A relay communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly provides a relay communication method, device, equipment and storage medium. The method comprises: a relay device receiving first indication information from a network device, the first indication information being used to indicate a beam state of a first beam of the relay device; and the relay device determining the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information. Through the technical solution of the present disclosure, beam-based interference management and energy efficiency of NCR can be achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a relay communication method and device, equipment and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Coverage is a fundamental aspect of cellular network deployment. Mobile operators rely on different types of network nodes to provide full coverage in their deployments, especially as the carrier frequency band is increased, the radio signal loss in space is getting larger and larger. Deploying regular full-stack units is one option, but it may not always be feasible.

[0003] 3GPP (3rd generation Partnership Project) has considered adopting new types of network nodes, such as network-controlled repeaters (NCRs), to increase the flexibility of mobile operators for their network deployment. In network deployment at high frequency bands, beamforming technology is usually used to concentrate antenna energy in a specific area to improve the received energy of user signals and reduce interference to other users.

[0004] Therefore, how to implement beam-based interference management and improve energy efficiency of NCRs is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a relay communication method, device, equipment and storage medium to implement beam-based interference management and improve energy efficiency of NCRs.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a relay communication method, which can be applied to a relay device, such as an NCR. The method can include: receiving, by the relay device, first indication information from a network device, the first indication information being used to indicate a beam state of a first beam of the relay device; and determining, by the relay device, the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information.

[0007] In some possible implementation manners, the beam state can be an active state and / or an inactive state, the active state indicating that the beam is available for transmission, and the inactive state indicating that the beam is unavailable for transmission.

[0008] In some possible implementation manners, when the beam state is the inactive state, the method can further include: determining, by the relay device, that the first beam is not included in beam indication information sent by the network device; or determining, by the relay device, that the first beam is not included in beam indication information sent by the network device within a first time length.

[0009] In some possible implementation, the first beam can include at least one of: one or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of an access link of the relay device.

[0010] In some possible implementation, the operation of determining, by the relay device, the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information can include: changing, by the relay device, the beam state of the first beam from a first state to a second state according to the first indication information. The first state is different from the second state.

[0011] In some possible implementation, the operation of determining, by the relay device, the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information can include: setting, by the relay device, the beam state of the first beam to a third state according to the first indication information.

[0012] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on a downlink control information (DCI).

[0013] In some possible implementation, the method can further include: determining, by the relay device, a second time duration between receiving the first indication information and the beam state taking effect at the first beam; or determining, by the relay device, a third time duration between sending an acknowledgement information of the first indication information and the beam state taking effect at the first beam.

[0014] In some possible implementation, the first beam can be associated with an activation configuration information. The activation configuration information can be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can include the activation configuration information. The operation of determining, by the relay device, the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information can include: setting, by the relay device, the beam state in the at least one time unit according to the activation configuration information.

[0015] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on a radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0016] In some possible implementation, the first beam can be associated with a plurality of activation configuration information. Each of the activation configuration information can be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can be used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information among the activation configuration information. The operation of determining, by the relay device, the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information can include: setting, by the relay device, the beam state in the at least one time unit according to the one or more first activation configuration information.

[0017] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on a control element (CE) of a media access control (MAC) layer or a DCI.

[0018] In some possible implementation, the activation configuration information can include at least one of the following: a pattern; a time of taking effect of the pattern; a time length of taking effect of the pattern.

[0019] In some possible implementation, the method can further include: setting, by the relay device, the initial beam state of the first beam to the active state or the inactive state.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a relay communication method, which can be applied to a network device. The method can include: determining, by the network device, a beam state of a first beam of a relay device; and sending, by the network device, first indication information to the relay device, the first indication information being used to indicate the beam state.

[0021] In some possible implementation, the beam state can be an active state or an inactive state. The active state indicates that the beam can be used for transmission. The inactive state indicates that the beam cannot be used for transmission.

[0022] In some possible implementation, when the beam state is the inactive state, the beam indication information sent by the network device does not include the first beam; or, the beam indication information sent by the network device within a first time length does not include the first beam.

[0023] In some possible implementation, the first beam can include at least one of the following: one or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of an access link of the relay device.

[0024] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is changed from a first state to a second state. The first state is different from the second state.

[0025] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is set to a third state.

[0026] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on a DCI.

[0027] In some possible implementation, the first beam can be associated with activation configuration information. The activation configuration information can be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can include the activation configuration information.

[0028] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on RRC signaling.

[0029] In some possible implementation, the first beam can be associated with a plurality of activation configuration information. Each of the activation configuration information can be used to indicate a beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can be used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information in the activation configuration information.

[0030] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on MAC CE or DCI.

[0031] In some possible implementation, the activation configuration information can include at least one of the following: a pattern; a valid time of the pattern; a valid duration of the pattern.

[0032] In some possible implementation, the initial beam state of the first beam can be an active state or an inactive state.

[0033] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a relay communication apparatus. The apparatus can be a relay device or a chip or system on chip in the relay device, and can also be a functional module in the relay device for implementing the method in the first aspect. The relay communication apparatus can implement the functions of the relay device in the first aspect, and these functions can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. These hardware or software include one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The apparatus includes: a receiving module configured to receive, from a network device, first indication information used to indicate a beam state of a first beam of the relay device; and a processing module configured to determine the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information.

