A method and apparatus for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling for media access.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining the applicable time of Media Access Message (MAC) signaling, relating to the field of communication technology, are disclosed. This method determines the applicable time of MAC signaling when the DCI instructs a terminal device to delay the feedback of HARQ-ACK. In this method, the terminal device can receive MAC signaling. The terminal device receives first indication information, which includes a first value for the HARQ-ACK sent by the terminal device. The first value indicates whether the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK. The terminal device then determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling. Based on this method, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of HARQ-ACK on the PDSCH carrying the MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling, aligning the understanding of the applicable time of MAC signaling between network devices and terminal devices, thereby improving communication performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for determining the applicable time of Media Access Access (MAC) signaling. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, network devices can use the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to carry media access control (MAC) signaling to notify user equipment (UE) to perform a specific procedure. The specific time when the UE applies the MAC signaling is closely related to the time slot in which the UE sends the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment character (ACK) for the PDSCH carrying that MAC signaling. For example, when the UE receives the MAC signaling carried by the PDSCH, the UE can send the HARQ-ACK in time slot k1, as indicated by the DCI that schedules the PDSCH. The first time slot after that applies MAC signaling.

[0003] However, in the third-generation partnership program (3 rd The Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). In NR-U, because unlicensed spectrum is used, a clear channel assessment (CCA) or a listen-before-talk (LBT) is required before transmitting information on that spectrum. After successful CCA or LBT, information can be transmitted within the channel occupancy time (COT).

[0004] If CCA or LBT fails, the UE cannot send information. Considering that in NR-U, the UE might be unable to send information due to CCA or LBT failure, and therefore unable to send HARQ-ACK, the HARQ process has been enhanced in NR-U. Specifically, the time slot k1 in the DCI indicating the sending of HARQ-ACK can be configured to -1 in NR-U, indicating a delay in the UE's HARQ feedback; the specific HARQ feedback timing is determined by subsequent DCI steps.

[0005] Therefore, in NR-U, for various MAC signaling carried by the PDSCH, if the HARQ-ACK transmission slot k1 indicated in the DCI scheduling the PDSCH is configured as -1, the UE cannot process and determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the existing methods. Thus, the applicable time of the MAC signaling is unclear, leading to different interpretations by network equipment and the UE, potentially affecting the performance and flexibility of the communication system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a method and apparatus for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling in Media Access Access (MAC) scenarios.

[0007] Firstly, a method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device or a chip with similar terminal device functionality. In this method, the terminal device can receive MAC signaling. The terminal device can receive first indication information, which may include a first value for the terminal device to send a HARQ-ACK. The first value may indicate whether the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK. For example, when the first value is configured as -1, it may indicate that the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK; when the first value is configured as a value other than -1, it may indicate that the terminal device does not delay the feedback of HARQ-ACK. The terminal device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling and execute the relevant operations indicated by the MAC signaling. This can align the understanding of the applicable time of MAC signaling between network devices and terminal devices, thereby improving communication performance.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on a second value. This second value may be associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing of the channel carrying the MAC signaling and the terminal device's processing capability for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the second value specified in the protocol, which can improve communication performance and reduce signaling overhead because no additional signaling is needed to indicate the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can receive a third value. The terminal device can then determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on this third value.

[0012] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the third value indicated by the network device. The network device can adaptively determine the third value according to the current network load, etc., which can improve communication performance.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can determine a first timeslot. This first timeslot can be the first timeslot in which the terminal device is capable of sending HARQ-ACKs on a channel carrying MAC signaling. This first timeslot can be an uplink timeslot. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the first timeslot. The first timeslot capable of sending HARQ-ACK can also be called the first timeslot capable of sending valid HARQ-ACKs. This can refer to the first timeslot in which the terminal device is able to send HARQ-ACKs, or it can be the first timeslot in which the terminal device is capable of sending HARQ-ACKs if it needs to.

[0014] Alternatively, the terminal device can determine the first timeslot. This first timeslot can be the timeslot containing the first symbol. The first timeslot can be an uplink timeslot. The first symbol is the first symbol after the last symbol interval T of the channel carrying MAC signaling. Here, the first symbol can be an uplink symbol. When confirming the first symbol, the cyclic prefix needs to be considered. T is greater than 0.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the first time slot in which it is capable of sending HARQ-ACK. This can align the understanding of the applicable time of MAC signaling between network devices and terminal devices, thereby improving communication performance.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the terminal device may receive second indication information. This second indication information may include a fourth value for the HARQ-ACK sent by the terminal device. This fourth value can be used to instruct the terminal device not to delay sending back the HARQ-ACK. For example, the fourth value may be configured as a value other than -1. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the fourth value.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the fourth value in the subsequent DCI, which can improve communication performance.

[0018] In one possible implementation, MAC signaling can be used to indicate the activation of a semi-static channel state information-resource set (CSI-RS). The terminal device can determine the validity of the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and the terminal device can receive the semi-static CSI-RS based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set.

[0019] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the effective time of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set configuration information based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and receive the semi-static CS-RS indicated by the MAC signaling during the applicable time of the MAC signaling indicated by the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set.

[0020] In one possible implementation, MAC signaling can be used to indicate the activation of a semi-static channel state information-interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource set. The terminal device can determine the effectiveness of the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and the terminal device can receive the semi-static CSI-IM based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set.

[0021] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the effective status of the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and receive the semi-static CSI-IM indicated by the MAC signaling during the applicable time of the MAC signaling indicated by the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set.

[0022] In one possible implementation, MAC signaling can be used to indicate the activation of a semi-static uplink reference signal (SRS) resource set. The terminal device can determine the validity of the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and the terminal device can send the semi-static SRS based on the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the effective time of the semi-static SRS resource set configuration information based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and send the semi-static SRS according to the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set.

[0024] Secondly, a method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling is provided. This method can be executed by a network device or a chip with similar network device functionality. In this method, the network device can send MAC signaling and first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information may include a first value for the HARQ-ACK sent by the terminal device, indicating whether the terminal device should delay responding to the HARQ-ACK. The network device can then determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the network device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling, which can align the understanding of the applicable time of the MAC signaling between the terminal device and the network device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the network device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on a second value. This second value is associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing of the channel carrying the MAC signaling and the processing capability of the terminal device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

[0027] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the network device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the second value specified in the protocol, which can improve communication performance and reduce signaling overhead because no additional signaling is needed to indicate the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the network device can send a third value. The network device can then determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on this third value.

[0029] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the network device can adaptively determine the third value according to the current network load, and determine the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the third value, which can improve communication performance.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the network device can determine a first timeslot; wherein the first timeslot is the first timeslot in which the terminal device is capable of performing HARQ feedback on the channel carrying MAC signaling. The network device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the first timeslot.

[0031] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the network device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending HARQ-ACK. This can align the understanding of the applicable time of MAC signaling between the network device and the terminal device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the network device may send a second indication message. This second indication message includes a fourth value indicating that the terminal device is sending a HARQ-ACK. This fourth value can be used to instruct the terminal device not to delay sending a HARQ-ACK. The network device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on this fourth value.

[0033] Based on the above scheme, when the DCI instructs the terminal device to delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the network device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the fourth value in the subsequent DCI, which can improve communication performance.

[0034] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which may include modules / units for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or may further include modules / units for performing the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. For example, a processing unit and a communication unit.

