Communication methods and devices

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can promptly transmit data using either PTM or PTP transmission modes, thereby improving data transmission efficiency. The method is applicable to a terminal device configured in a first discontinuous reception mode and includes: the terminal device receiving first indication information from a network device; if a first condition is met, then starting an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information, and receiving data from the network device using the first transmission mode. The first indication information indicates that data transmission is performed using the first transmission mode, which is either a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission mode or a point-to-point (PTP) transmission mode. The first condition includes the terminal device being in an inactive state in the first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Multicast transmission technology refers to the technology of simultaneously transmitting multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) or multicast broadcast service (MBS) to multiple terminal devices through network equipment. MBMS and MBS services are primarily designed for multiple terminal devices, such as live broadcasts and scheduled program playback. When multicasting between network equipment and terminal devices, two transmission methods can be used: point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTM).

[0003] To save power consumption of terminal devices, multicast transmission technology introduces the discontinuous reception (DRX) transmission mode. The DRX cycle includes an active period and a sleep period. For PTP transmission, the DRX mode allows terminal devices to periodically listen to the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during the active period, descrambling the cyclic redundancy code (CRC) of the PDCCH using the cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI). After successful descrambling, they receive the service data scheduled by that PDCCH. During the sleep period, they do not need to listen to the PDCCH using C-RNTI, thus saving power consumption. Similarly, for PTM transmission, the DRX mode allows network devices and multiple terminal devices to periodically listen to the PDCCH during the active period, descrambling the CRC using the group radio network temporary identifier (G-RNTI). After successful descrambling, they receive the service data scheduled by the PDCCH. During the sleep period, they do not need to listen to the PDCCH using G-RNTI. In this way, network devices can transmit data to multiple terminal devices simultaneously, improving transmission efficiency and saving power consumption of terminal devices.

[0004] However, for the DRX transmission mode corresponding to the PTP transmission method in multicast transmission technology, the activation period and sleep period are unique to each terminal device. For the DRX transmission mode corresponding to the PTM transmission method, the activation period and sleep period are the same for the multicast session, meaning they are shared by multiple terminal devices. Therefore, due to the limitations of the activation and sleep periods set in the DRX transmission mode, when a terminal device is in the sleep period of the DRX transmission mode, it cannot immediately use the PTM or PTP transmission methods to transmit services and must wait to enter the activation period. Therefore, in multicast transmission using the DRX transmission mode, how to promptly use the PTM or PTP transmission methods to transmit services becomes a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can transmit data in a timely manner using PTM or PTP transmission methods.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This communication method is applicable to a terminal device configured in a first discontinuous reception mode, comprising: the terminal device receiving first indication information from a network device; if a first condition is met, starting an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information, and receiving data from the network device using a first transmission method. The first indication information indicates that data transmission is performed using the first transmission method, which is either a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission method or a point-to-point (PTP) transmission method. The first condition includes the terminal device being in an inactive state (i.e., a dormant period) in the first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode DRX corresponding to the first transmission method.

[0008] Based on the communication method provided in the first aspect, when a terminal device configured with a first discontinuous reception mode is inactive in the first discontinuous reception mode, it starts an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information, thereby receiving data from the network device using the first transmission method. The first discontinuous reception mode is DRX corresponding to PTM transmission mode or PTP transmission mode. Thus, the terminal device configured with DRX can promptly use PTM transmission mode or PTP transmission mode to transmit data according to the first indication information.

[0009] In one possible design approach, the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode can be started immediately. This allows the terminal device to quickly enter the active state of DRX transmission mode to receive data, thereby reducing data transmission latency.

[0010] In one possible design, the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode can be started after waiting for a first time period K1 and / or a second time period K2. That is, starting the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information if the first condition is met can include: starting the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at a first time T1 if the first condition is met. Here, the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information. Alternatively, starting the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information if the first condition is met can include: starting the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at a second time T2 if the first condition is met. Here, the second time T2 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1 + K2, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0011] This method takes into account the processing time of terminal devices and can start the activation state timer at a more appropriate time, reserving time for interpreting the first indication information. This avoids starting the activation state timer before the first indication information is interpreted and can align the start times of the activation state timers of different terminal devices.

[0012] Optionally, the first time period K1 and / or the second time period K2 can be predefined by the protocol. The value of the first time period K1 can be different for different terminal devices, and similarly, the value of the second time period K2 can also be different.

[0013] In one possible design, the first indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Station Identity (TMGI), Service ID, Session ID, and Multicast Radio Bearer Identity (MRB ID).

[0014] In one possible design, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission mode, and may include: the first indication information indicating a switch from a second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, or the first indication information indicating that the first transmission mode is activated. The second transmission mode is either a PTM transmission mode or a PTP transmission mode, and the first transmission mode is different from the second transmission mode.

[0015] In other words, the first indication information can indicate a switch from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode, or vice versa, allowing for timely selection of the transmission mode. Alternatively, the first indication information can indicate activation or enable of PTM transmission mode; or it can indicate that PTM transmission mode has been deactivated and is now active. This allows for timely selection of the transmission mode for data transmission.

[0016] In one possible design, the terminal device receiving the first indication information from the network device may include: the terminal device using a second transmission method to receive the first indication information from the network device. Thus, the first indication information indicating a switch from the second transmission method to the first transmission method, or the first indication information indicating that the first transmission method has entered an active state, can both be received using the second transmission method.

[0017] In one possible design, the first indication information is used to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode. The terminal device receiving the first indication information from the network device may include: the terminal device adopting the first transmission mode and receiving the first indication information from the network device.

[0018] Thus, if the second transmission mode is currently in use, the terminal device can receive the indication information for switching from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode through the first transmission mode. Specifically, when the second transmission mode is used, the DRX of the first transmission mode can be in an active state, and signaling (such as the first indication information) can be transmitted through the first transmission mode, but data or services are not received through the first transmission mode.

[0019] In one possible design, starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information if the first condition is met includes: starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the configured first discontinuous reception mode if the first condition is met. That is, if the first condition is met, the activation state timer is started when the configured first transmission mode's DRX is about to enter the activation state.

[0020] In one possible design, the communication method provided by the first aspect may further include: if a first condition is met, receiving data from the network device via a second transmission method, wherein the second transmission method is a PTM transmission method or a PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method. Thus, before the first discontinuous reception mode enters an active state, data from the network device can be received using the second transmission method, avoiding packet loss.

[0021] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This communication method includes: a network device sending first indication information to a terminal device; if a first condition is met, then starting an activation state timer in a first discontinuous reception mode, and sending data to the terminal device using a first transmission method. The first indication information indicates that data transmission is performed using the first transmission method, which is either a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission method or a point-to-point (PTP) transmission method. The first condition includes the terminal device being in an inactive state in the first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode (DRX) corresponding to the first transmission method. A first time period or a second time period can be reserved for starting the activation state timer, thus ensuring correct data reception and saving power.

[0022] In one possible design, the first indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID).

[0023] In one possible design, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission mode, and may include: the first indication information indicating a switch from a second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, or the first indication information indicating that the first transmission mode is activated. The second transmission mode is either a PTM transmission mode or a PTP transmission mode, and the first transmission mode is different from the second transmission mode.

[0024] In one possible design, the network device sending the first instruction information to the terminal device may include: the network device using a second transmission method to send the first instruction information to the terminal device.

[0025] In one possible design, the first indication information is used to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode. The network device sending the first indication information to the terminal device may include: the network device using the first transmission mode and sending the first indication information to the terminal device.

[0026] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1. The action of starting an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode if the first condition is met can include: starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at a first time T1 if the first condition is met. Here, the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0027] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1 and a second time period K2. If the first condition is met, the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode is started, including: if the first condition is met, starting the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode at a second time T2. Wherein, the second time T2 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1 + K2, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0028] In one possible design, the activation of the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode if the first condition is met includes: if the first condition is met, the activation of the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is activated according to the first discontinuous reception mode.

[0029] In one possible design, the communication method provided by the second aspect may further include: if the first condition is met, sending data to the terminal device via a second transmission method, wherein the second transmission method is a PTM transmission method or a PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication method described in the second aspect can be referenced from the technical effects of the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device is suitable for a communication device configured with a first discontinuous reception mode, and includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first indication information from a network device. The processing module is configured to, if a first condition is met, start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information. The transceiver module is further configured to receive data from the network device using a first transmission method. The first indication information indicates that data transmission is performed using the first transmission method, which is either a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission method or a point-to-point (PTP) transmission method. The first condition includes the communication device being in an inactive state in the first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode DRX corresponding to the first transmission method.

[0032] In one possible design, the first indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID).

[0033] In one possible design, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission mode, and may include: the first indication information indicating a switch from a second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, or the first indication information indicating that the first transmission mode is activated. The second transmission mode is either a PTM transmission mode or a PTP transmission mode, and the first transmission mode is different from the second transmission mode.

[0034] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to receive first indication information from the network device using a second transmission method.

[0035] In one possible design, the first indication information is used to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode. The transceiver module is also used to receive the first indication information from the network device while using the first transmission mode.

[0036] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1. The processing module is further configured to, if a first condition is met, start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at a first time T1. Wherein, the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1, and T0 is the time when the communication device receives the first indication information.

[0037] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1 and a second time period K2. The processing module is further configured to satisfy a first condition and, at a second time T2, activate an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode based on the first indication information. Wherein, the second time T2 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1 + K2, and T0 is the time when the communication device receives the first indication information.

[0038] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the configured first discontinuous reception mode if the first condition is met.

[0039] Optionally, the processing module is further configured to, if the first condition is met, start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information and the configured first discontinuous reception mode.

[0040] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to receive data from the network device via a second transmission method if the first condition is met, wherein the second transmission method is a PTM transmission method or a PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

[0041] It should be noted that the transceiver module described in the third aspect may include a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from the network device; the sending module is used to send data and / or signaling to the network device. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0042] Optionally, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device described in the third aspect can perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0043] It should be noted that the communication device described in the third aspect can be a terminal device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the terminal device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0044] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the third aspect can be referenced to the technical effects of the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is used to send first indication information to a terminal device. The processing module is used to start an activation state timer in a first discontinuous reception mode if a first condition is met. The transceiver module is also used to send data to the terminal device using a first transmission method. The first indication information indicates that data transmission is performed using the first transmission method, which is either a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission method or a point-to-point (PTP) transmission method. The first condition includes the terminal device being in an inactive state in the first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode DRX corresponding to the first transmission method.

[0046] In one possible design, the first indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID).

[0047] In one possible design, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission mode, and may include: the first indication information indicating a switch from a second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, or the first indication information indicating that the first transmission mode is activated. The second transmission mode is either a PTM transmission mode or a PTP transmission mode, and the first transmission mode is different from the second transmission mode.

[0048] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to send first instruction information to the terminal device using a second transmission method.

[0049] In one possible design, the transceiver module is also used to send first instruction information to the terminal device using a first transmission method.

[0050] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1. The processing module is further configured to start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at a first time T1 if a first condition is met. Here, the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0051] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1 and a second time period K2. The processing module is further configured to, if a first condition is met, start an activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode at a second time T2. Here, the second time T2 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K1 + K2, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0052] In one possible design, the processing module is further configured to, if the first condition is met, start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first discontinuous reception mode.

[0053] In one possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to send data to the terminal device via a second transmission method if the first condition is met, wherein the second transmission method is a PTM transmission method or a PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

[0054] It should be noted that the transceiver module described in the fourth aspect may include a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from the terminal device; the sending module is used to send data and / or signaling to the terminal device. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module.

[0055] Optionally, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device described in the fourth aspect can perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0056] It should be noted that the communication device described in the fourth aspect can be a network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the network device; this application does not limit this.

[0057] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fourth aspect can be referenced to the technical effects of the communication method described in any possible implementation of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor. The processor is configured to execute the communication method as described in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects.

[0059] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a memory. The processor is coupled to the memory, which is used to store computer programs.

[0060] The processor can be used to execute a computer program stored in memory so that the communication method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects is executed.

[0061] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an input / output port. The transceiver can be used by the communication device to communicate with other devices.

[0062] It should be noted that the input port can be used to implement the receiving function involved in the first and second aspects, and the output port can be used to implement the transmitting function involved in the first and second aspects.

[0063] In this application, the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be a terminal device or a network device, or a chip or chip system disposed inside the terminal device or the network device.