[0034] In some possible implementation, the beam state can be an active state or an inactive state. The active state means that the beam can be used for transmission. The inactive state means that the beam cannot be used for transmission.

[0035] In some possible implementation, the processing module can be further configured to: when the beam state is the inactive state, determine that the first beam is not included in beam indication information sent by the network device; or, determine that the first beam is not included in the beam indication information sent by the network device within a first time duration.

[0036] In some possible implementation, the first beam can include at least one of the following: one or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of an access link of the relay device.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the processing module may be configured to: change the beam state of the first beam from a first state to a second state according to the first indication information. The first state is different from the second state.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the processing module may be configured to: set the beam state of the first beam to a third state according to the first indication information.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the first indication information may be carried on the DCI.

[0040] In some possible embodiments, the processing module can also be configured to: determine a second time duration between the receipt of the first indication information and the beam state taking effect on the first beam; or determine a third time duration between the sending of the affirmative response information of the first indication message and the beam state taking effect on the first beam.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the first beam may be associated with activation configuration information. The activation configuration information may be used to indicate a beam state of the first beam over at least one time unit. The first indication information may include the activation configuration information. The processing module may be configured to set the beam state over at least one time unit based on the activation configuration information.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is carried in RRC signaling.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the first beam may be associated with multiple activation configuration information. Each activation configuration information may be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information may be used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information among the activated configuration information. The processing module may be configured to set the beam state in at least one time unit based on the one or more first activation configuration information.

[0044] In some possible implementations, the first indication information may be carried on a MAC CE or a DCI.

[0045] In some possible implementations, the activation configuration information may include at least one of the following: a pattern; a time at which the pattern takes effect; and a duration for which the pattern takes effect.

[0046] In some possible implementations, the processing module may be further configured to: set the initial beam state of the first beam to an activated state or an inactivated state.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a relay communication apparatus. The apparatus can be a network device or a chip or system on chip in the network device, or a functional module in the network device for implementing the method in the first aspect. The relay communication apparatus can implement the functions of the network device in the first aspect, which can be implemented by hardware or software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions. The apparatus includes: a processing module configured to determine a beam state of a first beam of a relay device; and a sending module configured to send first indication information to the relay device, the first indication information being used to indicate the beam state.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the beam state can be an active state or an inactive state. The active state indicates that the beam is available for transmission. The inactive state indicates that the beam is unavailable for transmission.

[0049] In some possible implementations, when the beam state is the inactive state, the network device does not include the first beam in the beam indication information sent by the network device; or, the network device does not include the first beam in the beam indication information sent by the network device within a first time length.

[0050] In some possible implementations, the first beam can include at least one of the following: one or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; and one or more beams and / or beam groups of an access link of the relay device.

[0051] In some possible implementations, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is changed from a first state to a second state. The first state is different from the second state.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is set to a third state.

[0053] In some possible implementations, the first indication information can be carried on a DCI.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the first beam can be associated with active configuration information. The active configuration information can be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can include the active configuration information.

[0055] In some possible implementations, the first indication information can be carried on an RRC signaling.

[0056] In some possible implementation manners, the first beam can be associated with multiple activation configuration information. Each of the activation configuration information can be used to indicate a beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can be used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information in the activation configuration information.

[0057] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be carried on a MAC CE or DCI.

[0058] In some possible implementation manners, the activation configuration information can include at least one of the following: a pattern; a validity time of the pattern; and a validity duration of the pattern.

[0059] In some possible implementation manners, the initial beam state of the first beam can be an active state or an inactive state.

[0060] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a memory and a processor connected with the memory, configured to execute computer executable instructions stored in the memory to implement the method in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0061] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer storage medium. The computer storage medium stores computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions, when executed by a processor, can implement the method in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementation manners thereof.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the network device can send first indication information used to indicate a beam state to the relay device, so that the relay device can set a beam state of a corresponding beam according to the first indication information. In this way, the network device can control the beam state of the relay device. Specifically, the present disclosure uses an active / deactive state or an active / deactive pattern to explicitly indicate the beam state, thereby efficiently controlling the activation / deactivation of the beam of the relay device, reducing the power consumption of the relay device, improving the energy efficiency, and reducing the interference of the relay device to neighboring cells, and implementing beam-based interference management.

[0063] It should be understood that the third to sixth aspects of the present disclosure are consistent with the technical solutions of the first and second aspects of the present disclosure, and the beneficial effects obtained by the aspects and corresponding possible implementation manners are similar, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a model of an NCR according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 2 A flowchart of a relay communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 3 a flowchart of another method for relaying communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 4 a structural diagram of a device for relaying communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 5 a structural diagram of another device for relaying communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 6 a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 7 a structural diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The illustrative examples set forth herein relate to the further goal of patenting the present disclosure without using technical or scientific terminology that is perceived as specific to a given technology. The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description are better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[0072] The terminology used in the description of the present disclosure herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used in the description of the present disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It also will be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0073] It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. can be used herein to describe various information, the information should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one piece of information from another. For example, a "first information" can also be termed as a "second information," and similarly, a "second information" can also be termed as a "first information" without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The word "if" can be interpreted as meaning "when" or "upon" or "in response to" depending on the context.

[0074] Further, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, "and / or" only describes an association relationship for associated objects, and there can be three kinds of relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean that there are three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, "multiple" can mean two or more than two.

