Method and apparatus for multicast communication

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for multicast communication. The method, which can be implemented by a terminal device, comprises receiving, from a network node, an uplink resource indicator for multicast traffic of the terminal device. The uplink resource indicator can be used to indicate different uplink resources for multicast feedback of different terminal devices in a multicast group receiving the multicast traffic. The method further comprises determining, according to the uplink resource indicator, an uplink resource for the terminal device to use for multicast feedback for the multicast traffic. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, hybrid automatic repeat request feedback can be efficiently and flexibly implemented for different traffic, such as multicast and unicast traffic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to communication networks, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for multicast communication. Background Technology

[0002] This section introduces various aspects that may help in a better understanding of this disclosure. Accordingly, the statements in this section are to be read in this manner and should not be construed as an admission of what is prior art or what is not prior art.

[0003] Communication service providers and network operators continuously face the challenge of delivering value and convenience to consumers, for example, by providing impressive network services and performance. With the rapid development of networking and communication technologies, wireless communication networks such as LTE / 4G or NR / 5G networks promise high service capacity and end-user data rates. To meet diverse service needs, wireless communication networks are expected to support various transmission technologies, including, but not limited to, unicast, multicast, and broadcast transmissions. For transmitters, feedback information from receivers may be desired, indicating whether the receiver has successfully received the service data transmitted by the transmitter. Given the diversity of transmission technologies and application scenarios, feedback transmission may become even more challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce the selected concepts in a simplified form, and the concepts will be described in further detail in the following Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] Multicast / broadcast transmission can be extremely useful for certain applications, such as cybersecurity and public safety (NSPS), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc. These applications may have quality of service (QoS) requirements, for example, a packet error rate of less than 1% with a latency budget of a few milliseconds. Therefore, supporting Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback for multicast services in wireless communication networks such as 5G / NR to improve spectral efficiency may be beneficial.

[0006] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution for multicast communication that enables uplink resource indicators / indexes (e.g., acknowledgment resource indicators (ARIs)) for all user equipment (UEs) in a multicast group to point to different uplink resources (e.g., physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources), thereby enabling UEs in the multicast group to efficiently send multicast HARQ feedback using different uplink resources without conflicts between UEs in the multicast group.

[0007] It is understood that the term “resource” as described herein may refer to time resources and / or frequency resources and / or code resources, and therefore, “different resources” as described herein may mean that at least one of the time resources, frequency resources and code resources is different.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method implemented by a terminal device (e.g., a UE) is provided. The method includes: receiving from a network node an uplink resource indicator for a multicast service of the terminal device. The uplink resource indicator can be used to indicate different uplink resources (e.g., PUCCH resources, etc.) for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in a multicast group receiving the multicast service. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: determining, based on the uplink resource indicator, uplink resources for multicast feedback from the terminal device for the multicast service.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the different uplink resources indicated by the uplink resource indicator may be at least a portion of an uplink control channel resource set (e.g., a PUCCH resource set, etc.). The uplink control channel resource set may be shared by the different terminal devices in the multicast group.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink control channel resource set may have an index for each resource, and different indexes may be assigned to the same resource in the uplink control channel resource set for different terminal devices in the multicast group.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure may further include: obtaining information about the uplink control channel resource set to indicate an index for the terminal device allocated to the uplink control channel resource set.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the information regarding the uplink control channel resource set may be included in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the network node.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink control channel resource set can also be used for unicast feedback transmission.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink resource indicator may be reserved for the multicast service.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink resource indicator may be an ARI included in the downlink control channel used for the multicast service. In an embodiment, the ARI may be included in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), for example, as part of downlink control information (DCI).

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure may further include: sending the multicast feedback of the terminal device to the network node based on the determined uplink resources.

[0017] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus that can be implemented as a terminal device is provided. The apparatus may include one or more processors and one or more memories storing computer program code. The one or more memories and the computer program code may be configured, together with the one or more processors, to cause the apparatus to perform at least any step of the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0018] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided having computer program code thereon that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any step of the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus that can be implemented as a terminal device is provided. The apparatus may include a receiving unit and a determining unit. According to some exemplary embodiments, the receiving unit is operable to perform at least the receiving step of the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure. The determining unit is operable to perform at least the determining step of the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a method implemented by a network node (e.g., a base station) is provided. The method includes: sending an uplink resource indicator (e.g., an ARI in a multicast PDCCH) to a terminal device for a multicast service of the terminal device. The uplink resource indicator can be used to indicate different uplink resources for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in a multicast group receiving the multicast service. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: receiving multicast feedback from the terminal device for the multicast service based on the uplink resources indicated to the terminal device via the uplink resource indicator.

