Relay Communication Method, Apparatus and Device

Abstract

The present application provides a configuration method for a relay mode, a relay communication method, an apparatus and a device, relating to the field of communication technologies. The method includes: a core network device sends first configuration information to a terminal device, where the first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the core network device configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities, so that the terminal device can clarify the connection mode of relay communication, ensuring that the terminal device can implement relay communication.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202180071192.3, with the invention title of "Configuration Method of Relay Mode, Relay Communication Method, Device and Equipment", which is the Chinese national phase entry of the PCT international patent application PCT / CN2021 / 084741 with the filing date of March 31, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of communication technologies, and particularly to a configuration method of a relay mode, a relay communication method, a device and equipment. Background Art

[0003] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) introduced the concept of relay communication in the R13 (Release 13) ProSe (Proximity Service) architecture.

[0004] A relay communication system includes at least two UEs (User Equipment) with ProSe capabilities. These UEs can generally be divided into two categories. One category is the UE that provides relay services, and the other category is the UE that uses relay services. A UE with ProSe capabilities can establish direct communication with another UE with ProSe capabilities through the PC5 interface. In the case where the relay communication system is implemented such that a UE accesses the network through a relay, when a UE has both the ability to connect to an external data network through a network such as 5G (5th-Generation) and also has ProSe capabilities, this UE can provide relay services. That is, this UE acts as a Relay UE (relay terminal device) in the relay communication system; other UEs in the relay communication system that access the network through this UE use the relay services provided by this UE. That is, other UEs act as Remote UEs (remote terminal devices) in the relay communication system. In the case where the relay communication system is implemented such that multiple UEs achieve service interaction through a relay, when a UE can provide communication relay for at least two UEs and can establish direct communication with these at least two UEs through the PC5 interface respectively, this UE can provide relay services. That is, this UE acts as a Relay UE in the relay communication system; other UEs in the relay communication system that establish direct communication with this UE through the PC5 interface respectively use the relay services provided by this UE.

[0005] However, regarding how to clarify the connection mode of relay communication for UEs with ProSe capabilities during the relay communication process, further discussion and research are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a method for configuring a relay mode, a relay communication method, an apparatus, and a device. The technical solutions are as follows:

[0007] On the one hand, embodiments of the present application provide a method for configuring a relay mode, which is applied to a terminal device. The method includes:

[0008] Receiving first configuration information from a core network device, where the first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose capabilities.

[0009] On the other hand, embodiments of the present application provide a method for configuring a relay mode, which is applied to a core network device. The method includes:

[0010] Sending first configuration information to a terminal device, where the first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose capabilities.

[0011] On yet another hand, embodiments of the present application provide a relay communication method, which is applied to a first terminal device. The method includes:

[0012] Based on a first relay mode, communicating with a second terminal device through a relay terminal device;

[0013] where the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0014] On still another hand, embodiments of the present application provide a relay communication method, which is applied to a relay terminal device. The method includes:

[0015] Based on a first relay mode, enabling communication between a first terminal device and a second terminal device through the relay terminal device;

[0016] where the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0017] On yet still another hand, embodiments of the present application provide a relay communication method, which is applied to a second terminal device. The method includes:

[0018] Based on the first relay method, communication with the first terminal device is achieved through a relay terminal device;

[0019] Among them, the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0020] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a relay method configuration device, which is set in a terminal device. The device includes:

[0021] A configuration information receiving module, configured to receive first configuration information from a core network device. The first configuration information includes at least one relay method configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose capabilities.

[0022] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a relay method configuration device, which is set in a core network device. The device includes:

[0023] A configuration information sending module, configured to send first configuration information to a terminal device. The first configuration information includes at least one relay method configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose capabilities.

[0024] On yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a relay communication device, which is set in a first terminal device. The device includes:

[0025] A first communication module, configured to communicate with a second terminal device through a relay terminal device based on a first relay method;

[0026] Among them, the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0027] On yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a relay communication device, which is set in a relay terminal device. The device includes:

[0028] A relay communication module, configured to communicate between a first terminal device and a second terminal device through the relay terminal device based on a first relay method;

[0029] Among them, the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0030] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a relay communication device, which is disposed in a second terminal device, and the device includes:

[0031] A second communication module, configured to communicate with a first terminal device through a relay terminal device based on a first relay method;

[0032] Wherein, the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0033] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, and the terminal device includes: a processor, and a transceiver connected to the processor; wherein:

[0034] The transceiver is configured to receive first configuration information from a core network device, and the first configuration information includes at least one relay method configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose (Proximity Services) capability.

[0035] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a core network device, and the core network device includes: a processor, and a transceiver connected to the processor; wherein:

[0036] The transceiver is configured to send first configuration information to a terminal device, and the first configuration information includes at least one relay method configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose (Proximity Services) capability.

[0037] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a first terminal device, and the first terminal device includes: a processor, and a transceiver connected to the processor; wherein:

[0038] The transceiver is configured to communicate with a second terminal device through a relay terminal device based on a first relay method;

[0039] Wherein, the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0040] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a relay terminal device, and the relay terminal device includes: a processor, and a transceiver connected to the processor; wherein:

[0041] The transceiver is configured to enable communication between a first terminal device and a second terminal device via a relay terminal device based on a first relay mode;

[0042] Wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0043] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a second terminal device, which includes: a processor, and a transceiver connected to the processor; wherein:

[0044] The transceiver is configured to enable communication with a first terminal device via a relay terminal device based on a first relay mode;

[0045] Wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0046] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is configured to be executed by a processor of a terminal device to implement the relay mode configuration method on the terminal device side as described above.

[0047] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is configured to be executed by a processor of a core network device to implement the relay mode configuration method on the core network device side as described above.

[0048] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is configured to be executed by a processor of a first terminal device to implement the relay communication method on the first terminal device side as described above.

[0049] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is configured to be executed by a processor of a relay terminal device to implement the relay communication method on the relay terminal device side as described above.

[0050] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is configured to be executed by a processor of a relay terminal device to implement the relay communication method on the second terminal device side as described above.

[0051] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and is used to implement the configuration method of the relay mode on the terminal device side as described above when the chip runs on the terminal device.

[0052] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and is used to implement the configuration method of the relay mode on the core network device side as described above when the chip runs on the core network device.

[0053] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and is used to implement the relay communication method on the first terminal device side as described above when the chip runs on the first terminal device.

[0054] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and is used to implement the relay communication method on the relay terminal device side as described above when the chip runs on the relay terminal device.

[0055] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and is used to implement the relay communication method on the second terminal device side as described above when the chip runs on the second terminal device.

[0056] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which is used to implement the configuration method of the relay mode on the terminal device side as described above when the computer program product runs on the terminal device.

[0057] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which is used to implement the configuration method of the relay mode on the core network device side as described above when the computer program product runs on the core network device.

[0058] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which is used to implement the relay communication method on the first terminal device side as described above when the computer program product runs on the first terminal device.

[0059] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which is used to implement the relay communication method on the relay terminal device side as described above when the computer program product runs on the relay terminal device.

[0060] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which is used to implement the relay communication method on the second terminal device side as described above when the computer program product runs on the second terminal device.

[0061] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0062] The core network device configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities, so that the terminal device can clarify the connection mode of relay communication and ensure that the terminal device can implement relay communication.

[0063] For a relay communication system in which multiple terminal devices implement service interaction through relays, each terminal device uses a consistent relay mode to execute the relay communication process, avoiding the inability to establish a relay connection due to mismatched relay modes used by the terminal devices, and ensuring the normal progress of relay communication. Description of the Drawings

[0064] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of 5GS provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of 5GS provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a relay communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack based on layer 3 relay provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack based on layer 2 relay provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of a relay communication system provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack based on layer 3 relay provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack based on layer 2 relay provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of a configuration method for a relay mode provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 11 It is a flowchart of a configuration method for a relay mode provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 12 It is a flowchart of a configuration method for a relay mode provided by yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Figure 13 It is a flowchart of a relay communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Figure 14 It is a flowchart of a relay communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 15 It is a flowchart of a determination method for a relay mode provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Figure 16 It is a flowchart of a determination method for a relay mode provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 17 It is a flowchart of a relay communication method provided by still another embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 18 It is a flowchart of a determination method for a relay mode provided by still another embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 19 It is a flowchart of a determination method for a relay mode provided by yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Figure 20 It is a block diagram of a configuration device for a relay mode provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 21 It is a block diagram of a configuration device for a relay mode provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Figure 22 It is a block diagram of a configuration device for a relay mode provided by still another embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Figure 23 It is a block diagram of a configuration device for a relay mode provided by yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Figure 24 It is a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Figure 25 It is a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 26 It is a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by still another embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Figure 27 It is a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 28 It is a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by still another embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 29 It is a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by still another embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 30 It is a structural block diagram of a terminal device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 31 It is a structural block diagram of a core network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 32 It is a structural block diagram of a first terminal device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Figure 33 It is a structural block diagram of a relay terminal device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 34 It is a structural block diagram of a second terminal device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0099] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0100] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art can know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, the system architecture 100 may include: a terminal device 10, an access network device 20, and a core network device 30.

[0102] The terminal device 10 may refer to a UE, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile device, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. Optionally, the terminal device may also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) phone, a WLL (Wireless Local Loop) station, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5GS (5th-Generation System), or a terminal device in a future evolved PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network). The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0103] The access network device 20 is a device deployed in the access network to provide wireless communication functions for the terminal device 10. The access network device 20 may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, access points, etc. In systems adopting different radio access technologies, the names of the devices providing wireless communication functions may vary. Exemplarily, in 5GS, the access network device may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB; in EPS (Evolved Packet System), the access network device may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved NodeB). With the evolution of communication technologies, the name of the "access network device" may change. For ease of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the devices providing wireless communication functions for the terminal device are collectively referred to as access network devices.

[0104] The core network device 30 is a functional entity deployed in the core network to provide various management and / or authentication functions for the terminal device 10. In some implementations, the core network device may also be referred to as a core network element. With the evolution of communication technologies, the name of the "core network device" may change. For ease of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the functional entities deployed in the core network are collectively referred to as core network devices. In one example, the core network device 30 includes a device responsible for user policy management. Exemplarily, in a 5GS system, the core network device 30 responsible for user policy management may be implemented as a PCF (Policy Control Function).