[0064] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the communication method described in any of the implementations of the first to second aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] A sixth aspect provides a communication system. This communication system includes the communication apparatus as described in the second aspect and the communication apparatus as described in the third aspect.

[0066] Alternatively, the communication system may include communication means as described in the third aspect for implementing the method as described in the first aspect and communication means as described in the fourth aspect for implementing the method as described in the second aspect. For example, the communication system may include network devices and one or more terminal devices.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising logic circuitry and input / output ports. The logic circuitry is used to implement the processing functions described in the first and second aspects, and the input / output ports are used to implement the transmission and reception functions described in the first and second aspects. Specifically, the input ports can be used to implement the receiving functions described in the first and second aspects, and the output ports can be used to implement the transmitting functions described in the first and second aspects.

[0068] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data for implementing the functions involved in the first and second aspects.

[0069] This chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0070] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first to second aspects is performed.

[0071] Ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects to be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system.

[0073] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a protocol architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a DRX cycle provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figures 4a-4d Schematic diagrams of other DRX cycles provided for embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 7a A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 7bA flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating a transmission mode switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating a timer for starting an activation state, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating a timer for starting an activation state, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the union of DRX periods provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0087] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0088] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, wired network, Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication system, Device-to-Device (D2D) communication system, Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) vehicle-to-everything communication system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, such as New Radio (NR) system, and future communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, etc.

[0089] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0090] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "example" is intended to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "information," "signal," "message," "channel," and "signaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing the distinction between them, their intended meanings are consistent. Similarly, the terms "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing the distinction between them, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0092] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0093] Some scenarios in the embodiments of this application are... Figure 1 The scenario in the communication system shown is used as an example for illustration. It should be noted that the solution in this embodiment can also be applied to other mobile communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other mobile communication systems.

[0094] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 1 The communication system shown in the figure is used as an example to describe in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable.

[0095] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes terminal equipment and network equipment. The number of terminal equipment can be one or more.

[0096] The aforementioned terminal equipment refers to a terminal device that is connected to the aforementioned communication system and has wireless transceiver capabilities, or a chip or chip system that can be installed in the terminal device. This terminal equipment may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device.

[0097] For example, the terminal devices in the embodiments of this application may be customer premises equipment (CPE), mobile phones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, laptop computers, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, internet of things (IoT) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes (such as game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), vehicle terminals, and RSUs with terminal functions. Access terminals can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, handsets with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, etc.

[0098] For example, the terminal device in this application embodiment can be a delivery terminal in smart logistics (e.g., a device that can monitor the location of cargo vehicles, a device that can monitor the temperature and humidity of cargo, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart agriculture (e.g., a wearable device that can collect relevant data on poultry and livestock, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart buildings (e.g., smart elevators, fire monitoring equipment, and smart meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart healthcare (e.g., a wearable device that can monitor the physiological state of humans or animals), a wireless terminal in smart transportation (e.g., smart buses, smart vehicles, shared bicycles, charging pile monitoring equipment, smart traffic lights, train detectors, gas station sensors, as well as smart monitoring and smart parking equipment, etc.), and a wireless terminal in smart retail (e.g., vending machines, self-checkout machines, and unmanned convenience stores, etc.). For example, the terminal device in this application can be an on-board module, on-board unit, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the method provided in this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board unit, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit.

[0099] The aforementioned network device is a device located on the network side of the aforementioned communication system and having wireless transceiver functionality, or a chip or chip system that can be installed in the device.

[0100] This network equipment includes, but is not limited to: access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, such as home gateways, routers, servers, switches, and bridges; evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs or home Node Bs (HNBs)), baseband units (BBUs), wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, and transmission and reception points (TRPs or transmission...). It can also refer to 5G, such as gNB in ​​NR system, or transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of base station in 5G system, or network nodes that constitute gNB or transmission point, such as baseband unit (BBU), or distributed unit (DU), roadside unit (RSU) with base station function, etc.

[0101] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to... Figure 1 For any two nodes shown, the specific implementation can be found in the following method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0102] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0103] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other network devices and / or other terminal devices. Figure 1 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0104] To make the embodiments of this application clearer, the following provides a unified introduction to some contents and concepts related to the embodiments of this application.

[0105] 1. PTM transmission mode and PTP transmission mode

[0106] PTM transmission mode is a technology that establishes a dedicated bearer for MBS services and sends MBS services to multiple terminal devices simultaneously in the form of multicast through a common transmission channel or through group scheduling. It can support radio link control (RLC) unacknowledged mode (UM).

[0107] PTP transmission mode establishes a dedicated bearer for the terminal device and sends it to the terminal device in the form of unicast. It can support RLC acknowledged mode (AM) or UM mode.

[0108] When a large number of terminal devices need to receive a certain MBS service, sending this service via unicast requires establishing dedicated bearers for a large number of terminal devices, consuming resources. If it is sent to terminal devices via multicast, by establishing a dedicated MBS bearer, all terminal devices interested in the service can receive it through this dedicated MBS bearer, which can save air interface resources, improve spectrum utilization, and improve transmission efficiency.

[0109] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol architecture provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0110] Combination Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 In (b) of the diagram, when a network device performs multicast transmission, data packets in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity are transmitted to the Media Access Control (MAC) entity through an RLC entity, and then sent out through the physical layer. Multiple terminal devices receive these data packets. If PTM transmission is used, the terminal device can listen to G-RNTI, and data packets are sent to the terminal device through a PTM path, PTM branch, PTM leg, or entity used for PTM transmission. If PTP transmission is used, the terminal device can listen to C-RNTI, and data packets are sent to the terminal device through a PTP path, PTP branch, PTP leg, or entity used for PTP transmission. The terms "path," "branch," "leg," or "entity" are illustrative descriptions of the transmission path for the corresponding transmission method and are not limited in this application.

[0111] like Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2In (b) of this application, the network device includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Optionally, the CU and DU in this embodiment can be understood as a logical functional division of the wireless access network device. The CU and DU can be physically separate or deployed together; this embodiment does not specifically limit this. The CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layer of the wireless network. For example, the PDCP entity is located in the CU, and the RLC entity and MAC entity are located in the DU. The CU and DU communicate through a logical interface (e.g., an F1 interface). Alternatively, the network device may not distinguish between CU and DU. It is understood that this protocol layer division of the CU and DU processing functions is merely an example; other division methods are also possible, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0112] It should be noted that this is incorrect. Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 The protocol architecture of the network device is defined in (b) of the document.

[0113] Figure 2 In (a), the terminal device is configured with a split-MRB. Taking terminal device 1 as an example, the PDCP entity of terminal device 1 connects the RLC1 entity and the RLC2 entity. The RLC1 entity can correspond to the PTP path, and the RLC2 entity can correspond to the PTM path. For terminal device 1, the PTP path can include the PDCP entity of the network device, the RLC1 entity of the network device, the MAC entity of the network device, the MAC entity of terminal device 1, the RLC1 entity of terminal device 1, and the PDCP entity of terminal device 1. The PTM path can include the PDCP entity of the network device, the RLC2 entity of the network device, the MAC entity of the network device, the MAC entity of the terminal device, the RLC2 entity of the terminal device, and the PDCP entity of the terminal device.

[0114] For terminal device 2, the PTP path may include the PDCP entity of the network device, the RLC3 entity of the network device, the MAC entity of the network device, the MAC entity of terminal device 2, the RLC2 entity of terminal device 2, and the PDCP entity of terminal device 2. The PTM path may include the PDCP entity of the network device, the RLC2 entity of the network device, the MAC entity of the network device, the MAC entity of terminal device 2, the RLC1 entity of terminal device 2, and the PDCP entity of terminal device 2.

[0115] Figure 2In (b), the terminal device is configured with only the PTM path MRB (MRB with PTM leg only), which can be used to receive multicast data. The PTM path may include the PDCP entity of the network device, the RLC2 entity of the network device, the MAC entity of the network device, the MAC entity of the terminal device, the RLC entity of the terminal device, and the PDCP entity of the terminal device.

[0116] 2. DRX

[0117] For example, the DRX introduced by multicast transmission technology can also be called MBS-specific DRX. This application uses DRX as an example for illustration.

[0118] When a terminal device is configured with a discontinuous reception mode, it can periodically enter a sleep mode at certain times and not listen to the PDCCH time slot. When it is necessary to listen to the PDCCH time slot, it will wake up from the sleep mode, which can save the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0119] In this application, DRX can refer to the DRX used when the terminal device is in the connected state (the terminal device has completed the initial access process), i.e., connected state DRX (C-DRX).

[0120] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a DRX cycle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0121] like Figure 3 As shown, the discontinuous reception mode cycle (DRX cycle) includes an active period and a DRX sleep period (Opportunity for DRX).

[0122] The activation period can be the time period during which the terminal device listens to the PDCCH. For example, when the terminal device is in the wake-up period (On Duration), it is in a wake-up state and is in the activation period, during which it continuously monitors the downlink PDCCH time slot.

[0123] When the terminal device is in the DRX sleep period, it is in a sleep state (also known as an inactive state) and does not listen to the PDCCH time slot during this period, which can save the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0124] Figures 4a-4d Schematic diagrams of other DRX cycles provided for embodiments of this application.

[0125] like Figure 4aAs shown, the activation period can include the wake-up period, as well as the time contained in the DRX Inactivity Timer and / or the Retransmission Timer. In other words, when the Onduration Timer, the DRX Inactivity Timer, and / or the DRX Retransmission Timer are running, the terminal device listens to the PDCCH time slot and is in the activation period.

[0126] For example, the wake-up state timer represents the duration during which the terminal device is in the wake-up state within the DRX cycle.

[0127] When the terminal device is in DRX active state, when the terminal device performs the first uplink or downlink data transmission scheduling, the terminal device will start or restart a drx-InactivityTimer. Thus, the terminal device will remain active after the OndurationTimer expires, until the drx-InactivityTimer expires.

[0128] When the terminal device is in DRX active state, if the terminal device fails to receive downlink data, the terminal device will start or restart a drx-RetransmissionTimer.

[0129] like Figure 4b As shown, if drx-InactivityTimer is running, the terminal device will continue to listen to the downlink PDCCH time slot even if the originally configured OndurationTimer has expired, until drx-InactivityTimer expires.

[0130] For example, the DRX Retransmission Timer specifies that after the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) round-trip time (RTT) timer expires, the DRX Retransmission Timer listens for the PDCCH used for HARQ retransmission for a continuous period of time.

[0131] Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Round Trip Timer (HARQ RTT Timer): This indicates the duration the terminal device needs to wait before receiving downlink retransmitted data. If decoding of a downlink HARQ RTT process (transport block, TB) fails, the terminal device can assume that a retransmission will not occur until at least "HARQ RTT". Therefore, while the HARQ RTT timer is running, the terminal device does not need to listen to the PDCCH.

[0132] like Figure 4c As shown, if the terminal device fails to decode the DCI of the initial data transmission, it sends a negative acknowledgment (NACK) to the network device and initiates a HARQ RTT Timer. When the HARQ RTT Timer expires and the data received by the corresponding HARQ process has not been successfully decoded, the terminal device can initiate a drx-RetransmissionTimer for that HARQ process. The drx-RetransmissionTimer can represent the maximum time the terminal can wait for retransmission. While the drx-RetransmissionTimer is running, the terminal will listen for the PDCCH used for HARQ retransmission.

[0133] To adapt to the different data transmission needs of terminal devices, two scenarios, short cycle and long cycle, have been introduced, and terminal devices can be configured with different DRX policies based on different quality of service class identifiers (QCI).

[0134] Combination Figure 4d Terminal devices can be configured with long and short DRX periods, with a long DRX period applied by default. If `drx-InactivityTimer` is triggered, it indicates that data needs to be transmitted, and continuous data transmission may follow. Therefore, after `drx-InactivityTimer` times out, a short DRX period will begin. The short DRX period has a shorter sleep period than the long DRX period, allowing for faster data transmission and better service latency. After entering the short period, the terminal device will start `drxShortCycleTimer`. When `drxShortCycleTimer` times out, meaning that no PDCCH has been received for several consecutive subframes within several short periods, a long period will begin to further conserve the terminal device's power.

[0135] 3. HARQ technology

[0136] HARQ technology is a method to ensure the reliability of data transmission.