[0021] According to some exemplary embodiments, the uplink resource indicator according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure may correspond to the uplink resource indicator according to the first aspect of this disclosure. Therefore, the uplink resource indicators according to the first and fifth aspects of this disclosure may have the same or similar content and / or feature elements. Similarly, the uplink resource indicated by the uplink resource indicator according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure may correspond to the uplink resource indicated by the uplink source indicator according to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure may further include: sending information about the uplink control channel resource set to the terminal device to indicate an index for which the terminal device is allocated to the uplink control channel resource set.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus that can be implemented as a network node is provided. The apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories storing computer program code. The one or more memories and the computer program code can be configured, together with the one or more processors, to cause the apparatus to perform at least any step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided having computer program code thereon that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus that can be implemented as a network node is provided. The apparatus may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. According to some exemplary embodiments, the transmitting unit is operable to perform at least the transmitting step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure. The receiving unit is operable to perform at least the receiving step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0026] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for implementation in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method may include: providing user data at the host computer. Optionally, the method may include: initiating, at the host computer, a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, wherein the base station may implement any step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0027] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may include: processing circuitry configured to provide user data, and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a UE. The cellular network may include a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the base station may be configured to implement any step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided implemented in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method may include: providing user data at the host computer. Optionally, the method may include: initiating, at the host computer, a transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station. The UE may implement any step of the method according to the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0029] According to a twelfth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may include: processing circuitry configured to provide user data, and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a UE. The UE may include a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the UE may be configured to implement any step of the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0030] According to a thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for implementation in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method may include, at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted from the UE to the base station, wherein the UE may implement any step of the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0031] According to a fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may include a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a UE to a base station. The UE may include a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the UE may be configured to implement any step of the method according to a first aspect of this disclosure.

[0032] According to a fifteenth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided implemented in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method may include, at the host computer, receiving from the base station user data transmitted from the UE. The base station may implement any step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure.

[0033] According to a sixteenth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, which may include a host computer. The host computer may include a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a UE to a base station. The base station may include a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the base station may be configured to implement any step of the method according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The present disclosure itself, preferred modes of use, and further objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1A This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PUCCH resource configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 1B This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PUCCH resource allocation for unicast feedback according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary smart PUCCH resource configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PUCCH resource allocation for multicast feedback according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figures 6A-6B This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a host computer communicating with a UE via a base station over a partially wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this disclosure, and not to imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout the specification do not imply that all features and advantages achievable according to this disclosure should be present in or in any single embodiment of this disclosure. Rather, language relating to said features and advantages is understood to mean that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics of this disclosure described may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure can be practiced without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be found in some embodiments that may not appear in all embodiments of this disclosure.

[0050] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network nodes in a communication network can be implemented according to any suitable bandgap communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), 4G, 4.5G, 5G communication protocols and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols.

[0051] The term "network node" refers to a network device in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. A network node can refer to a base station (BS), access point (AP), multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), controller, or any other suitable device in a wireless communication network. A BS can be, for example, a Node B (or NB), an evolved Node B (eNode B or eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNode B or gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio headend (RRH), a repeater, a low-power node such as a femtocell or picocell, and so on.

[0052] Further examples of network nodes include: MSR radio equipment such as a Multi-Standard Radio (MSR) BS, network controllers such as a Radio Network Controller (RNC) or Base Station Controller (BSC), Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), transmission points, transmission nodes, and / or location nodes, etc. However, more generally, a network node can refer to any suitable device (or group of devices) that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to enable and / or provide access to a wireless communication network for terminal devices or to provide some service to terminal devices already connected to the wireless communication network.

[0053] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device that can access a communication network and receive services from it. By way of example and not limitation, terminal device can refer to a mobile terminal, user equipment (UE), or other suitable device. A UE can be, for example, a subscriber station, portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to: portable computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablet computers, wearable devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), vehicles, etc.

[0054] As another specific example, in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a terminal device can also be referred to as an IoT device, and it refers to a machine or other device that performs monitoring, sensing, and / or measurement, and transmits the results of such monitoring, sensing, and / or measurement to another terminal device and / or network device. In this case, the terminal device can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which in the context of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) can be referred to as a machine-type communication (MTC) device.

[0055] As a specific example, a terminal device can be a UE that implements the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or household or personal devices such as refrigerators, televisions, personal wearables such as watches, and so on. In other scenarios, a terminal device can represent a vehicle or other equipment, such as a medical instrument capable of monitoring, sensing, and / or reporting its operational status or other functions related to its operation.

[0056] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., refer to different elements. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” as used herein indicate the presence of the described features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “based on” will be interpreted as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one embodiment” and “embodiment” will be interpreted as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” will be interpreted as “at least one other embodiment.” Other definitions may be explicitly or implicitly included below.

[0057] Widespread deployment of wireless communication networks to provide various telecommunications services, such as voice, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. According to 3GPP Releases 15 and 16, only unicast transmission is supported in 5G / NR communication systems. Because multicast / broadcast transmission can be very useful for certain applications (such as NSPS, V2X, etc.), a new work item (WI) was agreed upon in 3GPP Release 17 for NR to investigate broadcast / multicast transmission.

[0058] In practice, multicast / broadcast can be supported in LTE networks. There are two different ways to support multicast / broadcast: Single-Cell Point-to-Multipoint (SC-PTM) or Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS). These methods do not support HARQ feedback from the UE to the network. The advantage of this implementation is its simplicity. The disadvantage is its very low spectral efficiency. This is because the network does not know whether the UE has received the packet. To ensure reliability, the network may have to use a very low coding rate and may also need to repeat packet transmissions multiple times.