[0105] Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the system architecture of 5GS provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. AsFigure 2 As shown, the system architecture 200 may include: UE, (R)AN ((Radio) Access Network), Core, and DN (Data Network). Among them, UE, (R)AN, and Core are the main components of the system architecture. Logically, they can be divided into two parts: the user plane and the control plane. The control plane is responsible for the management of the mobile network, and the user plane is responsible for the transmission of service data. As Figure 2 shown, the NG2 reference point is located between the (R)AN control plane and the Core control plane, the NG3 reference point is located between the (R)AN user plane and the Core user plane, and the NG6 reference point is located between the Core user plane and the data network. Among them:

[0106] UE: It is the entry point for mobile users to interact with the network, capable of providing basic computing and storage capabilities, displaying service windows to users, and accepting user operation inputs. The UE can adopt the next-generation air interface technology to establish signal connections and data connections with the (R)AN, thereby transmitting control signals and service data to the mobile network.

[0107] (R)AN: Similar to the base station in a traditional network, it is deployed close to the UE, provides network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities to transmit user data according to user levels, service requirements, etc. The (R)AN can manage its own resources, make reasonable use of them, provide access services to the UE on demand, and forward control signals and user data between the UE and the core network.

[0108] Core: Responsible for maintaining the subscription data of the mobile network, managing the network elements of the mobile network, and providing functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, and security authentication for the UE. When the UE attaches, it provides network access authentication for the UE; when the UE has a service request, it allocates network resources for the UE; when the UE moves, it updates the network resources for the UE; when the UE is idle, it provides a fast recovery mechanism for the UE: when the UE detaches, it releases the network resources for the UE; when the UE has service data, it provides a data routing function for the UE, such as forwarding uplink data to the DN: or receiving UE downlink data from the DN and forwarding it to the (R)AN, and then sending it to the UE.

[0109] DN: It is a data network that provides service services for users. Generally, the client is located in the UE, and the server is located in the data network. The data network can be a private network, such as a local area network, or an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet, or a proprietary network jointly deployed by operators, such as for configuring IMS (IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem) services.

[0110] Figure 3 is determined based on Figure 2 a schematic diagram of a detailed system architecture, where the user plane of the core network includes UPF (User Plane Function); the control plane of the core network includes AUSF (Authentication Server Function), AMF (Core Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF, and AF (Application Function). The functions of these functional entities are as follows:

[0111] UPF: Forward user data packets according to the routing rules of the SMF;

[0112] AUSF: Perform security authentication of the UE;

[0113] AMF: UE access management and mobility management;

[0114] SMF: UE session management;

[0115] UDM: User subscription context management;

[0116] PCF: User policy management;

[0117] AF: User application management.

[0118] In Figure 3 the system architecture shown, the Uu interface is the reference point between the UE and the (R)AN. The UE establishes an access layer connection with the (R)AN through the Uu interface, exchanges access layer messages and wireless data transmissions; the N1 interface is the reference point between the UE and the AMF. The UE establishes a non-access layer (None Access Stratum, NAS) connection with the AMF through the N1 interface and exchanges NAS messages; the N2 interface is the reference point between the (R)AN and the AMF, used for sending NAS messages, etc.; the N3 interface is the reference point between the (R)AN and the UPF, used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; the N4 interface is the reference point between the SMF and the UPF, used for transmitting information such as tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data caching indication information, and downlink data notification messages; the N6 interface is the reference point between the UPF and the DN, used for transmitting user plane data, etc.

[0119] It should be noted thatFigure 2 and Figure 3 The interface names between the network elements in Figure 3 are just an example. In the specific implementation, the interface names may be other names, and the embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations on this. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The names of the various network elements included in Figure 3 (such as UPF, PCF, etc.) are also just an example and do not limit the functions of the network elements themselves. In 5G and other future networks, the above-mentioned various network elements may also have other names, and the embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations on this. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above-mentioned various network elements may use the terms in 5G, or may use other names, etc. A unified description is given here and will not be repeated below. In addition, it should be understood that the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the above-mentioned various network elements are also just an example and do not limit the functions of the messages themselves.

[0120] 3GPP introduced the concept of relay communication in the R13 ProSe architecture. A relay communication system includes at least two UEs (User Equipment, terminal devices) with ProSe capabilities. These UEs can generally be divided into two categories. One category is the UE that provides relay services, and the other category is the UE that uses relay services. A UE with ProSe capabilities can establish direct communication with another UE with ProSe capabilities through the PC5 interface.

[0121] In the case where the relay communication system is implemented as a UE accessing the network through a relay, when a UE has both the ability to connect to an external data network through a 5G network or the like and has ProSe capabilities, this UE can provide relay services, that is, this UE acts as a Relay UE in the relay communication system; other UEs that access the network through this UE in the relay communication system use the relay services provided by this UE, that is, other UEs act as Remote UEs in the relay communication system. Please refer to Figure 4 , which shows a schematic diagram of a relay communication system provided by an embodiment of this application. In this relay communication system, the remote terminal device (Remote UE) accesses the network through the relay terminal device (Relay UE). As Figure 4 shown, the remote terminal device can establish direct communication with the relay terminal device through the PC5 interface and realize interaction with the external network through the PDU session established between the relay terminal device and a 5G network or the like.

[0122] The relay communication process in which the Remote UE accesses the network through the Relay UE can adopt different relay methods. In one example, based on Figure 4The relay communication system shown includes the following relay methods: layer-three-based relay method (or referred to as "Layer-3 UE-to-Network Relays") and layer-two-based relay method (or referred to as "Layer 2 UE-to-Network Relays").

[0123] Please refer to Figure 5 , which shows a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack based on layer-three relay provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 5 shown, a PDU session is established between the Relay UE and the user plane function entity UPF serving the Relay UE. After the data of the Remote UE is sent to the Relay UE through the PC5 interface, it is forwarded by the Relay UE to the external network through the PDU session established between the Relay UE and the UPF.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 6 , which shows a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack based on layer-two relay provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6 shown, the Relay UE only relays the radio interface data between the Remote UE and the network device (gNB) serving the Remote UE. A PDU session is established between the Remote UE and the user plane function entity UPF serving the Remote UE, and the data of the Remote UE is forwarded to the external network through the PDU session established between the Remote UE and the UPF.

[0125] In the case where the relay communication system is implemented such that multiple UEs achieve service interaction through relay, when a UE can provide communication relay for at least two UEs and can establish direct communication with these at least two UEs through the PC5 interface respectively, this UE can provide relay service, that is, this UE acts as a Relay UE in the relay communication system; other UEs in the relay communication system that establish direct communication with this UE through the PC5 interface respectively use the relay service provided by this UE. Please refer to Figure 7 , which shows a schematic diagram of the relay communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. In this relay communication system, the relay terminal device (Relay UE) establishes direct communication with the UE1 with Prose capability through the PC5 interface on the one hand, and establishes direct communication with the UE2 with Prose capability through the PC5 interface on the other hand, so that UE1 and UE2 can achieve service interaction through the relay terminal device.

[0126] The relay communication process in which multiple UEs achieve service interaction through relay can also adopt different relay methods. In one example, based on Figure 7The relay communication system shown includes the following relay methods: layer-three-based relay method and layer-two-based relay method.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 8 , which shows a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack based on layer-three relay provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 8 shown, direct communication is established between Relay UE and UE2 through the PC5 interface. After the data of UE1 is sent to Relay UE through the PC5 interface, it is forwarded by Relay UE to UE2 through the PC5 interface between Relay UE and UE2.

[0128] Please refer to Figure 9 , which shows a schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack based on layer-two relay provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 9 shown, Relay UE only relays the data of the protocol layers below PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) between UE1 and UE2. From the perspective of the non-access stratum, UE1 directly interacts with UE2 through the PC5 interface.

[0129] In some implementations, the relay methods that different UEs with Prose capabilities can use during relay communication are different. For a relay communication system implemented as a UE accessing the network through a relay, if the relay methods used by the Remote UE and the Relay UE are different, a relay communication connection cannot be correctly established; for a relay communication system implemented as multiple UEs realizing service interaction through a relay, if the relay methods used by UE1, UE2, and Relay UE are different, a relay communication connection cannot be correctly established either. Therefore, during relay communication, how UEs with Prose capabilities can clarify the connection method of relay communication (including their own relay method and / or the relay method of other UEs) still needs further discussion and research.

[0130] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a method for configuring a relay method and a relay communication method, which can be used to solve the above technical problems. Next, the technical solutions of the present application will be introduced and illustrated through several embodiments.

[0131] It should be understood that the "relay method" described in the embodiments of the present application refers to the connection method of relay communication. In some implementations, the "relay method" can also be referred to as the "relay connection method", or the "relay communication method", etc. The embodiments of the present application do not make any limitations in this regard. For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, the connection method of relay communication will be collectively referred to as the "relay method".

[0132] Please refer to Figure 10, which shows a flowchart of a configuration method for a relay mode provided by an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to the communication system shown in the above Figure 1 . This method may include at least some of the following steps.

[0133] Step 1010, the core network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device, where the first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device.

[0134] The terminal device is a device with Prose capabilities. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the terminal device. In one example, the terminal device is a terminal device providing relay services. Optionally, the terminal device providing relay services can be implemented as a Relay UE; in another example, the terminal device is a terminal device using relay services. Optionally, for the relay communication process in which the UE accesses the network through a relay, the terminal device using relay services can be implemented as a Remote UE; for the relay communication process in which multiple UEs implement service interaction through a relay, the terminal devices using relay services can be implemented as multiple UEs that cannot directly establish direct communication through the PC5 interface.

[0135] To enable the terminal device with Prose capabilities to clarify the relay communication mode, the core network device sends first configuration information to the terminal device. The first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device, so that the terminal device can use the relay mode configured by the core network device to perform subsequent relay communication processes. Optionally, the core network device includes a PCF. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the sending method of the first configuration information. In one example, the first configuration information is independent of other information. For example, the core network device sends the first configuration information to the terminal device separately; in another example, the first configuration information is carried in other information sent by the core network device to the terminal device, so as to avoid increasing the number of messages exchanged between the core network device and the terminal device. Optionally, when the first configuration information is carried in other information sent by the core network device to the terminal device, the first configuration information is carried in the Prose configuration information, or the first configuration information is carried in the URSP (User Equipment Routing Selection Policy) configuration information.