[0075] Coverage is a fundamental aspect of cellular network deployment. Mobile operators rely on deploying different types of network nodes to provide comprehensive coverage. Deploying regular full-stack units is one option, but it can not always be feasible (e.g., no backhaul) or economically feasible.

[0076] Therefore, it has been considered to employ new types of network nodes to increase the flexibility of mobile operators for their network deployment. For example, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) functionality was introduced in Rel-16 (Release 16) and enhanced in Rel-17 (Release 17) as a new type of network node that does not require a wired backhaul. Another type of network node is a radio frequency repeater, which is able to simply amplify and forward any received signal. Radio frequency repeaters have been widely deployed to complement the coverage provided by regular full-stack units.

[0077] While radio frequency repeaters provide an economically efficient method to extend network coverage, they also have their limitations. Radio frequency repeaters simply perform amplification and forwarding operations and do not take into account various factors that can improve performance, such as regarding semi-static and / or dynamic downlink / uplink configurations, adaptive transmitter / receiver spatial beamforming, on-off states, etc.

[0078] Therefore, enhancements to traditional radio frequency repeaters have resulted in network-controlled repeaters, i.e., NCRs. NCRs have the ability to receive and process side control information from the network. Side control information can allow the network to control the repeater to perform its amplification and forwarding operations in a more efficient manner. Potential benefits can include mitigating unnecessary noise amplification, transmission and reception with better spatial directionality, and simplified network integration.

[0079] Figure 1 A structure diagram of an NCR of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the NCR 100 includes a radio frequency repeater 110 and a network controller 120. The radio frequency repeater 110 is configured to receive a signal from a network node 130 and amplify and forward the signal to a user equipment (UE) 140. The network controller 120 is configured to receive and process side control information from a network node 150 and provide the side control information to the radio frequency repeater 110. Figure 1As shown, the NCR 100 can include an NCR-mobile termination (NCR-MT) module 110 and an NCR-forwarding (NCR-Fwd) module 120. The NCR-MT module 110 can establish a control link (or C-link) with the network device 200. The NCR-Fwd module 120 can establish a backhaul link with the network device 200, and can establish an access link with the terminal device 300, thereby realizing the forwarding of uplink data and / or downlink data.

[0080] The control link is used to realize the transmission of control signaling between the NCR 100 and the network device 200, thereby controlling the backhaul link and the control link between the NCR 100 and the network device 200, and the access link between the NCR 100 and the terminal device 300.

[0081] In an embodiment, the terminal device 300 described above can be a terminal device with wireless communication function, which can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE). The terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on water surface (such as ships, etc.); can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.). The terminal device described above can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical treatment, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The terminal device can also be a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication function, etc. Optionally, the terminal device can also be called different names in different networks, such as terminal device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device, cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), terminal device in 5G network or future evolution network, etc.

[0082] The network device 200 described above can be an access network device, and further can be a device on the access network side for supporting terminal access to a wireless communication system. For example, it can be a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G access technology communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), a relay node, an access point (AP), etc.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the beams of the NCR 100 can include three parts: the beams of the first part are used for the control link, which can also be described as the beams at the NCR for the control link, the control link beams, or the beams of the control link, etc.; the beams of the second part are used for the backhaul link, which can also be described as the beams at the NCR for the backhaul link, the backhaul link beams, or the beams of the backhaul link, etc.; and the beams of the third part are used for the access link, which can also be described as the beams at the NCR for the backhaul link, the access link beams, or the beams of the access link, etc.

[0084] It should be noted that, since the control link and the backhaul link are both links established between the NCR 100 and the network device 200, the control link and the backhaul link can multiplex (or share) one or more beams. Therefore, it can be understood that the control link beams and the backhaul link beams can be completely different beams, can be partially different beams, or can be completely the same beams, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not make specific limitations on this.

[0085] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the "beam" can be understood as one or more beams, or can be understood as one or more beam groups. Therefore, in this case, the "beam identification information" can be understood as the identification information of the beam, or can be understood as the identification information of the beam group.

[0086] In some possible implementation manners, the above-mentioned beams can be predefined in a communication protocol, or can be indicated by the network device 200. The network device 200 can indicate the beams by one or more of the beam identification information (beam ID / beam group ID) or the signal identification information (RS ID) of the reference signal (RS) associated with the beams.

[0087] However, in actual applications, the beams of the NCR can interfere with adjacent cells. In addition, since the transmission of each beam consumes a certain amount of energy, when the amount of data to be forwarded is small, continuing to transmit all beams will cause energy waste. Therefore, how to realize the beam management-based energy saving and interference management of the NCR is a problem to be solved urgently.

[0088] To solve the above problems, the embodiment of the disclosure provides a relay communication method. The method can be applied to a relay device, such as an NCR. Figure 2 A flowchart of a relay communication method according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the method can include S201 and S202. Figure 2

[0089] S201, the relay device receives first indication information from a network device (such as a base station).

[0090] The first indication information is used to indicate the beam state of the first beam of the relay device.

[0091] It can be understood that the beam state of the first beam can refer to whether the first beam is activated. In an embodiment, the beams of the relay device can have two beam states: an activated state and a deactivated state. The activated state means that the beam can be used for transmission. The deactivated state means that the beam cannot be used for transmission. It should be noted that the activated state can refer to that the relay device transmits the beam, and the beam transmitted by the relay device is the beam that can be used for transmission. The deactivated state can refer to that the relay device does not transmit the beam, and the beam not transmitted by the relay device is the beam that cannot be used for transmission. Therefore, the two states of the beam can be expressed in other ways. For example, the activated state can also be referred to as the on state or the enabled state, and the deactivated state can also be referred to as the off state or the disabled state.