[0059] To address this issue, it is recommended that HARQ feedback be enabled for multicast transmissions in NR. For unicast transmissions in NR, to utilize PUCCH resources more efficiently, multiple UEs can share the same PUCCH resource group, for example, within a resource pool. The UE can determine which resource in the resource pool to use by checking the PUCCH resource indicator (e.g., ARI) in the DCI. Typically, the network can notify each UE of the PUCCH resource indicator, and different PUCCH resource indicators for different UEs can refer to different physical PUCCH resources. Each UE can then send HARQ feedback to the network using a different PUCCH resource than the others. Therefore, even if multiple UEs share the same PUCCH resource group, there should be no resource conflict between them.

[0060] Figure 1A This diagram illustrates an exemplary PUCCH resource configuration according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, multiple UEs can dynamically share a PUCCH resource pool for unicast transmission. Figure 1A As shown, a PUCCH resource pool comprising physical PUCCH resources indexed from 0 to 7 can be configured for each UE, for example, via Radio Resource Control (RRC). In this case, 16 UEs (i.e., from user 0 to user 15) can share the same PUCCH resource group. This can be based on traffic load conditions, i.e., not all UEs need to be scheduled for downlink (DL) transmissions in the same time slot and therefore require feedback in the same uplink (UL) time slot. It is understood that... Figure 1A The PUCCH resource configuration shown is merely an example. For various embodiments, other possible PUCCH resource configurations involving more or fewer users and / or physical PUCCH resources can also be implemented.

[0061] Figure 1B This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PUCCH resource allocation for unicast feedback according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Similar to... Figure 1A , Figure 1BThe 16 UEs shown can share 8 physical PUCCH resources in the PUCCH resource pool for unicast transmission. When multiple UEs need to be scheduled in the DL and feedback is required at the same UL timeslot, a PUCCH resource indicator in the PDCCH (e.g., ARI in the DCI) can be used to inform the UE which specific PUCCH resource in the PUCCH resource pool can be used. This PUCCH resource indicator can be different for each UE, allowing different UEs to use different PUCCH resources. For example, the ARI for user 0 can be set to 2 to indicate that user 0 can use the PUCCH resource with index "2", while the ARI for user 14 can be set to 6 to indicate that user 14 can use the PUCCH resource with index "6", and so on. Figure 1B As shown.

[0062] In multicast service scheduling, only one PDCCH may be received by all UEs in the multicast group. Since a single PDCCH can be used to schedule a group of UEs for multicast transmission, there may only be one PUCCH resource indicator (e.g., ARI) within the PDCCH. According to current implementations, an ARI in the DCI can only point to one physical PUCCH resource. In this scenario, if all UEs in the multicast group share the same PUCCH resource group, then obviously, since all UEs in the multicast group may need to send HARQ feedback in the UL, these UEs may choose the same PUCCH resource to send HARQ feedback. This can lead to conflict issues between UEs in the multicast group.

[0063] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution supporting multicast transmission that enables resource sharing for multicast and / or unicast HARQ feedback without user conflicts within a multicast group. To support HARQ feedback for multicast transmission in wireless communication networks such as 5G / NR, all users in a multicast group may need different PUCCH resources so that all users can send HARQ feedback at the same time without conflict. According to an exemplary embodiment, the gNB can configure a PUCCH resource pool that can be shared by all UEs in the multicast group. For different UEs in the multicast group, the same PUCCH resource index can point to different physical PUCCH resources in the PUCCH resource pool. In this case, even if there may only be one ARI in the multicast PDCCH, because the same ARI can point to different physical PUCCH resources, all UEs in the multicast group can actually use different PUCCH resources to send HARQ feedback information. Therefore, there is no resource conflict problem for sending HARQ feedback among UEs in the multicast group. According to another exemplary embodiment, these PUCCH resources can be shared between HARQ feedback for unicast and multicast services.

[0064] Figure 2A This diagram illustrates an exemplary smart PUCCH resource configuration according to an embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, smart PUCCH resource configuration can be implemented for users in a multicast group, for example, through RRC configuration, so that the ARIs received by different users in the multicast group can point to different physical PUCCH resources. Figure 2A As shown, users 0, 1, and 2 are located in a multicast group and can share the same PUCCH resource pool with 8 PUCCH resources. For user 0, the first physical PUCCH resource has index 0, the second physical PUCCH resource has index 1, ..., and the last physical PUCCH resource has index 7. For user 1, the first physical PUCCH resource has index 1, the second physical PUCCH resource has index 2, ..., and the last physical PUCCH resource has index 0. That is, the physical PUCCH resource with index 1 for user 1 actually corresponds to the same physical PUCCH resource with index 0 for user 0. For user 2, the first physical PUCCH resource has index 2, the second physical PUCCH resource has index 3, ..., and the last physical PUCCH resource has index 1. That is, the physical PUCCH resource with index 2 for user 2 actually corresponds to the same physical PUCCH resource with index 1 for user 1, and also corresponds to the same physical PUCCH resource with index 0 for user 0. Similar correspondences may exist for other physical PUCCH resources. This PUCCH resource configuration provides the gNB with maximum flexibility during scheduling because any ARI in the multicast PDCCH can prevent PUCCH resource conflicts for users in the multicast group.