[0136] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the types of at least one relay mode included in the first configuration information. Optionally, the at least one relay mode includes at least one of the following: a layer-three based relay mode and a layer-two based relay mode. Of course, the at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device may also include other types of relay modes. For example, the at least one relay mode may also include a relay mode based on N3IWF (Non-3GPP Inter Working Function) (or referred to as "N3IWF-based relay"). It should be understood that with the development of communication technologies, new types of relay modes may be proposed, and all of these should fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0137] As can be seen from the above introduction, the first configuration information is the configuration information for configuring the relay mode for the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, in addition to including at least one relay mode, the first configuration information may further include other information associated with the at least one relay mode. For example, the usage condition information corresponding to each relay mode, the indication information corresponding to each relay mode, etc. Next, the other information that may be included in the first configuration information will be introduced and explained.

[0138] In an example, the first configuration information further includes: an RSC (Relay Service Code) corresponding to each of the at least one relay mode. That is, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for the terminal device. Thus, based on the first configuration information, the terminal device can determine the relay mode corresponding to the RSC or the RSC corresponding to the relay mode. As can be seen from the above introduction, the terminal device needs to use the same relay mode during the relay communication process to ensure the normal progress of the relay communication. Therefore, in addition to clarifying the relay mode corresponding to itself, the terminal device also needs to clarify the relay mode corresponding to other terminal devices during the relay communication process to ensure that the same relay mode can be used for relay communication.

[0139] Based on this, optionally, as Figure 11 shown, the above method further includes: Step 1020, another terminal device sends a first RSC to the terminal device; Step 1030, the terminal device determines the relay mode of the other terminal device corresponding to the first RSC based on the first configuration information. Among them, the relay mode configured by the core network device for the other terminal device includes the relay mode corresponding to the first RSC. In order to ensure that the terminal device and other terminal devices have the same understanding of the relay mode corresponding to the RSC, the mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC configured by the core network device for different terminal devices needs to be the same. Exemplarily, as Figure 11As shown, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for multiple terminal devices. Therefore, for a certain RSC, different terminal devices can understand the same relay mode based on the mapping relationship configured by the core network device.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present application, for the solution where the core network device configures relay modes for different terminal devices, the relay modes configured by the core network device for different terminal devices can be the same. For example, the relay modes configured by the core network device for all terminal devices are both the layer-two-based relay mode and the layer-three-based relay mode; or, the core network device configures relay modes for different terminal devices differently based on the capabilities of different terminal devices. For example, if a terminal device only supports the layer-two-based relay mode, the relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device is the layer-two-based relay mode.

[0141] For the solution where the core network device configures relay modes for different terminal devices differently based on the capabilities of different terminal devices, the terminal device needs to report its own capabilities to the core network device first. Based on this, optionally, as Figure 12 shown, before step 1010, the following step is further included: step 1000, the terminal device sends relay capability information to the core network device, and the relay capability information includes the relay modes supported by the terminal device. Optionally, the relay modes supported by the terminal device include at least one of the following: the layer-three-based relay mode, the layer-two-based relay mode. Based on this, optionally, at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device belongs to the relay modes supported by the terminal device, that is, the relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device conforms to the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0142] In another example, the first configuration information further includes: usage condition information corresponding to at least one relay mode, and the usage condition information corresponding to a certain relay mode is used to indicate the conditions for using this relay mode. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the content of the usage condition information. Exemplarily, the usage condition information includes at least one of the following: time information, area information, service information. Among them, the time information is used to indicate the time condition for using the relay mode; the area information is used to indicate the area condition for using the relay mode. Optionally, the area information includes at least one of the following: the identifier corresponding to the PLMN, the identifier corresponding to the TA (Timing Advance), the identifier corresponding to the geographical area (such as longitude information and / or latitude information); the service information is used to indicate the service type for using the relay mode. Optionally, the service information includes at least one of the following: service type identifier, RSC.

[0143] In summary, for the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application, the core network device configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities, so that the terminal device can clarify the connection mode of relay communication and ensure that the terminal device can implement relay communication. Moreover, when the core network device configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities, it can also configure an RSC corresponding to the relay mode for the terminal device. As a result, based on the configuration information sent by the core network device, the terminal device can determine both the relay mode corresponding to the RSC and the RSC corresponding to the relay mode. In addition, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and RSC for multiple terminal devices. Therefore, when a terminal device receives an RSC from another terminal device during subsequent relay communication, based on the configuration information sent by the core network device, it can clarify the relay mode of the other terminal device corresponding to the RSC, so as to facilitate the terminal device to use the same relay mode as the other terminal device and ensure the normal progress of relay communication.

[0144] It should be noted that Figures 10 to 12 The corresponding embodiments introduce and illustrate the configuration method of the relay mode provided in the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between the terminal device and the core network device. The steps performed by the terminal device as described above can be separately implemented as a configuration method of the relay mode on the terminal device side; the steps performed by the core network device as described above can be separately implemented as a configuration method of the relay mode on the core network device side.

[0145] Please refer to Figure 13 , which shows a flowchart of a relay communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to the relay communication system shown in the above Figure 7 . This method can include at least some of the following steps.

[0146] Step 1310, based on a first relay mode, implement communication between a first terminal device and a second terminal device through a relay terminal device; wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0147] The relay communication system in this embodiment includes a first terminal device, a relay terminal device, and a second terminal device. Among them, the relay terminal device can establish direct communication with the first terminal device through the PC5 interface, and can also establish direct communication with the second terminal device through the PC5 interface; while the first terminal device and the second terminal device cannot directly establish direct communication through the PC5 interface, so the service interaction between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is relayed by the relay terminal device.

[0148] As can be seen from the above introduction, in order to ensure the normal progress of relay communication, in the process of implementing communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the relay terminal device, the relay methods used by the first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device need to be consistent. Based on this, the embodiment of the present application implements communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the relay terminal device based on the first relay method. Among them, the first relay method is the relay method commonly corresponding to the first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device. That is to say, the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device. For the introduction and description of the determination process of the first relay method, etc., please refer to the following embodiments, and details will not be elaborated here.

[0149] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the types of relay methods respectively corresponding to each terminal device in the relay communication system. In one example, the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay method, a layer-two-based relay method; the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay method, a layer-two-based relay method; the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay method, a layer-two-based relay method. Of course, the relay methods respectively corresponding to each terminal device may also include other types of relay methods. For example, a relay method based on N3IWF should be understood that these should all fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0150] Exemplarily, the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device includes a layer-three-based relay method, the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device includes a layer-two-based relay method and a layer-three-based relay method, and the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device includes a layer-two-based relay method, a layer-three-based relay method, and a relay method based on N31WF. Then, it can be determined that when implementing communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the relay terminal device, the relay methods used by each terminal device are layer-three-based relay methods. That is to say, the above first relay method is a layer-three-based relay method.

[0151] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the method for determining the relay mode corresponding to each terminal device in the relay communication system either. In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay modes supported by the first terminal device, the relay modes supported by the first terminal device and configured by the core network device for the first terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay modes supported by the relay terminal device, the relay modes supported by the relay terminal device and configured by the core network device for the relay terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay modes supported by the second terminal device, the relay modes supported by the second terminal device and configured by the core network device for the second terminal device.

[0152] In summary, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application is directed to a relay communication system in which multiple terminal devices perform service interaction through relays. By having each terminal device execute the relay communication process using a consistent relay mode, it avoids the inability to establish a relay connection due to mismatched relay modes used by the terminal devices, ensuring the normal progress of relay communication.

[0153] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the entity that determines the first relay mode. In one example, the first relay mode is determined by the first terminal device. For example, the first terminal device can obtain the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device and the second terminal device, and determine the first relay mode in combination with its own corresponding relay mode; in another example, the first relay mode is determined by the second terminal device. For example, the second terminal device can obtain the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device and the first terminal device, and determine the first relay mode in combination with its own corresponding relay mode; in yet another example, the first relay mode is determined by the relay terminal device. For example, the relay terminal device can obtain the relay modes corresponding to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and determine the first relay mode in combination with its own corresponding relay mode; in still another example, the first relay mode is directly configured by the core network device. For example, the core network device configures the same and unique relay mode for the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the relay terminal device, and subsequent each terminal device uses the relay mode configured by the core network device for relay communication.

[0154] Next, the two solutions in which the first relay mode is determined by the first terminal device and the first relay mode is determined by the second terminal device are introduced and described respectively. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will easily think of the technical solution in which the first relay mode is determined by the relay terminal device after understanding the technical solution of the present application, and these should also fall within the protection scope of the present application. In practical applications, considering factors such as the number of message exchanges and processing overhead between each terminal device, the technical solution in which the first relay mode is determined by the first terminal device or the second terminal device can be adopted.

[0155] First, a technical solution for determining a first relay mode by a first terminal device is introduced and described.

[0156] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 14 shown, before the above step 1310, the following several steps are further included.

[0157] Step 1302, the second terminal device sends second information to the relay terminal device, and the second information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0158] In this implementation manner, since the first relay mode is determined by the first terminal device, the second terminal device needs to send the relay mode corresponding to itself to the first terminal device. However, since the second terminal device and the first terminal device cannot establish direct communication through the PC5 interface, the second terminal device needs to be relayed by the relay terminal device to achieve the purpose of information interaction with the first terminal device.

[0159] Based on this, the second terminal device sends second information to the relay terminal device, and the second information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. For the specific sending manner of the second information, please refer to the following embodiments, which will not be elaborated here. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the indication manner of the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. In one example, the second information clearly indicates the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. For example, the second information includes parameter configurations of the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device, etc.; in another example, the second information implicitly indicates the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. For example, the second information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. For the case where the second information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device, the core network device can pre-configure the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for each terminal device in advance. The specific configuration process can be referred to Figures 10 to 12 the corresponding embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0160] Step 1304, the relay terminal device sends first information to the first terminal device, the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, and the first information is determined based on the second information.

[0161] Since the first relay mode is the relay mode used by each terminal device, the relay terminal device also needs to send the relay mode corresponding to itself to the first terminal device. In this implementation manner, after receiving the second information from the second terminal device, the relay terminal device determines the first information based on the second information and the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, and sends the first information to the first terminal device to inform the first terminal device of the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0162] The first information sent by the relay terminal device is used to indicate the second relay mode. In one example, the second relay mode includes: the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. Exemplarily, after receiving the second information from the second terminal device, the relay terminal device directly adds an indication of the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device to the second information, thereby obtaining the first information, and sending the first information to the first terminal device. In another example, the second relay mode includes the common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. Exemplarily, after receiving the second information from the second terminal device, the relay terminal device determines the common relay mode of the second terminal device and the relay terminal device based on the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device indicated by the second information and the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, and then obtains the first information based on the indication of the common relay mode, and sends the first information to the first terminal device.

