information can also be used to indicate that the relay UE cannot provide relay services.

[0344] Upon receiving the fourth indication information, the remote UE can trigger a reselection of the relay UE. The remote UE can also determine, upon receiving the fourth indication information, not to initiate the RRC connection state entry procedure through the relay UE. The remote UE can also initiate an RRC reconstruction procedure upon receiving the fourth indication information while in RRC connection state through the relay UE.

[0345] 1204. The relay UE sends a fifth indication message to the remote UE. This fifth indication message is used to indicate that the relay UE Uu RLF is restored, or the relay UE RRC handover is completed, or the relay UE RRC reconstruction is completed, or the fifth indication message is used to indicate that the remote UE performs RRC reconstruction.

[0346] The relay UE's RLF recovery can also be understood as the relay UE's RRC reconstruction being completed. RRC reconstruction completion can occur if the relay UE sends an RRC re-establishment completion message to the base station, or if the relay UE receives an RRC re-establishment message from the base station, or if timer T301 stops.

[0347] RRC handover completion can occur when the relay UE sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the target base station, the relay UE completes the random access procedure on the target cell, or timer T304 stops.

[0348] It is understood that relay UE RRC reconstruction completion includes at least one of the following: relay UE RRC reconstruction completion after Uu RLF occurs, and relay UE RRC reconstruction completion after RRC handover occurs.

[0349] After receiving the fifth indication message, the remote UE can determine whether to continue the unicast connection with the relay UE. The remote UE can also determine whether to initiate an RRC connection state procedure through the relay UE. Furthermore, the remote UE can initiate an RRC reconstruction procedure through the relay UE.

[0350] 1205. The relay UE sends the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE to the remote UE.

[0351] The system information here can be at least one of the following: essential system information, System Information Block 1 (SIB1), master information block (MIB), partial information in the essential system information, partial information in System Information Block 1, partial information in the master information block, and cell identifier (e.g., a cell identifier used to explicitly identify cells within a public land mobile network (PLMN) / standalone non-public network (SNPN)).

[0352] The relay UE can send the serving cell system information of the relay UE to the remote UE after the RRC handover or RRC reconstruction is completed. If the relay UE sends the serving cell system information to the remote UE only after the RRC handover or RRC reconstruction is complete, the remote UE will not send RRC connection establishment request messages, RRC connection reconstruction request messages, or RRC connection recovery request messages through the relay UE before the relay UE completes the RRC handover or RRC reconstruction. This avoids the relay UE's RRC connection establishment request messages, RRC connection reconstruction request messages, or RRC connection recovery request messages being invalid due to the relay UE's unsuccessful RRC handover or RRC reconstruction, thus reducing signaling overhead and avoiding wasted signaling transmission.

[0353] After triggering RRC reconstruction and selecting a suitable cell, the relay UE can also send the system information of that cell to the remote UE. In other words, the relay UE can also send the system information of that cell to the remote UE after selecting a suitable cell and obtaining its system information. This allows the remote UE to obtain the cell's system information as early as possible and apply it accordingly.

[0354] The relay UE can also send the system information of the target cell for the relay UE handover to the remote UE after receiving the RRC reconfiguration message for RRC handover from the base station. In other words, the relay UE can also send the system information of the target cell for the relay UE handover to the remote UE after obtaining the system information of the target cell. This allows the remote UE to obtain the cell's system information as early as possible and thus apply the system information sooner.

[0355] The relay UE can also send the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE to the remote UE after the RRC reconstruction fails.

[0356] After receiving the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE, the remote UE can apply this system information. Based on this information, the remote UE can send an RRC connection establishment request message or an RRC connection restoration request message to the base station corresponding to the serving cell of the relay UE via the relay UE. After receiving the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE, the remote UE can also determine the shortMAC-I included in the RRC re-establishment request message based on the cell identifier of the serving cell of the relay UE, so that the remote UE can send an RRC reconstruction request message to the base station corresponding to the serving cell of the relay UE via the relay UE.

[0357] It is understood that steps 1203, 1204, and 1205 are optional. Optionally, steps 1204 and 1205 can be sent in the same message. In one possible implementation, if the serving cell of the relay UE is the same as before the reconstruction after the relay UE initiates the reconstruction, then the relay UE only sends the indication information in step 1204. If the serving cell of the relay UE is different after the reconstruction after the relay UE initiates the reconstruction, then the relay UE sends the indication information in step 1205, or sends both the indication information in step 1204 and the indication information in step 1205.