[0065] Understandable. Figure 2A The smart PUCCH resource configuration shown is merely an example, and other suitable PUCCH resource configurations that allow the same ARI in a multicast PDCCH to point to different physical PUCCH resources for different users in a multicast group can also be applied to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0066] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PUCCH resource allocation for multicast feedback according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2B The exemplary PUCCH resource allocation shown can be based on information about Figure 2AThe aforementioned intelligent PUCCH resource configuration. According to an exemplary embodiment, it may be feasible to configure only one ARI for all users in a multicast group to point to different physical PUCCH resources. Then, when multicast services are scheduled for user 0, user 1, and user 2, although there is only one ARI in the multicast PDCCH (e.g., ARI = 0), this ARI can actually point to different physical resources from the perspectives of different users, such as... Figure 2B As shown. Since the PUCCH resource indicator (e.g., ARI) used for each user in a multicast group can be configured to point to different physical PUCCH resources, the problem of PUCCH resource conflicts among users in a multicast group can be resolved. According to an exemplary embodiment, the gNB can reserve ARI for multicast scheduling. In this case, the ARI reserved for multicast scheduling can be omitted from the unicast PDCCH.

[0067] It should be noted that some embodiments of this disclosure are described primarily with reference to 4G / LTE or 5G / NR specifications, which are used as non-limiting examples of specific exemplary network configurations and system deployments. Thus, the description of the exemplary embodiments given herein specifically refers to terminology directly related to them. Such terminology is used only in the context of the presented non-limiting examples and embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure in any way. Rather, any other system configuration or radio technology may be used equivalently, provided that the exemplary embodiments described herein are applicable.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The method 300 shown can be implemented by a terminal device or a means communicatively coupled to the terminal device. According to an exemplary embodiment, a terminal device such as a UE can be configured to obtain various services (e.g., unicast services, multicast services, etc.) from a network node such as a gNB and send HARQ feedback for the services to the network node.

[0069] according to Figure 3 The exemplary method 300 shown allows a terminal device to receive an uplink resource indicator (RRI) for its multicast service from a network node, as shown in block 302. The RRI can be used to indicate different uplink resources (e.g., PUCCH resources, etc.) for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in a multicast group receiving the multicast service. According to an exemplary embodiment, the RRI may be an ARI included in a downlink control channel (e.g., PDCCH, etc.) for the multicast service. Based on the RRI, the terminal device can determine the uplink resources for its multicast feedback for the multicast service, as shown in block 304.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, the different uplink resources indicated by the uplink resource indicator may be at least a portion of an uplink control channel resource set that can be shared by the different terminal devices in the multicast group (e.g., regarding...). Figure 2B The above).

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink control channel resource set may have an index for each resource, and for different terminal devices in the multicast group, different indices may be assigned to the same resource in the uplink control channel resource set (e.g., regarding...). Figure 2A The above).

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, the terminal device can obtain information about the uplink control channel resource set to indicate the index to which the terminal device is allocated in the uplink control channel resource set. In an embodiment, the information about the uplink control channel resource set may be included in RRC signaling from the network node.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink control channel resource set can also be used for unicast feedback transmission. In this case, the terminal device can use a portion of the uplink control channel resource set to send the unicast feedback to the network node, while using another portion of the uplink control channel resource set to send the multicast feedback to the network node.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink resource indicator can be reserved for the multicast service. In this embodiment, the uplink resource indicator reserved for the multicast service may not be used to indicate uplink resources allocated to the unicast feedback transmission.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, based on the determined uplink resources, the terminal device can send its multicast feedback to the network node. For example, the terminal device can use the determined uplink resources to send the multicast feedback from a specific codebook to the network node.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The method 400 shown can be implemented by a network node or a means communicatively coupled to a network node. According to an exemplary embodiment, the network node may include a base station such as a gNB. The network node may be configured to provide various services (e.g., unicast services, multicast services, etc.) to one or more terminal devices such as UEs.

[0077] according to Figure 4 The exemplary method 400 shown indicates that the network node can provide information to a terminal device (e.g., regarding...). Figure 3 The terminal device (as shown) sends an uplink resource indicator for the multicast service of the terminal device, as shown in block 402. According to an exemplary embodiment, the uplink resource indicator (e.g., an ARI included in the PDCCH for the multicast service) can be used to indicate different uplink resources for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in a multicast group receiving the multicast service. Based on the uplink resources indicated to the terminal device by the uplink resource indicator, the network node can receive multicast feedback from the terminal device for the multicast service, as shown in block 404.

[0078] Understandable. Figure 4 The steps, operations, and related configurations of method 400 shown can correspond to Figure 3 The steps, operations, and related configurations of method 300 are illustrated. Therefore, the uplink resource indicator received by the terminal device according to method 300 can correspond to the uplink resource identifier sent by the network node according to method 400. Similarly, the uplink resource indicated by the uplink resource indicator according to method 300 can correspond to the uplink resource indicated by the uplink resource indicator according to method 400.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, the different uplink resources indicated by the uplink resource indicator may be at least a portion of an uplink control channel resource set, such as PUCCH resources. The uplink control channel resource set may be shared by the different terminal devices in the multicast group, and optionally shared between unicast and multicast feedback transmissions.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment, the network node may send information about the uplink control channel resource set (e.g., in RRC signaling, etc.) to the terminal device to indicate the index to which the terminal device is allocated in the uplink control channel resource set. According to an exemplary embodiment, for each terminal device in the multicast group, the network node may send different information about the uplink control channel resource set (e.g., in corresponding RRC signaling, etc.) to indicate the index to which the corresponding terminal device is allocated in the uplink control channel resource set.