[0092] In an embodiment, the first beam can include at least one of the following: one or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link; one or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link; and one or more beams and / or beam groups of an access link.

[0093] In an embodiment, the first indication information can include a beam identifier of the first beam and / or a target state of the first beam. The beam identifier is used to identify the first beam. The target state is a state indicated by the network device for the relay device to set the first beam to. For example, if the target state is the activated state, it means that the beam state represented by the first indication information is the activated state; if the target state is the deactivated state, it means that the beam state represented by the first indication information is the deactivated state.

[0094] ​In some possible implementations, the first indication information may be used to indicate setting a beam state. In one implementation, the first indication information may include a beam identifier. In this case, the target state may (implicitly) be a second state different from the first state. The first state may be the current state of the first beam. If the first state is one of an active state and an inactive state, the second state is the other of the active and inactive states.

[0095] In some possible implementations, the first indication information may be used to indicate that the beam state is set to the third state. In one implementation, the first indication information may include a beam identifier and a target state. The target state may be the third state. The third state may be either an activated state or an inactivated state. In one implementation, the first indication information may include the target state. In this case, the first beam may be all beams and / or beam groups of the backhaul link, control link, and / or access link of the relay device.

[0096] It can be understood that in the disclosed embodiments, when necessary, operations such as "determining", "setting", "configuring", "changing", and "modifying" can be regarded as operations of the same or similar types.

[0097] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first indication information may be carried on the DCI.

[0098] In another embodiment, the first indication information may be used to indicate the activation configuration of the first beam. In this case, the first beam may be associated with the activation configuration information. The activation configuration information may be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam over at least one time unit. The first indication information may include the activation configuration information. Here, the time unit may be a frame, sub-frame, slot, sub-slot, symbol, etc.

[0099] In some possible implementations, the activation configuration information may include one of the following: a pattern, a pattern effective time, and a pattern effective duration. The pattern is the configuration of activation / deactivation of the first beam. The pattern effective time is the time when the beam state of the first beam begins to be configured with the pattern. The pattern effective duration is the duration that the pattern is applied to the first beam.

[0100] In practical applications, the pattern can be represented in binary form. For example, the pattern can be "1110001," where "0" and "1" represent the inactive and active states, respectively. In this case, the pattern "1110001" indicates that the beam states of the first beam over seven consecutive time units are: active, active, active, inactive, inactive, inactive, active, in sequence.

[0101] In practical applications, the pattern can also be represented by the duration of the state. For example, the pattern can be represented by the number of activated time units and / or the number of deactivated time units. In this case, the duration of the pattern can include multiple time units, where the beam is in the activated state during the first one or more time units and / or the beam is in the deactivated state during the last one or more time units.

[0102] In some possible implementations, when a pattern is applied to the first beam, it may be applied only once or repeatedly. Therefore, the first indication information may include the duration of the pattern's effectiveness. The effectiveness duration may be represented by a time, a number of repetitions, or other means. In one example, the effectiveness duration may be represented by the duration of the pattern's application. For example, the effectiveness duration may be represented by the number of time units or a duration. In another example, the effectiveness duration may be represented by the number of times the pattern is applied.

[0103] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first indication information may be carried on RRC signaling.

[0104] Furthermore, it is understood that the first beam may be associated with multiple activation configuration information. Each activation configuration information may be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam over at least one time unit. The first indication information is used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information among the multiple activation configuration information. For example, the first indication information may include the one or more first activation configuration information, or the first indication information may include identifiers of the one or more first activation configuration information.

[0105] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first indication information can be carried on MAC CE or DCI.

[0106] S202: The relay device determines a beam state of a first beam according to the first indication information.

[0107] After receiving the first indication information in S201, the relay device sets the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information.

[0108] In one embodiment, the manner in which the relay device sets the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information may be specifically as follows.

[0109] In one embodiment, the first indication information may be used to indicate setting of the beam state, and S202 may specifically be: the relay device sets the beam state of the first beam from the first state to the second state according to the first indication information.

[0110] In an embodiment, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is set to the third state, and S202 can be specifically: setting, by the relay device according to the first indication information, the beam state of the first beam to the third state.

[0111] In an embodiment, there can be a delay between receiving the first indication information from the relay device and completing, by the relay device, the setting of the beam state of the first beam. In actual application, the delay can be determined based on the transmission performance between the relay device and the network device, the device parameters of the relay device, and other parameters.

[0112] In an embodiment, the relay device can determine that the receiving of the first indication information reaches a second duration. That is, after receiving the first indication information, the relay device times the second duration. When the timing reaches the second duration, the relay device completes S202. In other words, when the timing reaches the second duration, the beam state indicated by the first indication information takes effect on the first beam.

[0113] In an embodiment, the relay device can further include: sending, by the relay device to the network device, an acknowledgement information for the first indication information. The acknowledgement information is used to acknowledge the first indication information to the network device. In this case, the relay device can determine that the sending of the acknowledgement information reaches a third duration. That is, after sending the acknowledgement information, the relay device times the third duration. When the timing reaches the third duration, the relay device completes S202. In other words, when the timing reaches the third duration, the beam state indicated by the first indication information takes effect on the first beam.