[0163] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the indication manner of the second relay mode. In one example, the first information clearly indicates the second relay mode. For example, the first information includes parameter configurations corresponding to the second relay mode, etc.; in another example, the first information implicitly indicates the second relay mode. For example, the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode. For the case where the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode, the core network device can pre-configure the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for each terminal device. The specific configuration process can refer to Figures 10 to 12 the corresponding embodiments, which will not be elaborated here. Since the relay terminal device can establish direct communication with multiple second terminal devices through the PC5 interface, the relay terminal device may receive second information from multiple second terminal devices. To enable the first terminal device to clearly know the relay mode situation corresponding to each second terminal device, so that the first terminal device can select a suitable second terminal device from multiple second terminal devices for relay communication, optionally, the first information further includes the identification information of the second terminal device, and the identification information of the second terminal device is used to identify the second terminal device.

[0164] Step 1306, the first terminal device determines the first relay mode based on the second relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0165] After the first terminal device receives the first information from the relay terminal device, it can identify the second relay method indicated by the first information, and determine the first relay method used in the relay communication process based on the second relay method and the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device itself. Optionally, the first terminal device determines the common relay method among the second relay method and the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device as the first relay method.

[0166] Next, the information sending method will be introduced and explained.

[0167] In one example, as Figure 15 shown, the above steps 1302 to 1306 are respectively implemented as the following steps (step 1302 is implemented as step 1302A, step 1304 is implemented as step 1304A, and step 1306 is implemented as step 1306).

[0168] Step 1302A, the second terminal device broadcasts the second broadcast information, and the second information is carried in the second broadcast information; or, during the process of the second terminal device registering to the relay terminal device, the second terminal device sends the second information to the relay terminal device; or, during the process of the second terminal device establishing a connection with the relay terminal device, the second terminal device sends the second information to the relay terminal device.

[0169] The second terminal device can carry the second information in the second broadcast information and broadcast it, so that the relay terminal device receives the second information when detecting the second broadcast information of the second terminal device. Or, the second terminal device can send the second information to the relay terminal device when registering to the relay terminal device. Or, the second terminal device can send the second information to the relay terminal device during the process of establishing a connection with the relay terminal device.

[0170] Step 1304A, the relay terminal device broadcasts the first broadcast information, and the first information is carried in the first broadcast information.

[0171] After the relay terminal device receives the second information from the second terminal device, it determines the first information based on the second information and the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, and carries the first information in the first broadcast information and broadcasts it, so that the first terminal device receives the first information when detecting the first broadcast information of the relay terminal device.

[0172] Step 1306, the first terminal device determines the first relay method based on the second relay method and the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0173] In another example, as Figure 16As shown, the above-mentioned step 1302 and step 1304 are respectively implemented as the following steps (step 1302 is implemented as step 1302B and step 1302C, step 1304 is implemented as step 1304B and step 1304C, and step 1306 is implemented as step 1306).

[0174] Step 1304B, the first terminal device broadcasts a first discovery request.

[0175] The first terminal device may broadcast a first discovery request during the device discovery process. The first discovery request is used to request to discover the relay terminal device and the second terminal device for the corresponding relay service. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the content of the first discovery request. Optionally, the first discovery request includes the service type identifier of the relay service, the RSC of the relay service, the device identifier of the first terminal device, etc.

[0176] Step 1302B, the relay terminal device broadcasts a second discovery request, and the second discovery request is determined based on the first discovery request.

[0177] After detecting the first discovery request of the first terminal device, the relay terminal device determines a second discovery request based on the first discovery request and broadcasts the second discovery request. Optionally, the relay terminal device may directly forward the first discovery request of the first terminal device, that is, the content of the second discovery request is the same as that of the first discovery request; or, the relay terminal device may also perform addition, subtraction, and / or format processing on the content of the first discovery request to obtain the second discovery request and broadcast the second discovery request. For example, the relay terminal device adds the device identifier of the relay terminal device to the first discovery request to obtain the second discovery request.

[0178] Step 1302C, the second terminal device sends a second discovery response to the relay terminal device, and the second information is carried in the second discovery response.

[0179] After detecting the second discovery request of the relay terminal device, if the second terminal device determines to communicate with the first terminal device through the relay terminal device, such as the second terminal device also needs to perform the relay service indicated by the discovery request, the second terminal device may send a second discovery response to the relay terminal device to respond to the second discovery request of the relay terminal device. When the second terminal device returns the second discovery response to the relay terminal device, the second information may be carried in the second discovery response.

[0180] Step 1304C, the relay terminal device sends a first discovery response to the first terminal device, and the first information is carried in the first discovery response.

[0181] Upon receiving the second discovery response, the relay terminal device can parse out the second information, then determine the first information based on the second information and the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, and carry the first information in the first discovery response and return it to the first terminal device to respond to the first discovery request of the first terminal device.

[0182] Step 1306: The first terminal device determines the first relay mode based on the second relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0183] Secondly, a technical solution for the second terminal device to determine the first relay mode is introduced and described.

[0184] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 17 shown, before the above step 1310, the following steps are further included.

[0185] Step 1322: The first terminal device sends the fourth information to the relay terminal device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0186] In this implementation manner, since the second terminal device determines the first relay mode, the first terminal device needs to send the relay mode corresponding to itself to the second terminal device. However, since the first terminal device and the second terminal device cannot establish direct communication through the PC5 interface, the first terminal device needs to be relayed by the relay terminal device to achieve the purpose of information interaction with the second terminal device.

[0187] Based on this, the first terminal device sends the fourth information to the relay terminal device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device. For the specific sending manner of the fourth information, please refer to the following embodiments and will not be elaborated here. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the indication manner of the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device. In one example, the fourth information clearly indicates the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device. For example, the fourth information includes parameter configurations of the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, etc.; in another example, the fourth information implicitly indicates the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device. For example, the fourth information includes the RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device. For the case where the fourth information includes the RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, the core network device can pre-configure the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for each terminal device in advance. The specific configuration process can be referred to Figures 10 to 12 the corresponding embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0188] Step 1324: The relay terminal device sends the fifth information to the second terminal device, and the fifth information is used to indicate the third relay mode and is determined based on the fourth information.

[0189] Since the first relay method is the relay method used by each terminal device, the relay terminal device also needs to send the corresponding relay method of itself to the second terminal device. In this embodiment, after receiving the fourth information from the first terminal device, the relay terminal device determines the fifth information based on the fourth information and the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, and sends the fifth information to the second terminal device, so as to inform the second terminal device of the relay methods corresponding to the relay terminal device and the first terminal device.

[0190] The fifth information sent by the relay terminal device is used to indicate the third relay method. In one example, the third relay method includes: the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device. Exemplarily, after receiving the fourth information from the first terminal device, the relay terminal device directly adds an indication of the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device on the basis of the fourth information, so as to obtain the fifth information, and sends the fifth information to the second terminal device. In another example, the third relay method includes: the common relay method among the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device. Exemplarily, after receiving the fourth information from the first terminal device, the relay terminal device determines the common relay method of the first terminal device and the relay terminal device based on the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device indicated by the fourth information and the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, and then obtains the fifth information based on the indication of the common relay method, and sends the fifth information to the second terminal device.

[0191] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the indication method of the third relay method. In one example, the third relay method is clearly indicated in the fifth information. For example, the fifth information includes parameter configurations corresponding to the third relay method, etc.; in another example, the third relay method is implicitly indicated in the fifth information. For example, the fifth information includes an RSC corresponding to the third relay method. For the case where the fifth information includes an RSC corresponding to the third relay method, the core network device can pre-configure the mapping relationship between the same relay method and the RSC for each terminal device. The specific configuration process can refer to Figures 10 to 12 the corresponding embodiment, which will not be elaborated here. Since the relay terminal device can establish direct communication with multiple first terminal devices through the PC5 interface, the relay terminal device may receive the fourth information from multiple first terminal devices. In order to enable the second terminal device to clarify the relay method situation corresponding to each first terminal device, so that the second terminal device can select a suitable first terminal device from multiple first terminal devices for relay communication, optionally, the fifth information further includes the identification information of the first terminal device, and the identification information of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device.

[0192] Step 1326: The second terminal device determines a first relay mode based on a third relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0193] After the second terminal device receives the fifth information from the relay terminal device, it can identify the third relay mode indicated by the fifth information, and determine the first relay mode used in the relay communication process based on the third relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device itself. Optionally, the second terminal device determines the common relay mode among the third relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device as the first relay mode.

[0194] Step 1328: The second terminal device sends third information to the relay terminal device, and the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode.

[0195] After determining the first relay mode, the second terminal device can indicate the first relay mode to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can subsequently communicate with the second terminal device through the relay terminal device based on the first relay mode. Since the second terminal device and the first terminal device cannot establish direct communication through the PC5 interface, the second terminal device needs to first send the third information to the relay terminal device, and the relay terminal device forwards it to the first terminal device.

[0196] Among them, the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the indication method of the first relay mode. In one example, the first relay mode is clearly indicated in the third information. For example, the third information includes parameter configurations corresponding to the first relay mode, etc.; in another example, the first relay mode is implicitly indicated in the third information. For example, the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode. For the case where the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode, the core network device can pre-configure the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for each terminal device. The specific configuration process can refer to Figures 10 to 12 The corresponding embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0197] Step 1320: The relay terminal device sends third information to the first terminal device.

[0198] After receiving the third information from the second terminal device, the relay terminal device can forward the third information to the first terminal device to indicate the first relay mode.

[0199] Next, the information sending method will be introduced and explained.

[0200] In one example, as Figure 18As shown, the above steps 1322 to 1320 are respectively implemented as the following steps (step 1322 is implemented as step 1322A, step 1324 is implemented as step 1324A, step 1326 remains as step 1326, step 1328 is implemented as step 1328A, and step 1320 is implemented as step 1320A).

[0201] Step 1322A: The first terminal device broadcasts a third discovery request, and the fourth information is carried in the third discovery request.