[0035] For example, when the apparatus includes the communication unit for receiving Media Access Access (MAC) signaling when performing the various modules / units in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect;

[0036] The communication unit is further configured to receive first indication information; the first indication information includes a first value of the device sending Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) acknowledgment information (ACK); the first value indicates whether the device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK; the processing unit is configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0037] In one possible implementation, when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on a second value; the second value is associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing of the channel carrying the MAC signaling and the processing capability of the device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to: receive a third value; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the third value.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: determine a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is the first time slot in which the device is capable of transmitting a HARQ-ACK of a channel carrying the first indication information; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the first time slot.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to: receive second indication information; the second indication information includes a fourth value of HARQ-ACK sent by the device; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the fourth value.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of the semi-static channel state reference signal resource (CSI-RS) resource set, and the processing unit is further configured to: determine the effective status of the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; the communication unit is further configured to: receive the semi-static CSI-RS based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of the semi-static channel state information interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource set, and the processing unit is further configured to: determine the effective status of the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; the communication unit is further configured to: receive the semi-static CSI-IM based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of the semi-static uplink reference signal (SRS) resource set, and the processing unit is further configured to: determine the effective status of the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; the communication unit is further configured to: send the semi-static SRS based on the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set.

[0044] For example, when the apparatus includes modules / units for performing the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, the processing unit is configured to generate Media Access Access (MAC) signaling and first indication information; the first indication information includes a first value of the terminal device sending Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) acknowledgment information (ACK); the first value indicates whether the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK; the communication unit is configured to send MAC signaling and the first indication information; the processing unit is further configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0045] In one possible implementation, when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on a second value; the second value is associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing of the channel carrying the MAC signaling and the processing capability of the terminal device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to: send a third value; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the third value.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: determine a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is the first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending a HARQ-ACK of the channel carrying the first indication information; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the first time slot.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to: send second indication information; the second indication information includes a fourth value for the terminal device to send HARQ-ACK; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the fourth value.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver executes the transmit / receive steps of the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or executes the transmit / receive steps of the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. When the controller is running, the processor utilizes the hardware resources in the controller to execute processing steps of the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, other than the transmit / receive steps, excluding the transmit / receive steps, or executes processing steps of the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, other than the transmit / receive steps.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. This memory may be located inside the device or externally, and connected to the device.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the memory can be integrated with the processor.

[0052] Fifthly, a chip is provided, which includes logic circuits and a communication interface.

[0053] In one design, a communication interface is used to input MAC signaling and first indication information. Logic circuitry is used to determine the appropriate timing of the MAC signaling.

[0054] In one design, logic circuitry is used to generate MAC signaling and first indication information. A communication interface is used to output the MAC signaling and first indication information. The logic circuitry is also used to determine the applicable time for the MAC signaling.

[0055] Sixthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product that stores instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0057] Eighthly, this application provides a communication system including at least one of the aforementioned terminal devices and at least one of the aforementioned network devices.

[0058] Furthermore, the beneficial effects of aspects three through seven can be found in the beneficial effects described in aspects one through two. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 The communication system to which the method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable;

[0060] Figure 2 An exemplary flowchart of a method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 3 One of the scenario diagrams illustrating the method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 4 One of the scenario diagrams illustrating the method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 5 One of the schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 6 One of the schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The following explains the terms used in the embodiments of this application.

[0067] 1) The applicable time of MAC signaling refers to the applicable time of the command indicated in the MAC signaling. For example, if the MAC signaling indicates that a SCell is activated, then the applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the SCell is activated. As another example, if the MAC signaling indicates that the semi-static channel state information (CSI) physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) reporting configuration is effective, then the applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the semi-static CSI PUSCH reporting configuration is effective.

[0068] 2) Applicable value: In the NR-U scenario, when the first value for the network device to indicate the sending of HARQ-ACK is configured to be a value other than -1, the first value can be considered as an applicable value.

[0069] 3) Inapplicable value: In the NR-U scenario, when the first value for the network device to indicate the sending of HARQ-ACK is configured as -1, -1 can be considered an inapplicable value.

[0070] 4) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Furthermore, for elements appearing in the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise, it does not mean "one or only one," but rather "one or more than one." For example, "a device" means one or more such devices. Moreover, "at least one of..." means one or any combination of subsequent related objects; for example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC.

[0071] In existing communication systems, network devices can use the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to carry media access control (MAC) signaling to notify the UE to perform a specific procedure.

[0072] For example, network devices can activate a secondary cell (SCell) via MAC signaling, and the process can be as follows:

[0073] When a UE receives a SCell activation command carried by the PDSCH in slot n, the UE can perform SCell activation operations in slot n+k. For example, the UE can start a SCell deactivation timer and report channel state information in slot n+k. k1 is the time slot (PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback timing indicator) of the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) indicated in the downlink control information (DCI) received by the UE. Here, μ is the subcarrier spacing configuration. The number of time slots in each subframe when the subcarrier spacing is configured with μ. HARQ feedback can refer to the HARQ acknowledgment character (ACK) sent with the PDSCH.

[0074] For example, network devices can also activate or deactivate the semi-persistent channel state information reference signal (SPCSI-RS) via MAC signaling carried by the PDSCH. The process can be summarized as follows:

[0075] If the UE receives the SP CSI-RS activation command, the DCI instructs the UE to send a HARQ-ACK for the PDSCH carrying the SP CSI-RS activation command in time slot n. The UE can assume that the SP CSI-RS configuration is in time slot n. The first time slot after that takes effect.

[0076] Similarly, for a UE configured with a semi-static sounding reference signal (SRS) resource set, the network device can activate the semi-static SRS resource set via an activation command carried by the PDSCH. The DCI instructs the UE to send a HARQ-ACK for this PDSCH in time slot n. The UE can assume that the configuration of the semi-static SRS resource set is effective from time slot n. The first time slot after that will take effect.

[0077] In addition to the aforementioned SCell activation or deactivation, SP CSI-RS activation or deactivation, and SP-SRS activation or deactivation, network devices can also notify the UE to perform aperiodic CSI-RS activation or deactivation and (transmission configuration indicator, TCI) activation via PDSCH carrying MAC signaling.

[0078] Currently, in the descriptions of various MAC signaling carried by PDSCH, the specific time when the UE applies the MAC signaling is closely related to the time when the UE sends the HARQ-ACK of the PDSCH carrying that MAC signaling. For example, when the UE receives the MAC signaling carried by the PDSCH, the UE can send the HARQ-ACK in the time slot k1 indicated by the DCI that schedules the PDSCH. The first time slot after that applies MAC signaling.

[0079] However, in the third-generation partnership program (3 rd The Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). In NR-U, because unlicensed spectrum is used, a clear channel assessment (CCA) or a listen-before-talk (LBT) is required before transmitting information on that spectrum. After successful CCA or LBT, information can be transmitted within the channel occupancy time (COT).

[0080] If CCA or LBT fails, the UE cannot send information. Considering that in NR-U, the UE might be unable to send information due to CCA or LBT failure, and therefore unable to send HARQ-ACK, the HARQ process has been enhanced in NR-U. Specifically, the time slot k1 in the DCI indicating the sending of HARQ-ACK can be configured to -1 in NR-U, indicating a delay in the UE's HARQ feedback; the specific HARQ feedback timing is determined by subsequent DCI steps.

[0081] Therefore, in NR-U, for various MAC signaling carried by the PDSCH, if the HARQ-ACK transmission slot k1 indicated in the DCI scheduling the PDSCH is configured as -1, the UE cannot process and determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the existing methods. Thus, the applicable time of the MAC signaling is unclear, leading to different interpretations by the network equipment and the UE, which may affect the performance and flexibility of the communication system.