[0137] For example, Automatic Retransmission Request (ARQ) technology refers to the process where the receiving end checks the received data packet for errors. If no errors are found, the receiving end sends a positive acknowledgment (ACK) to the sending end. Upon receiving the ACK, the sending end then transmits the next data packet. If an error occurs, the receiving end discards the data packet and sends a negative acknowledgment (NACK) to the sending end. Upon receiving the NACK, the sending end retransmits the same data.

[0138] However, some data packets, though unable to be correctly decoded, still contain useful information. Discarding these packets would result in the loss of this valuable information. Therefore, by using HARQ with soft combining, received erroneous data packets are stored in a HARQ buffer and combined with subsequently received retransmitted data packets, resulting in a more reliable data packet than decoding alone (the "soft combining" process). The combined data packet is then decoded; if this also fails, the process of "requesting retransmission and then performing soft combining" is repeated.

[0139] Each piece of data sent occupies a HARQ process number during HARQ processing, allowing for multiple parallel HARQ processes, each with its own process number. While one HARQ process is waiting for acknowledgment, the data sender can use another HARQ process to continue sending new data. Each HARQ process typically processes only one TB (transport block) within a transmission time interval (TTI), such as a time slot or subframe. Each HARQ process requires an independent HARQ buffer at the data receiver to perform soft merging of received data.

[0140] The following section explains the concepts related to HARQ.

[0141] The HARQ process number, also known as the HARQ process ID, uniquely identifies a HARQ process.

[0142] The New Data Indicator (NDI) is maintained by each HARQ process. Each NDI value uses 1 bit to indicate whether the scheduled data is a first transmission or a retransmission. If the NDI value of the same HARQ process has changed compared to the previous value (NDI toggled), it indicates that the current transmission is the first transmission of a new TB; otherwise, if the NDI value has not changed compared to the previous value (NDI not toggled), it indicates that the current transmission is a retransmission of the same TB.

[0143] The redundancy version (RV) can be used to indicate the redundancy version used in the current transmission, and its value can range from 0 to 3.

[0144] The following will combine Figures 5-6 The communication device provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0145] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0146] The communication device 500 can be a terminal device or a network device, or it can be a chip or other component with corresponding functions applied in the terminal device or network device. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 may include a processor 501. Optionally, the communication device 500 may also include one or more of a memory 502 and a transceiver 503. The processor 501 may be coupled to one or more of the memory 502 and the transceiver 503, such as through a communication bus, or the processor 501 may be used independently.

[0147] The following is combined with Figure 5 A detailed description of each component of the communication device 500 is provided below:

[0148] Processor 501 is the control center of communication device 500. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 501 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0149] The memory 502 is used to store computer programs and can also store data.

[0150] The processor 501 can execute various functions of the communication device 500 by executing computer programs stored in the memory 502 and calling data stored in the memory 502.

[0151] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 501 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 5 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the figure.

[0152] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 500 may also include multiple processors, for example... Figure 5 The processors 501 and 504 are shown. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor (CPU) or a multi-core processor (CPU). Here, "processor" can refer to one or more communication devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0153] Optionally, the memory 502 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage communication device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage communication device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc ROM (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage communication devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 502 may be integrated with the processor 501 or exist independently, and may be connected via the input / output port of the communication device 500. Figure 5 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 501, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0154] For example, the input port can be used to implement the receiving function performed by the terminal device or the network device in any of the following method embodiments, and the output port can be used to implement the sending function performed by the terminal device or the network device in any of the following method embodiments.

[0155] The memory 502 can be used to store computer programs (or code) that execute the scheme of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 501. Specific implementation methods described above can be found in the following method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0156] Optionally, transceiver 503 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, when communication device 500 is a terminal device, transceiver 503 can be used to communicate with network devices. As another example, when communication device 500 is a network device, transceiver 503 can be used to communicate with terminal devices. Furthermore, transceiver 503 may include a receiver and a transmitter. Figure 5 (Not shown separately). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function. The transceiver 503 can be integrated with the processor 501 or exist independently, and is connected via the input / output port of the communication device 500 (…). Figure 5 (Not shown in the image) is coupled to processor 501, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0157] It should be noted that, Figure 5 The structure of the communication device 500 shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. Actual communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0158] In the following method embodiments of this application, the operation of the terminal device can be performed by... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls the computer program stored in the memory 502 to instruct the terminal device to execute.

[0159] The operation of the network device in the following method embodiments of this application can be achieved by... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls the computer program stored in the memory 502 to instruct the network device to execute, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0160] It should be noted that all relevant content of each step involved in the following method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0161] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. For ease of explanation, Figure 6 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0162] The communication device 600 includes a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. The communication device 600 can be a terminal device or a network device as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The transceiver module 601, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the transceiver functions performed by the terminal device or network device in any of the following method embodiments.

[0163] It should be noted that the transceiver module 601 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image). The receiving module is used to receive data and / or signaling from other devices; the transmitting module is used to send data and / or signaling to other devices. This application does not specifically limit the specific implementation of the transceiver module. The transceiver module can consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0164] The processing module 602 can be used to implement the processing functions performed by the terminal device or the network device in any of the following method embodiments. The processing module 602 can be a processor.

[0165] In this embodiment, the communication device 600 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific ASIC, circuitry, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 600 can employ... Figure 5 The communication device 500 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0166] for example, Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown can execute the communication method in the following method embodiment by calling the computer program stored in the memory 502.

[0167] Specifically, Figure 6 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 601 and the processing module 602 can be obtained through Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls a computer program stored in memory 502 to implement the function. Alternatively, Figure 6 The function / implementation process of the processing module 602 can be achieved through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown calls the computer program stored in the memory 502 to implement this. Figure 6 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 601 can be obtained through Figure 5 This is achieved by the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 shown.

[0168] Since the communication device 600 provided in this embodiment can perform the following communication method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the following method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0169] It should be noted that one or more of the above modules can be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules is implemented in software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes the software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0170] When the above modules are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, DSP chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the process described below independently of software.

[0171] The following will combine Figures 7a-14 The communication method provided in the application embodiments will be described in detail.

[0172] For example, Figure 7a This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication between the network device and the terminal device is shown. Figure 7a The provided communication method is applicable to terminal devices configured with a first discontinuous reception mode, wherein the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the first transmission method, and the first transmission method is either PTM transmission method or PTP transmission method.

[0173] Optionally, the terminal device can also be configured with a second discontinuous reception mode, which is a discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the second transmission method, which is either PTM transmission method or PTP transmission method, and the second transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

[0174] like Figure 7a As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0175] S701a, the network device sends a first instruction message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction message from the network device.

[0176] It is understood that the network device described in this application may be an access network device.

[0177] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission method.

[0178] Combination Figure 2 The CU and / or DU of the network device can send the first instruction information to the terminal device.

[0179] Optionally, the first indication information may be transmitted via one or more of the following: radio resource control (RRC) signaling, PDCP control packet data unit (PDU), RLC control PDU, media access control element (MAC CE), and downlink control information (DCI). For example, when the first indication information is transmitted via RRC signaling and / or PDCP signaling, it may be sent by the CU of the network device, or by the CU via the DU. When the first indication information is transmitted via RLC signaling (such as RLC control PDU), MAC layer signaling (such as MAC CE), or physical layer signaling (such as DCI), it may be sent by the DU of the network device. When the first indication information is transmitted via at least one of RRC signaling and / or PDCP signaling, and at least one of RLC signaling (such as RLC control PDU), MAC layer signaling (such as MAC CE), or physical layer signaling (such as DCI), it may be sent by the CU and DU of the network device.

[0180] For example, the first transmission method is PTM transmission method or PTP transmission method.

[0181] In other words, the first indication information can indicate whether to use PTM or PTP transmission mode for data transmission. Thus, even if the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the first transmission mode is in a dormant state, data transmission can still be performed promptly using the first transmission mode based on the first indication information.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first time period K1 and the second time period K2 are time periods set for the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the first transmission method. That is, the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode can be started immediately, or it can be started after waiting for the first time period K1 and / or the second time period K2.

[0183] Optionally, the first time period K1 or the second time period K2 can be the time reserved for starting the activation state timer to receive data correctly and save power.

[0184] For example, during the first time period K1, the terminal device can interpret the first instruction information but cannot receive data. Starting the timer would waste power.

[0185] For example, regarding the second time period K2, due to differences in the capabilities of terminal devices, some terminal devices interpret the first instruction information more slowly than others. For terminal devices that interpret the first instruction information more slowly, a second time period K2 can be added. This prevents terminal devices that interpret the first instruction information from entering the activation period while interpreting it. If the activation period is short, the activation period will end after the first instruction information is interpreted, causing them to miss the data reception time.

[0186] It should be noted that the first time period K1 and / or the second time period K2 can be predefined by the protocol. The value of the first time period K1 can be different for different terminal devices, and similarly, the value of the second time period K2 can also be different.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier (service ID), Session Identifier (session ID), and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID).

[0188] Optionally, the first indication information may be sent via one or more of the following signaling methods: RRC signaling, PDCP control PDU, T0 control PDU, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0189] For example, the first indication information indicating the use of a first transmission mode for data transmission, along with the first indication information including G-RNTI, C-RNTI, K1, and / or K2, TMGI, service identifier, session identifier, and / or MRB ID, may be sent via one or more signaling signals.

[0190] For example, the first indication information indicating data transmission using a first transmission mode and the first indication information including G-RNTI, C-RNTI, K1, K2, TMGI, service identifier, session identifier, and / or MRB ID can be sent via MAC CE. Alternatively, the first indication information indicating data transmission using a first transmission mode is sent via MAC CE, and the first indication information including G-RNTI, C-RNTI, K1, K2, TMGI, service identifier, session identifier, and / or MRB ID is sent via RRC.

[0191] Optionally, the first indication information may include mappings of one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, TMGI, Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and MRB ID.

[0192] For example, MAC CE is mapped to G-RNTI. If the first indication information is MAC CE1, then it is mapped to G-RNTI1.

[0193] For example, if the first indication information includes G-RNTI, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier (serviceID), Session Identifier (session ID), and / or Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID), then the first indication information may indicate that data transmission is performed using the PTM transmission mode.

[0194] For example, if the first indication information includes C-RNTI, then the first indication information may indicate that data transmission is performed using the PTP transmission method.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first indication information described above is used to indicate that data is transmitted using a first transmission method, and may include: the first indication information is used to indicate switching from a second transmission method to a first transmission method.

[0196] Optionally, the second transmission method is either PTM transmission method or PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

[0197] For example, if the first transmission method is PTP transmission method, then the second transmission method is PTM transmission method; or, if the first transmission method is PTM transmission method, then the second transmission method is PTP transmission method.

[0198] In other words, the first indication information can indicate a switch from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode, or the first indication information can indicate a switch from PTP transmission mode to PTM transmission mode, thus allowing for timely selection of the transmission mode.

[0199] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a transmission mode switching method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0200] Combination Figure 8 For a terminal device, the DRX corresponding to the PTM transmission mode and the DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission mode are independent of each other. The DRX corresponding to the PTM transmission mode is at the level of each (per)G-RNTI. The network device and multiple terminal devices jointly maintain a set of DRX corresponding to the PTM transmission mode. Figure 8 The DRX corresponding to the PTM transmission mode of terminal device 1 is the same as that corresponding to the PTM transmission mode of terminal device 2.

[0201] The DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission method is independent for each terminal device. The DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission method of different terminal devices may be different. Under normal circumstances, the activation period of the DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission method of different terminal devices will be staggered to obtain time gain. Figure 8 The activation period of DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission mode of terminal device 1 is staggered with the activation period of DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission mode of terminal device 2.

[0202] In one implementation, the switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode is as follows: when both the DRX corresponding to the PTM and PTP transmission modes are active, the network device sends a handover instruction to the terminal device and switches from PTM to PTP transmission mode. However, this requires waiting for both the DRX corresponding to the PTM and PTP transmission modes to be active, resulting in low data transmission rates. If switching from PTM to PTP transmission mode is necessary because transmitting MBS services via PTM cannot meet the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, delays in switching may cause service interruptions.

[0203] Combination Figure 8 Regarding the switching from PTM to PTP transmission mode, the first instruction information in this embodiment allows the terminal device to switch directly from PTM to PTP transmission mode without waiting for the corresponding DRX of PTP transmission mode to be active, thereby improving data transmission rate and preventing service interruption. The same applies to the switching from PTP to PTM transmission mode, and will not be elaborated further.

[0204] In some embodiments, the communication method provided in this application may further include: a network device determining first indication information.