[0358] In this embodiment, the relay UE can promptly notify the remote UE after RRC reconstruction or handover is complete. This allows the remote UE to flexibly choose whether to reselect the relay UE, or trigger the remote UE to also perform RRC re-establishment. The remote UE can continue to access the network through the relay UE that has completed RRC re-establishment without needing to select another relay UE, thus reducing the power consumption caused by selecting another relay UE. Moreover, since the remote UE accesses the network through the relay UE, relay UE 1 is in RRC connected state. Therefore, it can reduce the occurrence of RRC re-establishment failure due to poor cell signal quality when the remote UE initiates RRC re-establishment via Uu, thereby improving the service continuity of the remote UE. After RRC reconstruction or handover is complete, the relay UE sends the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE to the remote UE, enabling the remote UE to use the system information to initiate the RRC connection establishment process, RRC connection recovery process, RRC connection reconstruction process, and send the RRC reconstruction request message.

[0359] like Figure 13 As shown in the embodiments of this application, another data processing method includes:

[0360] 1301. The remote UE communicates with the first network device through the relay UE.

[0361] A remote UE can access the network through a relay UE, which provides relay services to the remote UE. The remote UE can establish an RRC connection with the first network device through the relay UE. When the remote UE is in RRC connection mode, it can transmit data with the first network device through the relay UE. The first network device can be a base station.

[0362] For example, a remote UE can send first data to a relay UE, and this first data needs to be sent to a first network device. After receiving the first data from the remote UE, the relay UE then forwards it to the first network device. As another example, the first network device can send second data to the relay UE, and this second data needs to be sent to the remote UE. After receiving the second data from the first network device, the relay UE can then forward it to the remote UE. In this way, the remote UE and the first network device achieve communication through the relay UE.

[0363] Understandably, before a remote UE can communicate with the first network device through a relay UE, the remote UE needs to establish a unicast link with the relay UE.

[0364] 1302. A relay UE experiences a Uu RLF handover, and a relay UE experiences an RRC handover.

[0365] The explanation of step 1302 can be found in step 1202. The base station in step 1202 can be the first network device, and the target base station in step 1202 can be the second network device. For example, the Uu RLF of the relay UE refers to the RLF of the link between the relay UE and the first network device. The relay UE undergoing RRC handover can also be understood as the relay UE receiving an RRC Reconfiguration message sent by the first network device for handover. This first network device can also be referred to as the source base station in the handover process. The first network device triggers an air interface handover by sending an RRC Reconfiguration message to the relay UE. The message contains information required to access the target cell, including the target cell identifier. After receiving the RRC Reconfiguration message, the relay UE starts timer T304. The relay UE synchronizes with the target cell and completes the RRC handover process by sending an RRC ReconfigurationComplete message to the second network device. The second network device can be the target base station. The second network device is the network device corresponding to the target cell. The first network device and the second network device can be the same or different.

[0366] 1303. The relay UE sends a fourth indication message to the remote UE. The fourth indication message is used to indicate that the relay UE is performing a Uu RLF, or the fourth indication message is used to indicate that the relay UE is performing an RRC handover.

[0367] The explanation of step 1303 can be found in step 1203. The base station in step 1203 can be the first network device.

[0368] 1304. Remote UE initialization RRC connection reconstruction process.

[0369] The explanation of step 1304 can be found in step 202. The remote UE initializes the RRC connection reconstruction process, which can start the first timer.

[0370] Once the remote UE initiates the RRC connection reconstruction procedure, it can also suspend all UuRBs except for Uu SRB0. Uu RB is the RB between the remote UE and the first network device, and Uu SRB0 is the SRB0 between the remote UE and the first network device.

[0371] 1305. The relay UE sends a fifth indication message to the remote UE. This fifth indication message is used to indicate that the relay UE Uu RLF has been restored, or the relay UE RRC handover has been completed, or the relay UE RRC reconstruction has been completed.

[0372] The explanation of step 1305 can be found in step 1204.

[0373] 1306. The relay UE sends the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE to the remote UE.

[0374] The explanation of step 1306 can be found in step 1205. The base station corresponding to the serving cell of the relay UE is the second network device.