[0114] In some possible embodiments, the second duration and the third duration can be independent of each other. In general cases, the relay device can only consider the second duration or the third duration. However, it can be understood that the relay device can consider the second duration and the third duration in combination. For example, the relay device can complete S202 when both the second duration and the third duration reach. For another example, the relay device can complete S202 when one of the second duration and the third duration reaches.

[0115] In an embodiment, in the case that the beam state of the first beam is the non-active state, the method can further include: determining, by the relay device, that the first beam is not included in the beam indication information transmitted by the network device; or, determining, by the relay device, that the first beam is not included in the beam indication information transmitted by the network device within the first time length. As described above, the beam state of each beam of the relay device is known to the network device. Therefore, in the case that the beam state of the first beam is the non-active state, the relay device can determine that the network device does not use the first beam for transmission, i.e., the first beam is not included in the beam indication information indicating the beam used for transmission. Alternatively, in the case that the beam state of the first beam is the non-active state, the relay device can determine that the network device does not use the first beam for transmission within the first time length, i.e., the first beam is not included in the beam indication information indicating the beam used for transmission.

[0116] In another embodiment, the relay device can set the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information in the following manner.

[0117] In an implementation, the first indication information can be used to indicate the active configuration of the first beam, and the first beam is associated with the active configuration information. The relay device can set the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information. For example, in the case that the first indication information includes a pattern, the relay device can set the beam state of the first beam according to the pattern. For another example, in the case that the first indication information includes a pattern and a valid time, the relay device can set the beam state of the first beam according to the pattern starting from the valid time. For another example, in the case that the first indication information includes a pattern and a valid time length, the relay device can set the beam state of the first beam to follow the pattern within the valid time length. For another example, in the case that the first indication information includes a pattern, a valid time and a valid time length, the relay device can set the beam state of the first beam to follow the pattern within the valid time length starting from the valid time.

[0118] In an implementation, the first indication information can be used to indicate the active configuration of the first beam, and the first beam is associated with a plurality of active configuration information. The relay device can set the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information. For example, in the case that the first indication information includes an identifier of the first active configuration information, the relay device can determine the first active configuration information corresponding to the identifier from the plurality of active configuration information of the first beam, and use the first active configuration information to set the beam state of the first beam.

[0119] In addition, in actual applications, the beams of the relay device usually have initial beam states. In an embodiment, the method can further include: setting, by the relay device, the initial beam state of the first beam to the active state or the non-active state. It can be understood that the initial beam state of the first beam can be a default setting, i.e., directly set by the relay device when powered on.

[0120] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a relay communication method, which can be applied to network equipment. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the relay communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include: S301 and S302.

[0121] S301: A network device determines a beam state of a first beam of a relay device.

[0122] The network device first needs to determine how to set the beam state of the first beam.

[0123] It is understandable that the network device can determine the beam state of the first beam based on at least one or more of the following information: the data volume of the return link of the relay device, the quality parameter of the return link, the data volume of the access link of the relay device, the quality parameter of the access link, etc. This information can be fed back to the network device by the relay device. Of course, the data volume of the return link and the data volume of the access link can sometimes be equal, and the network device can directly obtain the data volume of the return link. In this case, the relay device can only feed back the quality parameter to the network device. It should be noted that the basis for the network device to determine the beam state of the first beam can also include other information, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] In one embodiment, a relay device's beam can have two states: an active state and an inactive state. The active state indicates that the beam is available for transmission. The inactive state indicates that the beam is not available for transmission. It should be noted that the active state may mean that the relay device is transmitting the beam, and the beam transmitted by the relay device is a beam available for transmission; the inactive state may mean that the relay device is not transmitting the beam, and the beam not transmitted by the relay device is a beam not available for transmission. Therefore, the two beam states can be expressed in other ways. For example, the active state can also be referred to as the on state or enabled state, and the inactive state can also be referred to as the off state or disabled state.

[0125] It should be noted that the beam state of the relay device's beam is known to the network device. Specifically, when the network device determines the beam state of the first beam, the network device can know the current beam state of each beam of the relay device.

[0126] In one embodiment, the initial beam state of the first beam of the relay device may be an active state or an inactive state. Furthermore, the initial beam state of the first beam may be known to the network device. For example, the network device may assume by default that the initial beam state of the first beam of the relay device is an active state.

[0127] In an embodiment, the network device does not include the first beam in the beam indication information sent by the network device in a case that the beam state of the first beam is the non-active state; or, the network device does not include the first beam in the beam indication information sent by the network device in the first time length.

[0128] S302, the network device sends first indication information to the relay device.

[0129] The first indication information is used to indicate the beam state of the first beam.

[0130] In an embodiment, the first beam of the relay device associated with the first indication information can include at least one of the following: one or more beams and / or beam groups of the backhaul link; one or more beams and / or beam groups of the control link; one or more beams and / or beam groups of the access link.

[0131] In an embodiment, the first indication information can include a beam identifier of the first beam and / or a target state of the first beam. The beam identifier is used to identify the first beam. The target state is a state indicated by the network device to the relay device to set the first beam to.

[0132] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be used to indicate to set the beam state. In an implementation manner, the first indication information can include a beam identifier. In this case, the target state can be (implicitly) a second state different from a first state. The first state can be a current state of the first beam. The first state is one of the active state and the non-active state, and the second state is the other of the active state and the non-active state.

