A downlink data transmission indication method and device, UE, and network device

Abstract

The application discloses a downlink data transmission indication method and device, a UE, and a network device. The method comprises the following steps: the UE receives a paging message. The paging message is used for indicating at least one of the following: whether to receive downlink data on a downlink semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) resource; whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access; whether to activate a downlink SPS resource; and whether to deactivate a downlink SPS resource.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a downlink data transmission indication method and apparatus, user equipment (UE), and network equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state do not support downlink user plane data transmission. When a UE is in RRC_INACTIVE state, if downlink data arrives in the core network and needs to be transmitted, a paging request will be initiated by the core network or the Radio Access Network (RAN). After receiving the paging request, the UE will first restore the RRC connection through the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection restoration procedure before proceeding with downlink data transmission. After data transmission is complete, the network may release the RRC connection through the RRC connection release procedure and allow the UE to re-enter the RRC_INACTIVE state. In other words, regardless of how small and infrequent the data packets are, each downlink data transmission involves the process of RRC connection restoration (establishment) and subsequent release to the RRC_INACTIVE state, which leads to unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead, and generates significant latency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a downlink data transmission indication method and apparatus, a UE, a network device, a chip, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0004] The downlink data transmission indication method provided in this application includes:

[0005] The UE receives a paging message, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0006] Whether to receive downlink data on downlink semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) resources;

[0007] Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access;

[0008] Activate downlink SPS resources;

[0009] Should the downlink SPS resource be activated?

[0010] The downlink data transmission indication method provided in this application includes:

[0011] A network device sends a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following:

[0012] Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0013] Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access;

[0014] Activate downlink SPS resources;

[0015] Should the downlink SPS resource be activated?

[0016] The downlink data transmission indication device provided in this application embodiment is applied to a UE, and the device includes:

[0017] A receiving unit is configured to receive a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following:

[0018] Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0019] Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access;

[0020] Activate downlink SPS resources;

[0021] Should the downlink SPS resource be activated?

[0022] The downlink data transmission indication device provided in this application embodiment is applied to a network device, and the device includes:

[0023] A sending unit is configured to send a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following:

[0024] Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0025] Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access;

[0026] Activate downlink SPS resources;

[0027] Should the downlink SPS resource be activated?

[0028] The UE provided in this application embodiment includes: a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute any of the downlink data transmission indication methods described above.

[0029] The network device provided in this application includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory to execute any of the downlink data transmission indication methods described above.

[0030] The chip provided in this application includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device on which the chip is installed to perform any of the methods described above.

[0031] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment is used to store a computer program that causes a computer to execute any of the methods described above.

[0032] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, on the one hand, downlink small packet transmission in the inactive state is realized. Since downlink small packet transmission does not require a transition from the inactive state to the connected state, signaling overhead and UE power consumption are effectively reduced. On the other hand, since the UE does not need to periodically receive downlink small packets on the pre-configured downlink SPS resources, but instead activates / deactivates the downlink SPS resources when needed via paging messages, the power consumption of the inactive UE is reduced. Furthermore, since paging messages have lower overhead, more inactive UEs can be instructed to receive downlink small packets on the downlink SPS resources. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2-1 This is a schematic diagram of an RRC connection recovery process;

[0035] Figure 2-2 This is a schematic diagram of a process for RRC connection recovery to fallback to RRC connection reconstruction;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the downlink data transmission indication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the activation / deactivation of downlink SPS resources provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of paging records provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 6 This is the processing flow of the UE after receiving a paging message, provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 7 This is flowchart two of the processing flow charts provided in the embodiments of this application after the UE receives the paging message;

[0041] Figure 8 These are schematic diagrams of bitmap1 and bitmap2 provided in embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 9 This is the processing flow of the UE after receiving a paging message, provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0043] Figure 10 This is the processing flow of the UE after receiving a paging message, provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the downlink data transmission indication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the downlink data transmission indication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include a UE 110 and a network device 120. The network device 120 can communicate with the UE 110 via an air interface. Multi-service transmission is supported between the UE 110 and the network device 120.

[0051] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are only illustrated by way of example with communication system 100, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. That is to say, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G communication systems (also known as New Radio (NR) communication systems), or future communication systems, etc.

[0052] exist Figure 1In the communication system 100 shown, network device 120 can be an access network device that communicates with UE 110. The access network device can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with UE 110 (e.g., UE) located within that coverage area.