[0375] When the remote UE receives the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE, it stops the first timer. The first timer can be referenced from the first timer started during the remote UE's RRC connection reconstruction procedure in step 202. When the remote UE receives the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE, it can start the second timer. The second timer can be referenced from the first timer started in step 202 after the remote UE selects or reselects the relay UE during the RRC connection reconstruction through the relay UE and obtains the system information of the relay UE's serving cell.

[0376] 1307. The remote UE sends an RRC reconstruction request message to the second network device through the relay UE.

[0377] The second network device is the base station corresponding to the serving cell of the relay UE. The relay UE forwards the RRC reconstruction request message from the remote UE to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the RRC reconstruction request message from the remote UE through the relay UE.

[0378] 1308. The second network device sends an RRC reconstruction message to the remote UE through the relay UE.

[0379] Accordingly, the remote UE receives the RRC reconstruction message from the second network device through the relay UE. The remote UE stops the second timer. The remote UE then sends an RRC reconstruction complete message to the second network device through the relay UE, thus ending the RRC connection reconstruction process of the remote UE.

[0380] It is understood that steps 1305 and 1306 are optional steps. Optionally, steps 1305 and 1306 can be sent in the same message. In one possible implementation, if the serving cell of the relay UE is the same as the serving cell before the reconstruction is initiated, then the relay UE only sends the indication information in step 1305. If the serving cell of the relay UE is different after the reconstruction is initiated, then the relay UE sends the indication information in step 1306, or sends both the indication information in step 1305 and the indication information in step 1306.

[0381] In this embodiment, the relay UE can promptly notify the remote UE after RRC reconstruction or handover is complete. This allows the remote UE to flexibly choose whether to reselect the relay UE, or trigger the remote UE to also perform RRC re-establishment. The remote UE can continue to access the network through the relay UE that has completed RRC re-establishment, without needing to select another relay UE, thus reducing the power consumption caused by the remote UE selecting another relay UE. Moreover, since the remote UE accesses the network through the relay UE, relay UE 1 is in RRC connected state. Therefore, it can reduce the occurrence of RRC re-establishment failure due to poor cell signal quality when the remote UE initiates RRC re-establishment via Uu, thereby improving the service continuity of the remote UE. After RRC reconstruction or handover is complete, the relay UE sends the system information of the serving cell of the relay UE to the remote UE, so that the remote UE can use the system information to send the RRC reconstruction request message.

[0382] In conjunction with the methods described above, this application also provides the following embodiments:

[0383] 1. A data processing method applied to a remote terminal device, wherein the remote terminal device communicates with a network device through a relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0384] During the initialization of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment process, a timer is started.

[0385] If the timer expires, an indication message is sent to the relay terminal device. The indication message is used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward the data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or to instruct the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device to be cleared.

[0386] 2. According to the method described in Example 1, the timer is stopped when the following conditions are met:

[0387] Received an RRC establishment message from the network device;

[0388] An RRC rejection message was received from the network device.

[0389] 3. The method according to Embodiment 1 or 2, before sending the indication information to the relay terminal device, the method further includes:

[0390] The relay terminal device sends an RRC establishment request message to the network device.

[0391] 4. The method according to any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the timer includes timer T300.

[0392] 5. According to any one of the embodiments 1-4, the data corresponding to the remote terminal device is the data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) between the remote terminal device and the network device.

[0393] 6. A data processing method applied to a relay terminal device, wherein a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0394] The system receives an indication from a remote terminal device, the indication being used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or the indication being used to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or the indication being used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0395] Process the instruction information.

[0396] 7. According to the method of embodiment 6, the processing of the indication information includes any one or more of the following:

[0397] Determine not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device;

[0398] Release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device;

[0399] Clear the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0400] 8. The method according to embodiment 6 or 7, prior to receiving the indication information from the remote terminal device, the method further includes:

[0401] Receive data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) from the remote terminal device.

[0402] 9. According to any one of embodiments 6-8, the data corresponding to the remote terminal device is the data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) between the remote terminal device and the network device.

[0403] 10. A data processing method applied to a relay terminal device, wherein a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0404] Receive data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of the remote terminal equipment;

[0405] Start the timer;

[0406] If the timer times out, perform one or more of the following:

[0407] Determine not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device;

[0408] Release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device;

[0409] Clear the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0410] 11. According to the method described in Example 10, the timer is stopped when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0411] Data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of the remote UE from the network device is received;

[0412] The data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of the remote terminal device from the network device is forwarded to the remote terminal device.