[0082] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling. In this method, when the HARQ-ACK slot k1 of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling is configured to an inapplicable value, such as -1, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on this inapplicable value.

[0083] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, future 5th Generation (5G) systems, such as new radio access technology (NR), and future communication systems, such as 6G systems.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] This application's embodiments can be applied to both traditional typical networks and future UE-centric networks. UE-centric networks introduce a non-cell network architecture, deploying a large number of small cells within a specific area to form a hypercell. Each small cell serves as a transmission point (TP) or transmission and reception point (TRP) within the hypercell and is connected to a centralized controller. When a UE moves within the hypercell, network-side equipment selects a new sub-cluster to serve the UE, thus avoiding actual cell handover and ensuring UE service continuity. The network-side equipment includes wireless network devices. Alternatively, in a UE-centric network, multiple network-side devices, such as small cells, can have independent controllers, such as a distributed controller. Each small cell can independently schedule users, and long-term interaction between small cells provides flexibility in providing collaborative services to the UE.

[0087] In this application, some scenarios are illustrated using NR networks in wireless communication networks as examples. It should be noted that the solutions in this application can also be applied to other wireless communication networks, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other wireless communication networks.

[0088] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, let's first take... Figure 1 The communication system shown is used as an example to describe in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system illustrating a method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling, applicable to embodiments of this application, is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal device 101 and a network device 102. Both the terminal device 101 and the network device 102 may be configured with multiple antennas. Optionally, the communication system may also include a terminal device 103, which may also be configured with multiple antennas.

[0089] The terminal equipment involved in this application includes devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users. Specifically, it includes devices that provide voice connectivity to users, or devices that provide data connectivity to users, or devices that provide both voice and data connectivity to users. For example, it may include a handheld device with wireless connectivity or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal equipment can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN), exchanging voice or data with the RAN, or interacting with the RAN for both voice and data. The terminal equipment may include user equipment (UE), wireless terminal equipment, mobile terminal equipment, device-to-device (D2D) terminal equipment, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal equipment, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal equipment, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal equipment, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal equipment, access terminal equipment, user terminal equipment, user agent, or user device, etc. For example, it may include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal equipment, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-embedded mobile devices, etc. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other similar devices. It also includes limited devices, such as those with low power consumption, limited storage capacity, or limited computing power.Examples include information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning system (GPS), and laser scanners.

[0090] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0091] The various terminal devices described above, if located in a vehicle (e.g., placed inside or installed inside a vehicle), can be considered as vehicle-mounted terminal devices, also known as on-board units (OBUs).

[0092] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the terminal device is used as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0093] The network devices involved in this application, such as access network (AN) devices, like base stations (e.g., access points), can refer to devices in the access network that communicate with wireless terminal devices via one or more cells over the air interface, or, for example, a roadside unit (RSU) in a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. The base station can be used to convert received air frames to and from IP packets, acting as a router between the terminal device and the rest of the access network, which may include an IP network. The RSU can be a fixed infrastructure entity supporting V2X applications and can exchange messages with other entities supporting V2X applications. The network device can also coordinate the management of air interface attributes. For example, network equipment may include evolved base stations (NodeBs, eNBs, or e-NodeBs) in long-term evolution (LTE) systems or long-term evolution-advanced (LTE-A) systems, or may include next-generation node Bs (gNBs) in evolved packet core (EPC), the 5th generation (5G), or new radio (NR) systems (also referred to as NR systems). It may also include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access networks (Cloud RAN) systems. The embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0094] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0095] See Figure 2 The following is an exemplary flowchart of a method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling provided in the embodiments of this application, which may include the following steps.

[0096] Step 201: The network device sends a first instruction message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first instruction message accordingly.

[0097] The first indication information here can be a DCI (Distributed Information Center). This DCI can be used to schedule the PDSCH (Power Distribution Channel) carrying MAC signaling. Network devices can indicate the time-frequency resources of the PDSCH in the DCI.

[0098] Network devices can also instruct terminal devices in the DCI whether to delay the HARQ-ACK response for the PDSCH. The DCI can carry a first value 'm' for the HARQ-ACK response sent by the terminal device for the PDSCH. When m is an inapplicable value, such as -1, m can be used to instruct the terminal device to delay the HARQ-ACK response for the PDSCH. When m is an applicable value, such as 0, 1, 2, etc., m can be used to instruct the terminal device not to delay the HARQ-ACK response. It should be noted that when m is an applicable value, such as 0, 1, 2, etc., m can also be used to indicate the time at which the terminal device sends the HARQ-ACK response for the PDSCH.

[0099] Step 202: The network device sends MAC signaling to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the MAC signaling accordingly.

[0100] Terminal equipment can receive PDSCH according to the time and frequency resources indicated by DCI, thereby obtaining the MAC signaling carried in the PDSCH. This MAC signaling can instruct the terminal equipment to perform relevant operations.

[0101] Step 203: The terminal device determines the applicable time for MAC signaling.

[0102] The terminal device can determine the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the DCI. For example, when the first value indicates that the terminal device does not delay HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the first value. When the first value indicates that the terminal device delays HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0103] The following describes the reception and explanation of the MAC signaling in step 202. The operations indicated by the MAC signaling include, but are not limited to, the following 1-19.

[0104] 1. Instruct to activate SCell.

[0105] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the terminal device activates the SCell. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can report CSI and start the SCell deactivation timer. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can send an indication message to the lower layer indicating SCell activation.

[0106] 2. Instruct SCell to activate.

[0107] The applicable time for MAC signaling can be the time for deactivating the SCell. The terminal device can deactivate the SCell based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send an indication message to the lower layer instructing the SCell to be deactivated based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0108] 3. Instruct to activate TCI.

[0109] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the terminal device activates TCI. The terminal device can activate TCI based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send indication information indicating TCI activation to the lower layer based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0110] 4. Instruct TCI mapping activation.

[0111] The applicable time of MAC signaling can refer to the effective time when the terminal device maps the TCI indication in the DCI to the activated TCI of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can map the TCI indication in the DCI to the activated TCI of the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send indication information indicating the activation of the TCI mapping to the lower layer based on the applicable time of MAC signaling.

[0112] 5. Indicates the reference signal for updating the uplink power control path loss estimate.

[0113] The applicable time of MAC signaling can refer to the time when the terminal device updates the reference signal for path loss estimation in the uplink power control. The terminal device can perform path loss estimation based on the applicable time of MAC signaling and the reference signal indicated by the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send indication information to the lower layer, indicating the need to update the reference signal for path loss estimation in the uplink power control, based on the applicable time of MAC signaling.

[0114] 6. Instruct to activate the upward spatial relationship.

[0115] The applicable time of MAC signaling can refer to the time when the terminal device activates the uplink spatial relationship. The terminal device can activate the uplink spatial relationship based on the applicable time of MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send indication information to the lower layer to activate the uplink spatial relationship based on the applicable time of MAC signaling.

[0116] 7. Indicates the spatial relationship of the upper line.

[0117] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the uplink spatial relationship and spatial filter configuration indicated by the MAC signaling for sending PUCCH take effect. The terminal device can determine the effective time of the uplink spatial relationship and the effective time of the spatial filter configuration (p0-PUCCH-value) of the PUCCH associated with the indicated uplink spatial relationship based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can then send indication information indicating the uplink spatial relationship to the lower layer based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0118] 8. Instruct SP ZP CSI-RS resource set to activate.