[0053] Network device 120 can be a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG RAN) device or a base station (gNB) in an NR system.

[0054] UE110 can be any UE, including but not limited to UEs that are connected to network device 120 or other UEs via wired or wireless connections.

[0055] For example, UE110 can refer to an access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. The access terminal can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, IoT device, satellite handheld terminal, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, UE in a 5G network, or UE in a future evolved network, etc.

[0056] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a core network device 130 that communicates with the base station. The core network device 130 may be a 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC) device, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), or a User Plane Function. During network evolution, the aforementioned core network device may also be called by other names, or new network entities may be formed by dividing the functions of the core network. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0057] The various functional units in the communication system 100 can also establish connections and communicate with each other through the next generation (NG) interface.

[0058] For example, the UE establishes an air interface connection with the access network equipment through the NR interface for transmitting user plane data and control plane signaling; the UE can establish a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through NG interface 1 (N1); access network equipment, such as the next-generation radio access base station (gNB), can establish a user plane data connection with the UPF through NG interface 3 (N3); access network equipment can establish a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through NG interface 2 (N2); the UPF can establish a control plane signaling connection with the SMF through NG interface 4 (N4); the UPF can interact with the data network to exchange user plane data through NG interface 6 (N6); the AMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with the SMF through NG interface 11 (N11); and the SMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with the PCF through NG interface 7 (N7).

[0059] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment shows a base station, a core network device, and two UEs. Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may include multiple base station devices, and the coverage area of ​​each base station may include other numbers of UEs. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0060] It should be noted that, Figure 1This application merely illustrates the system to which this application applies; of course, the methods shown in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other systems. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" in this application merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. It should also be understood that "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a related relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, for example, B can be obtained through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, for example, A instructs C, B can be obtained through C; or it can mean that there is a related relationship between A and B. It should also be understood that "correspondence" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can indicate a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or an related relationship between two things, or a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc. It should also be understood that the "predefined" or "predefined rules" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including UE and network devices), and this application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to those defined in a protocol. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the "protocol" can refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as LTE protocol, NR protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems, and this application does not limit this.

[0061] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies of the embodiments of this application are described below. The following relevant technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, and they all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0062] In Rel-17, Small Data Transmission (SDT) was introduced, which is a technique for transmitting small data in the RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state.

[0063] In Rel-17, the small data transmission scheme primarily targets uplink transmission. Whether to use the small data transmission scheme is based on network configuration, including the data volume threshold and the Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP) threshold. The UE determines whether to use uplink small data transmission or request a transition to RRC_CONNECTED state for uplink data transmission based on these data volume threshold and RSRP threshold. When the uplink packet size is less than the data volume threshold, the downlink RSRP is greater than the configured RSRP threshold, and there are available transmission resources, the UE will initiate small data transmission (i.e., small packet transmission), thereby improving transmission efficiency and reducing transmission latency.

[0064] Uplink small data transmission is based on either a 2-step or 4-step random access mechanism. Small packet transmission based on 4-step random access primarily utilizes message 3 (Msg3) to transmit data packets, with Msg3 using uplink resources scheduled by the network. Small packet transmission based on 2-step random access primarily utilizes message A (MsgA) to transmit data packets, with MsgA's transmission resources based on pre-configured network resources.

[0065] In addition, uplink small data transmission can also be based on the Rel-15 / 16 configured grant framework. UEs in the RRC_INACTIVE state can also use the configured grant resources pre-configured by the network in the RRC release message and perform uplink small data transmission on the corresponding Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources.

[0066] Currently, small data transmission solutions mainly focus on uplink transmission and do not involve discussions on downlink transmission.

[0067] UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state do not support downlink user plane data transmission. When a UE is in RRC_INACTIVE state, if downlink data arrives from the core network and needs to be transmitted, a paging request will be initiated by the core network or the RAN. After receiving the paging request, the UE will first restore the RRC connection through the RRC connection restoration procedure, and then the UE will enter the RRC_CONNECTED state before performing downlink data transmission. After data transmission is completed, the network may release the RRC connection through the RRC connection release procedure and allow the UE to re-enter the RRC_INACTIVE state. In other words, regardless of how small and infrequent the data packets are, every downlink data transmission will involve the process of RRC connection restoration (establishment) and subsequent release to the RRC_INACTIVE state, which will lead to unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead, and generate significant latency.