[0413] 12. A data processing method applied to a remote terminal device, the remote terminal device communicating with a network device through a relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0414] Receive a third indication message from the relay terminal device, the third indication message being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable;

[0415] Send a first indication message to the relay terminal device, the first indication message being used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward the data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or, the first indication message being used to instruct the release of the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or, the first indication message being used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0416] 13. According to the method of embodiment 12, the third indication information is further used to indicate the duration for which the RRC connection between the remote terminal device and the network device is unavailable.

[0417] 14. The method according to Embodiment 13, further comprising:

[0418] After the specified duration, data is sent to the network device via the relay terminal device.

[0419] 15. The method according to Embodiment 12, before receiving the third indication information from the relay terminal device, the method further includes:

[0420] Data is sent to the network device through the relay terminal device.

[0421] 16. According to any one of embodiments 12-15, the data corresponding to the remote terminal device is the data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) between the remote terminal device and the network device.

[0422] 17. The method according to any one of embodiments 12-16, further comprising:

[0423] The system receives a second indication message from the relay terminal device, the second indication message indicating that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is available.

[0424] 18. The method according to any one of embodiments 15-17, wherein the data is carried in any one of an RRC establishment request message, an RRC recovery request message, or an RRC reconstruction request message, and after receiving the third indication information from the relay terminal device, the method further includes:

[0425] It was determined that the RRC connection between the remote terminal device and the network device failed.

[0426] 19. A data processing method applied to a relay terminal device, wherein a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0427] Send a third indication message to the remote terminal device, the third indication message being used to indicate that the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable;

[0428] The relay terminal receives a first indication from the remote terminal device, wherein the first indication is used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or the first indication is used to instruct the release of the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or the first indication is used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0429] 20. According to the method of embodiment 19, the third indication information is further used to indicate the duration for which the RRC connection between the remote terminal device and the network device is unavailable.

[0430] 21. The method according to embodiment 20, further comprising:

[0431] After the specified duration, data is received from the remote terminal device.

[0432] 22. The method according to Embodiment 19, before sending the third indication information to the remote terminal device, the method further includes:

[0433] Receive data from the remote terminal device.

[0434] 23. The method according to any one of embodiments 19-22, further comprising:

[0435] Send a second indication message to the remote terminal device, the second indication message being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is available.

[0436] 24. According to any one of embodiments 19-23, the data corresponding to the remote terminal device is the data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) between the remote terminal device and the network device.

[0437] 25. The method according to Embodiment 22, after receiving data from the remote terminal device, the method further includes:

[0438] If it is confirmed that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable, the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device is cleared.

[0439] 26. According to the method of embodiment 19, after receiving the first indication information from the remote terminal device, the method further includes:

[0440] The cache corresponding to the remote terminal device is cleared according to the first instruction information.

[0441] 27. According to the method described in Example 22, the data is data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of the remote terminal device.

[0442] 28. According to the method of embodiment 27, after the relay terminal device receives the RRC establishment request message, the method further includes:

[0443] When the relay terminal device is in RRC idle state, an RRC connection is established with the network device;

[0444] Sending the third instruction information to the remote terminal device includes:

[0445] If the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device fails to be established, the third indication information is sent to the remote terminal device.

[0446] 29. According to the method of embodiment 27, after the relay terminal device receives the RRC establishment request message, the method further includes:

[0447] If the relay terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, rebuild the RRC connection with the network device, or restore the RRC connection with the network device.

[0448] Sending the third instruction information to the remote terminal device includes:

[0449] If the RRC connection reconstruction between the relay terminal device and the network device fails or the RRC connection recovery fails, the third indication information is sent to the remote terminal device.

[0450] 30. A data processing method applied to a relay terminal device, wherein a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0451] If the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable, an indication message is sent to the remote terminal device, the indication message being used to indicate the duration of the unavailable RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device;

[0452] After a certain period of time has elapsed since the instruction information was sent, data is received from the remote terminal device.

[0453] 31. A data processing method applied to a remote terminal device, the remote terminal device communicating with a network device through a relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0454] Receive indication information from the relay terminal device, the indication information being used to indicate the duration for which the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable;

[0455] After a certain period of time following the receipt of the instruction information, data is sent to the network device through the relay terminal device.