[0081] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure enable UEs in a multicast group to share a PUCCH resource pool with other UEs in the multicast group and send HARQ feedback to a network node (e.g., a gNB) without PUCCH resource conflicts with other UEs in the multicast group. According to exemplary embodiments, the network node can implement intelligent configuration of the PUCCH resource pool that can be shared by all UEs in the multicast group, such that the same PUCCH resource index (e.g., an ARI in the DCI) can point to different physical PUCCH resources for each UE in the multicast group. This ensures that all UEs in the multicast group can have their own PUCCH resources to send multicast HARQ feedback, even if there may only be one ARI for multicast feedback in the DCI. The application of these exemplary embodiments can support the transmission of multicast HARQ feedback from UEs in the multicast group in a more flexible and efficient manner, thereby enhancing network performance while improving resource utilization.

[0082] Figures 3 to 4 The various blocks shown can be considered as method steps, and / or operations generated by the operation of computer program code, and / or multiple coupled logic circuit elements constructed to perform related functions. The schematic flowcharts described above are generally presented as logic flowcharts. Thus, the depicted sequence and labeled steps indicate specific embodiments of the proposed method. Other steps and methods are contemplated that are functionally, logically, or effectively equivalent to one or more steps or portions thereof of the illustrated method. Furthermore, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

[0083] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, device 500 may include one or more processors (e.g., processor 501) and one or more memories (e.g., memory 502 storing computer program code 503). Memory 502 may be a non-transient machine / processor / computer-readable storage medium. According to some exemplary embodiments, device 500 may be implemented as an integrated circuit chip or module that can be inserted into or mounted to, as per [the relevant specification] Figure 3 The described terminal device, or one that can be plugged into or installed as per the description of... Figure 4 The network node described. In this case, device 500 can be implemented as described regarding Figure 3 The described terminal device, or as about Figure 4 The network node described.

[0084] In some implementations, one or more memories 502 and computer program code 503 may be configured together with one or more processors 501 to cause the device 500 to at least implement the combination Figure 3 Any operation of the described method. In other implementations, one or more memories 502 and computer program code 503 may be configured together with one or more processors 501 to cause the device 500 to at least implement as described in the combination. Figure 4 Any operation of the described method. Optionally or additionally, one or more memories 502 and computer program code 503 may be configured, together with one or more processors 501, to cause the apparatus 500 to perform at least more or fewer operations to implement the method proposed according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0085] Figure 6A This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 610 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. (See diagram for example.) Figure 6A As shown, apparatus 610 may include a receiving unit 611 and a determining unit 612. In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 610 may be implemented in a terminal device such as a UE. The receiving unit 611 is operable to perform the operations in block 302, and the determining unit 612 is operable to perform the operations in block 304. Optionally, the receiving unit 611 and / or the determining unit 612 may be operable to perform more or fewer operations to implement the method proposed according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0086] Figure 6B This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 620 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6B As shown, apparatus 620 may include a transmitting unit 621 and a receiving unit 622. In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus 620 may be implemented in a network node such as a base station. Transmitting unit 621 is operable to perform the operations in block 402, and receiving unit 622 is operable to perform the operations in block 404. Optionally, transmitting unit 621 and / or receiving unit 622 may be operable to perform more or fewer operations to implement the method proposed according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0087] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] refer to Figure 7According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunications network 710 (such as a 3GPP-type cellular network), which includes an access network 711 (such as a radio access network) and a core network 714. The access network 711 includes multiple base stations 712a, 712b, 712c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of radio access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 713a, 713b, 713c. Each base station 712a, 712b, 712c can be connected to the core network 714 via a wired or wireless connection 715. A first UE 791 located in coverage area 713c is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by the corresponding base station 712c. A second UE 792 in coverage area 713a can wirelessly connect to the corresponding base station 712a. Although multiple UEs 791, 792 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is in a coverage area or a single UE is connected to a corresponding base station 712.

[0089] Telecommunications network 710 is connected to host computer 730, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server cluster. Host computer 730 may be owned or controlled by a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. Connections 721 and 722 between telecommunications network 710 and host computer 730 may extend directly from core network 714 to host computer 730, or may traverse an optional intermediate network 720. Intermediate network 720 may be one or a combination of public networks, private networks, or hosted networks; intermediate network 720 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, intermediate network 720 may include two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0090] Figure 7The communication system generally implements the connection between the connected UEs 791 and 792 and the host computer 730. This connection can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 750. The host computer 730 and the connected UEs 791 and 792 are configured to transmit data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 750 using access network 711, core network 714, any intermediate network 720, and possibly other infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 750 can be transparent from the perspective that the participating communication devices are unaware of the routes of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 712 may not be informed or need not be informed of the past routes of incoming downlink communications originating from the host computer 730 that are to be forwarded (e.g., switched) to the connected UE 791. Similarly, the base station 712 does not need to know the future routes of outgoing uplink communications originating from the UE 791 toward the host computer 730.