[0068] Figure 2-1 The diagram illustrates the RRC connection restoration process and the successful restoration, including the following steps: 1. The UE sends an RRC restoration request message to the network; 2. The network sends an RRC restoration message to the UE; 3. The UE sends an RRC restoration completion message to the network.

[0069] Figure 2-2 The diagram illustrates the scenario where RRC connection recovery falls back to RRC connection reconstruction and reconstruction is successful, including the following steps: 1. The UE sends an RRC recovery request message to the network; 2. The network sends an RRC establishment message to the UE; 3. The UE sends an RRC establishment completion message to the network.

[0070] Rel-18 will support Paging-triggered downlink small data transmission (SDT), which includes a small packet transmission triggering mechanism for RRC_INACTIVE state UEs, as well as an SDT mechanism similar to uplink random access SDT and configured grant. The goal is to reduce signaling overhead and UE power consumption by avoiding transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state, and to reduce latency by allowing fast transmission of (small and infrequent) data packets.

[0071] If the network pre-configures downlink SPS resources for the UE via an RRC release (RRCRelease) message, the UE will periodically attempt to receive downlink small packets on those downlink SPS resources, which will bring additional power consumption to the UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0072] To address this, the following technical solution is proposed in the embodiments of this application. The technical solution of this application introduces indication information into the paging message to indicate whether the RRC_INACTIVE state UE receives downlink data by initiating random access or by receiving downlink data on downlink SPS resources, thus enabling the RRC_INACTIVE state UE to receive downlink small packets. Furthermore, it avoids the UE periodically attempting to receive downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources, thereby reducing the power consumption of the RRC_INACTIVE state UE.

[0073] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions of this application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application include at least some of the following contents.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the downlink data transmission indication method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the downlink data transmission indication method includes:

[0075] Step 301: The UE receives a paging message, which indicates at least one of the following: whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources; whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access; whether to activate downlink SPS resources; and whether to deactivate downlink SPS resources.

[0076] In this embodiment, the network device sends a paging message, and the UE receives the paging message accordingly. Here, the network device can be a base station, and the paging message can be triggered by the core network or the RAN. Specifically, when downlink data arrives, the core network or the RAN will initiate a paging procedure, that is, send a paging message to the UE. As an example, the content of the paging message is shown in Table 1 below:

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] Table 1

[0080] In Table 1 above, the paging record list includes one or more paging records to indicate the list of paged UEs. Further, each paging record includes a UE identifier (ue-Identity) and an access type (accessType). The ue-Identity indicates the ID of the paged UE, and the accessType indicates whether the paging message was initiated from a PDU session not accessed by 3GPP. The paging UE identifier can be a NAS layer ID (i.e., ng-5G-S-TMSI) used for core network paging (CN paging), or it can be the ID of an RRC_INACTIVE state UE (i.e., fullI-RNTI) used for RAN paging (RAN paging).

[0081] For a UE in an inactive state, downlink transmission (especially downlink small packet transmission) can be achieved in the following three ways:

[0082] Method 1: The UE receives downlink data (especially downlink small packets) on pre-configured downlink SPS resources.

[0083] Method 2: The UE initiates random access and receives downlink data (especially downlink small packets) during the random access process. Here, the UE has not yet entered the connected state when receiving downlink data.

[0084] Method 3: The UE initiates random access and enters the connected state, where it receives downlink data (especially non-downlink small packets).

[0085] For methods 2 and 3, the network can notify the UE to initiate random access via paging messages (existing paging procedures can be used). During the random access process, the network will instruct the UE whether to end the random process and not enter the connected state (corresponding to method 2) to receive downlink data, or to enter the connected state (corresponding to method 3) and then receive downlink data.

[0086] For method 1, the network can "activate" the downlink SPS resource via a paging message to notify the UE to receive downlink data on the pre-configured downlink SPS resource. When downlink data transmission ends, the network can "deactivate" the downlink SPS resource via a paging message to notify the UE to stop receiving downlink data on the pre-configured downlink SPS resource. In this way, the UE does not need to continuously and periodically attempt to receive downlink data on the downlink SPS resource, thereby reducing the UE's power consumption. As an example, such as Figure 4As shown, after the UE receives an activation indication for downlink SPS resources at a paging occasion (PO), it attempts to receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) at the next SPS resource location; after the UE receives a deactivation indication for downlink SPS resources at a PO, it does not need to attempt to receive the PDSCH at the next SPS resource location and continues to sleep.