[0205] For example, if a network device sends MBS services to a terminal device via PTM transmission, and the quality of service (QoS) requirement cannot be met when transmitting MBS services between the network device and the terminal device via PTM transmission, the network device can decide to switch from PTM transmission to PTP transmission to transmit the relevant services to the terminal device.

[0206] For example, a network device sends MBS services to a terminal device via PTP transmission. If a large number of other terminal devices need to receive this service, the network device can decide to switch from PTP transmission to PTM transmission to save air interface resources. It should be noted that the above is only an example provided in this application, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the scenario in which the network device decides to switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode.

[0207] In other embodiments, the first indication information described above is used to indicate that data is transmitted using a first transmission method, and may include: the first indication information is used to indicate that the first transmission method enters an active state.

[0208] It should be noted that "the first transmission mode is in an active state" means that the first transmission mode is activated or enabled, and has begun to be used. This is different from the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode being in an active period. The DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode being in an active period means that the DRX is in a wake-up state (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The activation period shown can implicitly indicate that the first transmission mode has been activated or enabled and is ready to receive data at any time.

[0209] The first transmission mode being in an inactive state means that the first transmission mode is not activated or not enabled, which is different from the corresponding DRX being in a dormant state. The DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode being in a dormant state indicates that the first transmission mode has been activated or enabled, and the DRX is in a dormant state (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The sleep period shown can save power.

[0210] For example, the first indication information may indicate the activation or enable of the PTM transmission mode; or, the first indication information may indicate the activation of the PTM transmission mode from a deactivated state. In this way, the transmission mode can be selected in a timely manner for data transmission.

[0211] Alternatively, the network device can determine the first indication information based on whether there is data to be transmitted.

[0212] For example, if the network device and terminal device are currently using PTP transmission mode and not PTM transmission mode, and if an MBS service needs to be transmitted through PTM transmission mode, then the first indication information indicates that PTM transmission mode is activated.

[0213] In one possible design, S701a may include: the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device using a second transmission method. Correspondingly, the terminal device receiving the first indication information from the network device using the second transmission method.

[0214] Taking the example of using the first indication information to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, the network device and the terminal device are using the second transmission mode, and the network device can transmit the first indication information through the second transmission mode.

[0215] Example 1 illustrates a scenario where a first indication message is used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode. The network device sends the first indication message to the terminal device via PTM transmission mode. This first indication message may include C-RNTI and / or G-RNTI, or it may not include C-RNTI and G-RNTI. The first indication message may include one or more G-RNTIs and one or more C-RNTIs.

[0216] Of course, the first indication information may include G-RNTI, C-RNTI, first time period K1, second time period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), service identifier, session identifier, and / or multicast radio bearer identifier (MRB ID). The first time period K1 and / or the second time period K2 will not be elaborated here. G-RNTI, TMGI, service identifier, session identifier, and MRB ID can correspond to services of different granularities. This application embodiment uses G-RNTI as an example for illustration. The functions provided above and below applicable to G-RNTI in this application embodiment also apply to TMGI, service identifier, session identifier, and MRB ID, and are not listed individually.

[0217] Specifically, the first indication information includes C-RNTI, which can indicate whether to switch the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. There is a one-to-one correspondence between C-RNTI and terminal device. The first indication information also includes G-RNTI, which can indicate which MBS service's transmission mode should be switched from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. Different multicast services correspond to different G-RNTIs.

[0218] For example, when the first indication information includes C-RNTI but does not include G-RNTI, it can instruct all services transmitted by the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI using PTM transmission mode to be switched to PTP transmission mode.

[0219] Combination Figure 2 Terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 currently both use PTM transmission mode for G-RNTI service and G-RNT2 ( Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) If the first indication information includes C-RNTI1 but does not include G-RNTI, it can instruct the terminal device 1 to switch the transmission mode of G-RNTI and G-RNTI services from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. Upon receiving the first indication information, the terminal device 1 stops receiving G-RNTI and G-RNTI services transmitted via PTM transmission mode and begins listening for C-RNTI1.

[0220] For example, when the first indication information includes G-RNTI but does not include C-RNTI, it can instruct that the services corresponding to the G-RNTI of all terminal devices corresponding to G-RNTI be switched from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode.

[0221] Combination Figure 2 Currently, both terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 are using PTM transmission mode for G-RNTI and G-RNTI2 services. If the first indication information includes G-RNTI1 but does not include C-RNTI, it can instruct terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 to switch the transmission mode of G-RNTI1 service from PTM to PTP, without switching the transmission mode of G-RNTI2 service. Upon receiving this first indication information, terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 stop receiving G-RNTI1 service transmitted via PTM, but can continue to receive G-RNTI2 service via PTM and begin listening for C-RNTI1.

[0222] For example, when the first indication information includes C-RNTI and G-RNTI, it can instruct the terminal device corresponding to the G-RNTI to switch the service from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode.

[0223] Combination Figure 2 Both terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 are currently using PTM transmission mode for G-RNTI and G-RNTI2 services. If the first indication information includes C-RNTI1 and G-RNTI1, it can instruct terminal device 1 to switch the transmission mode of its G-RNTI1 service from PTM to PTP, without switching the transmission mode of its G-RNTI2 service or the G-RNTI and G-RNTI2 services of terminal device 2. Upon receiving this first indication information, terminal device 1 stops receiving G-RNTI1 services transmitted via PTM, but can continue receiving G-RNTI2 services via PTM and begin listening for C-RNTI1.

[0224] For example, if the first indication information does not include C-RNTI and G-RNTI, all services corresponding to G-RNTI of all terminal devices corresponding to C-RNTI can be switched from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode by default.

[0225] Combination Figure 2 Currently, both terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 are using PTM transmission mode for G-RNTI and G-RNT2 services. If the first indication information does not include C-RNTI and G-RNTI, it can instruct the switching of the transmission mode of G-RNTI1 and G-RNT2 services of terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. Upon receiving the first indication information, both terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 stop receiving all services transmitted via PTM transmission mode and begin listening for C-RNTI1.

[0226] It should be noted that the method provided in this application embodiment is also applicable to the case where the first indication information is used to indicate the switch from PTP transmission mode to PTM transmission mode. Similar to Example 1, the specific implementation method can be referred to Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0227] Taking the first indication information used to indicate that the first transmission mode has entered the active state as an example, the network device and the terminal device are using the second transmission mode, and the network device can transmit the indication information indicating that the first transmission mode has entered the active state through the second transmission mode.

[0228] Example 2, taking PTP transmission as the second transmission mode, and the first indication information used to indicate that PTM transmission mode has entered the active state as an example. The network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device through PTP transmission. The first indication information may include C-RNTI and / or G-RNTI, or the first indication information may not include C-RNTI and G-RNTI. The number of G-RNTIs and C-RNTIs included in the first indication information may be one or more. Of course, the first indication information may include G-RNTI, C-RNTI, first time period K1, second time period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), service identifier, session identifier, and / or multicast radio bearer identifier (MRB ID). The first time period K1 and / or the second time period K2 will not be described here.

[0229] Specifically, the first indication information includes C-RNTI, which can indicate the activation of the PTM transmission mode of the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI. The first indication information also includes G-RNTI, which can indicate the activation of the PTM transmission mode for the MBS service corresponding to G-RNTI, and the transmission of the MBS service corresponding to G-RNTI through the PTM transmission mode.

[0230] For example, when the first indication information includes C-RNTI but does not include G-RNTI, it can instruct the activation of PTM transmission mode of the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI and transmit all services that want to be transmitted via PTM transmission mode.

[0231] Combination Figure 2 If the first indication information includes C-RNTI1 but does not include G-RNTI, it can instruct the activation of the PTM transmission mode of terminal device 1 and transmit the service corresponding to G-RNTI through the PTM transmission mode. Terminal device 1 receives the first indication information and listens for C-RNTI1.

[0232] For example, when the first indication information includes G-RNTI but does not include C-RNTI, it can indicate that the service corresponding to G-RNTI is transmitted through PTM transmission mode. The specific terminal device to activate PTM transmission mode can be determined by the network device sending the first indication information.

[0233] Combination Figure 2 If a network device sends a first indication message including G-RNTI1 but excluding C-RNTI to terminal device 1 via PTP transmission (e.g., via PTP-path 1 corresponding to terminal device 1), it can instruct terminal device 1 to activate PTM transmission mode and transmit services via PTM transmission mode. Terminal device 1 receives the first indication message and listens for C-RNTI1. Of course, the first indication message can also include G-RNTIs other than G-RNTI1 to transmit multiple services via PTM transmission mode.

[0234] In other words, the network device can determine which terminal device activates PTM transmission mode by default when sending the first indication information to it. Which terminal device needs to activate PTM transmission mode can be determined through the C-RNTI included in the first indication information, or it can be assumed to be the terminal device receiving the first indication information.

[0235] For example, the first indication information may include C-RNTI and G-RNTI, and may indicate that the PTM transmission mode of the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI is activated, and the service corresponding to G-RNTI is transmitted using the PTM transmission mode.

[0236] Combination Figure 2If a network device sends a first indication message including G-RNTI1 and C-RNTI2 to terminal device 1 via PTP transmission, it can instruct terminal device 1 to activate PTM transmission mode and transmit the service corresponding to G-RNTI2 via PTM transmission mode. Terminal device 1 receives the first indication message and listens for C-RNTI2. Of course, the first indication message can also include G-RNTIs other than G-RNTI2 to transmit multiple services via PTM transmission mode.

[0237] For example, the first instruction information may not include C-RNTI and G-RNTI. The PTM transmission mode of the terminal device that receives the first instruction information may be activated by default, and all services that want to be transmitted via PTM transmission mode may be transmitted using PTM transmission mode.

[0238] Combination Figure 2 The network device sends a first indication message to terminal device 1 via PTP-path 1. The first indication message indicates that the PTM transmission mode is activated, which can activate the PTM transmission mode of terminal device 1 to transmit services via PTM. The terminal device receives the first indication message and receives all services that it wants to transmit via PTM transmission mode.

[0239] Taking the first indication information used to indicate that the first transmission mode has entered a deactivation state as an example, the network device and the terminal device are using the first transmission mode, and the network device can transmit indication information indicating that the first transmission mode has entered an activation state through the second transmission mode.

[0240] In another possible design, when the first indication information is used to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, S701a may include: the network device using the first transmission mode sending the first indication information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device using the first transmission mode receives the first indication information from the network device.

[0241] For example, if the network device is currently using the second transmission mode and wants to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, it can send the indication information through the first transmission mode.

[0242] In other words, when the second transmission method is used, the first transmission method can be active and can transmit signaling (such as first indication information) through the first transmission method, but cannot receive data or services through the first transmission method.

[0243] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal device via PTP transmission mode. The specific implementation method can be referred to Example 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTP to PTM transmission mode as an example, the network device can send the first indication information to the terminal device via PTM transmission mode. The specific implementation method can be referred to Example 1 above.

[0245] Optionally, when the first indication information is used to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, the network device uses either the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode to send the first indication information, which depends on the state of the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode.

[0246] For example, if the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in the active period, the network device can send the first indication information using either the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode.

[0247] For example, consider a first indication message used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode. If the DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission mode is active, the network device can send the first indication message using either PTM or PTP transmission mode.

[0248] For example, if the DRX corresponding to the first transmission method is in a dormant period, the network device can use the second transmission method to send the first indication information.

[0249] For example, consider a first indication message used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode. If the DRX corresponding to PTP transmission mode is in a dormant state, the terminal device is in sleep mode and cannot receive the first indication message. In this case, the network device can send the first indication message using PTM transmission mode.

[0250] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to receive first indication information from the network device. Optionally, the transceiver 503 is also used to perform any one or more possible transmit / receive functions involved in the terminal device in S701a, and the processor 501 can be used to perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S701a.

[0251] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, the transceiver module 601 in the communication device 600 can be used to receive first indication information from the network device. Optionally, the processing module 602 can be used to perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S701a, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to perform any one or more possible transmit and receive functions involved in the terminal device in S701a.

[0252] When the communication device 500 is a network device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to send first instruction information to the terminal device. Optionally, the processor 501 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S701a, and the transceiver 503 can be used to execute any one or more possible transmit and receive functions involved in the network device in S701a.

[0253] When the communication device 600 is a network device, the transceiver module 601 in the communication device 600 can be used to send first instruction information to the terminal device. Optionally, the processing module 602 can be used to perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S701a, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to perform any one or more possible transmit and receive functions involved in the network device in S701a.