[0202] The first terminal device may broadcast a third discovery request during the device discovery process. This third discovery request is used to request the discovery of relay terminal devices and the second terminal device for corresponding relay services. Since the first terminal device needs to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device to the second terminal device, the first terminal device may carry the fourth information in the third discovery request, and this fourth information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0203] Step 1324A: The relay terminal device broadcasts a fourth discovery request, and the fifth information is carried in the fourth discovery request.

[0204] When the relay terminal device detects the third discovery request of the first terminal device, it can receive the fourth information. Then, based on the fourth information and the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, it determines the fifth information and broadcasts the fifth information in the fourth discovery request.

[0205] Step 1326: The second terminal device determines the first relay mode based on the third relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0206] When the second terminal device detects the fourth discovery request of the relay terminal device, it receives the fifth information. Thus, the second terminal device determines the first relay mode based on the third relay mode indicated by the fifth information and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device itself.

[0207] Step 1328A: The second terminal device sends a fourth discovery response to the relay terminal device, and the third information is carried in the fourth discovery response.

[0208] The second terminal device carries the third information indicating the first relay mode in the fourth discovery response and returns the fourth discovery response to the relay terminal device to respond to the fourth discovery request of the relay terminal device.

[0209] Step 1320A: The relay terminal device sends a third discovery response to the first terminal device, and the third information is carried in the third discovery response.

[0210] After the relay terminal device receives the fourth discovery response from the second terminal device, it sends a third discovery response carrying the third information to the first terminal device to respond to the third discovery request of the first terminal device. Optionally, the relay terminal device directly forwards the fourth discovery response to the first terminal device, that is, the content of the fourth discovery response is the same as that of the third discovery response; or, the relay terminal device processes the content of the fourth discovery response by adding, deleting, and / or formatting to obtain the third discovery response, and sends the third discovery response to the first terminal device.

[0211] In another example, as Figure 19 shown, the above steps 1322 to 1320 are respectively implemented as the following steps (step 1322 is implemented as step 1322B, step 1324 is implemented as step 1324B, step 1326 is implemented as step 1326, step 1328 is implemented as step 1328B, and step 1320 is implemented as step 1320B).

[0212] Step 1322B: The first terminal device broadcasts a first connection establishment request, and the fourth information is carried in the first connection establishment request.

[0213] In practical applications, the first terminal device may not execute the device discovery process but directly initiate connection establishment. When the first terminal device directly initiates connection establishment, the first terminal device can broadcast a first connection establishment request. Since the first relay mode is determined by the second terminal device, the first terminal device needs to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device to the second terminal device. Thus, the first terminal device can carry the fourth information in the broadcast first connection establishment request, and the fourth information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0214] Step 1324B: The relay terminal device broadcasts a second connection establishment request, and the fifth information is carried in the second connection establishment request.

[0215] The relay terminal device can parse the fourth information when detecting the first connection establishment request from the first terminal device. Then, based on the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device indicated by the fourth information and the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device itself, the third relay mode can be determined, and the fifth information indicating the third relay mode is carried in the second connection establishment request and broadcast.

[0216] Step 1326: The second terminal device determines the first relay mode based on the third relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0217] Upon detecting the second connection establishment request from the relay terminal device, the second terminal device can parse the fifth information, and then determine the first relay method based on the third relay method indicated by the fifth information and the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device itself.

[0218] Step 1328B: The second terminal device sends a second connection establishment response to the relay terminal device, and the third information is carried in the second connection establishment response.

[0219] The second terminal device carries the third information indicating the first relay method in the second connection establishment response, and returns the second connection establishment response to the relay terminal device to respond to the second connection establishment request of the relay terminal device.

[0220] Step 1320B: The relay terminal device sends a first connection establishment response to the first terminal device, and the third information is carried in the first connection establishment response.

[0221] After receiving the second connection establishment response from the second terminal device, the relay terminal device sends a first connection establishment response carrying the third information to the first terminal device to respond to the first connection establishment request of the first terminal device. Optionally, the relay terminal device directly forwards the second connection establishment response to the first terminal device, that is, the contents of the first connection establishment response and the second connection establishment response are the same; or, the relay terminal device processes the content of the second connection establishment response by adding, subtracting, and / or formatting to obtain the first connection establishment response, and sends the first connection establishment response to the first terminal device.

[0222] It should be noted that Figures 13 to 19 The corresponding embodiments introduce and illustrate the relay communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the interaction among the first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device. The steps performed by the first terminal device as described above can be independently implemented as a relay communication method on the first terminal device side; the steps performed by the relay terminal device as described above can be independently implemented as a relay communication method on the relay terminal device side; the steps performed by the second terminal device as described above can be independently implemented as a relay communication method on the second terminal device side.

[0223] The following are the device embodiments of the present application, which can be used to execute the method embodiments of the present application. For the details not disclosed in the device embodiments of the present application, please refer to the method embodiments of the present application.

[0224] Please refer to Figure 20 , which shows a block diagram of a relay method configuration device provided in an embodiment of the present application. This device has the function of implementing the method example on the terminal device side as described above, and this function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the aboveFigure 1 The terminal device introduced in the embodiments can also be set in the terminal device. For example Figure 20 As shown in the figure, the device 2000 may include: a configuration information receiving module 2010.

[0225] The configuration information receiving module 2010 is configured to receive first configuration information from a core network device, where the first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose (Proximity Services) capability.

[0226] In one example, the first configuration information further includes an RSC (Relay Service Code) corresponding to each of the at least one relay mode.

[0227] In one example, as Figure 21 shown in the figure, the device 2000 further includes: a service code receiving module 2020, configured to receive a first RSC from another terminal device; a relay mode determining module 2030, configured to determine, based on the first configuration information, the relay mode of the other terminal device corresponding to the first RSC.

[0228] In one example, the first configuration information further includes usage condition information corresponding to each of the at least one relay mode.

[0229] In one example, the usage condition information includes at least one of the following: time information, area information, service information.

[0230] In one example, the area information includes at least one of the following: an identifier corresponding to a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network), an identifier corresponding to a TA (Tracking Area), an identifier corresponding to a geographical area.

[0231] In one example, the at least one relay mode includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0232] In one example, the first configuration information is carried in Prose configuration information; or, the first configuration information is carried in URSP (Unified Registration and Session Provisioning) configuration information.

[0233] In one example, as Figure 21 shown in the figure, the device 2000 further includes: a capability information sending module 2040, configured to send relay capability information to the core network device, where the relay capability information includes the relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0234] In one example, the relay modes supported by the terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0235] In one example, the at least one relay mode belongs to the relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0236] In one example, the terminal device is a terminal device providing relay services; or, the terminal device is a terminal device using relay services.

[0237] In one example, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for multiple terminal devices.

[0238] In summary, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities through a core network device, so that the terminal device can clarify the connection method of relay communication and ensure that the terminal device can implement relay communication. Moreover, when the core network device configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities, it can also configure an RSC corresponding to the relay mode for the terminal device. Thus, based on the configuration information sent by the core network device, the terminal device can determine both the relay mode corresponding to the RSC and the RSC corresponding to the relay mode. In addition, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for multiple terminal devices. Thus, when the terminal device receives an RSC from another terminal device during subsequent relay communication, based on the configuration information sent by the core network device, it can clarify the relay mode of the other terminal device corresponding to the RSC, so as to facilitate the terminal device to use the same relay mode as the other terminal device and ensure the normal progress of relay communication.

[0239] Please refer to Figure 22 , which shows a block diagram of a configuration device for a relay mode provided by an embodiment of the present application. This device has the function of implementing the method example on the core network device side, and this function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the core network device introduced in the above Figure 1 embodiment, or can be set in the core network device. As Figure 22 shown, the device 2200 may include: a configuration information sending module 2210.

[0240] The configuration information sending module 2210 is configured to send first configuration information to a terminal device, where the first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose capabilities.

[0241] In one example, the first configuration information further includes RSCs respectively corresponding to the at least one relay mode.

[0242] In one example, the first configuration information further includes usage condition information respectively corresponding to the at least one relay mode.

[0243] In one example, the usage condition information includes at least one of the following: time information, area information, and service information.

[0244] In one example, the area information includes at least one of the following: an identifier corresponding to a PLMN, an identifier corresponding to a TA, and an identifier corresponding to a geographical area.

[0245] In one example, the at least one relay mode includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0246] In one example, the first configuration information is carried in the Prose configuration information; or, the first configuration information is carried in the URSP configuration information.

[0247] In one example, as Figure 23 shown, the apparatus 2200 further includes: a capability information receiving module 2220, configured to receive relay capability information from the terminal device, where the relay capability information includes relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0248] In one example, the relay modes supported by the terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0249] In one example, the at least one relay mode belongs to the relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0250] In one example, the terminal device is a terminal device providing a relay service; or, the terminal device is a terminal device using a relay service.

[0251] In one example, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for multiple terminal devices.

[0252] In summary, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities through a core network device, so that the terminal device can clarify the connection mode of relay communication and ensure that the terminal device can implement relay communication. Moreover, when the core network device configures a relay mode for a terminal device with Prose capabilities, it can also configure an RSC corresponding to the relay mode for the terminal device. As a result, based on the configuration information sent by the core network device, the terminal device can not only determine the relay mode corresponding to the RSC, but also determine the RSC corresponding to the relay mode. In addition, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and RSC for multiple terminal devices. Therefore, when a terminal device receives an RSC from another terminal device during subsequent relay communication, based on the configuration information sent by the core network device, it can clarify the relay mode of the other terminal device corresponding to the RSC, so as to facilitate the terminal device to use the same relay mode as the other terminal device and ensure the normal progress of relay communication.

[0253] Please refer to Figure 24 , which shows a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. This device has the functions of implementing the method example on the side of the first terminal device described above. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the first terminal device introduced in the above Figure 7 embodiment, or can be set in the first terminal device. As Figure 24 shown, the device 2400 may include: a first communication module 2410.

[0254] The first communication module 2410 is used to communicate with the second terminal device through the relay terminal device based on the first relay mode; wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0255] In one example, as Figure 25 shown, the device 2400 further includes: a first information receiving module 2420, configured to receive first information from the relay terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode; a relay mode determining module 2430, configured to determine the first relay mode based on the second relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0256] In one example, the second relay mode includes: the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0257] In one example, the second relay mode includes: the common relay mode in the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0258] In one example, the first information further includes the identification information of the second terminal device, and the identification information of the second terminal device is used to identify the second terminal device.