[0456] 32. A data processing method applied to a relay terminal device, wherein a remote terminal device communicates with a network device through the relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0457] Send a third indication message to the remote terminal device, the third indication message being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable;

[0458] Send a second indication message to the remote terminal device, the second indication message being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is available.

[0459] 33. A data processing method applied to a remote terminal device, the remote terminal device communicating with a network device through a relay terminal device, the method comprising:

[0460] Receive a third indication message from the relay terminal device, the third indication message being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable;

[0461] Receive a second indication information from the relay terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is available;

[0462] Initiate the establishment of an RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device.

[0463] The following describes the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0464] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above-described method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following will combine... Figures 14 to 16 The communication device of the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0465] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the communication device includes a processing unit 1101 and a transceiver unit 1102.

[0466] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a remote terminal device or a chip as shown above, and the chip may be applied to a remote terminal device, etc. That is, the communication device may be used to perform the steps or functions performed by the remote terminal device in the method embodiments described above.

[0467] Processing unit 1101 is used to start a timer when initializing the RRC connection establishment process of the remote terminal device, wherein the RRC connection of the remote terminal device is the RRC connection between the remote terminal device and the network device through the relay terminal device;

[0468] The transceiver unit 1102 is used to send an indication message to the relay terminal device when the timer expires. The indication message is used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward the data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0469] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is also used to send an RRC establishment request message to the network device through the relay terminal device.

[0470] Reuse Figure 14 In other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be the relay terminal device chip shown above, which can be applied to relay terminal devices, etc. That is, the communication device can be used to perform the steps or functions performed by the relay terminal device in the method embodiments described above.

[0471] The transceiver unit 1102 is used to receive indication information from a remote terminal device. The indication information is used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward the data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or the indication information is used to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or the indication information is used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0472] The processing unit 1101 is used to process instruction information.

[0473] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is also configured to receive an RRC establishment request message from a remote terminal device.

[0474] In this embodiment, descriptions of RRC connection, timers, or indication information of the remote terminal device can also be found in the above method embodiments (e.g., ...). Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 6 The details described in the document will not be elaborated here.

[0475] Reuse Figure 14 In some other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a relay terminal device or a chip as shown above, and the chip may be applied to a relay terminal device, etc. That is, the communication device may be used to perform the steps or functions performed by the relay terminal device in the method embodiments described above.

[0476] Transceiver unit 1102 is used to receive RRC establishment request messages from remote terminal devices;

[0477] Processing unit 1101 is configured to start a timer and, if the timer times out, execute one or more of the following:

[0478] Determine not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device;

[0479] Release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device;

[0480] Clear the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0481] For a detailed description of the embodiments of this application, please refer to the above method embodiments (e.g., Figure 5 or Figure 6 The details described in the document will not be elaborated here.

[0482] Reuse Figure 14 In some other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a remote terminal device or a chip as shown above, and the chip may be applied to a remote terminal device, etc. That is, the communication device may be used to perform the steps or functions performed by the remote terminal device in the method embodiments described above.

[0483] The transceiver unit 1102 is used to receive third indication information from the relay terminal device, the third indication information being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is unavailable;

[0484] The transceiver unit 1102 is further configured to send a first indication information to the relay terminal device, the first indication information being used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or the first indication information being used to instruct the release of the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or the first indication information being used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0485] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is also used to send data to the network device via the relay terminal device after the aforementioned duration.

[0486] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is further configured to receive second indication information from the relay terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that an RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is available.

[0487] It is understood that the processing unit 1101 can be used to control the transceiver unit 1102 to perform the above-mentioned receiving or sending steps, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0488] Reuse Figure 14 In some other embodiments of this application, the communication device may be a relay terminal device or a chip as shown above, and the chip may be applied to a relay terminal device, etc. That is, the communication device may be used to perform the steps or functions performed by the relay terminal device in the method embodiments described above.

[0489] Transceiver unit 1102 is used to send third indication information to remote terminal equipment, the third indication information being used to indicate that the radio resource control (RRC) connection between the relay terminal equipment and the network equipment is unavailable.

[0490] The transceiver unit 1102 is further configured to receive first indication information from a remote terminal device, the first indication information being used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or the first indication information being used to instruct the release of the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or the first indication information being used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

[0491] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is further configured to receive data from a remote terminal device after the duration.