[0133] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be used to indicate to set the beam state to a third state. In an implementation manner, the first indication information can include a beam identifier and a target state. The target state can be the third state. The third state can be the active state or the non-active state. In an implementation manner, the first indication information can include the target state. In this case, the first beam can be all beams and / or beam groups of the backhaul link and / or the control link and / or the access link of the relay device.

[0134] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the first indication information can be carried on the DCI. In this case, S302 can include: the network device sends a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) to the relay device. The DCI is carried on the PDCCH.

[0135] In another embodiment, the first indication information can be used to indicate an activation configuration of the first beam. In this case, the first beam can be associated with the activation configuration information. The activation configuration information can be used to indicate a beam state of the first beam over at least one time unit. The first indication information can comprise the activation configuration information. Here, the time unit can be a frame, a subframe, a slot, a sub-slot, a symbol, etc.

[0136] In some possible implementation, the activation configuration information can comprise one of the following: a pattern, a valid time of the pattern, a valid duration of the pattern. The pattern is a configuration of activation / deactivation of the first beam. The valid time of the pattern is a time at which the beam state of the first beam starts to be configured by the pattern. The valid duration of the pattern is a duration during which the pattern is applied to the first beam.

[0137] In actual application, the pattern can be represented in binary form. For example, the pattern can be “1110001”, where “0” and “1” can represent the deactivation state and the activation state respectively. In this case, the pattern “1110001” indicates that the beam state of the first beam over the consecutive seven time units is: activation, activation, activation, deactivation, deactivation, deactivation, activation.

[0138] In some possible implementation, the pattern can be applied only once or repeatedly when applied to the first beam. Therefore, the valid duration of the pattern can be included in the first indication information. The valid duration can be represented by time, number of repetitions or other ways. In an example, the valid duration can be represented by the application time of the pattern. For example, the valid duration can be represented by the number of time units, or can be represented by the duration. In another example, the valid duration can be represented by the number of applications of the pattern.

[0139] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the first indication information can be carried on the RRC signaling. In this case, S302 can comprise that the network device sends the RRC signaling to the relay device.

[0140] In addition, it can be understood that the first beam can be associated with multiple activation configuration information. Each activation configuration information can be used to indicate a beam state of the first beam over at least one time unit. The first indication information is used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information in the multiple activation configuration information. For example, the first indication information can comprise the one or more first activation configuration information, or the first indication information can comprise an identification of the one or more first activation configuration information.

[0141] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first indication information can be carried on a MAC CE or a DCI. For example, in the case of a MAC CE, S302 can include that the network device sends a MAC CE to the relay device. For another example, in the case of a DCI, S302 can include that the network device sends a PDCCH to the relay device. The DCI is carried on the PDCCH.

[0142] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3 The specific description of the first indication information in the embodiments can be referred to Figure 2 The description of the first indication information in the embodiments.

[0143] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device can send first indication information for indicating the beam state to the relay device, so that the relay device can set the beam state of the corresponding beam according to the first indication information. In this way, the network device can control the beam state of the relay device. Specifically, the present disclosure uses the active / deactive state or the active / deactive pattern for explicit indication of the beam state, so as to efficiently control the activation / deactivation of the beam of the relay device, reduce the power consumption of the relay device, and improve the energy efficiency; and reduce the interference of the relay device to the adjacent cells, and realize the beam-based interference management.

[0144] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a relay communication device. The device can be a relay device in the communication system or a chip or system on chip in the relay device, and can also be a functional module in the relay device for implementing the method described in each of the above embodiments. The device can implement the functions of the relay device in each of the above embodiments, and these functions can be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware. These hardware or software include one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. Figure 4 The structure of the relay communication device in the embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the relay communication device 400 can include a receiving module 401 and a processing module 402. The receiving module 401 is configured to receive first indication information from a network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the beam state of a first beam of the relay device. The processing module 402 is configured to determine the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information. Figure 4 The structure of the relay communication device in the embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the relay communication device 400 can include a receiving module 401 and a processing module 402. The receiving module 401 is configured to receive first indication information from a network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the beam state of a first beam of the relay device. The processing module 402 is configured to determine the beam state of the first beam according to the first indication information.

[0145] In some possible implementation manners, the beam state can be an active state or an inactive state. The active state means that the beam can be used for transmission. The inactive state means that the beam cannot be used for transmission.

[0146] In some possible implementation, the processing module 402 can be further configured to: determine that the first beam is not included in the beam indication information sent by the network device when the beam state is the inactive state; or, determine that the first beam is not included in the beam indication information sent by the network device within the first time length.

[0147] In some possible implementation, the first beam can include at least one of: one or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of an access link of the relay device.

[0148] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be used to indicate modification of the beam state. The processing module 402 can be configured to: set the beam state of the first beam from a first state to a second state according to the first indication information. The first state is different from the second state.

[0149] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is set to a third state. The processing module 402 can be configured to: set the beam state of the first beam to the third state according to the first indication information.

[0150] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on a DCI.

[0151] In some possible implementation, the processing module 402 can be further configured to: determine a second time length from when the first indication information is received to when the beam state takes effect on the first beam; or, determine a third time length from when the acknowledgement information of the first indication information is sent to when the beam state takes effect on the first beam.

[0152] In some possible implementation, the first beam can be associated with activation configuration information. The activation configuration information can be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam on at least one time unit. The first indication information can include the activation configuration information. The processing module 402 can be configured to: set the beam state on the at least one time unit according to the activation configuration information.