[0119] The applicable time of MAC signaling can refer to the time when an active ZP CSI-RS resource in the SP ZP CSI-RS resource is mapped to the PDSCH RE. Based on the applicable time of MAC signaling, the terminal device can map the active ZP CSI-RS in the SP ZP CSI-RS resource set to the PDSCH RE using MAC signaling indications. The terminal device can also send indication information indicating the activation of the SP ZP CSI-RS resource set to the lower layer based on the applicable time of MAC signaling.

[0120] 9. Instruct the SP ZP CSI-RS resource set to deactivate.

[0121] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the deactivated ZP CSI-RS resources in the SP ZP CSI-RS resource set are stopped from being mapped to the PDSCH RE. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can stop the mapping of the deactivated ZP CSI-RS resources in the SP ZP CSI-RS resource set to the PDSCH RE as indicated by the MAC signaling. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can also send indication information indicating the deactivation of the SP ZP CSI-RS resource set to the lower layer.

[0122] 10. Indicates the selection of non-periodic CSI-RS trigger state.

[0123] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the terminal device selects the non-periodic CSI-RS trigger state. The network device can indicate one or more non-periodic CSI-RS trigger states to the terminal device. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine the effective time of the mapping between the CSI trigger state indicated in the DCI and the CSI trigger state selected by the MAC selection signaling. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can send indication information indicating the selection of the non-periodic CSI-RS trigger state to the lower layer.

[0124] 11. Indicate that the semi-static CSI PUSCH reporting configuration has taken effect.

[0125] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the semi-static CSI PUSCH reporting configuration of the terminal device takes effect. Based on the above reporting configuration, the terminal device can report semi-static CSI to the network device. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can send an indication message to the lower layer indicating that the semi-static CSI PUSCH reporting configuration has taken effect.

[0126] 12. Indicate the activation of the semi-static CSI-RS / CSI interference measurement (IM) resource set.

[0127] The usage time of the MAC signaling can refer to the activation time of the semi-static CSI-RS / CSI-IM resource set. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine that the QCL assumption indicated by the MAC signaling is effective, and that the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS / IM resource set is effective. The terminal device can then receive semi-static CSI-RS / CSI-IM resources based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS / IM resource set. Based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the terminal device can also send indication information indicating the activation of the semi-static CSI-RS / CSI-IM resource set to the lower layer.

[0128] 13. Instruct the semi-static CSI-RS / CSI-IM resource set to deactivate.

[0129] The usage time of MAC signaling can refer to the time when the semi-static CSI-RS / CSI-IM resource set is deactivated. The terminal device can stop receiving semi-static CSI-RS / CSI-IM resources based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send an indication message to the lower layer indicating the deactivation of the semi-static CSI-RS / CSI-IM resource set based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0130] 14. Indicate that the semi-static CSI reporting configuration is effective.

[0131] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the semi-static CSI reporting configuration takes effect. Terminal devices can report semi-static CSI to network devices based on the semi-static CSI reporting configuration. Terminal devices can also send indication information to the lower layer indicating that the semi-static CSI reporting configuration has taken effect, based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0132] 15. Indicates activation of semi-static SRS resource sets.

[0133] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the activation time of the semi-static SRS resource set. The terminal device can determine the effectiveness of the semi-static SRS resource set configuration information based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and can send semi-static SRS according to the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set. The terminal device can also send an indication message indicating the activation of the semi-static SRS resource set to the lower layer based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0134] 16. Instruct the semi-static SRS resource set to deactivate.

[0135] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the semi-static SRS resource set is deactivated. The terminal device can stop sending semi-static SRS based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send an indication message to the lower layer indicating the deactivation of the semi-static SRS resource set based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0136] 17. Indicates that the semi-static SRS resource set transmission assumption is in effect.

[0137] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the semi-static SRS resource set transmission assumption takes effect. The terminal device can use the indicated semi-static SRS resource set transmission assumption based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send indication information indicating that the semi-static SRS resource set transmission assumption is in effect to the lower layer based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0138] 18. Indicates that the assumption of stopping transmission of semi-static SRS resource sets is in effect.

[0139] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the assumption that the semi-static SRS resource set has stopped transmitting takes effect. The terminal device can stop sending semi-static SRS based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send an indication message to the lower layer indicating that the assumption that the semi-static SRS resource set has stopped transmitting has taken effect, based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0140] 19. Instruct the SRS resource space relationship update command to take effect.

[0141] The applicable time of the MAC signaling can refer to the time when the SRS resource space relationship update command takes effect. The terminal device can update the SRS resource space relationship based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The terminal device can also send an indication message to the lower layer indicating that the SRS resource space relationship update command has taken effect, based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0142] The following describes the method by which the terminal device determines the applicable time for MAC signaling in step 203.

[0143] In one possible implementation, after receiving the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, the terminal device can determine whether to delay the HARQ-ACK feedback of the PDSCH. The DCI includes a first value. When the first value is configured as 0, 1, 2, etc., the terminal device can determine not to delay the HARQ-ACK feedback. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for the MAC signaling based on the value of m. Optionally, the terminal device can determine the time to send the HARQ-ACK based on the value of m.

[0144] For example, a network device can schedule a PDSCH via a DCI, which carries the first value 'm' of the HARQ-ACK sent by the terminal device. The network device sends a PDSCH to the terminal device, which carries MAC signaling. This MAC signaling is used to instruct the terminal device to activate the SCell. The terminal device can determine the MAC signaling within the time slot. Applicable, or the terminal device can determine that the operation indicated by the MAC signaling is in the time slot. Applicable. Terminal devices can determine the time slot. Start the SCell Deactivation Timer.

[0145] Optionally, the terminal device can send HARQ-ACK in time slot a+m.

[0146] In another possible implementation, if the first value m for sending HARQ-ACK in the DCI is configured to an inapplicable value, such as -1, then the terminal device delays sending HARQ-ACK. However, the terminal device cannot accurately determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the above method.

[0147] In one example, the terminal device does not expect the first value in the DCI to be configured with an inapplicable value such as -1. The first value in the DCI sent by the network device to the terminal device cannot be configured with an inapplicable value such as -1; that is, the first value in the DCI indicates that the terminal device should not delay HARQ-ACK feedback. Therefore, the first value in the DCI sent by the network device to the terminal device will always be configured with an applicable value, and the first value can also be used to indicate when the terminal device sends HARQ-ACK. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the first value.

[0148] Based on the above scheme, the first value of the HARQ-ACK sent in the DCI from the network device to the terminal device can be predefined and will not be configured as an inapplicable value. Therefore, the terminal device and the network device can determine the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the first value, and the network device and the terminal device can align their understanding of the applicable time of MAC signaling.

[0149] In another example, if the first value in the DCI indicates that the terminal device delays sending HARQ-ACK, the terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling according to Methods 1-4 below. Methods 1-4 are described below.

[0150] Method 1: The terminal device determines the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the second value.

[0151] The second value here can be specified by the communication protocol or indicated by the network device. This second value is related to at least one of the subcarrier spacing of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling and the terminal device's processing capability for the PDSCH.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the second value can be determined based on the terminal device's PDSCH processing capability. Based on the terminal device's PDSCH processing capability, the first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending a HARQ-ACK for the PDSCH can be determined. This second value can be used to indicate the first time slot, or it can be used to indicate a time slot following the first time slot. Here, the time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending a HARQ-ACK for the PDSCH can refer to the time slot in which it can begin sending the HARQ-ACK if it wants to send a HARQ-ACK for the PDSCH. However, since the first value indicates that the terminal device delays the feedback of the HARQ-ACK, the terminal device does not send a HARQ-ACK in this instance.