[0259] In one example, as Figure 25 shown, the first information receiving module 2420 is configured to: receive first broadcast information from the relay terminal device, and the first information is carried in the first broadcast information.

[0260] In one example, as Figure 25 shown, the first information receiving module 2420 is configured to: broadcast a first discovery request; receive a first discovery response from the relay terminal device, and the first information is carried in the first discovery response.

[0261] In one example, the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode.

[0262] In one example, as Figure 25 shown, the apparatus 2400 further includes: a fourth information sending module 2440, configured to send fourth information to the relay terminal device, where the fourth information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; a third information receiving module 2450, configured to receive third information from the relay terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode.

[0263] In one example, as Figure 25 shown, the fourth information sending module 2440 is configured to broadcast a third discovery request, and the fourth information is carried in the third discovery request; the third information receiving module 2450 is configured to receive a third discovery response from the relay terminal device, and the third information is carried in the third discovery response.

[0264] In one example, as Figure 25 shown, the fourth information sending module 2440 is configured to broadcast a first connection establishment request, and the fourth information is carried in the first connection establishment request; the third information receiving module 2450 is configured to receive a first connection establishment response from the relay terminal device, and the third information is carried in the first connection establishment response.

[0265] In one example, the fourth information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode.

[0266] In one example, the relay modes corresponding to the first terminal device include at least one of the following: layer-three-based relay mode, layer-two-based relay mode; the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device include at least one of the following: layer-three-based relay mode, layer-two-based relay mode; the relay modes corresponding to the second terminal device include at least one of the following: layer-three-based relay mode, layer-two-based relay mode.

[0267] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the first terminal device, the relay mode supported by the first terminal device and configured by the core network device for the first terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device, the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device and configured by the core network device for the relay terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the second terminal device, the relay mode supported by the second terminal device and configured by the core network device for the second terminal device.

[0268] In summary, for the relay communication system in which multiple terminal devices perform service interaction through relay, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application enables each terminal device to use a consistent relay mode to execute the relay communication process, avoiding the inability to establish a relay connection due to mismatched relay modes used by the terminal devices, and ensuring the normal progress of relay communication.

[0269] Please refer to Figure 26 , which shows a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. This device has the functions of implementing the method examples on the side of the relay terminal device, and these functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the relay terminal device introduced in the above Figure 7 embodiment, or can be provided in the relay terminal device. As Figure 26 shown, the device 2600 may include: a relay communication module 2610.

[0270] The relay communication module 2610 is configured to, based on a first relay mode, implement communication between a first terminal device and a second terminal device through the relay terminal device;

[0271] wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay modes corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay modes corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0272] In one example, as Figure 27As shown, the device 2600 further includes: a second information receiving module 2620, configured to receive second information from the second terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate a relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device; and a first information sending module 2630, configured to send first information to the first terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, and the first information is determined based on the second information.

[0273] In one example, the second relay mode includes: a relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and a relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0274] In one example, the second relay mode includes: a common relay mode among a relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and a relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0275] In one example, the first information further includes identification information of the second terminal device, and the identification information of the second terminal device is used to identify the second terminal device.

[0276] In one example, the second information is carried in second broadcast information from the second terminal device; or, the second information is sent by the second terminal device to the relay terminal device during the process of registering the second terminal device to the relay terminal device; or, the second information is sent by the second terminal device to the relay terminal device during the process of establishing a connection between the second terminal device and the relay terminal device.

[0277] In one example, as Figure 27 shown, the first information sending module 2630 is configured to broadcast first broadcast information, and the first information is carried in the first broadcast information.

[0278] In one example, the second information receiving module 2620 is configured to: receive a first discovery request from the first terminal device; broadcast a second discovery request, where the second discovery request is determined based on the first discovery request; receive a second discovery response from the second terminal device, and the second information is carried in the second discovery response; and the first information sending module 2630 is configured to: send a first discovery response to the first terminal device, and the first information is carried in the first discovery response.

[0279] In one example, the second information includes an RSC corresponding to a relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device; and the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode.

[0280] In one example, as Figure 27As shown, the device 2600 further includes: a fourth information receiving module 2640, configured to receive fourth information from the first terminal device, where the fourth information is used to indicate a relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; a fifth information sending module 2650, configured to send fifth information to the second terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate a third relay mode, and the fifth information is determined based on the fourth information; a third information receiving module 2660, configured to receive third information from the second terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode; and a third information sending module 2670, configured to send the third information to the first terminal device.

[0281] In one example, the third relay mode includes: a relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and a relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0282] In one example, the third relay mode includes: a common relay mode among a relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and a relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0283] In one example, the fifth information further includes identification information of the first terminal device, where the identification information of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device.

[0284] In one example, as Figure 27 shown, the fourth information receiving module 2640 is configured to receive a third discovery request from the first terminal device, where the fourth information is carried in the third discovery request; the fifth information sending module 2650 is configured to broadcast a fourth discovery request, where the fifth information is carried in the fourth discovery request; the third information receiving module 2660 is configured to receive a fourth discovery response from the second terminal device, where the third information is carried in the fourth discovery response; and the third information sending module 2670 is configured to send a third discovery response to the first terminal device, where the third information is carried in the third discovery response.

[0285] In one example, as Figure 27As shown, the fourth information receiving module 2640 is configured to receive a first connection establishment request from the first terminal device, where the fourth information is carried in the first connection establishment request; the fifth information sending module 2650 is configured to broadcast a second connection establishment request, where the fifth information is carried in the second connection establishment request; the third information receiving module 2660 is configured to receive a second connection establishment response from the second terminal device, where the third information is carried in the second connection establishment response; and the third information sending module 2670 is configured to send a first connection establishment response to the first terminal device, where the third information is carried in the first connection establishment response.

[0286] In one example, the fourth information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; the fifth information includes an RSC corresponding to the third relay mode; and the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode.

[0287] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode; and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0288] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the first terminal device, the relay mode supported by the first terminal device and configured by the core network device for the first terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device, the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device and configured by the core network device for the relay terminal device; and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the second terminal device, the relay mode supported by the second terminal device and configured by the core network device for the second terminal device.

[0289] In summary, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application is directed to a relay communication system in which multiple terminal devices perform service interaction through relay. By using a consistent relay mode for each terminal device to execute the relay communication process, it is possible to avoid the inability to establish a relay connection due to mismatched relay modes used by the terminal devices, ensuring the normal progress of relay communication.

[0290] Please refer to Figure 28, which shows a block diagram of a relay communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. This device has the functions of implementing the method examples on the second terminal device side described above. These functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. This device can be the second terminal device introduced in the above Figure 7 embodiment, or can be provided in the second terminal device. As Figure 28 shown, the device 2800 may include: a second communication module 2810.

[0291] The second communication module 2810 is configured to communicate with a first terminal device through a relay terminal device based on a first relay method;

[0292] wherein, the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay method belongs to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0293] In one example, as Figure 29 shown, the device 2800 further includes: a second information sending module 2820, configured to send second information to the relay terminal device, and the second information is used to indicate the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0294] In one example, as Figure 29 shown, the second information sending module 2820 is configured to: broadcast second broadcast information, and the second information is carried in the second broadcast information; or, send the second information to the relay terminal device during the process of the second terminal device registering to the relay terminal device; or, send the second information to the relay terminal device during the process of the second terminal device establishing a connection with the relay terminal device.

[0295] In one example, as Figure 29 shown, the second information sending module 2820 is configured to: receive a second discovery request from the relay terminal device; send a second discovery response to the relay terminal device, and the second information is carried in the second discovery response.

[0296] In one example, the second information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0297] In one example, as Figure 29As shown, the device 2800 further includes: a fifth information receiving module 2830, configured to receive fifth information from the relay terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate a third relay mode; a relay mode determining module 2840, configured to determine the first relay mode based on the third relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device; and a third information sending module 2850, configured to send third information to the relay terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode.

[0298] In one example, the third relay mode includes: the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0299] In one example, the third relay mode includes: the common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0300] In one example, the fifth information further includes identification information of the first terminal device, where the identification information of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device.

[0301] In one example, as Figure 29 shown, the fifth information receiving module 2830 is configured to receive a fourth discovery request from the relay terminal device, where the fifth information is carried in the fourth discovery request; and the third information sending module 2850 is configured to send a fourth discovery response to the relay terminal device, where the third information is carried in the fourth discovery response.

[0302] In one example, as Figure 29 shown, the fifth information receiving module 2830 is configured to receive a second connection establishment request from the relay terminal device, where the fifth information is carried in the second connection establishment request; and the third information sending module 2850 is configured to send a second connection establishment response to the relay terminal device, where the third information is carried in the second connection establishment response.

[0303] In one example, the fifth information includes an RSC corresponding to the third relay mode; and the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode.

[0304] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode; and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0305] In one example, the relay method corresponding to the first terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay method supported by the first terminal device, the relay method supported by the first terminal device and configured by the core network device for the first terminal device; the relay method corresponding to the relay terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay method supported by the relay terminal device, the relay method supported by the relay terminal device and configured by the core network device for the relay terminal device; the relay method corresponding to the second terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay method supported by the second terminal device, the relay method supported by the second terminal device and configured by the core network device for the second terminal device.

[0306] In summary, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application is directed to a relay communication system in which multiple terminal devices perform service interaction through relay. By using a consistent relay method for each terminal device to execute the relay communication process, it is avoided that a relay connection cannot be established due to the mismatch of the relay methods used by the terminal devices, ensuring the normal progress of the relay communication.

[0307] It should be noted that when the device provided in the above embodiments realizes its functions, only the division of the above-mentioned respective functional modules is used for illustration. In actual applications, the above functions can be allocated to different functional modules according to actual needs, that is, the content structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0308] Regarding the device in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated here.

[0309] Please refer to Figure 30 , which shows a schematic structural diagram of a terminal device 300 provided by an embodiment of the present application. For example, this terminal device can be used to execute the relay method configuration method on the terminal device side. Specifically, the terminal device 300 may include: a processor 301, and a transceiver 302 connected to the processor 301; where:

[0310] The processor 301 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 301 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0311] The transceiver 302 includes a receiver and a transmitter. Optionally, the transceiver 302 is a communication chip.