[0254] S702a, when the first condition is met, the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode.

[0255] For example, the first condition includes the terminal device being inactive in the first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the first transmission method.

[0256] Combination Figure 3 The first condition includes that the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the PTM or PTP transmission mode is in a dormant period.

[0257] Thus, when the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode of the terminal device is in a dormant state, the activation state timer of the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is started to wake up the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode, thereby enabling timely data transmission using the PTM or PTP transmission mode.

[0258] Optionally, the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode can be a wake-up state timer (Onduration timer), a DRX inactive state timer (drx-InactivityTimer), or an MBS-DRX wake-up state timer (MBS-drx-On duration timer). When the On duration timer, drx-InactivityTimer, or MBS-drx-On duration timer is running, the DRX is in a wake-up state.

[0259] In other words, the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode can use an existing timer (e.g., On duration timer, drx-InactivityTimer) or a newly added timer (e.g., MBS-drx-Onduration timer). This application does not limit this, as long as it can put the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode into the active period.

[0260] Combination Figure 2 The CU of the network device can send the first indication information to the DU of the network device, instructing the DU of the network device to start the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when the first condition is met.

[0261] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode as an example: The network device is currently using the second transmission mode to transmit service 1. When the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in sleep mode, the active state timer under the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is started, so that the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in wake-up state, and service 1 is transmitted using the first transmission mode. The transmission of service 1 in the second mode is suspended, so that the transmission mode to be used can be selected in a timely manner.

[0262] It should be noted that when the first discontinuous reception mode is in the active period, the timer is already running, so the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode does not need to be started again, and the switching between transmission modes or the transmission mode can be successfully completed or successfully activated.

[0263] Optionally, the network device may immediately start the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when the first condition is met, or it may wait for a period of time before starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode.

[0264] In one possible design, the above S702a may include: if the first condition is met, the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the first moment T1.

[0265] Optionally, the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0+K1, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0266] Specifically, a moment can be measured in milliseconds, subframes, or time slots.

[0267] It is understandable that T0 can also be the time when the DCI used to schedule the first indication information is received, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions.

[0268] Optionally, the first indication information includes a first time period K1. K1 can also be preset in the protocol.

[0269] For example, if the first indication information is sent via RRC signaling, PDCP control PDU, T0 control PDU, MAC CE, and / or DCI, T0 can be the time when the terminal device receives the RRC signaling, PDCP control PDU, T0 control PDU, MAC CE, and / or DCI.

[0270] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example. Combined with... Figure 9 Assuming the DRX in PTP transmission mode is in a dormant state, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device through PTM transmission mode. The terminal device receives the first indication information at time T0. Then, the network device starts the wake-up state timer of the DRX in PTP transmission mode at time T0+K1 (taking the active state timer as the wake-up state timer as an example), thereby switching from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. PTP transmission mode can be used for data transmission, which can realize flexible selection of transmission mode.

[0271] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTP to PTM transmission mode as an example. Combined with... Figure 10 Assuming the DRX in PTM transmission mode is in a dormant state, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device via PTP transmission mode. The terminal device receives the first indication information at time T0. Then, the network device starts the wake-up state timer of the DRX in PTP transmission mode at time T0+K1 (taking the active state timer as the wake-up state timer as an example), thereby switching from PTP transmission mode to PTM transmission mode. PTM transmission mode can be used for data transmission, which can realize flexible selection of transmission mode.

[0272] Taking the first indication information used to indicate that the PTM transmission mode has entered the active state as an example. Combined with... Figure 10Assuming the DRX in PTM transmission mode is in a dormant period, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device via PTP transmission mode. The terminal device receives the first indication information at time T0. Then, the network device starts the wake-up state timer of the DRX in PTM transmission mode at time T0+K1 (taking the activation state timer as the wake-up state timer as an example). Thus, the DRX is activated from PTM transmission mode and enters the activation period. Data transmission can be carried out using PTM transmission mode, which can realize flexible selection of transmission mode.

[0273] Optionally, such as Figure 9 As shown, after the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started, when the terminal device performs the first uplink or downlink data transmission scheduling, the network device will start or restart drx-InactivityTimer.

[0274] Optionally, if decoding fails, data retransmission can be performed by starting the HARQ RTT Timer and then starting the drx-RetransmissionTimer. For specific implementation details, please refer to the above description. Figure 4c The description will not be repeated here.

[0275] In another possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1 and a second time period K2. S702a may include: if the first condition is met, the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the second time T2.

[0276] Optionally, the second time T2 is greater than or equal to time T0+K1+K2, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0277] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example. Combined with... Figure 9 Assuming the DRX in PTP transmission mode is in a dormant state, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device via PTM transmission mode. When the terminal device receives the first indication information at time T0, the network device starts the wake-up state timer of the DRX in PTP transmission mode at time T0+K1+K2 (taking the wake-up state timer as an example of the active state timer), thereby switching from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. PTP transmission mode can be used for data transmission, which can realize flexible selection of transmission mode.

[0278] Regarding the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTP to PTM transmission mode, and the first indication information used to indicate that PTM transmission mode has entered an active state, if the first condition is met, the network device will start the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the second time T2. For a detailed implementation of this, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 10The specific details regarding the network device starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the first moment T1, if the first condition is met, will not be repeated here.

[0279] In another possible design, the first indication information includes a second time period K2, S702a, which may include: if the first condition is met, the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the third time T3.

[0280] Optionally, the third time T3 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K2, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information. The specific implementation is similar to that described above when starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the first or second time, and will not be repeated here.

[0281] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the values ​​of the first time period K1 and the second time period K2.

[0282] When the communication device 500 is a network device, the processor 501 in the communication device 500 can be used to start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when a first condition is met. Optionally, the processor 501 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S702a, and the transceiver 503 can be used to execute any one or more possible transmit and receive functions involved in the network device in S702a.

[0283] When the communication device 600 is a network device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to start the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when the first condition is met. Optionally, the processing module 602 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S702a, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the network device in S702a.

[0284] S703a, when the first condition is met, the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first instruction information.

[0285] The specific implementation of the activation state timer under the first condition and the first discontinuous reception mode can be referred to in S702a above, and will not be repeated here.

[0286] For example, when the DRX corresponding to the PTM or PTP transmission mode is in a dormant state, the terminal device can start the activation state timer under the DRX corresponding to the PTM or PTP transmission mode according to the first instruction information, so as to use the PTM or PTP transmission mode for data transmission, thereby realizing flexible selection of the activation transmission mode.

[0287] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1. The above-mentioned S703a may include: if the first condition is met, the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at the first time T1.

[0288] Optionally, the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0+K1, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0289] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example. Combined with... Figure 9 Assuming the DRX in PTP transmission mode is in a dormant period, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device through PTM transmission mode. The terminal device receives the first indication information at time T0, and then the terminal device starts the wake-up state timer of the DRX in PTP transmission mode at time T0+K1 (taking the active state timer as the wake-up state timer as an example), thereby switching from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. Data can be received using PTP transmission mode, which can realize flexible selection of transmission mode.

[0290] Regarding the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTP transmission mode to PTM transmission mode, and the first indication information used to indicate that PTM transmission mode has entered an active state, if the first condition is met, the specific implementation method of the terminal device starting the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the second time T2 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 10 The specific details regarding the network device starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the first moment T1, if the first condition is met, will not be repeated here.

[0291] In another possible design, the first indication information includes a first time period K1 and a second time period K2. The above S703a may include: if the first condition is met, the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at the second time T2.

[0292] Optionally, the second time T2 is greater than or equal to time T0+K1+K2, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0293] Taking the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example. Combined with... Figure 9Assuming the DRX in PTP transmission mode is in a dormant state, the network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device through PTM transmission mode. The terminal device receives the first indication information at time T0, and then the terminal device starts the wake-up state timer of the DRX in PTP transmission mode at time T0+K1+K2 (taking the active state timer as the wake-up state timer as an example), thereby switching from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. The terminal device can use PTP transmission mode to receive data, which can realize flexible selection of transmission mode.

[0294] Regarding the first indication information used to indicate a switch from PTP transmission mode to PTM transmission mode, and the first indication information used to indicate that PTM transmission mode has entered an active state, if the first condition is met, the specific implementation method of the terminal device starting the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the second time T2 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 10 The specific details regarding the network device starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the first moment T1, if the first condition is met, will not be repeated here.

[0295] In another possible design, the first indication information includes a second time period K2, S703a, which may include: if the first condition is met, the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the third time T3.

[0296] Optionally, the third time T3 is greater than or equal to time T0 + K2, where T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information. The specific implementation is similar to that described above when starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at the first or second time, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] Optionally, the terminal device can interpret the first instruction information in the first time period K1.

[0298] Alternatively, the terminal device may interpret the first instruction information in the first time period K1 and the second time period K2.

[0299] It should be noted that the step numbers S702a and S703a do not restrict the order in which the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode and the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode; these two steps are executed simultaneously.

[0300] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the processor 501 in the communication device 500 can be used to start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information when the first condition is met. Optionally, the processor 501 can also be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S703a. The transceiver 503 is also used to execute any one or more possible transmit and receive functions involved in the terminal device in S703a.

[0301] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to start an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information when the first condition is met. Optionally, the processing module 602 can also be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S703a, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the terminal device in S703a.

[0302] S704a, the network device sends data to the terminal device using a first transmission method. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives data from the network device using the first transmission method.

[0303] If the DRX activation state timer is started using PTM transmission mode, the network device sends data to the terminal device using PTM transmission mode, and the terminal device receives data from the network device using PTM transmission mode. If the DRX activation state timer is started using PTP transmission mode, the network device sends data to the terminal device using PTP transmission mode, and the terminal device receives data from the network device using PTP transmission mode.

[0304] Combination Figure 11 Taking the first indication message indicating a switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example: The network device is sequentially sending data packets 1 to 9 to terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 using PTM transmission mode. After transmitting data packet 3, the network device determines that it will switch the transmission mode with terminal device 1 from PTM to PTP transmission mode, sends the first indication message to terminal device 1, and both the network device and terminal device 1 start the active state timer under DRX for terminal device 1's PTP transmission mode. The network device continues to send data packets 4 to 9 to terminal device 1 via PTP transmission mode. The network device does not send the first indication message to terminal device 2, and terminal device 2 continues to receive data using PTM transmission mode.

[0305] Figure 11 The solid line corresponding to PTP in the diagram represents a schematic diagram of DRX obtained by the activation state timer under DRX mode when PTP transmission mode of terminal device 1 is started. Figure 11The dashed line corresponding to the PTP of terminal device 1 shown in the diagram represents a DRX cycle diagram that does not employ the method provided in this application. Figure 11 As shown, this application enables data transmission via PTP at time t1 by activating the DRX activation timer of the PTP transmission mode on terminal device 1, allowing successful transmission of data packets 4 to 9. This ensures timely switching without packet loss. In one embodiment, switching is only possible at time t2 after the PTP DRX has entered the activation period, resulting in successful transmission of data packets 8 to 9. Since the device is in a sleep state between t1 and t2, data packets 4 to 7 cannot be received, leading to packet loss. Alternatively, data packets 4 to 9 may only begin transmission at time t2, increasing data transmission latency.

[0306] Similarly, the method provided in this application can also ensure timely switching and no packet loss when switching from PTP transmission mode to PTM transmission mode, which will not be described in detail here.

[0307] The method provided in this application can quickly activate and deactivate the first transmission mode. Quick activation can prevent packet loss caused by the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode being in a dormant state, and deactivation can save power consumption when there is no data to be transmitted.

[0308] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to receive data from the network device using a first transmission method. Optionally, the transceiver 503 can also be used to perform any one or more possible transmission and reception functions involved in the terminal device in S704a, and the processor 501 can be used to perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S704a.

[0309] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, the transceiver module 601 in the communication device 600 can be used to receive data from the network device using a first transmission method. Optionally, the processing module 602 can be used to perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S704a, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to perform any one or more possible transmit and receive functions involved in the terminal device in S704a.

[0310] When the communication device 500 is a network device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to send data to the terminal device using a first transmission method. Optionally, the processor 501 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S704a, and the transceiver 503 can be used to execute any one or more possible send and receive functions involved in the network device in S704a.

[0311] When the communication device 600 is a network device, the transceiver module 601 in the communication device 600 can be used to send data to the terminal device using a first transmission method. Optionally, the processing module 602 can be used to perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S704a, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to perform any one or more possible send and receive functions involved in the network device in S704a.