[0153] Referring to Section 5.3 of standard 3GPP TS 38.214.V16.3.0 (2020-09), the first time slot in which the terminal equipment is capable of transmitting the HARQ-ACK for PDSCH should not be earlier than time domain symbol L1. This time domain symbol L1 can be the first uplink symbol after an interval T following the last time domain symbol of the aforementioned PDSCH. Optionally, the CP of L1 needs to be considered for this first uplink symbol.

[0154] T=(N1+d 1,1 +d2)(2048+144)·κ·2 -μ ·T c +Text.

[0155] In the above formula, N1 is the PDSCH decoding time determined by the subcarrier spacing configuration μ. N1 is in time-domain symbols. c It is a time unit. T c It can be determined using the following formula.

[0156]

[0157] Δf max =480·10 3 Hz, N f =4096, Text can be understood as the time related to the cyclic prefix (CP) extension. d 1,1 It is specified by the communication protocol and can be determined based on the PDSCH processing capability, PDSCH mapping type, PDSCH symbol position, and the positional relationship between the PDSCH and the control-resource set (CORESET). d2 is the value reported by the terminal device when the PUCCH has a high priority and overlaps with a low-priority PUCCH or PUSCH; otherwise, d2 = 0.

[0158] The faster or stronger the terminal device's PDSCH processing capability, the earlier the time slot in which the terminal device is determined to be capable of sending HARQ-ACK, thus the smaller the second value can be. Conversely, the slower or weaker the terminal device's PDSCH processing capability, the later the time slot in which the terminal device is determined to be capable of sending HARQ-ACK, thus the larger the second value can be.

[0159] In another possible implementation, the second value can be determined based on the subcarrier spacing of the PDSCH. Specifically, the larger the subcarrier spacing of the PDSCH, the more time slots are in the current subcarrier spacing, and therefore the larger the second value can be. Conversely, the smaller the subcarrier spacing of the PDSCH, the fewer time slots are in the current subcarrier spacing, and therefore the smaller the second value can be.

[0160] For the reasons mentioned above, the second value can be pre-set to correspond with the terminal device's PDSCH processing capability. Alternatively, the second value can be pre-set to correspond with the PDSCH subcarrier spacing. Or, a three-way relationship can be pre-set between the second value, the terminal device's PDSCH processing capability, and the PDSCH subcarrier spacing. The terminal device can determine the second value based on its own PDSCH processing capability and / or PDSCH subcarrier spacing, and then determine the applicable time for MAC signaling.

[0161] Optionally, the second value may also be related to other information, and this application does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0162] In this embodiment, each terminal device can determine the second value based on its own PDSCH processing capability and / or PDSCH subcarrier spacing. Alternatively, when the first value in the DCI indicates delayed feedback HARQ-ACK, all terminal devices can use the same second value.

[0163] In one example, the terminal device can use a second value instead of the first value to determine the applicable time of MAC signaling according to the method specified in the communication protocol. For example, when the UE receives an SP CSI-RS activation command, the 'm' in the DCI indication indicates that the terminal device delays HARQ-ACK feedback. The terminal device can assume that the SP CSI-RS configuration is in... The first time slot after that takes effect. X is the second value.

[0164] In another example, the second value can indicate the applicable time for MAC signaling. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the second value. For example, when the terminal device receives an SP CSI-RS activation command, the 'm' in the DCI indication indicates that the terminal device delays the HARQ-ACK feedback. The terminal device can assume that the SP CSI-RS configuration is effective in the time slot indicated by the second value.

[0165] Based on the above scheme, since the terminal device can determine its own processing capability for PDSCH and the subcarrier spacing of PDSCH, if the first value in the DCI received by the terminal device indicates delayed feedback HARQ-ACK, the terminal device can determine the second value based on its own processing capability for PDSCH and / or the subcarrier spacing of PDSCH, and then determine the applicable time for MAC signaling.

[0166] The following, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 3 Method 1, provided by the embodiments of this application, is introduced.

[0167] See appendix Figure 3 The terminal device receives DCI1 from the network device, which is used to schedule PDSCH1 carrying MAC1. The terminal device receives PDSCH1 from the network device in time slot a indicated by DCI1 and acquires MAC1. The first value m in DCI1 indicates that the terminal device delays sending HARQ-ACK. MAC1 indicates that the terminal device activates SCell. The terminal device can receive PDSCH1 and acquire MAC1 based on the time-frequency resources indicated by DCI1. The terminal device can determine the second value b, and then determine the time slot... Start SCell to deactivate the timer. Alternatively, the terminal device can determine that it should start SCell to deactivate the timer in time slot b. Optionally, the terminal device can start SCell in time slot b. Start SCell to activate the timer in any subsequent time slot, or in any time slot after time slot b.

[0168] Optionally, since the first value in the DCI indicates that the terminal device delays the HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can send the HARQ-ACK for PDSCH1 based on subsequent received DCIs. For example, the terminal device receives DCI2 from the network device, and DCI2 is used to schedule PDSCH2. DCI2 can be used to determine the time slot for sending the HARQ-ACK for PDSCH1.

[0169] Method 2: The terminal device determines the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the third value indicated by the network device.

[0170] The third value here can be indicated along with the MAC signaling. In one example, the network device can indicate the third value in the MAC signaling. For instance, the network device can carry the third value in the MAC signaling, or it can indicate the third value as a bit sequence in the MAC signaling. The relationship between the bit sequence value and the third value can be sent by the network device to the terminal device or defined by the communication protocol. Alternatively, the network device can indicate the third value as an identifier in the MAC signaling. The relationship between the identifier and the third value can be sent by the network device to the terminal device or defined by the communication protocol.

[0171] Optionally, this third value can also be indicated separately from the MAC signaling. In one example, the network device can indicate this third value in the DCI. The method of indicating the third value in the DCI can be found in the method of indicating the third value in the MAC signaling described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0172] In another example, the network device can indicate this third value to the terminal device via radio resource control (RRC) messages. For example, an RRC reconfiguration message, an RRC set-up message, or an RRC reestablishment message. The network device can send the RRC message carrying the third value and the aforementioned MAC signaling simultaneously, or it can send the RRC message carrying the third value first and then send the aforementioned MAC signaling, or it can send the aforementioned MAC signaling first and then send the RRC message carrying the third value.

[0173] For example, during the initial access process of a terminal device, the network device can send this third value to the terminal device via an RRC message, indicating to the terminal device that if the first value in the DCI indicates a delayed HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on this third value.

[0174] In one example, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of MAC signaling based on a third value instead of the first value, using the method specified in the communication protocol. For instance, when the UE receives an SP CSI-RS activation command, the 'm' in the DCI indication indicates that the terminal device should delay HARQ-ACK feedback. The terminal device can assume that the SP CSI-RS configuration is in... The first time slot after that takes effect. X is the third value.

[0175] In another example, the third value can indicate the applicable time for MAC signaling. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the third value. For example, when the terminal device receives an SP CSI-RS activation command, the 'm' in the DCI indication indicates that the terminal device delays HARQ-ACK feedback. The terminal device can assume that the SP CSI-RS configuration is effective in the time slot indicated by the third value.

[0176] It should be noted that the third value indicated by the network device can be determined using the same method as the second value in Method 1. For example, the network device can determine the third value based on the terminal device's PDSCH processing capability and / or the PDSCH subcarrier spacing. The difference between the third and second values ​​is that configuring the third value for the terminal device by the network device allows for greater flexibility and can fully consider the communication data currently being processed by both the network device and the terminal device.