[0312] In one example, the terminal device 300 further includes: a memory and a bus. The memory is connected to the processor through the bus. The memory can be used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to implement each step performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0313] In addition, the memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. The volatile or non-volatile storage devices include but are not limited to: RAM (Random-Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Video Disc), or other optical storage, magnetic tape cartridges, magnetic tapes, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices.

[0314] The transceiver 302 is configured to receive first configuration information from a core network device. The first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose (Proximity Services) capability.

[0315] In one example, the first configuration information further includes an RSC (Radio Resource Configuration) corresponding to each of the at least one relay mode.

[0316] In one example, the transceiver 302 is configured to receive a first RSC from another terminal device; the processor 301 is configured to determine the relay mode of the other terminal device corresponding to the first RSC based on the first configuration information.

[0317] In one example, the first configuration information further includes usage condition information corresponding to each of the at least one relay mode.

[0318] In one example, the usage condition information includes at least one of the following: time information, area information, and service information.

[0319] In one example, the area information includes at least one of the following: an identifier corresponding to a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network), an identifier corresponding to a TA (Tracking Area), and an identifier corresponding to a geographical area.

[0320] In one example, the at least one relay mode includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0321] In one example, the first configuration information is carried in the Prose configuration information; or, the first configuration information is carried in the URSP configuration information.

[0322] In one example, the transceiver 302 is configured to send relay capability information to the core network device, where the relay capability information includes the relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0323] In one example, the relay modes supported by the terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0324] In one example, the at least one relay mode belongs to the relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0325] In one example, the terminal device is a terminal device providing relay services; or, the terminal device is a terminal device using relay services.

[0326] In one example, the core network device configures the mapping relationship between the same relay mode and the RSC for multiple terminal devices.

[0327] Please refer to Figure 31 , which shows a schematic structural diagram of a core network device 310 provided in an embodiment of the present application. For example, this core network device can be used to execute the relay mode configuration method on the core network device side described above. Specifically, the core network device 310 may include: a processor 311 and a transceiver 312 connected to the processor 311; where:

[0328] The processor 311 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 311 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0329] The transceiver 312 includes a receiver and a transmitter. Optionally, the transceiver 312 is a communication chip.

[0330] In one example, the core network device 310 further includes: a memory and a bus. The memory is connected to the processor through the bus. The memory can be used to store computer programs, and the processor is configured to execute the computer programs to implement each step executed by the core network device in the above method embodiments.

[0331] In addition, the memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. The volatile or non-volatile storage devices include, but are not limited to: RAM and ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical storage, magnetic tape cartridges, tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.

[0332] The transceiver 312 is configured to send first configuration information to the terminal device. The first configuration information includes at least one relay mode configured by the core network device for the terminal device, and the terminal device is a device with Prose capabilities.

[0333] In one example, the first configuration information further includes an RSC corresponding to each of the at least one relay mode.

[0334] In one example, the first configuration information further includes usage condition information corresponding to each of the at least one relay mode.

[0335] In one example, the usage condition information includes at least one of the following: time information, area information, and service information.

[0336] In one example, the area information includes at least one of the following: an identifier corresponding to a PLMN, an identifier corresponding to a TA, and an identifier corresponding to a geographical area.

[0337] In one example, the at least one relay mode includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0338] In one example, the first configuration information is carried in Prose configuration information; or, the first configuration information is carried in URSP configuration information.

[0339] In one example, the transceiver 312 is further configured to receive relay capability information from the terminal device, and the relay capability information includes the relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0340] In one example, the relay modes supported by the terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0341] In one example, the at least one relay mode belongs to the relay modes supported by the terminal device.

[0342] In one example, the terminal device is a terminal device providing relay services; or, the terminal device is a terminal device using relay services.

[0343] In one example, the core network device configures the same mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for multiple terminal devices.

[0344] Please refer to Figure 32 , which shows a schematic structural diagram of a first terminal device 320 provided by an embodiment of the present application. For example, the first terminal device can be used to execute the relay communication method on the first terminal device side. Specifically, the first terminal device 320 may include: a processor 321, and a transceiver 322 connected to the processor 321; wherein:

[0345] The processor 321 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 321 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0346] The transceiver 322 includes a receiver and a transmitter. Optionally, the transceiver 322 is a communication chip.

[0347] In one example, the first terminal device 320 further includes: a memory and a bus. The memory is connected to the processor through the bus. The memory can be used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to execute the computer programs to implement the respective steps executed by the first terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0348] In addition, the memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. The volatile or non-volatile storage devices include, but are not limited to: RAM and ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical storage, tape cartridges, tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.

[0349] The transceiver 322 is used to communicate with a second terminal device through a relay terminal device based on a first relay mode; wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0350] In one example, the transceiver 322 is used to receive first information from the relay terminal device, and the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode; the processor 321 is used to determine the first relay mode based on the second relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0351] In one example, the second relay mode includes: the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0352] In one example, the second relay mode includes: the common relay mode in the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0353] In one example, the first information further includes the identification information of the second terminal device, and the identification information of the second terminal device is used to identify the second terminal device.

[0354] In one example, the transceiver 322 is configured to: receive first broadcast information from the relay terminal device, and the first information is carried in the first broadcast information.

[0355] In one example, the transceiver 322 is configured to: broadcast a first discovery request; receive a first discovery response from the relay terminal device, and the first information is carried in the first discovery response.

[0356] In one example, the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode.

[0357] In one example, the transceiver 322 is configured to send fourth information to the relay terminal device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; the transceiver 322 is configured to receive third information from the relay terminal device, and the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode.

[0358] In one example, the transceiver 322 is configured to broadcast a third discovery request, and the fourth information is carried in the third discovery request; the transceiver 322 is configured to receive a third discovery response from the relay terminal device, and the third information is carried in the third discovery response.

[0359] In one example, the transceiver 322 is configured to broadcast a first connection establishment request, and the fourth information is carried in the first connection establishment request; the transceiver 322 is configured to receive a first connection establishment response from the relay terminal device, and the third information is carried in the first connection establishment response.

[0360] In one example, the fourth information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode.

[0361] In one example, the relay modes corresponding to the first terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three based relay mode, a layer-two based relay mode; the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three based relay mode, a layer-two based relay mode; the relay modes corresponding to the second terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three based relay mode, a layer-two based relay mode.

[0362] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the first terminal device, the relay mode supported by the first terminal device and configured by the core network device for the first terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device, the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device and configured by the core network device for the relay terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the second terminal device, the relay mode supported by the second terminal device and configured by the core network device for the second terminal device.

[0363] Please refer to Figure 33 , which shows a schematic structural diagram of a relay terminal device 330 provided by an embodiment of the present application. For example, this relay terminal device can be used to execute the relay communication method on the relay terminal device side. Specifically, the relay terminal device 330 may include: a processor 331, and a transceiver 332 connected to the processor 331; where:

[0364] The processor 331 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 331 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0365] The transceiver 332 includes a receiver and a transmitter. Optionally, the transceiver 332 is a communication chip.

[0366] In one example, the relay terminal device 330 further includes: a memory and a bus. The memory is connected to the processor through the bus. The memory can be used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to implement each step executed by the relay terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0367] In addition, the memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. The volatile or non-volatile storage devices include but are not limited to: RAM and ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical storage, tape cartridges, tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.

[0368] The transceiver 332 is configured to enable communication between a first terminal device and a second terminal device via the relay terminal device based on a first relay mode;

[0369] Wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0370] In one example, the transceiver 332 is configured to receive second information from the second terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device; the transceiver 332 is configured to send first information to the first terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, and the first information is determined based on the second information.

[0371] In one example, the second relay mode includes: the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0372] In one example, the second relay mode includes: the common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0373] In one example, the first information further includes identification information of the second terminal device, and the identification information of the second terminal device is used to identify the second terminal device.

[0374] In one example, the second information is carried in second broadcast information from the second terminal device; or, the second information is sent by the second terminal device to the relay terminal device during the process of registering to the relay terminal device; or, the second information is sent by the second terminal device to the relay terminal device during the process of establishing a connection between the second terminal device and the relay terminal device.

[0375] In one example, the transceiver 332 is configured to broadcast first broadcast information, and the first information is carried in the first broadcast information.

[0376] In one example, the transceiver 332 is configured to: receive a first discovery request from the first terminal device; broadcast a second discovery request, where the second discovery request is determined based on the first discovery request; receive a second discovery response from the second terminal device, where the second information is carried in the second discovery response; the transceiver 332 is configured to: send a first discovery response to the first terminal device, where the first information is carried in the first discovery response.

[0377] In one example, the second information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device; the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode.

[0378] In one example, the transceiver 332 is configured to receive fourth information from the first terminal device, where the fourth information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; the transceiver 332 is configured to send fifth information to the second terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate a third relay mode, and the fifth information is determined based on the fourth information; the transceiver 322 is configured to receive third information from the second terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode; the transceiver 332 is configured to send the third information to the first terminal device.

[0379] In one example, the third relay mode includes: the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0380] In one example, the third relay mode includes: the common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0381] In one example, the fifth information further includes identification information of the first terminal device, and the identification information of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device.

[0382] In one example, the transceiver 332 is configured to receive a third discovery request from the first terminal device, where the fourth information is carried in the third discovery request; the transceiver 332 is configured to broadcast a fourth discovery request, where the fifth information is carried in the fourth discovery request; the transceiver 332 is configured to receive a fourth discovery response from the second terminal device, where the third information is carried in the fourth discovery response; the transceiver 332 is configured to send a third discovery response to the first terminal device, where the third information is carried in the third discovery response.

[0383] In one example, the transceiver 332 is configured to receive a first connection establishment request from the first terminal device, where the fourth information is carried in the first connection establishment request; the transceiver 332 is configured to broadcast a second connection establishment request, where the fifth information is carried in the second connection establishment request; the transceiver 332 is configured to receive a second connection establishment response from the second terminal device, where the third information is carried in the second connection establishment response; the transceiver 332 is configured to send a first connection establishment response to the first terminal device, where the third information is carried in the first connection establishment response.

[0384] In one example, the fourth information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device; the fifth information includes an RSC corresponding to the third relay mode; the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode.

[0385] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode; the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0386] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the first terminal device, the relay mode supported by the first terminal device and configured by the core network device for the first terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device, the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device and configured by the core network device for the relay terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the second terminal device, the relay mode supported by the second terminal device and configured by the core network device for the second terminal device.