[0312] based on Figure 7a The communication method shown involves a terminal device configured in a first discontinuous reception mode. When this mode is inactive, the terminal device starts an activation timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to a first indication, thereby receiving data from the network device using a first transmission method. The first discontinuous reception mode is either PTM or DRX, corresponding to PTP transmission. Thus, the terminal device configured with DRX can promptly transmit data using either PTM or PTP transmission based on the first indication.

[0313] For example, Figure 7b This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be applied to... Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the communication between the network device and the terminal device. Figure 7a The first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission method. Figure 7b In the method shown, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is not performed using the first transmission method. Figure 7a similar, Figure 7b The provided communication method is applicable to a terminal device configured with a first discontinuous reception mode. Optionally, the terminal device may also be configured with a second discontinuous reception mode.

[0314] like Figure 7b As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0315] In step S701b, the network device sends a first instruction message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction message from the network device.

[0316] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is not performed using the first transmission method.

[0317] Optionally, the first indication information may be transmitted via one or more of the following: RRC signaling, PDCP control PDU, RLC control PDU, MAC CE, and DCI. Specific implementation details can be found in S701a and will not be elaborated here.

[0318] In some embodiments, the first indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier (service ID), Session Identifier (session ID), and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID). Specific implementation details can be found in S701a and will not be elaborated here.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first indication information described above is used to indicate that data transmission is not performed using the first transmission method, and may include: the first indication information may be used to indicate that the first transmission method enters a deactivation state.

[0320] For example, the network device and terminal device are currently using the PTM transmission mode, which is in an active state. If there is no immediate service requirement for transmission, the first indication information instructs the PTM transmission mode to enter a deactivated state. When data transmission via the PTM transmission mode is required, the first indication information can be used to instruct the PTM transmission mode to enter an active state, thus enabling timely data transmission using the transmission mode.

[0321] In one possible design, S701a may include: the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device using a first transmission method. Correspondingly, the terminal device receiving the first indication information from the network device using the first transmission method.

[0322] Example 3, taking PTM transmission mode as the first transmission mode and first indication information used to indicate that PTM transmission mode enters a deactivation state as an example. The network device sends the first indication information to the terminal device via PTM transmission mode. The first indication information may include C-RNTI and / or G-RNTI, or it may not include C-RNTI and G-RNTI. The first indication information may include one or more G-RNTIs and one or more C-RNTIs. Of course, the first indication information may include G-RNTI, C-RNTI, a first time period K1, a second time period K2, a Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), a service identifier, a session identifier, and / or a multicast radio bearer identifier (MRB ID). The first time period K1 and / or the second time period K2 are not described here.

[0323] Specifically, the first indication information includes C-RNTI, which can indicate the deactivation of the PTM transmission mode of the terminal device corresponding to C-RNTI. The first indication information also includes G-RNTI, which can indicate the deactivation of the PTM transmission mode of the MBS service corresponding to G-RNTI, suspending the transmission of the MBS service corresponding to G-RNTI via PTM transmission mode. The specific implementation is similar to Example 2 in S701a, and can be referred to Example 2 in S701a for details. The main difference is that activation can be replaced with deactivation in Example 2 of S701a, and the transmission of the MBS service corresponding to G-RNTI via PTM transmission mode can be replaced with suspension of the transmission of the MBS service corresponding to G-RNTI via PTM transmission mode, etc.

[0324] It should be noted that, Figure 7b The communication method shown is related to Figure 7a The main difference in the communication method shown is that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first transmission method is not used for data transmission, and the first indication information can be used to indicate that the first transmission method enters the deactivation state. The implementation of other contents can refer to the implementation of S701a above, and will not be repeated here.

[0325] S702b, when the second condition is met, the network device suspends the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode.

[0326] For example, the second condition includes the terminal device being in an active state in a first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the first transmission method.

[0327] Combination Figure 3 The second condition includes the PTM or PTP transmission mode corresponding to the discontinuous reception mode being active. Thus, when the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode of the terminal device is active, the active state timer under the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is paused, so that the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in a dormant state, allowing for flexible control to prevent data transmission using either the PTM or PTP transmission mode.

[0328] In one possible design, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the first transmission mode enters a deactivation state. When the network device meets the second condition, pausing the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode can include: if the second condition is met, the network device pausing the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at a first time T1; or, if the second condition is met, the network device pausing the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at a second time T2; or, if the second condition is met, the network device pausing the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode at a third time T3. Specific implementation methods refer to the corresponding implementation methods in S702a above, where the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when the first condition is met, and will not be elaborated here.

[0329] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode can be referred to S702a above, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] S703b, when the second condition is met, the terminal device suspends the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first instruction information.

[0331] For example, the second condition includes the terminal device being in an active state in a first discontinuous reception mode, where the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the first transmission method.

[0332] Combination Figure 3 The second condition includes the PTM or PTP transmission mode corresponding to the discontinuous reception mode being active. Thus, when the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode of the terminal device is active, the active state timer under the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is paused according to the first indication information, so that the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in a dormant state, allowing for flexible control to prevent data transmission using the PTM or PTP transmission modes.

[0333] In one possible design, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the first transmission mode enters a deactivation state. When the second condition is met, the terminal device pauses the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information. This can include: if the second condition is met, the terminal device pauses the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at a first time T1. Alternatively, if the second condition is met, the terminal device pauses the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at a second time T2. Alternatively, if the second condition is met, the terminal device pauses the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information at a third time T3. Specific implementation methods refer to the corresponding implementation methods in S702a above, where the terminal device starts the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information when the first condition is met; these will not be elaborated upon here.

[0334] It should be noted that the step numbers S702b and S703b do not restrict the order in which the network device suspends the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode and the terminal device suspends the active state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode; these two steps are executed simultaneously.

[0335] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to perform... Figure 7b The processor 501 can execute any one or more possible transmit / receive functions involved in the terminal device in the communication method shown. Figure 7b The communication method shown may involve any one or more possible processing functions of the terminal device.

[0336] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, the transceiver module 601 in the communication device 600 can be used to perform... Figure 7b In the communication method shown, the transceiver module 601 can also perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device. Figure 7b The communication method shown refers to any one or more possible transmit and receive functions involved in the terminal device.

[0337] When the communication device 500 is a network device, the processor 501 in the communication device 500 can be used to execute... Figure 7b The transceiver 503 can be used to perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in the communication method shown. Figure 7b The communication method shown refers to any one or more possible transmit / receive functions involved in the network device.

[0338] When the communication device 600 is a network device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to execute... Figure 7bIn the communication method shown, the transceiver module 601 can also perform any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device. Figure 7b The communication method shown refers to any one or more possible transmit / receive functions involved in the network device.

[0339] based on Figure 7b The communication method shown pauses the active state timer under the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode when the discontinuous reception mode corresponding to the PTM or PTP transmission mode is active, so that the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in a sleep state. This allows for flexible control of not using the PTM or PTP transmission mode for data transmission, saving power consumption of the terminal device when there is no data to be transmitted.

[0340] It should be noted that, Figure 7a and Figure 7b In the communication method shown, some steps or information may also be applicable to terminal devices and application scenarios that have not configured DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode and DRX corresponding to the second transmission mode.

[0341] For example, an S701a or S701b network device sends a first instruction message to a terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction message from the network device.

[0342] For example, the network device described in S701a uses a second transmission method to send first instruction information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device uses the second transmission method to receive the first instruction information from the network device. For specific implementation details, refer to [link to implementation details]. Figure 7a S701a, which will not be elaborated here.

[0343] For example, the network device described in S701a or S701b uses a first transmission method to send first instruction information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device uses the first transmission method to receive the first instruction information from the network device. The specific implementation method is the same as described in S701a or S701b above, and will not be repeated here.

[0344] For example, the first indication information can be applied to terminal devices that are not configured with a DRX corresponding to the first transmission method and a DRX corresponding to the second transmission method, as well as application scenarios. The first indication information refers to... Figure 7a or Figure 7b The communication method shown is described in relation to the first instruction information.

[0345] For example, the first indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), TMGI, Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and MRB ID.

[0346] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission mode, and may include: the first indication information indicating a switch from a second transmission mode to a first transmission mode, or the first indication information indicating that the first transmission mode enters an active state. Further details are omitted.

[0347] The HARQ mechanism for deactivating PTM transmission mode or switching from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode is described below. It should be noted that in the communication methods provided below in this application, the terminal device may be configured with DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode and / or DRX corresponding to the second transmission mode, or it may not be configured with either DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode or DRX corresponding to the second transmission mode.

[0348] Network devices are configured with split-MRB (public PDCP entity connects PTP RLC entity and PTMRLC entity) or MRB with PTM leg only for terminal devices to receive multicast data.

[0349] When network devices transmit multicast services via PTM transmission, they need to consider the reception status of all terminal devices receiving multicast services via PTM transmission. The network devices need to receive HARQ feedback (ACK or NACK) from multiple terminal devices, that is, multiple terminal devices provide feedback on the reception status of multicast services.

[0350] Specifically, HARQ feedback methods include: ACK or NACK feedback, and only NACK feedback.

[0351] For ACK or NACK feedback, different terminal devices respond independently (e.g., through their own configured feedback resources). If a data packet is received correctly, an ACK is returned; if an incorrect data packet is received, a NACK is returned. The network device then uses the feedback from each terminal device to determine its reception status and whether to retransmit.

[0352] In the case of only sending NACK, network devices can configure the same feedback resource for multiple terminal devices. If a terminal device correctly receives a data packet, it does not send a feedback; if it incorrectly receives a data packet, it sends a NACK. If multiple terminal devices incorrectly receive data packets, they all send NACKs on the same resource. From the network device's perspective, upon receiving a NACK, it retransmits the packet without distinguishing which terminal device failed to receive the data packet correctly.

[0353] When a terminal device's PTM transmission mode is deactivated, or when the terminal device switches from PTM to PTP transmission mode, the terminal device needs to stop responding to data packets that were not successfully received via PTM. Otherwise, it will waste resources and power, and the network device will retransmit the data packets to other correctly received terminal devices. For example, if the network device receives a NACK response from a terminal device, it will retransmit the data packet via PTM. This means that other terminal devices may have received the data packet correctly in the initial transmission, but will receive it again in the retransmission, resulting in wasted resources and affecting the data transmission rate.

[0354] Therefore, it is necessary to define the behavior of the terminal device when deactivating PTM transmission mode or switching from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode. For example, to prevent the terminal device from performing HARQ feedback. Specifically, there are two schemes, which are referred to respectively. Figure 12 and Figure 13 .

[0355] For example, Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication between the network device and the terminal device is shown. Figure 12 The provided communication method is applicable to terminal devices that are configured with DRX, as well as terminal devices that are not configured with DRX.

[0356] like Figure 12 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0357] S1201, the network device sends a second instruction message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second instruction message from the network device.

[0358] Specifically, the second indication information is used to indicate that the second transmission mode enters a deactivation state, or the second indication information is used to indicate switching from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode.

[0359] In some embodiments, the second indication information may include one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID).

[0360] In some embodiments, the first time period K1 and the second time period K2 can also be preset in the protocol.

[0361] The specific implementation method of the second instruction information can be referred to the corresponding implementation method of the first instruction information in S701a or S701b above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0362] For the specific implementation of S1201, please refer to S701a or S701b above, which will not be repeated here.

[0363] S1202, the terminal device does not send HARQ feedback information to the network device.

[0364] Optionally, HARQ feedback information includes ACK or NACK.

[0365] Furthermore, when the third condition is met, the terminal device does not send HARQ feedback information to the network device. For example, the third condition includes that the HARQ feedback information is feedback information from an ongoing or previously occurring HARQ process using the second transmission mode.

[0366] Thus, if the HARQ feedback information is feedback information from the ongoing or previously ongoing HARQ process of the second transmission mode, the terminal device does not need to provide ACK or NACK, which can avoid wasting resources and power consumption and improve the data transmission rate.

[0367] Understandably, not sending HARQ feedback information to network devices can be replaced by stopping sending HARQ feedback information to network devices. Here, HARQ feedback information refers to feedback information for data transmitted using the deactivated transport mode, or feedback information for data transmitted using the transport mode before the mode switch (i.e., the source transport mode).

[0368] S1203, the network device ignores the HARQ feedback information from the terminal device.