[0177] Based on the above scheme, when the first value in the DCI indicates that the terminal device is delaying the HARQ-ACK feedback, the network device can send a third value to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to determine the applicable time for the MAC signaling and execute the relevant operations indicated by the MAC signaling within that applicable time. This aligns the understanding of the applicable time for MAC signaling between the network device and the terminal device, and also improves the flexibility of the communication system.

[0178] The following, combined with Figure 3 Method 2, provided in the embodiments of this application, is introduced.

[0179] During the random access procedure, the terminal device receives a third value p from the network device. The terminal device receives DCI1 from the network device, which is used to schedule PDSCH1 carrying MAC1. The terminal device receives PDSCH1 from the network device in the time slot n indicated by DCI1, thereby obtaining MAC1. This MAC1 instructs the terminal device to activate SCell. The terminal device can receive MAC1 based on the time-frequency resources indicated by DCI1. The first value in DCI1 instructs the terminal device to delay feedback HARQ-ACK. The terminal device can receive MAC1 in the time slot. Start SCell to deactivate the timer. Alternatively, the terminal device can start SCell to deactivate the timer in time slot p. Optionally, the terminal device can start SCell in time slot p. In any subsequent time slot, or in any time slot after time slot p, start SCell to activate the timer.

[0180] Optionally, since the first value in DCI1 indicates that the terminal device delays the HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can determine the delay in feeding back the HARQ-ACK for this PDSCH1. The terminal device can feed back the HARQ-ACK for PDSCH1 based on subsequently received DCIs. For example, the terminal device receives DCI2 from the network device, and DCI2 is used to schedule PDSCH2. DCI2 can be used to determine the time slot for sending the HARQ-ACK for PDSCH1.

[0181] Method 3: The terminal device determines the applicable time for MAC signaling based on its PDSCH processing capability.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending HARQ-ACK for PDSCH can be determined based on the terminal device's PDSCH processing capabilities. This first time slot can be the first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending HARQ-ACK for PDSCH. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the first time slot or a time slot following the first time slot. Whether the terminal device bases its decision on the first time slot or a time slot following the first time slot can be specified by the communication protocol or indicated by the network device. Optionally, the time slot following the first time slot can be specified by the communication protocol or indicated by the network device. For example, the communication protocol can specify or the network device can indicate an offset k, where offset k is an integer greater than or equal to 0, representing the offset of a time slot following the first time slot relative to the first time slot. The terminal device can determine the applicable time for MAC signaling based on the first time slot determined by its PDSCH processing capabilities and the offset k.

[0183] The aforementioned first time slot capable of sending HARQ-ACK for PDSCH could mean that if the terminal device wants to send HARQ-ACK for PDSCH, it can start sending HARQ-ACK in that time slot. However, since the first value indicates that the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK, the terminal device does not send HARQ-ACK in this instance.

[0184] Referring to Section 5.3 of standard 3GPP TS 38.214.V16.3.0 (2020-09), the time slot in which the terminal equipment is capable of transmitting the HARQ-ACK for the PDSCH should not be earlier than time domain symbol L1. This time domain symbol L1 can be the first symbol after the interval T following the last time domain symbol of the aforementioned PDSCH. Optionally, the CP of L1 needs to be considered for this first uplink symbol.

[0185] T=(N1+d 1,1 +d2)(2048+144)·κ·2 -μ ·T c +Text.

[0186] In the above formula, N1 is the PDSCH decoding time determined by the subcarrier spacing configuration μ. N1 is in time-domain symbols. c It is a time unit. T c It can be determined using the following formula.

[0187]

[0188] Δf max =480@10 3 Hz, N f =4096, Text can be understood as the time related to the cyclic prefix (CP) extension. d 1,1 It is specified by the communication protocol and can be determined based on the PDSCH processing capability, PDSCH mapping type, PDSCH symbol position, and the positional relationship between the PDSCH and the control-resource set (CORESET). d2 is the value reported by the terminal device when the PUCCH has a high priority and overlaps with a low-priority PUCCH or PUSCH; otherwise, d2 = 0.

[0189] The terminal device can determine the first time slot based on the above method to determine the applicable time of MAC signaling. For example, it can replace the first value in the DCI with this first time slot and use the formula specified in the communication protocol to determine the applicable time of MAC signaling. Alternatively, it can replace the first value in the DCI with the time slot following the first time slot and use the formula specified in the communication protocol to determine the applicable time of MAC signaling.

[0190] Based on the above scheme, terminal devices can determine the time slots available for sending HARQ-ACKs for PDSCH based on their own PDSCH processing capabilities, and thus determine the applicable time for MAC signaling. Network devices and terminal devices can determine the same applicable time for MAC signaling, aligning their understanding of the applicable time for MAC signaling, and saving transmission resources.

[0191] The following, combined with Figure 3 Method 3, provided in the embodiments of this application, is introduced.

[0192] The terminal device receives DCI1 from the network device, which is used to schedule PDSCH1 carrying MAC1. The terminal device receives PDSCH1 from the network device in time slot 1 indicated by DCI1, thereby obtaining MAC1. This MAC1 instructs the terminal device to activate SCell. The terminal device can receive MAC1 based on the time-frequency resources indicated by DCI1. The first value in DCI1 indicates that the terminal device delays HARQ-ACK feedback. The terminal device can determine that time slot 4 is capable of sending HARQ-ACK for PDSCH1, therefore the terminal device can send HARQ-ACK in time slot 4. Start SCell to deactivate the timer. Optionally, the communication protocol specifies that the applicable time of MAC signaling is offset by k from the time slot capable of sending PDSCH HARQ-ACK, where k is a positive integer. The terminal device can, based on time slot 4 capable of sending PDSCH1 and offset k, in time slot... Start SCell to activate the timer.

[0193] Optionally, since the first value in DCI1 indicates that the terminal device delays the HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can determine the delay in feeding back the HARQ-ACK for this PDSCH1. The terminal device can feed back the HARQ-ACK for PDSCH1 based on subsequently received DCIs. For example, the terminal device receives DCI2 from the network device, and DCI2 is used to schedule PDSCH2. DCI2 can be used to determine the time slot for sending the HARQ-ACK for PDSCH1.

[0194] Method 4: The terminal device determines the applicable time of MAC signaling based on the third instruction information.

[0195] Specifically, if the first value in the DCI of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling indicates that the terminal device should delay HARQ-ACK feedback, then the terminal device may not perform the relevant operations indicated by the MAC signaling and wait for the subsequent DCI. The subsequent DCI, along with the aforementioned DCI of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling, can be the DCI following the DCI of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling.

[0196] See Figure 4 The network device schedules PDSCH1 carrying MAC1 via DCI1. The terminal device receives PDSCH1 in time slot a based on DCI1 and obtains MAC1. This MAC1 instructs the terminal device to perform SCell deactivation. Since the first value in DCI1 indicates that the terminal device delays HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can temporarily determine the SCell deactivation time until it receives the next DCI. For example, the network device schedules PDSCH2 via DCI2. The first value in DCI2 indicates that the terminal device does not delay HARQ-ACK feedback, so the terminal device can determine the SCell deactivation time based on the first value in DCI2.

[0197] Based on the above scheme, when the first value in the DCI of the PDSCH carrying MAC signaling indicates that the terminal device should delay HARQ-ACK feedback, the terminal device can temporarily suspend the relevant operations of the MAC signaling and wait for subsequent DCIs. The terminal device can then determine the applicable time of the aforementioned MAC signaling based on subsequent DCIs.

[0198] It should also be noted that, since network devices and terminal devices need to align their understanding of the applicable time of MAC signaling, network devices can also determine the applicable time of MAC signaling according to methods 1-4 described above. The method used by the network device should be the same as that used by the terminal device.