[0091] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a host computer communicating with a UE via a base station over a partially wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] Now refer to Figure 8 This section describes an example implementation of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphs according to embodiments. In communication system 800, host computer 810 includes hardware 815, which includes a communication interface 816 configured to establish and maintain wired or wireless connections with interfaces of different communication devices of communication system 800. Host computer 810 also includes processing circuitry 818, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, processing circuitry 818 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations of such components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. Host computer 810 also includes software 811, which is stored in or accessible by host computer 810 and executable by processing circuitry 818. Software 811 includes host application 812. Host application 812 is operable to provide services to remote users, such as UE 830 connected via an OTT connection 850 terminated between UE 830 and host computer 810. When providing services to remote users, host application 812 can provide user data transmitted using OTT connection 850.

[0093] The communication system 800 also includes a base station 820 provided in the telecommunications system. The base station 820 includes hardware 825 enabling it to communicate with the host computer 810 and the UE 830. Hardware 825 may include a communication interface 826 for establishing and maintaining wired or wireless connections to different communication devices of the communication system 800, and for establishing and maintaining connections with the coverage area served by the base station 820. Figure 8 The UE 830 (not shown) has at least a radio interface 827 for a wireless connection 870. A communication interface 826 can be configured to facilitate a connection 860 to a host computer 810. The connection 860 can be direct, or it can traverse the core network of a telecommunications system. Figure 8 (Not shown) and / or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 825 of the base station 820 also includes processing circuitry 828, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations of such components (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station 820 also has software 821 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0094] The communication system 800 also includes the already cited UE 830. Its hardware 835 may include a radio interface 837 configured to establish and maintain a radio connection 870 with a base station serving the coverage area currently occupied by the UE 830. The hardware 835 of the UE 830 also includes processing circuitry 838, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations of these components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 830 also includes software 831, which is stored in or accessible by the UE 830 and executable by the processing circuitry 838. The software 831 includes a client application 832. The client application 832 is operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 830 with the support of the host computer 810. In the host computer 810, a executing host application 812 may communicate with the executing client application 832 via an OTT connection 850 terminated between the UE 830 and the host computer 810. When providing services to a user, client application 832 can receive request data from host application 812 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 850 can transmit both request data and user data. Client application 832 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0095] It is important to note that Figure 8 The host computer 810, base station 820, and UE 830 shown can be respectively connected to... Figure 7The host computer 730, base stations 712a, 712b, and 712c, and UEs 791 and 792 are similar to or identical to each other. That is to say, the internal workings of these entities can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 7 The network topology.

[0096] exist Figure 8 In this diagram, OTT connection 850 is abstractly depicted to illustrate communication between host computer 810 and UE 830 via base station 820, without explicitly involving any intermediate devices or the precise routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the routing, which can be configured to hide the routing for UE 830 or the service provider operating host computer 810, or both. When OTT connection 850 is active, the network infrastructure can further make dynamic decisions to change the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or network reconfiguration).

[0097] The wireless connection 870 between UE 830 and base station 820 is based on the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more embodiments in various embodiments use OTT connection 850 to improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE 830, wherein wireless connection 870 forms the final segment. More specifically, the teachings of these embodiments can improve latency and power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as lower complexity, reduced time required to access the cell, better responsiveness, and extended battery life.

[0098] Measurement procedures can be provided to monitor data rates, latency, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments. Optional network functions may also be available for reconfiguring the OTT connection 850 between the host computer 810 and the UE 830 in response to changes in measurement results. The measurement procedures and / or network functions for reconfiguring the OTT connection 850 may be implemented in the software 811 and hardware 815 of the host computer 810, or in the software 831 and hardware 835 of the UE 830, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with the communication equipment through which the OTT connection 850 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement process by providing values ​​of the monitored quantities illustrated above, or by providing values ​​of other physical quantities from which the software 811, 831 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 850 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 820, and the base station 820 may be unaware of or unaware of the reconfiguration. These procedures and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurement may involve proprietary UE signaling, which facilitates the host computer 810 in measuring throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurement can be implemented such that software 811 and 831, while monitoring propagation time, errors, etc., use OTT connection 850 to transmit messages (particularly empty messages or "dummy" messages).