[0387] Please refer to Figure 34 , which shows a schematic structural diagram of a second terminal device 340 provided in an embodiment of the present application. For example, this second terminal device can be used to execute the relay communication method on the second terminal device side. Specifically, the second terminal device 340 may include: a processor 341, and a transceiver 342 connected to the processor 341; where:

[0388] The processor 341 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 341 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0389] The transceiver 342 includes a receiver and a transmitter. Optionally, the transceiver 342 is a communication chip.

[0390] In one example, the second terminal device 340 further includes: a memory and a bus. The memory is connected to the processor through the bus. The memory can be used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to implement each step performed by the second terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0391] In addition, the memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. Volatile or non-volatile storage devices include but are not limited to: RAM and ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical storage, cassette tapes, magnetic tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.

[0392] The transceiver 342 is configured to communicate with the first terminal device through a relay terminal device based on a first relay mode;

[0393] Wherein, the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device, and the first relay mode belongs to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0394] In one example, the transceiver 342 is configured to send second information to the relay terminal device, and the second information is used to indicate the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0395] In one example, the transceiver 342 is configured to: broadcast second broadcast information, and the second information is carried in the second broadcast information; or, send the second information to the relay terminal device during the process of the second terminal device registering to the relay terminal device; or, send the second information to the relay terminal device during the process of the second terminal device establishing a connection with the relay terminal device.

[0396] In one example, the transceiver 342 is configured to: receive a second discovery request from the relay terminal device; send a second discovery response to the relay terminal device, and the second information is carried in the second discovery response.

[0397] In one example, the second information includes an RSC corresponding to the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device.

[0398] In one example, the transceiver 342 is configured to receive fifth information from the relay terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate a third relay mode; the processor 341 is configured to determine the first relay mode based on the third relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device; and the transceiver 342 is configured to send third information to the relay terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the first relay mode.

[0399] In one example, the third relay mode includes: the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0400] In one example, the third relay mode includes the common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0401] In one example, the fifth information further includes identification information of the first terminal device, where the identification information of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device.

[0402] In one example, the transceiver 342 is configured to receive a fourth discovery request from the relay terminal device, where the fifth information is carried in the fourth discovery request; and the transceiver 342 is configured to send a fourth discovery response to the relay terminal device, where the third information is carried in the fourth discovery response.

[0403] In one example, the transceiver 342 is configured to receive a second connection establishment request from the relay terminal device, where the fifth information is carried in the second connection establishment request; and the transceiver 342 is configured to send a second connection establishment response to the relay terminal device, where the third information is carried in the second connection establishment response.

[0404] In one example, the fifth information includes an RSC corresponding to the third relay mode; and the third information includes an RSC corresponding to the first relay mode.

[0405] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode; and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode and a layer-two-based relay mode.

[0406] In one example, the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the first terminal device, the relay mode supported by the first terminal device and configured by the core network device for the first terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device, the relay mode supported by the relay terminal device and configured by the core network device for the relay terminal device; the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device includes any one of the following: the relay mode supported by the second terminal device, the relay mode supported by the second terminal device and configured by the core network device for the second terminal device.

[0407] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor of a terminal device to implement the relay mode configuration method on the terminal device side as described above.

[0408] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor of a core network device to implement the relay mode configuration method on the core network device side as described above.

[0409] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor of a first terminal device to implement the relay communication method on the first terminal device side as described above.

[0410] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor of a relay terminal device to implement the relay communication method on the relay terminal device side as described above.

[0411] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to be executed by a processor of a relay terminal device to implement the relay communication method on the second terminal device side as described above.

[0412] The embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a terminal device, it is used to implement the relay mode configuration method on the terminal device side as described above.

[0413] The embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which includes programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a core network device, it is used to implement the relay mode configuration method on the core network device side as described above.

[0414] The embodiments of the present application further provide a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a first terminal device, it is used to implement the relay communication method on the first terminal device side as described above.

[0415] The embodiments of the present application further provide a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a relay terminal device, it is used to implement the relay communication method on the relay terminal device side as described above.

[0416] The embodiments of the present application further provide a chip, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a second terminal device, it is used to implement the relay communication method on the second terminal device side as described above.

[0417] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a terminal device, it is used to implement the configuration method of the relay mode on the terminal device side as described above.

[0418] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a core network device, it is used to implement the configuration method of the relay mode on the core network device side as described above.

[0419] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a first terminal device, it is used to implement the relay communication method on the first terminal device side as described above.

[0420] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a relay terminal device, it is used to implement the relay communication method on the relay terminal device side as described above.

[0421] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a second terminal device, it is used to implement the relay communication method on the second terminal device side as described above.

[0422] Those skilled in the art should be able to realize that in the above one or more examples, the functions described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes computer storage media and communication media, where the communication media includes any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. The storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0423] The foregoing are only exemplary embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A relay communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first terminal device, the method includes: Receiving first configuration information from a core network device, where the first configuration information includes a mapping relationship between a relay mode configured by the core network device and a relay service code (RSC). The core network device configures the same mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for the first terminal device, a relay terminal device, and a second terminal device. The first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device are devices with proximity services (ProSe) capabilities. Wherein, the method further includes: Receiving first information broadcast by the relay terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, and the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode. The second relay mode includes a common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. Determining a common relay mode between the second relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device as a first relay mode; and Based on the first relay mode, communicating with the second terminal device through the relay terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first configuration information is carried in ProSe configuration information; or, the first configuration information is carried in user equipment routing selection policy (URSP) configuration information.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before receiving the first configuration information from the core network device, it further includes: Sending relay capability information to the core network device, where the relay capability information includes the relay modes supported by the first terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The relay modes supported by the first terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three-based relay mode, a layer-two-based relay mode.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device belongs to the relay modes supported by the first terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relay terminal device is a terminal device providing a relay service; the first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices using the relay service.

8. A relay communication method, characterized in that Applied to a relay terminal device, the method includes: Receiving first configuration information from a core network device, where the first configuration information includes a mapping relationship between a relay mode configured by the core network device and a relay service code (RSC). The core network device configures the same mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for a first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and a second terminal device. The first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device are devices with proximity services (ProSe) capabilities. Wherein, the method further includes: Broadcasting first information to the first terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, and the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode. The second relay mode includes a common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device; and Based on the first relay mode, the first terminal device and the second terminal device communicate through the relay terminal device, where the first relay mode is the common relay mode among the second relay mode determined by the first terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

9. A relay communication device, characterized in that, Set in the first terminal device, the device includes: A configuration information receiving module, configured to receive first configuration information from a core network device, where the first configuration information includes the mapping relationship between the relay mode configured by the core network device and the relay service code RSC. The core network device configures the same mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for the first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device. The first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device are devices with the Proximity Services (ProSe) capability. A first information receiving module, configured to receive first information broadcast by the relay terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate the second relay mode, and the first information includes the RSC corresponding to the second relay mode. The second relay mode includes the common relay mode among the relay mode corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the second terminal device. A relay mode determining module, configured to determine the common relay mode between the second relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device as the first relay mode; and A first communication module, configured to communicate with the second terminal device through the relay terminal device based on the first relay mode.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device includes at least one of the following: a layer-three based relay mode, a layer-two based relay mode.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first configuration information is carried in the ProSe configuration information; or, the first configuration information is carried in the User Equipment Routing Selection Policy (URSP) configuration information.

12. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The device further includes: A capability information sending module, configured to send relay capability information to the core network device, where the relay capability information includes the relay modes supported by the first terminal device.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein The relay modes supported by the first terminal device include at least one of the following: a layer-three based relay mode, a layer-two based relay mode.

14. The device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device belongs to the relay modes supported by the first terminal device.

15. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The relay terminal device is a terminal device providing relay services; the first terminal device and the second terminal device are terminal devices using relay services.

16. A relay communication device, characterized in that, Applied to the relay terminal device, the device includes: A configuration information receiving module, configured to receive first configuration information from a core network device, where the first configuration information includes the mapping relationship between the relay mode configured by the core network device and the relay service code RSC. The core network device configures the same mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for the first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device. The first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device are devices with the Proximity Services (ProSe) capability. The first information sending module is used to broadcast first information to the first terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode, and the second relay mode includes a common relay mode among the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay modes corresponding to the second terminal device; and The relay communication module is used to implement communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the relay terminal device based on a first relay mode, where the first relay mode is a common relay mode among the second relay mode determined by the first terminal device and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

17. A first terminal device, characterized in that, The first terminal device includes: a processor, and a transceiver connected to the processor; where The transceiver is used to receive first configuration information from a core network device, and the first configuration information includes a mapping relationship between the relay mode configured by the core network device and a relay service code RSC. The core network device configures the same mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for the first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device. The first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device are devices with Prose (Proximity Services) capabilities; The transceiver is further used to receive the first information broadcast by the relay terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode, and the second relay mode includes a common relay mode among the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay modes corresponding to the second terminal device; The processor is used to determine the common relay mode among the second relay mode and the relay mode corresponding to the first terminal device as the first relay mode; and The transceiver is further used to implement communication with the second terminal device through the relay terminal device based on the first relay mode.

18. A relay terminal device, characterized in that, The relay terminal device includes: a processor, and a transceiver connected to the processor; where The transceiver is used to receive first configuration information from a core network device, and the first configuration information includes a mapping relationship between the relay mode configured by the core network device and a relay service code RSC. The core network device configures the same mapping relationship between the relay mode and the RSC for the first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device. The first terminal device, the relay terminal device, and the second terminal device are devices with Prose (Proximity Services) capabilities; The transceiver is further used to broadcast first information to the first terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a second relay mode, the first information includes an RSC corresponding to the second relay mode, and the second relay mode includes a common relay mode among the relay modes corresponding to the relay terminal device and the relay modes corresponding to the second terminal device; and The transceiver is further configured to, based on the first relaying mode, implement communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the relay terminal device, where the first relaying mode is a common relaying mode among the second relaying mode determined by the first terminal device and the relaying mode corresponding to the first terminal device.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored in the storage medium, and the computer program is configured to be executed by a processor of a first terminal device to implement the relaying communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored in the storage medium, and the computer program is configured to be executed by a processor of a relay terminal device to implement the relaying communication method according to claim 8.

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