[0153] In some possible implementation, the first indication information is carried on an RRC signaling.

[0154] In some possible implementation, the first beam can be associated with a plurality of activation configuration information. Each of the activation configuration information can be used to indicate the beam state of the first beam on at least one time unit. The first indication information can be used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information from the activated configuration information. The processing module 402 can be configured to: set the beam state on the at least one time unit according to the one or more first activation configuration information.

[0155] In some possible implementation, the first indication information can be carried on a MAC CE or a DCI.

[0156] In some possible implementation, the activation configuration information can include at least one of the following: a pattern; a time of taking effect of the pattern; a time length of taking effect of the pattern.

[0157] In some possible implementation, the processing module 402 can be further configured to set the initial beam state of the first beam as the active state or the inactive state.

[0158] It should be noted that the specific implementation process of the receiving module 401 and the processing module 402 can refer to the detailed description of the relay device in the embodiments. Figure 2 For the sake of brevity of the description, the detailed description of the relay device in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0159] The receiving module 401 mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a receiving interface, a receiving circuit or a receiver, etc. The processing module 402 can be one or more processors.

[0160] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a relay communication device. The device can be a network device (such as a gNB) in the communication system or a chip or system on chip in the network device, and can also be a functional module for implementing the method described in the above embodiments in the network device. The device can implement the functions performed by the network device in the above embodiments, and these functions can be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware. These hardware or software include one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a relay communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the relay communication device 500 can include a processing module 501 and a sending module 502. The processing module 501 is configured to determine a beam state of a first beam of a relay device. The sending module 502 is configured to send first indication information to the relay device. The first indication information is used to indicate the beam state. Figure 5

[0161] In some possible implementation, the beam state can be an active state or an inactive state. The active state means that the beam can be used for transmission. The inactive state means that the beam cannot be used for transmission.

[0162] In some possible implementation, when the beam state is the inactive state, the first beam is not included in the beam indication information sent by the network device; or, the first beam is not included in the beam indication information sent by the network device within the first time length.

[0163] ​In some possible implementation manners, the first beam can include at least one of the following: one or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; one or more beams and / or beam groups of an access link of the relay device.

[0164] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is set to change from a first state to a second state. The first state is different from the second state.

[0165] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the beam state is set to a third state.

[0166] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be carried on DCI.

[0167] In some possible implementation manners, the first beam can be associated with activation configuration information. The activation configuration information can be used to indicate a beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can include the activation configuration information.

[0168] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be carried on RRC signaling.

[0169] In some possible implementation manners, the first beam can be associated with a plurality of activation configuration information. Each activation configuration information can be used to indicate a beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit. The first indication information can be used to indicate one or more first activation configuration information in the activation configuration information.

[0170] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information can be carried on a MAC CE or DCI.

[0171] In some possible implementation manners, the activation configuration information can include at least one of the following: a pattern; a validity time of the pattern; a validity duration of the pattern.

[0172] In some possible implementation manners, an initial beam state of the first beam can be an active state or an inactive state.

[0173] It should be noted that the specific implementation process of the processing module 501 and the sending module 502 can refer to the detailed description of the network device in the embodiments. Figure 3 For the sake of brevity of the description, the detailed description of the network device in the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0174] The sending module 502 mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a receiving interface, a receiving circuit or a receiver, etc. The processing module 501 can be one or more processors.

[0175] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device which can be the relay device or the network device in the above one or more embodiments. Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 6, the communication device 600 employs a general computer hardware, including a processor 601, a memory 602, a bus 603, an input device 604 and an output device 605.

[0176] In some possible implementation manners, the memory 602 can include computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile storage such as a read only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM). The memory 602 can store operating systems, application programs, other program modules, executable codes, program data, user data, and the like.

[0177] The input device 604 can be used to input commands and information into the communication device 600, and the input device 604 can be a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball, a touchpad, a microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a satellite television antenna, a scanner or the like. These input devices can be connected to the processor 601 through the bus 603.

[0178] The output device 605 can be used to output information of the communication device 600, and in addition to a monitor, the output device 605 can also be other peripheral output devices such as a speaker and / or a printing device, which can also be connected to the processor 601 through the bus 603.

[0179] The communication device 600 can be connected to a network, for example, a local area network (LAN), through an antenna 606. In a networking environment, the computer stored computer execution instructions in the communication device can be stored in a remote storage device, and are not limited to be stored locally.

[0180] When the processor 601 in the communication device 600 executes the executable codes or application programs stored in the memory 602, the communication device 600 performs the communication method on the relay device side or the network device side in the above embodiments, and the specific execution process is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0181] In addition, the memory 602 can store computer execution instructions for implementing the functions of the receiving module 401 and the processing module 402 in the above embodiments. Figure 4 Figure 4 The functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 401 and the processing module 402 in the above embodiments can be implemented by calling the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 602 by the processor 601. Figure 6 The functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 401 and the processing module 402 in the above embodiments can be implemented by calling the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 602 by the processor 601. The specific implementation process and function are referred to the above related embodiments.​

[0182] Furthermore, the memory 602 may store information for implementing Figure 5 The functions of the processing module 501 and the sending module 502 are executed by a computer. Figure 5 The functions / implementation processes of the processing module 501 and the sending module 502 can be realized by Figure 6 The processor 601 in the memory 602 calls the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 602 to implement it. For specific implementation processes and functions, please refer to the above-mentioned related embodiments.