[0099] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Those described. To simplify this disclosure, only those described herein are included in this section. Figure 9 Referring to the accompanying drawings. In step 910, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 911 of step 910 (which may be optional), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 920, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying user data to the UE. In step 930 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step 940 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0100] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8Those described. To simplify this disclosure, only those described herein are included in this section. Figure 10 Refer to the accompanying drawings. In step 1010 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 1020, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may pass through a base station. In step 1030 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0101] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Those described. To simplify this disclosure, only those described herein are included in this section. Figure 11 Referring to the accompanying drawings. In step 1110 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or optionally, in step 1120, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 1121 of step 1120 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 1111 of step 1110 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing user data, the executed client application may also consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which user data is provided, the UE initiates a transmission of user data to the host computer in sub-step 1130 (which may be optional). In step 1140 of the method, the host computer receives user data transmitted from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0102] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Those described. To simplify this disclosure, only those described herein are included in this section. Figure 12 Refer to the accompanying drawings. In step 1210 (which may be optional), the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 1220 (which may be optional), the base station initiates a transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 1230 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0103] According to some exemplary embodiments, a method is provided implemented in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method may include: providing user data at the host computer. Optionally, the method may include: at the host computer, initiating a transmission carrying user data for the UE via a cellular network including a base station, the base station being capable of implementing [further details regarding the transmission method]. Figure 4 Any step of the exemplary method 400 described.

[0104] According to some exemplary embodiments, a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may include: processing circuitry configured to provide user data, and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a UE. The cellular network may include a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the base station may be configured to implement as described above. Figure 4 Any step of the exemplary method 400 described.

[0105] According to some exemplary embodiments, a method is provided implemented in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a UE. The method may include: providing user data at the host computer. Optionally, the method may include: initiating, at the host computer, a transmission carrying user data for the UE via a cellular network including the base station. The UE may implement as described above. Figure 3 Any step of the exemplary method 300 described.

[0106] According to some exemplary embodiments, a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may include: processing circuitry configured to provide user data, and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a UE. The UE may include a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the UE may be configured to implement as described above. Figure 3 Any step of the exemplary method 300 described.

[0107] According to some exemplary embodiments, a method is provided implemented in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method may include: at the host computer, receiving user data transmitted from the UE to the base station, the UE being able to implement as described above. Figure 3 Any step of the exemplary method 300 described.

[0108] According to some exemplary embodiments, a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may include a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a UE to a base station. The UE may include a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the UE may be configured to implement, as per [example of exemplary embodiments], [further details about the UE]. Figure 3 Any step of the exemplary method 300 described.

[0109] According to some exemplary embodiments, a method is provided implemented in a communication system, which may include a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE). The method may include, at the host computer, receiving from the base station user data transmitted to the UE. The base station may be implemented as described above. Figure 4 Any step of the exemplary method 400 described.

[0110] According to some exemplary embodiments, a communication system including a host computer is provided. The host computer may include a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from a UE to a base station. The base station may include a radio interface and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry of the base station may be configured to implement, as per [specific example description needed] Figure 4 Any step of the exemplary method 400 described.

[0111] Generally, various exemplary embodiments can be implemented using hardware or dedicated chips, circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although this disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or other graphical representations, it is understood that such blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented as non-limiting examples in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers, or other computing devices, or combinations thereof.

[0112] Thus, it should be recognized that at least some aspects of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit chips and modules. Therefore, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in devices embodied as integrated circuits, wherein the integrated circuits may include at least circuitry (and possible firmware) embodying one or more of a data processor, digital signal processor, baseband circuitry, and radio frequency circuitry that can be configured to operate according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0113] It should be understood that at least some aspects of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be embodied in computer-executable instructions, such as those in one or more program modules, which are executed by one or more computers or other devices. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type when executed by a processor in a computer or other device. The computer-executable instructions may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a hard disk, optical disk, removable storage medium, solid-state memory, random access memory (RAM), etc. As those skilled in the art will understand, the functionality of program modules may be combined or distributed as needed in various embodiments. Furthermore, the functionality may be wholly or partially embodied in firmware or hardware equivalents (such as integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.).

[0114] This disclosure includes any novel features or combinations of features expressly disclosed herein or arbitrarily generalized herein. In view of the foregoing description, various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, any and all modifications will still fall within the scope of the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method (300) implemented by a terminal device, comprising: Receive (302) from the network node an uplink resource indicator for multicast services of the terminal device, wherein the uplink resource indicator is used to indicate different uplink resources for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in the multicast group receiving the multicast service; and Based on the uplink resource indicator, determine (304) the uplink resources used by the terminal device for multicast feedback of the multicast service; Wherein, the different uplink resources indicated by the uplink resource indicator are at least a portion of the set of uplink control channel resources that can be shared by the different terminal devices in the multicast group; The uplink control channel resource set has an index for each resource, and for different terminal devices in the multicast group, different indices are assigned to the same resource in the uplink control channel resource set. The method further includes: Obtain information about the uplink control channel resource set to indicate the index of the uplink control channel resource set allocated to the terminal device; Information regarding the uplink control channel resource set is included in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the network node; The uplink resource indicator is an acknowledgment resource indicator (ARI) included in the downlink control channel used for the multicast service.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The uplink control channel resource set can also be used for unicast feedback transmission.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The uplink resource indicator is reserved for the multicast service.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Based on the determined uplink resources, the multicast feedback of the terminal device is sent to the network node.