[0199] Terminal devices can execute the operations indicated by MAC signaling within the applicable time of a defined MAC signaling. For example, if MAC signaling indicates that aperiodic CSI-RS reporting configuration is activated, the terminal device can determine that the aperiodic CSI-RS reporting configuration is activated within the applicable time of the defined MAC signaling, and the terminal device can report CSI according to the reporting configuration of the aperiodic CSI-RS. Alternatively, if MAC signaling indicates that a semi-static SRS resource set is activated, the terminal device can assume that the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set is effective within the applicable time of the defined MAC signaling, and the terminal device can send semi-static SRS based on the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set.

[0200] Optionally, the network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling so that the terminal device can perform relevant operations within that applicable time. For example, if the MAC signaling indicates that the aperiodic CSI-RS reporting configuration is activated, the terminal device can determine that the aperiodic CSI-RS reporting configuration is activated within the determined applicable time of the MAC signaling. The network device can send aperiodic CSI-RS resources within the determined applicable time of the MAC signaling, or before, or after, as long as the terminal device can receive the aperiodic CSI-RS resources.

[0201] Based on the above scheme, if the first value in the DCI of the PDSCH scheduling indicates that the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK, the terminal device can determine the applicable time of MAC signaling according to the above scheme. Therefore, the understanding of the applicable time of MAC signaling between network devices and terminal devices can be aligned, which can improve communication performance.

[0202] Based on the same technical concept as the above communication method, such as Figure 5 As shown, an apparatus 500 is provided. The apparatus 500 is capable of performing the various steps in the above method executed by the terminal device and the network device side, which will not be described in detail here to avoid repetition.

[0203] The device 500 includes a communication unit 510 and a processing unit 520, and optionally, a storage unit 530. The processing unit 520 can be connected to both the storage unit 530 and the communication unit 510, and the storage unit 530 can also be connected to the communication unit 510. The processing unit 520 can be integrated with the storage unit 530. The communication unit 510 can also be called a transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing unit 520 can also be called a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in the communication unit 510 used for receiving functions can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in the communication unit 510 used for transmitting functions can be considered a transmitting unit; that is, the communication unit 510 includes both a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The communication unit can sometimes be called a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver unit. The receiving unit can sometimes be called a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. The transmitting unit can sometimes be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0204] It should be understood that the communication unit 510 is used to perform the sending and receiving operations on the terminal device and network device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 520 is used to perform other operations on the terminal device and network device side in the above method embodiments besides the sending and receiving operations. For example, in one implementation, the communication unit 510 is used to perform... Figure 2The terminal device and network device side receive operations or transmit operations. And / or the communication unit 510 is also used to perform other transmit and receive steps on the terminal device and network device side in this embodiment. The processing unit 520 is used to execute... Figure 2 The processing steps on the terminal device side and / or the processing unit 520 are used to execute other processing steps on the terminal device and network device side in the embodiments of this application.

[0205] The storage unit 530 is used to store computer programs;

[0206] For example, when the device 500 performs the steps executed on the terminal device side, the communication unit 510 receives Media Access Access (MAC) signaling; the communication unit 510 is also used to receive first indication information; the first indication information includes a first value of the device sending Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) Acknowledgment Information (ACK); the first value indicates whether the device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK; the processing unit 520 is used to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0207] In one possible implementation, when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit 520 is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on a second value; the second value is associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing of the channel carrying the MAC signaling and the processing capability of the device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 510 is further configured to: receive a third value; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit 520 is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the third value.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 520 is further configured to: determine a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is the first time slot in which the device is capable of transmitting a HARQ-ACK of a channel carrying the first indication information; and when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit 520 is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the first time slot.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 510 is further configured to: receive second indication information; the second indication information includes a fourth value of HARQ-ACK sent by the device; the fourth value is used to indicate that the terminal device does not delay the feedback of HARQ-ACK; when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit 520 is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the fourth value.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of the semi-static channel state reference signal resource (CSI-RS) resource set, and the processing unit 520 is further configured to: determine the effective status of the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; the communication unit 510 is further configured to: receive the semi-static CSI-RS based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of the semi-static channel state information interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource set, and the processing unit 520 is further configured to: determine the effective status of the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; the communication unit 510 is further configured to: receive the semi-static CSI-IM based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of the semi-static uplink reference signal (SRS) resource set, and the processing unit 520 is further used to: determine the effective status of the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; the communication unit 510 is further used to: send the semi-static SRS based on the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set.

[0214] When the device is a chip-based device or circuit, it may include a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing unit may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit. The communication unit can input and output data, and the processing unit can determine the output data based on the input data. For example, the communication unit can input MAC signaling and first indication information. The processing unit can determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0215] For example, when the device 500 performs the steps executed on the network device side, the processing unit 520 is used to generate Media Access Access (MAC) signaling and first indication information; the first indication information includes a first value of the terminal device sending Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) acknowledgment information (ACK); the first value indicates whether the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK; the communication unit 510 is used to send MAC signaling and the first indication information; the processing unit 520 is also used to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

[0216] In one possible implementation, when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit 520 is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on a second value; the second value is associated with at least one of the subcarrier spacing of the channel carrying the MAC signaling and the processing capability of the terminal device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 510 is further configured to: send a third value; and the processing unit 520, when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the third value.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 520 is further configured to: determine a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is the first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending a HARQ-ACK of the channel carrying the first indication information; when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit 520 is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling based on the first time slot.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 510 is further configured to: send second indication information; the second indication information includes a fourth value for the terminal device to send HARQ-ACK; the fourth value is used to indicate that the terminal device does not delay the feedback of HARQ-ACK; when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit 520 is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the fourth value.

[0220] When the device is a chip-based device or circuit, it may include a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing unit may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit. The communication unit can input and output data, and the processing unit can determine the output data based on the input data. For example, the processing unit can generate MAC signaling and first indication information, and can also determine the indication information of the MAC signaling based on the MAC signaling and first indication information. The communication unit can output MAC signaling and first indication information.

[0221] like Figure 6The diagram shows a communication-functional device 600 provided in an embodiment of this application, used to implement the functions of a terminal device or network device in the above-described method. When this device is used to implement the functions of a terminal device in the above-described method, the device can be a terminal device, a chip with similar terminal device functions, or a device compatible with a terminal device. When this device is used to implement the functions of a network device in the above-described method, the device can be a network device, a chip with similar network device functions, or a device compatible with a network device.

[0222] The apparatus 600 includes at least one processor 620 for implementing the functions of the terminal device or network device in the methods provided in this application embodiment. The apparatus 600 may also include a communication interface 610. In this application embodiment, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 610 enables the apparatus in the apparatus 600 to communicate with other devices. The processor 620 can perform tasks such as... Figure 5 The processing unit 520 shown has the function of [function name], and the communication interface 610 can perform [function name] such as [function name]. Figure 5 The function of the communication unit 510 shown.

[0223] The device 600 may further include at least one memory 630 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 630 is coupled to the processor 620. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 620 may operate in conjunction with the memory 630. The processor 620 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 630. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0224] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 610, processor 620, and memory 630. This application embodiment... Figure 6 The memory 630, processor 620, and communication interface 610 are connected via a bus 640. Figure 6 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 6 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0225] This application also provides a terminal device, which can be either a terminal device or a circuit. This terminal device can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0226] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of a terminal device is shown. This is for ease of understanding and illustration. Figure 7 In this context, the terminal device is taken as a mobile phone. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the terminal device includes a processor, memory, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices. The processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the terminal device, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The RF circuitry is mainly used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The processor can execute the software programs stored in the memory to cause the terminal device to perform the steps described in the aforementioned method embodiments, which will not be elaborated further. The antenna is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are mainly used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0227] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then processes the baseband signal and transmits it outward as electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor then converts the baseband signal back into data and processes it. For ease of explanation, Figure 7 Only one memory and processor are shown in the illustration. In actual terminal device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory may be set up independently of the processor or integrated with the processor; this application does not limit this.