[0183] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network device, which is consistent with the relay device or network device in one or more of the above embodiments.

[0184] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, network device 700 may include a processing component 701, which further includes one or more processors, and memory resources represented by memory 702 for storing instructions executable by processing component 701, such as applications. The applications stored in memory 702 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. In addition, processing component 701 is configured to execute instructions to perform any of the aforementioned methods applied to network device 700.

[0185] The network device 700 may further include a power supply component 703 configured to perform power management of the network device 700, a wired or wireless network interface 704 configured to connect the network device 700 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 705. The network device 700 may operate based on an operating system stored in the memory 702, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, or the like.

[0186] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions; when the instructions are run on a computer, they are used to execute the communication method on the relay device side or the network device side in one or more of the above embodiments.

[0187] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program or computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, it enables the computer to implement the communication method on the relay device side or the access network device side in one or more of the above embodiments.

[0188] Other embodiments of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the application being indicated by the following claims.

[0189] It should be understood that the application is not limited to the precise construction hereinafter described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the application. The scope of the application is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A relay communication method, comprising: The relay device receives first indication information from a network device, where the first indication information includes activation configuration information, the activation configuration information is associated with a first beam of the relay device, and the activation configuration information is used to indicate a beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit, where the beam state is an activated state or an inactivated state, where the activated state indicates that the beam can be used for transmission, and the inactivated state indicates that the beam cannot be used for transmission; The relay device sets the beam state on the at least one time unit according to the activation configuration information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein When the beam state is an inactive state, the method further includes: The relay device determines that the beam indication information sent by the network device does not include the first beam.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The relay device determining that the beam indication information sent by the network device does not include the first beam includes: The relay device determines that the beam indication information sent by the network device within a first time period does not include the first beam.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first beam includes at least one of the following: One or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; One or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; One or more beams and / or beam groups of the access link of the relay device.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The relay device determining, according to the first indication information, a beam state of the first beam, including: The relay device changes the beam state of the first beam from a first state to a second state according to the first indication information, the first state is different from the second state, the first state is one of the activated state and the inactivated state, and the second state is the other of the activated state and the inactivated state.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The relay device determining, according to the first indication information, a beam state of the first beam, including: The relay device sets the beam state of the first beam to a third state according to the first indication information, where the third state is an activated state or an inactivated state.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: The relay device determines a second duration from when the first indication information is received to when the beam state takes effect on the first beam; or The relay device determines a third time period between sending positive response information of the first indication information and the beam state taking effect on the first beam.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein The activation configuration information includes at least one of the following: pattern; the time at which the pattern takes effect; The duration for which the pattern is effective.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: The relay device sets the initial beam state of the first beam to an activated state or an inactivated state.

10. A relay communication method, comprising: The network device determines a beam state of a first beam of the relay device; The network device sends first indication information to the relay device, the first indication information including activation configuration information, the activation configuration information being associated with the first beam; the activation configuration information being used to indicate the beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit, so that the relay device sets the beam state in the at least one time unit according to the activation configuration information; the beam state is an activated state or an inactivated state, wherein the activated state indicates that the beam can be used for transmission, and the inactivated state indicates that the beam cannot be used for transmission.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: When the beam state is in an inactive state, The beam indication information sent by the network device does not include the first beam.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The beam indication information sent by the network device within the first time period does not include the first beam.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first beam includes at least one of the following: One or more beams and / or beam groups of a backhaul link of the relay device; One or more beams and / or beam groups of a control link of the relay device; One or more beams and / or beam groups of the access link of the relay device.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first indication information is used to indicate that the beam state is set to change from a first state to a second state, the first state is different from the second state, the first state is one of an activated state and an inactivated state, and the second state is the other of the activated state and the inactivated state.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein The first indication information is used to indicate that the beam state is set to a third state, and the third state is an activated state or an inactivated state.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein The activation configuration information includes at least one of the following: pattern; the time at which the pattern takes effect; The duration for which the pattern is effective.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein An initial beam state of the first beam is an active state or an inactive state.

18. A relay communication device, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive first indication information from a network device, where the first indication information includes activation configuration information, the activation configuration information is associated with a first beam of a relay device, and the activation configuration information is used to indicate a beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit, where the beam state is an activated state or an inactivated state, where the activated state indicates that the beam can be used for transmission, and the inactivated state indicates that the beam cannot be used for transmission; The processing module is configured to set the beam state on the at least one time unit according to the activation configuration information.

19. A relay communication device, comprising: a processing module configured to determine a beam state of a first beam of the relay device; A sending module is configured to send first indication information to the relay device, wherein the first indication information includes activation configuration information, and the activation configuration information is associated with the first beam; the activation configuration information is used to indicate the beam state of the first beam in at least one time unit, so that the relay device sets the beam state in the at least one time unit according to the activation configuration information; the beam state is an activated state or an inactivated state, wherein the activated state indicates that the beam can be used for transmission, and the inactivated state indicates that the beam cannot be used for transmission.

20. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Memory; A processor, connected to the memory, is configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored on the memory to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or claims 10 to 17.

21. A computer storage medium storing computer executable instructions, characterized in that: After being executed by a processor, the computer executable instructions can implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or claims 10 to 17.

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