[0492] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is further configured to send a second indication information to the remote terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the RRC connection between the relay terminal device and the network device is available.

[0493] In this embodiment of the application, further explanations regarding various indication information can be found in the above method embodiments (e.g., Figure 7 or Figure 8 The details described in the document will not be elaborated here.

[0494] It is understood that the specific descriptions of the transceiver unit and processing unit shown in the embodiments of this application are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver unit and processing unit, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0495] The foregoing has described the transmitting and receiving devices according to embodiments of this application. The following describes possible product forms of the transmitting and receiving devices. It should be understood that any device possessing the above-described features... Figure 14Any product in any form that possesses the functions of the aforementioned transmitting device, or any product that has the above-mentioned features. Figure 14 Any form of the receiving device described herein falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. It should also be understood that the following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product form of the transmitting and receiving devices in the embodiments of this application to these specific examples.

[0496] In one possible implementation, Figure 14 In the communication device shown, the processing unit 1101 may be one or more processors, and the transceiver unit 1102 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver unit 1102 may also be a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of this application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc. The connection method between the processor and the transceiver is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0497] like Figure 15 As shown, the communication device 120 includes one or more processors 1220 and transceivers 1210.

[0498] In some embodiments of this application, when the communication device is used to perform the steps, methods, or functions performed by the remote terminal device described above, the transceiver 1210 is used to receive information (such as an RRC establishment message) from the base station through the relay terminal device, or to receive information (such as indication information) sent by the relay terminal device, or to send information (such as an RRC establishment request message) to the base station through the relay terminal device, or to send indication information to the relay terminal device, etc.; the processor 1220 is used to process the above information.

[0499] For example, processor 1220 is used to start a timer; transceiver 1210 is used to send instruction information to relay terminal equipment, etc.

[0500] For example, transceiver 1210 is used to receive third indication information from relay terminal equipment and to send first indication information to relay terminal equipment. Processor 1220 is used to respond to the third indication information, such as determining not to send data to relay terminal equipment.

[0501] In other embodiments of this application, when the communication device is used to perform the steps, methods, or functions performed by the relay terminal device described above, the transceiver 1210 is used to receive indication information from the remote terminal device; the processor 1220 is used to process the indication information. Alternatively, the transceiver 1210 is used to receive an RRC establishment request message from the remote terminal device; the processor 1220 is used to start a timer, etc.

[0502] Understandably, for more detailed information on the processor and transceiver, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 14 The descriptions of the processing unit and transceiver unit shown will not be repeated here.

[0503] Optional, in Figure 15 In various implementations of the communication apparatus shown, the transceiver may include a receiver for performing a receiving function (or operation) and a transmitter for performing a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0504] Optionally, during the execution of the above method, the process of sending or receiving information can be understood as the process by which the processor outputs the information and the process by which the processor receives the input information. When outputting the information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver for transmission. After being output by the processor, the information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Optionally, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may require further processing before being input to the processor.

[0505] Unless otherwise specified, or unless it contradicts its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission, receiving, and receiving operations involved in the processor can be more generally understood as processor output and receiving, input, and other operations, rather than transmission, receiving, and receiving operations directly performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas.

[0506] In implementation, the processor can be a dedicated processor for executing these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and the processor.

[0507] Optionally, the communication device 120 may further include one or more memories 1230 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memories 1230 are coupled to the processor 1220. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1220 may operate in conjunction with the memories 1230. The processor 1220 may execute program instructions stored in the memories 1230. Optionally, at least one of the aforementioned memories may be included in the processor.

[0508] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1210, processor 1220, and memory 1230. This application embodiment... Figure 15 The memory 1230, processor 1220, and transceiver 1210 are connected via a bus 1240. Figure 15 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 15 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0509] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0510] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0511] The processor 1220 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. The memory 1230 is mainly used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1210 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0512] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1220 can read the software program in the memory 1230, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1220 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1220. The processor 1220 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0513] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0514] It is understood that the communication device shown in the embodiments of this application may also have more than Figure 15This application does not limit the use of other components or other related elements. The methods performed by the processor and transceiver shown above are merely examples; the specific steps performed by the processor and transceiver can be found in the methods described above.