[0369] Furthermore, when the fourth condition is met, the network device ignoring HARQ feedback information from the terminal device may include: not receiving the HARQ feedback information from the terminal device, or receiving it but not performing any operation on the HARQ feedback information, such as not retransmitting data packets.

[0370] Optionally, the fourth condition includes the terminal device being the first terminal device.

[0371] For example, the first terminal device is a terminal device that has received the second instruction information from the network device and has not activated the second transmission mode.

[0372] In this way, the network device can determine whether the HARQ feedback information comes from a terminal device that has deactivated the second transmission mode or a terminal device that has switched from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode. If so, the HARQ feedback information is ignored, which can avoid the waste of resources and power consumption and improve the data transmission rate.

[0373] It should be noted that S1202 and S1203 can be used independently or in combination.

[0374] S1204, the terminal device sends HARQ feedback information, or PDCP status report, or RLC feedback to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the HARQ feedback information, or PDCP status report, or RLC feedback from the terminal device.

[0375] Furthermore, S1204 above may include: the terminal device sending HARQ feedback information to the network device via a second transmission method. Correspondingly, the network device receiving HARQ feedback information from the terminal device via the second transmission method.

[0376] Optionally, the HARQ feedback information may be sent when the terminal device has not deactivated the second transmission mode or has not switched to the second transmission mode. The terminal device should wait several time slots after receiving the first indication information before switching again.

[0377] Optionally, the PDCP status report can indicate that PDCP packets were not received correctly.

[0378] Furthermore, S1204 above may include: the terminal device sending a PDCP status report to the network device via a second transmission method or a first transmission method. Correspondingly, the network device receiving the PDCP status report from the terminal device via the second transmission method or the first transmission method.

[0379] Optionally, RLC feedback can indicate that RLC packets were not received correctly.

[0380] Furthermore, S1204 above may include: the terminal device sending RLC feedback to the network device via a second transmission method or a first transmission method. Correspondingly, the network device can receive RLC feedback from the terminal device via the second transmission method or the first transmission method.

[0381] S1205, the network device transmits retransmitted data to the terminal device via the first transmission method. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the retransmitted data from the network device via the first transmission method.

[0382] Furthermore, when the fourth condition is met, the network device can send a retransmission to the terminal device via the first transmission method (targeted). For example, the fifth condition includes the terminal device being the first terminal device and the HARQ feedback information being NACK.

[0383] For example, the first terminal device is a terminal device that has received the second instruction information from the network device and has not activated the second transmission mode.

[0384] In this way, the network device determines whether the HARQ feedback information comes from a terminal device that has been deactivated in the second transmission mode or a terminal device that has switched from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, and whether the HARQ feedback information is NACK. If so, the network device retransmits the data to the terminal device through the first transmission mode, which can avoid sending the data to other terminal devices that may not have responded with NACK, thus avoiding the waste of resources and power consumption and improving the data transmission rate.

[0385] It should be noted that S1204-S1205 can be parallel solutions to S1202 or S1203 mentioned above, and can be used independently.

[0386] S1206, the terminal device stops the HARQ process corresponding to the second transmission mode.

[0387] In this way, the terminal device stops all HARQ processes corresponding to the second transmission method and will not return NACK or ACK, thereby avoiding the waste of resources and power consumption and improving the data transmission rate.

[0388] It should be noted that S1206 can be a parallel solution with the above-mentioned S1204-S1205, S1202, or S1203, and can be used independently.

[0389] S1207, The terminal device clears / refreshes all HARQ buffers associated with the second transmission mode.

[0390] Clearing the corresponding HARQ cache on the terminal device can prevent abnormal data transmission.

[0391] Specifically, if the terminal device does not clear the corresponding HARQ cache, after the second transmission mode is activated, the new data indication (NDI) sent by the network device may be the same as the previous NDI (e.g., the NDI of the data in the HARQ process of the second transmission mode that is in progress when the second indication information is received), or the NDI is the same (without flipping) and the code block group flushing out information (CBGFI) is 1. If the NDI is the same, or the NDI is the same and the CBGFI is 1, the terminal device will treat the new data packet and the cached data packet as the same TB retransmission packet and perform soft merging processing on the new data packet and the cached data packet, which will cause an anomaly.

[0392] In addition, clearing / refreshing the HARQ cache on the terminal device can also be seen as a way to prevent the terminal device from sending ACK or NACK feedback to the network device, because there are no data packets in the cache, so there is no need to provide feedback on the data packets in the cache.

[0393] It should be noted that S1207 and the above-mentioned S1206, S1204-S1205, S1202, or S1203 can be parallel solutions and can be used independently.

[0394] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to execute any one or more possible transmission and reception functions involved in the terminal device in S1201-S1207, and the processor 501 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S1201-S1207.

[0395] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S1201-S1207, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the terminal device in S1201-S1207.

[0396] When the communication device 500 is a network device, the processor 501 in the communication device 500 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S1201-S1207, and the transceiver 503 can be used to execute any one or more possible sending and receiving functions involved in the network device in S1201-S1207.

[0397] When the communication device 600 is a network device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S1201-S1207, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the network device in S1201-S1207.

[0398] For example, Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication between the network device and the terminal device is shown. Figure 13 The provided communication method is applicable to terminal devices that are configured with DRX, as well as terminal devices that are not configured with DRX.

[0399] like Figure 13 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0400] S1301, the network device sends first data to the terminal device via a first transmission method. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first data from the network device via the first transmission method.

[0401] Furthermore, under the sixth condition, the network device sends the first data to the terminal device via the first transmission mode. For example, the sixth condition includes switching from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode.

[0402] For example, the terminal device is receiving data packets 1 and 2 using the second transmission method, while the network device is sending data packet 3 to the terminal device using the first transmission method.

[0403] S1302, the terminal device obtains the second instruction information based on the first data.

[0404] The specific implementation method of the second instruction information can be referred to in S1201 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0405] Optionally, the terminal device may, based on the received data or the path (or transmission method) of the received data, default to the network device's instruction to switch from the second transmission method to the first transmission method. Optionally, the terminal device may also implicitly obtain the network device's instruction to deactivate the second transmission method, based on the received data or the path (or transmission method) of the received data.

[0406] For example, combined Figure 2In (a), the terminal device can determine whether the network device instructs it to deactivate the second transmission mode or switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode based on the logical channel identifier (LCID) corresponding to the first path contained in the header of the received MAC packet. The LCID corresponds one-to-one with the RLC entity of the terminal device.

[0407] For example, LCID1 corresponds to RLC1 of terminal device 1, and LCID2 corresponds to RLC2 of terminal device 1.

[0408] Taking the switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example. Combined with... Figure 2 In (a), the terminal device can determine whether the entity receiving the data packet is the RLC entity corresponding to the PTP path. If so, it determines whether the network device instructs it to deactivate the PTM transmission mode or switch from the PTM transmission mode to the PTP transmission mode. For example, if the RLC1 entity (corresponding to the PTP path) of terminal device 1 receives the data packet, it determines whether the network device instructs it to deactivate the PTM transmission mode or switch from the PTM transmission mode to the PTP transmission mode.

[0409] After receiving information from the network device instructing it to deactivate the second transmission mode or switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, the terminal device may execute S1303, S1304, S1305-S1306, S1307, or S1308.

[0410] The specific implementation methods of S1303, S1304, S1305-S1306, S1307, and S1308 can be referred to s1202-S1207 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0411] Figure 13 and Figure 12 The main difference between the methods shown is that, Figure 12 The network device sends a second instruction message to the terminal device. Figure 13 The terminal device obtains the second instruction information based on the first data.

[0412] Furthermore, for Figure 13 and Figure 12 The method shown is to Figure 13 For example, S1303, S1304, S1305-S1306, S1307, and S1308 are executed only for the HARQ process corresponding to the data packets received on the second path (e.g., data packets 1 and 2). That is, they are only executed for the HARQ process corresponding to the data packets received on the first path before the data packets (e.g., data packet 3) are received. They do not affect the HARQ process of subsequent data packets received on the second path, because the terminal device may switch to the second transmission mode.

[0413] Taking the switch from PTM transmission mode to PTP transmission mode as an example, the terminal device continues to receive data packets 4 and 5 on the PTM path. Before receiving data packet 6 via PTP transmission mode, the terminal device needs to provide feedback on data packets 4 and 5. After receiving data packet 6 via PTP transmission mode, it needs to stop providing feedback on data packets (including successful and unsuccessful ones) received via PTP transmission mode before data packet 6.

[0414] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to execute any one or more possible transmission and reception functions involved in the terminal device in S1301-S1308, and the processor 501 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S1301-S1308.

[0415] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in S1301-S1308, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the terminal device in S1301-S1308.

[0416] When the communication device 500 is a network device, the processor 501 in the communication device 500 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S1301-S1308, and the transceiver 503 can be used to execute any one or more possible sending and receiving functions involved in the network device in S1301-S1308.

[0417] When the communication device 600 is a network device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in S1301-S1308, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the network device in S1301-S1308.

[0418] The following schemes 1 and 2 describe the behavior of terminal devices in configuration authorization. Configuration authorization will be introduced before introducing the technical solutions.

[0419] Configured grant

[0420] In addition to DCI-based dynamic grant scheduling, 4G and 5G systems also support unlicensed scheduling, also known as configuration grant. Once the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) resources are configured and activated via RRC signaling, PUSCH or PDSCH can be transmitted without DCI scheduling. The ConfiguredGrantConfig cell can be used to configure unlicensed uplink (UL) transmission types. Uplink grant can be configured via RRC (type 1) or provided via PDCCH (configured scheduling RNTI, CS-RNTI scrambled) (type 2).

[0421] Specifically, configured grant type 1 is a contention-based transmission. Once the RRC configuration takes effect, the terminal device can transmit PUSCH (autonomous resource selection) or receive PDSCH on the configured granted resources.

[0422] With configured grant type 2, after the RRC is configured and the DCI is activated by CS-RNTI scrambling, the terminal device can transmit PUSCH or receive PDSCH on the corresponding configured grant resources.

[0423] Option 1: After receiving the second instruction information from the network device, the terminal device can perform the following steps 1a to 1c.

[0424] The specific implementation method of the second instruction information can be referred to in S1201 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0425] It should be noted that Option 1 can be related to the above. Figure 12 The aforementioned communication methods can be used in combination, or Scheme 1 can be used alone.

[0426] Step 1a: The terminal device does not use G-RNTI or C-RNTI to descramble the DCI and does not listen to the PDCCH.

[0427] Step 1b: The terminal device clears all configured downlink assignments / grants corresponding to the RLC entity of the second transmission mode to ensure normal reception of data transmitted through the second transmission mode.

[0428] For example, taking the second transmission mode as the PTM transmission mode, other terminal devices that normally receive data (i.e., terminal devices that do not receive the second indication information) may update or delete the downlink configuration information. If the downlink configuration information is not cleared (it may be semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) authorization), the terminal device that receives the second indication information will still receive data on the originally authorized downlink channel after subsequent activation, which will be inconsistent with the behavior of other terminal devices and will not be able to receive data transmitted through the PTM transmission mode normally.

[0429] Step 1c: When the terminal device enters the deactivation state of the second transmission mode or switches from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, it reconfigures the downlink configuration information.

[0430] In this way, it can be guaranteed that data transmitted via the first transmission method can be received normally.

[0431] It should be noted that steps 1a to 1c can be used together without being restricted in the order of execution, or they can be used individually.

[0432] Option 2: After the network device sends the first data to the terminal device through the first transmission method, the network device can perform the following steps 2a to 2c.

[0433] It should be noted that Option 2 can be related to the above. Figure 13 The aforementioned communication methods can be used in combination, or Scheme 2 can be used alone.

[0434] Step 2a: The network device does not descramble the DCI using G-RNTI or C-RNTI and does not listen to the PDCCH. Step 2b: The network device clears all downlink configurations / authorizations corresponding to the RLC entity of the second transmission mode to ensure normal data transmission via the second transmission mode.

[0435] The specific implementation method of step 2b can be referred to step 1b above, and will not be repeated here.

[0436] Step 2c: When the terminal device enters the deactivation state of the second transmission mode or switches from the PTP transmission mode to the PM transmission mode, the terminal device is instructed again to configure the authorized time and frequency resources to ensure normal data transmission through the PTM transmission mode.

[0437] Optionally, the authorized time and frequency resources can be re-indicated via RRC signaling, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0438] It should be noted that steps 2a to 2c can be used together without being restricted in the order of execution, or they can be used individually.