[0228] In this embodiment, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the communication unit of the terminal device, such as... Figure 7 The communication unit 710 shown treats a processor with processing capabilities as the processing unit of the terminal device, such as... Figure 7 The processing unit 720 shown.

[0229] As another embodiment of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored, which, when executed, perform the methods on the terminal device side or network device side of the above method embodiments.

[0230] As another form of this embodiment, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when executed, perform the methods on the terminal device side or network device side in the above method embodiments.

[0231] As another embodiment of this invention, a communication system is provided, which may include the at least one terminal device and the at least one network device described above.

[0232] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), 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.

[0233] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0234] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated into the processor.

[0235] It should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0236] It should be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply 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 this invention.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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.

[0242] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0243] 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 method for determining a medium access control (MAC) signaling applicable time, characterized in that, Comprising: A terminal device receives a medium access control (MAC) signaling; The terminal device receives first indication information; The first indication information includes a first value of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) sent by the terminal device; the first value indicates whether the terminal device delays feedback of the HARQ-ACK; In a case where the first value indicates that the terminal device delays feedback of the HARQ-ACK, the terminal device determines an applicable time of the MAC signaling.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, comprising: The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to a second value; the second value is associated with at least one of a subcarrier spacing of a channel carrying the MAC signaling and a processing capability of the terminal device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: The terminal device receives a third value; The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, comprising: The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the third value.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: The terminal device determines a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is a first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending a HARQ-ACK of a channel carrying the first indication information; The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, comprising: The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the first time slot.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, comprising: The terminal device receives second indication information; the second indication information includes a fourth value of a HARQ-ACK sent by the terminal device; the fourth value is used to indicate that the terminal device does not delay feedback of the HARQ-ACK; The terminal device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the fourth value.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Further comprising: The MAC signaling is used to indicate activation of a semi-static channel state reference signal resource (CSI-RS) set; the terminal device determines that configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS set indicated by the MAC signaling takes effect based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and receives a semi-static CSI-RS based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Further comprising: The MAC signaling is used to indicate activation of a semi-static channel state information interference measurement (CSI-IM) resource set; the terminal device determines that configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set indicated by the MAC signaling takes effect based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and receives a semi-static CSI-IM based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Further comprising: The MAC signaling is used to indicate activation of a semi-static uplink reference signal (SRS) resource set; the terminal device determines that configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling takes effect based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling, and sends a semi-static SRS based on the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set.

9. A method for determining the applicable time of MAC signaling for media access, characterized in that, Comprising: A network device sends a medium access control (MAC) signaling to a terminal device; The network device sends first indication information to the terminal device; the first indication information includes a first value of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) sent by the terminal device; the first value indicates whether the terminal device delays feedback of the HARQ-ACK; In a case where the first value indicates that the terminal device delays feedback of the HARQ-ACK, the network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, including: The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to a second value; the second value is associated with at least one of a subcarrier spacing of a channel carrying the MAC signaling and a processing capability of the terminal device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: The network device sends a third value; The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, including: The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the third value.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising The network device determines a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is a first time slot in which the terminal device is capable of sending HARQ-ACK of a channel carrying the first indication information; The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, including: The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the first time slot.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein, The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling, including: The network device sends second indication information; the second indication information includes a fourth value of HARQ-ACK sent by the terminal device; the fourth value is used to indicate that the terminal device does not delay feedback of the HARQ-ACK; The network device determines the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the fourth value.

14. A communications device, characterized by Comprising: A processing unit and a communication unit; The communication unit is configured to receive media access control (MAC) signaling; The communication unit is further configured to receive first indication information; the first indication information includes a first value of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgement (ACK) sent by the apparatus; the first value indicates whether the apparatus delays feedback of the HARQ-ACK; In a case where the first value indicates that the apparatus delays feedback of the HARQ-ACK, the processing unit is configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, When determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to a second value; the second value is associated with at least one of a subcarrier spacing of a channel carrying the MAC signaling and a processing capability of the apparatus for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The communication unit is further configured to: receive a third value; When determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the third value.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The processing unit is further configured to: determine a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is a first time slot in which the apparatus is capable of sending HARQ-ACK of a channel carrying the first indication information; The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the first time slot.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The communication unit is further configured to: receive second indication information; the second indication information includes a fourth value of HARQ-ACK sent by the device; the fourth value is used to indicate that the terminal device does not delay the feedback of HARQ-ACK; The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the fourth value when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of a semi-static channel state reference signal resource CSI-RS resource set, and the processing unit is further configured to:

19. The apparatus of any of claims 14-18, wherein, determine that the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling takes effect based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; The communication unit is further configured to: receive a semi-static CSI-RS based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-RS. The MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of a semi-static channel state information interference measurement CSI-IM resource set, and the processing unit is further configured to:

20. The apparatus of any of claims 14-19, wherein, determine that the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM resource set indicated by the MAC signaling takes effect based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; The communication unit is further configured to: receive a semi-static CSI-IM based on the configuration information of the semi-static CSI-IM. The MAC signaling is used to indicate the activation of a semi-static uplink reference signal SRS resource set, and the processing unit is further configured to:

21. The apparatus of any of claims 14-20, wherein, determine that the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set indicated by the MAC signaling takes effect based on the applicable time of the MAC signaling; The communication unit is further configured to: send a semi-static SRS based on the configuration information of the semi-static SRS resource set. comprise:

22. A communications device, characterized by a processing unit and a communication unit; The processing unit is configured to generate media access control, MAC, signaling and first indication information; the first indication information includes a first value of hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, acknowledgement information, ACK, sent by a terminal device; the first value indicates whether the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK; The communication unit is configured to send the MAC signaling and the first indication information; In the case that the first value indicates that the terminal device delays the feedback of HARQ-ACK, the processing unit is further configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the second value when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling; the second value is associated with at least one of a subcarrier spacing of a channel carrying the MAC signaling and a processing capability of the terminal device for the channel carrying the MAC signaling.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The communication unit is further configured to: send a third value; 24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the third value when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling. The processing unit is further configured to: ​ ​ 25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, ​ determining a first time slot; wherein the first time slot is a first time slot in which the terminal device has a capability of sending a HARQ-ACK of a channel carrying the first indication information; when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the first time slot.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The communication unit is further configured to: send second indication information; the second indication information comprises a fourth value of the terminal device sending the HARQ-ACK; the fourth value is used to indicate that the terminal device does not delay the feedback of the HARQ-ACK; when determining the applicable time of the MAC signaling, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the applicable time of the MAC signaling according to the fourth value.

27. A communications device, characterized by comprise: a processor and a memory, the memory is configured to store computer programs or instructions; the processor is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the method in any one of claims 1-8 is executed or the method in any one of claims 9-13 is executed.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores computer executable instructions, when the computer executable instructions are invoked by a computer, the computer executes the method in any one of claims 1-8 or the method in any one of claims 9-13.

29. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program product runs on the electronic device, the electronic device executes the method in any one of claims 1-8 or the electronic device executes the method in any one of claims 9-13.

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