[0515] In another possible implementation Figure 14 In the communication device shown, the processing unit 1101 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver unit 1102 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 1102 can also be a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit can be an output interface, and the receiving unit can be an input interface. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface. Figure 16 As shown, Figure 16 The communication device shown includes logic circuitry 1301 and interface 1302. That is, the processing unit 1101 can be implemented using logic circuitry 1301, and the transceiver unit 1102 can be implemented using interface 1302. The logic circuitry 1301 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1302 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 16 Taking the aforementioned communication device as an example, the chip includes logic circuitry 1301 and interface 1302. Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 1303.

[0516] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment.

[0517] For example, when the communication device is used to execute the methods, functions, or steps performed by the aforementioned remote terminal device, for instance, logic circuit 1301 is used to start a timer during the initialization of the RRC connection establishment process; interface 1302 is used to output indication information (such as...) if the timer times out. Figure 2 (The indicated information shown). For example, interface 1302 is used to input third indicated information (such as...). Figure 7 or Figure 8 The logic circuit 1301 is used to determine, based on the third indication information, not to send data to the relay terminal device. Alternatively, the interface 1302 is used to input the third indication information; the logic circuit 1301 is used to obtain the first indication information; and the interface 1302 is used to output the first indication information.

[0518] For example, when the communication device is used to perform the method, function, or step performed by the relay terminal device described above, interface 1302 is used to input indication information; logic circuit 1301 is used to process the indication information (such as...). Figure 2 (The indicated information shown). For example, interface 1302 is used to output third indicated information (such as...). Figure 7 or Figure 8 ), and input the first instruction information, etc.

[0519] It is understood that the communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in hardware form or in software form, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0520] In this application embodiment, the description of various indication information, timers, etc., can also be found in the above method embodiment (including...). Figures 2-10 The details described in the document will not be elaborated here.

[0521] for Figure 16 For specific implementations of the various embodiments shown, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0522] This application also provides a wireless communication system, which includes a relay terminal device and a remote terminal device, which can be used to perform the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0523] In addition, this application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by the relay terminal device in the method provided in this application.

[0524] This application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by a remote terminal device in the method provided in this application.

[0525] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by the relay terminal device in the method provided in this application.

[0526] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by a remote terminal device in the method provided in this application.

[0527] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by the relay terminal device in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0528] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by a remote terminal device in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0529] In the 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. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0530] 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. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0531] Furthermore, 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. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0532] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it 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 all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable 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 readable 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.

[0533] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A data processing method applied to a remote terminal device, characterized in that, The remote terminal device communicates with the network device through a relay terminal device, and the method includes: In the process of initializing the establishment of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection of the remote terminal device, a timer is started; If the timer expires, an indication message is sent to the relay terminal device. The indication message is used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward the data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or to instruct the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device to be cleared.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The timer is stopped if any of the following conditions are met: Received an RRC establishment message from the network device; An RRC rejection message was received from the network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before sending the indication information to the relay terminal device, the method further includes: The relay terminal device sends an RRC establishment request message to the network device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The data corresponding to the remote terminal device is the data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) between the remote terminal device and the network device.

5. A data processing method applied to a relay terminal device, characterized in that, The remote terminal device communicates with the network device through the relay terminal device, the method comprising: The system receives an indication from the remote terminal device, the indication being used to instruct the relay terminal device not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device, or the indication being used to release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device, or the indication being used to instruct the clearing of the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device. Process the instruction information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing of the instruction information includes any one or more of the following: Determine not to forward data corresponding to the remote terminal device; Release the unicast link between the remote terminal device and the relay terminal device; Clear the cache corresponding to the remote terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the indication information from the remote terminal device, the method further includes: Receive data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) from the remote terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The data corresponding to the remote terminal device is the data carried on the signaling radio bearer (SRB) between the remote terminal device and the network device.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, Including processor and memory; The memory is used to store computer-executed instructions; The processor is configured to execute the computer execution instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 1-4 to be executed; or... The processor is configured to execute the computer execution instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 5-8 to be performed.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes logic circuits and interfaces, wherein the logic circuits and interfaces are coupled; The interface is used to input and / or output code instructions; The logic circuit is used to execute the code instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 1-4 to be executed; or... The logic circuit is used to execute the code instructions to cause the method described in any one of claims 5-8 to be performed.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed, performs the method according to any one of claims 1-4; or, when executed, performs the method according to any one of claims 5-8.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-4 to be performed; or the method of any one of claims 5-8 to be performed.

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