5. A terminal device (500), comprising: One or more processors (501); as well as One or more memories (502) including computer program code (503), The one or more memories (502) and the computer program code (503) are configured, together with the one or more processors (501), to cause the terminal device (500) to at least: Receive from a network node an uplink resource indicator for multicast services of the terminal device, wherein the uplink resource indicator is used to indicate different uplink resources for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in a multicast group receiving the multicast service; and Based on the uplink resource indicator, determine the uplink resources used by the terminal device for multicast feedback for the multicast service; Wherein, the different uplink resources indicated by the uplink resource indicator are at least a portion of the set of uplink control channel resources that can be shared by the different terminal devices in the multicast group; The uplink control channel resource set has an index for each resource, and for different terminal devices in the multicast group, different indices are assigned to the same resource in the uplink control channel resource set. The one or more memories (502) and the computer program code (503) are further configured, together with the one or more processors (501), to enable the terminal device (500): Obtain information about the uplink control channel resource set to indicate the index of the uplink control channel resource set allocated to the terminal device; Information regarding the uplink control channel resource set is included in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the network node; The uplink resource indicator is an acknowledgment resource indicator (ARI) included in the downlink control channel used for the multicast service.

6. The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more memories and the computer program code are configured, together with the one or more processors, to cause the terminal device to implement the method according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. A computer-readable medium having computer program code (503) thereon, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any step of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A method (400) implemented by a network node, comprising: Sending (402) an uplink resource indicator for the multicast service of the terminal device to the terminal device, wherein the uplink resource indicator is used to indicate different uplink resources for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in the multicast group receiving the multicast service; and Based on the uplink resources indicated to the terminal device by the uplink resource indicator, receive (404) the multicast feedback from the terminal device for the multicast service from the terminal device; Wherein, the different uplink resources indicated by the uplink resource indicator are at least a portion of the set of uplink control channel resources that can be shared by the different terminal devices in the multicast group; The uplink control channel resource set has an index for each resource, and for different terminal devices in the multicast group, different indices are assigned to the same resource in the uplink control channel resource set. The method further includes: Send information about the uplink control channel resource set to the terminal device to indicate the index to which the terminal device is allocated in the uplink control channel resource set; Information regarding the uplink control channel resource set is included in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling of the network node; The uplink resource indicator is an acknowledgment resource indicator (ARI) included in the downlink control channel used for the multicast service.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The uplink control channel resource set can also be used for unicast feedback transmission.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The uplink resource indicator is reserved for the multicast service.

11. A network node (500), comprising: One or more processors (501); as well as One or more memories (502) including computer program code (503), The one or more memories (502) and the computer program code (503) are configured, together with the one or more processors (501), to cause the network node (500) to at least: Sending an uplink resource indicator for multicast services of the terminal device to the terminal device, wherein the uplink resource indicator is used to indicate different uplink resources for multicast feedback from different terminal devices in the multicast group receiving the multicast service; and Based on the uplink resources indicated to the terminal device by the uplink resource indicator, receive multicast feedback from the terminal device for the multicast service from the terminal device; Wherein, the different uplink resources indicated by the uplink resource indicator are at least a portion of the set of uplink control channel resources that can be shared by the different terminal devices in the multicast group; The uplink control channel resource set has an index for each resource, and for different terminal devices in the multicast group, different indices are assigned to the same resource in the uplink control channel resource set. The one or more memories (502) and the computer program code (503) are further configured, together with the one or more processors (501), to enable the network node (500) to: Send information about the uplink control channel resource set to the terminal device to indicate the index to which the terminal device is allocated in the uplink control channel resource set; Information regarding the uplink control channel resource set is included in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling of the network node; The uplink resource indicator is an acknowledgment resource indicator (ARI) included in the downlink control channel used for the multicast service.

12. The network node according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more memories and the computer program code are configured, together with the one or more processors, to cause the network node to implement the method according to any one of claims 9 to 10.

13. A computer-readable medium having computer program code (503) thereon, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any step of the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

14. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer comprising: Processing circuitry, configured to provide user data; as well as A communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a radio interface and processing circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

15. The communication system according to claim 14, further comprising the UE.

16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein, The cellular network also includes base stations configured to communicate with the UE.

17. The communication system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and The UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

18. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer comprising: Processing circuitry, configured to provide user data; as well as A communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE). The cellular network includes a base station having a radio interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry of which is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

19. The communication system according to claim 18, further comprising the base station.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, further comprising the UE, wherein, The UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

21. The communication system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application, thereby providing the user data; and The UE includes processing circuitry configured to execute client applications associated with the host application.

22. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer comprising: The communication interface is configured to receive user data transmitted from the user equipment (UE) to the base station. The UE includes a radio interface and processing circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry of the UE is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

23. The communication system according to claim 22, further comprising the UE.

24. The communication system according to claim 23, further comprising the base station, wherein, The base station includes a radio interface and a communication interface. The radio interface is configured to communicate with the UE, and the communication interface is configured to forward the user data carried by the transmission from the UE to the base station to the host computer.

25. The communication system according to claim 23 or 24, wherein: The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute host applications; and The UE's processing circuitry is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data.

26. A communication system including a host computer, the host computer comprising: The communication interface is configured to receive user data transmitted from the user equipment (UE) to the base station. The base station includes a radio interface and processing circuitry, the processing circuitry of which is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

27. The communication system according to claim 26, further comprising the base station.

28. The communication system according to claim 27, further comprising the UE, wherein, The UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

29. The communication system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute host applications; The UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing the user data to be received by the host computer.

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