[0439] This application also provides the following schemes 3 to 4 to switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode.

[0440] In scheme 3, step 3a, the network device sends the first instruction information to the terminal device via the second transmission method, and continues to send data to each terminal device according to the second transmission method. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first instruction information from the network device.

[0441] For example, the first instruction information indicates a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode.

[0442] Optionally, the first indication information may also indicate that when the first discontinuous reception mode is about to enter the activation state, the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode should be started. That is, if the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in a dormant period when the terminal device receives the first indication information, the terminal device will start the activation state timer for the first discontinuous reception mode when the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is about to enter the activation period.

[0443] Alternatively, the first indication information may also indicate that, when the first condition is met, an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started according to the first indication information. The implementation is similar to S703a described above.

[0444] In some implementations, the network device may be configured to, after receiving the first indication information, adopt either a first method (i.e., the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is in an active state) or a second method (i.e., when the first condition is met, start the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information).

[0445] Step 3b: If the first condition is met, the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the configured first discontinuous reception mode. If the first condition is met, the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first discontinuous reception mode.

[0446] In other words, if the first condition is met, the terminal device can start the activation state timer when the configured first transmission mode DRX is about to enter the activation state.

[0447] Similar to the terminal device side, if the first condition is met, the network device can start the activation state timer when the configured first transmission mode DRX is about to enter the activation state.

[0448] Alternatively, in step 3c, when the first condition is met, the terminal device starts an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information. The network device also starts an activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when the first condition is met.

[0449] Step 3c and step 3b can be parallel.

[0450] Solution 3 can be combined with the above. Figure 7a The methods shown are used in combination.

[0451] In some embodiments, in S703a above, when the first condition is met, the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information, including: if the first condition is met, the terminal device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the configured first discontinuous reception mode.

[0452] In other words, if the first condition is met, the terminal device does not immediately start the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode, but can wait until the DRX of the configured first transmission mode is about to enter the activation state before starting the activation state timer.

[0453] In some embodiments, the above-described S702a, where the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode when the first condition is met, may include: if the first condition is met, the network device starts the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first discontinuous reception mode.

[0454] Similar to the terminal device side, if the first condition is met, the network device does not immediately start the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode. Instead, it can wait until the DRX of the configured first transmission mode is about to enter the activation state before starting the activation state timer.

[0455] In step 3c, the network device sends data to the terminal device through the second transmission method, and the terminal device receives the data from the network device.

[0456] Step 3c applies to Figure 7a Method and scheme 3 are shown.

[0457] In one possible design approach, Figure 7a The method shown may further include: if the first condition is met, the network device sends data to the terminal device through a second transmission method, and the terminal device receives the data from the network device.

[0458] Thus, if the first condition is met and the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is not started immediately, the terminal device can use the second transmission method to receive data from the network device before the first discontinuous reception mode enters the activation state, which can avoid packet loss.

[0459] The implementation methods for the first and second transmission methods can be referred to the above. Figure 7a What has been recorded will not be repeated here.

[0460] Option 4: The network device sends a first indication message to the terminal device via the second transmission mode. The first indication message indicates a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, and the terminal device stops receiving data via the second transmission mode. The network device buffers the corresponding data packets until the DRX corresponding to the first transmission mode is active, and then sends the buffered data packets to the terminal device via the first transmission mode.

[0461] Taking the switch from PTM to PTP transmission mode as an example, when the DRX of the PTM transmission mode is active, the network device sends a first indication message to the terminal device. The first indication message indicates a switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode, and the terminal device stops receiving data via PTM transmission mode. The network device buffers the corresponding data packets until the DRX of the PTP transmission mode is active, and then sends the buffered data packets to the terminal device via PTP transmission mode.

[0462] For scheme 4, the network device needs to cache data. If the DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission method is in a long DRX period sleep state, the network device needs to cache a large amount of data, and the data reception progress of the terminal device will be inconsistent with that of other terminal devices. In this embodiment of the application... Figure 7a The communication method shown does not require data caching. The DRX corresponding to the PTP transmission mode of the terminal device can immediately enter the activation period, which can ensure that the data reception progress of the terminal device undergoing switching is consistent with that of other terminal devices.

[0463] The embodiments of this application provide the following schemes 5 to 6.

[0464] Option 5: If condition 7 is met, network devices listen to G-RNTI and C-RNTI, and terminal devices listen to G-RNTI and C-RNTI.

[0465] Optionally, the seventh condition includes being in the third time period, which is the union of the activation period of DRX corresponding to PTM transmission mode and the activation period of DRX corresponding to PTP transmission mode.

[0466] In other words, the terminal device determines whether the seventh condition is met; if so, it listens for G-RNTI and C-RNTI. Similarly, the network device determines whether the seventh condition is met; if so, it listens for G-RNTI and C-RNTI.

[0467] like Figure 14 As shown, network devices and terminal devices can listen to the union of the DRX activation periods corresponding to PTM transmission mode and PTP transmission mode, specifically the G-RNTI and C-RNTI, to monitor data (which may be services or signaling) in a timely manner, thereby reducing latency.

[0468] It should be noted that the communication method shown in Scheme 5 can be used in conjunction with the above-mentioned methods. Figure 7a The communication methods shown can be used in combination or individually. When used in combination, the initial instruction information can be sent to the terminal device in a timely manner, allowing the terminal device to immediately perform subsequent actions without waiting, thereby further reducing latency and increasing data transmission rate.

[0469] Solution 6 is an improvement for DRX in unicast and multicast scenarios. DRX configuration information is sent to the terminal device via RRC reconfiguration messages. After the RRC reconfiguration is completed, the RRC reconfiguration completion message needs to wait for the DRX On duration timer to start before it is sent to the network device, which increases the latency.

[0470] Option 6: If condition 7 is met, the terminal device starts the DRX activation state timer. If condition 7 is met, the network device starts the DRX activation state timer. The terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the network device.

[0471] Optionally, the seventh condition includes that RRC reconfiguration is complete and DRX is in an inactive state.

[0472] In one possible design, the terminal device starting the DRX activation state timer if the seventh condition is met can include: if the seventh condition is met, the terminal device starts the DRX activation state timer at the fourth time T4. Alternatively, if the seventh condition is met, the terminal device starts the DRX activation state timer at the fifth time T5. For a specific implementation, refer to S703a above.

[0473] Optionally, the fourth time T4 is greater than or equal to time T10+K1, where T10 is the time when the terminal device receives the DRX configuration information.

[0474] Optionally, the fifth time point T5 is greater than or equal to time point T10+K1+K2.

[0475] In one possible design, the network device starting the DRX activation state timer if the seventh condition is met can include: if the seventh condition is met, the network device starts the DRX activation state timer at time T4. Alternatively, if the seventh condition is met, the network device starts the DRX activation state timer at time T5. For a specific implementation, refer to S702a above.

[0476] In Scheme 6, when the seventh condition is met, the terminal device starts the DRX activation state timer, so that after receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, it can directly send the RRC reconfiguration completion message without waiting for the DRX activation period to send the RRC reconfiguration completion message, which can reduce latency.

[0477] When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the transceiver 503 in the communication device 500 can be used to execute any one or more possible transmission and reception functions involved in the terminal device in schemes 1 to 6, and the processor 501 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in schemes 1 to 6.

[0478] When the communication device 600 is a terminal device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the terminal device in schemes 1 to 6, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the terminal device in schemes 1 to 6.

[0479] When the communication device 500 is a network device, the processor 501 in the communication device 500 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in schemes 1 to 6, and the transceiver 503 can be used to execute any one or more possible sending and receiving functions involved in the network device in schemes 1 to 6.

[0480] When the communication device 600 is a network device, the processing module 602 in the communication device 600 can be used to execute any one or more possible processing functions involved in the network device in schemes 1 to 6, and the transceiver module 601 can also be used to execute any one or more possible transceiver functions involved in the network device in schemes 1 to 6.

[0481] This application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to execute the actions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments; the specific execution methods and processes can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0482] The network device is used to perform the actions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The specific execution methods and processes can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0483] This application provides a chip system including logic circuits and input / output ports. The logic circuits can be used to implement the processing functions involved in the communication method provided in this application, and the input / output ports can be used for the transmit / receive functions involved in the communication method provided in this application.

[0484] For example, the input port can be used to implement the receiving function of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, and the output port can be used to implement the sending function of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0485] For example, the processor in communication device 500 can be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver in communication device 500 can be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The aforementioned devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into an analog baseband processor and a digital baseband processor. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (e.g., but not limited to, graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Whether the various devices are disposed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the specific needs of the product design. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the aforementioned devices.

[0486] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data that implement the functions involved in the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0487] This chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0488] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium that includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method provided in this application to be performed.

[0489] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method provided in this application to be executed.

[0490] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a CPU, but it can also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0491] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only ROM, programmable read-only ROM (PROM), erasable programmable read-only ROM (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0492] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0493] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0494] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0495] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0496] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0497] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0498] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0499] 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 to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0500] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0501] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the contributing part, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0502] 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 communication method, characterized in that, Applicable to terminal devices configured in a first discontinuous reception mode, including: The terminal device uses a second transmission method to receive first indication information from the network device; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission method, and the first transmission method is either a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission method or a point-to-point (PTP) transmission method. If the first condition is met, the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started according to the first indication information; wherein, the first condition includes the terminal device being inactive in the first discontinuous reception mode, and the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode DRX corresponding to the first transmission method. Data from the network device is received using the first transmission method.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information includes one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID).

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using the first transmission method, including: the first indication information is used to indicate switching from the second transmission method to the first transmission method, or the first indication information is used to indicate that the first transmission method enters an active state; wherein, the second transmission method is the PTM transmission method or the PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

4. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the first time period K1. The step of starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information if the first condition is met includes: If the first condition is met, the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started at the first time T1 according to the first indication information; wherein, the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0+K1, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

5. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the first time period K1 and the second time period K2. The step of starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information if the first condition is met includes: If the first condition is met, then at the second time T2, the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started according to the first indication information; wherein, the second time T2 is greater than or equal to the time T0+K1+K2, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

6. The communication method according to claim 1, 2, 4, or 5, characterized in that, If the first condition is met, then starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode according to the first indication information includes: If the first condition is met, then the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started according to the configured first discontinuous reception mode.

7. The communication method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method includes: If the first condition is met, data from the network device is received via the second transmission method; wherein the second transmission method is the PTM transmission method or the PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The network device uses a second transmission method to send a first indication message to the terminal device; wherein, the first indication message is used to indicate that data transmission is performed using a first transmission method, which is either a point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission method or a point-to-point (PTP) transmission method; if a first condition is met, an activation state timer in a first discontinuous reception mode is started; wherein, the first condition includes that the terminal device is in an inactive state in the first discontinuous reception mode, and the first discontinuous reception mode is the discontinuous reception mode DRX corresponding to the first transmission method; Data is sent to the terminal device using the first transmission method.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first indication information includes one or more of the following: Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), First Time Period K1, Second Time Period K2, Temporary Mobile Group Identifier (TMGI), Service Identifier, Session Identifier, and Multicast Radio Bearer Identifier (MRB ID).

10. The communication method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to indicate that data is transmitted using a first transmission method, including: the first indication information is used to indicate switching from a second transmission method to the first transmission method, or the first indication information is used to indicate that the first transmission method enters an active state; wherein, the second transmission method is the PTM transmission method or the PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

11. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the first time period K1, and the step of starting the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode if the first condition is met includes: If the first condition is met, the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started at the first time T1; wherein the first time T1 is greater than or equal to time T0+K1, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

12. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first indication information includes the first time period K1 and the second time period K2. The step of activating the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode if the first condition is met includes: If the first condition is met, the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started at the second time T2; wherein the second time T2 is greater than or equal to the time T0+K1+K2, and T0 is the time when the terminal device receives the first indication information.

13. The communication method according to claim 8, 9, 11, or 12, characterized in that, If the first condition is met, the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started, including: If the first condition is met, then the activation state timer in the first discontinuous reception mode is started according to the first discontinuous reception mode.

14. The communication method according to claim 8, 9, 11, or 12, characterized in that, The method includes: If the first condition is met, data is sent to the terminal device through the second transmission method; wherein the second transmission method is the PTM transmission method or the PTP transmission method, and the first transmission method is different from the second transmission method.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; the processor is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-14.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-14 to be performed.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-14 to be executed.

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