[0087] It should be noted that if the network wants the UE to use pre-configured downlink SPS resources to receive downlink data, the network will pre-configure the downlink SPS resources in the RRC_INACTIVE state when instructing the UE to enter the RRC_INACTIVE state via the RRC_RELEASE message. Specifically, this configuration includes information such as the period, time-frequency position, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) of the downlink SPS resources. Downlink SPS resources are deactivated by default, and in the deactivated state, the UE will not attempt to receive downlink data on those resources. Only after receiving an activation instruction from the network will the UE receive downlink data on those resources.

[0088] In order for the UE to receive downlink data in the manner described in Method 1, Method 2, or Method 3 above, the network side needs to instruct the UE to at least one of the following via a paging message:

[0089] Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0090] Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access;

[0091] Activate downlink SPS resources;

[0092] Should the downlink SPS resource be activated?

[0093] To enable the above content to be indicated in the paging message, it is necessary to carry indication information in the paging message. The following describes the specific implementation of the indication information in the paging message in combination with different schemes.

[0094] Option 1

[0095] In some alternative implementations, the paging message carries first indication information, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0096] One or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0097] One or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access.

[0098] In a specific implementation, the first indication information includes first information and second information. The first information includes a paging record list, which includes paging records of a first group of UEs and / or paging records of a second group of UEs. The first group of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources, and the second group of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access. The second information is used to indicate the number of UEs in the first group and / or the number of UEs in the second group.

[0099] As an option, in the paging record list, the paging records of the first group of UEs are located before the paging records of the second group of UEs. Alternatively, in the paging record list, the paging records of the second group of UEs are located before the paging records of the first group of UEs.

[0100] Based on the specific implementation of the first indication information above, the UE's behavior after receiving the paging message is as follows:

[0101] In the case described in scenario 1-1), where the UE is configured with downlink SPS resources:

[0102] After receiving the paging message, the UE determines, based on the first information, whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier. If a matching paging record exists, the UE determines, based on the second information, whether the matching paging record belongs to one of the paging records of the first group of UEs. If it does, the UE receives downlink data on downlink SPS resources. If it does not, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access. If no matching paging record exists, the UE does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on downlink SPS resources.

[0103] Furthermore, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access, including: the UE initiates random access and obtains third indication information during the random access process. The third indication information is used to indicate whether the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or whether it has entered the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or does not enter the connected state, the UE receives downlink data without entering the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is not a downlink small packet transmission or enters the connected state, the UE receives downlink data after entering the connected state.

[0104] In cases 1-2) where the UE is not configured with downlink SPS resources:

[0105] After receiving the paging message, the UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier. If a matching paging record exists, the UE initiates random access to receive downlink data. If no matching paging record exists, the UE maintains its current behavior.

[0106] Furthermore, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access, including: the UE initiates random access and obtains third indication information during the random access process. The third indication information is used to indicate whether the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or whether it has entered the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or does not enter the connected state, the UE receives downlink data without entering the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is not a downlink small packet transmission or enters the connected state, the UE receives downlink data after entering the connected state.

[0107] Option 2

[0108] In some alternative implementations, the paging message carries second indication information, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0109] One or more UEs that activate downlink SPS resources;

[0110] Deactivate one or more UEs that have downlink SPS resources.

[0111] In a specific implementation, the second indication information includes third information and fourth information. The third information includes a first bitmap, where each bit in the first bitmap corresponds to a packet, and the value of the bit in the first bitmap is used to indicate whether there is downlink small packet transmission within the packet corresponding to that bit. The fourth information includes at least one second bitmap, where each second bitmap corresponds to a packet, and each bit in the second bitmap corresponds to a UE within the packet. The value of the bit in the second bitmap is used to indicate whether the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to that bit is activated or deactivated.

[0112] In the above scheme, the bits in the first bitmap have a first value, used to indicate that there is no downlink small packet transmission within the packet corresponding to that bit; the bits in the first bitmap have a second value, used to indicate that there is downlink small packet transmission within the packet corresponding to that bit. Here, as an example, the first value is 0 and the second value is 1. Or, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0.

[0113] In the above scheme, the bit in the second bit diagram takes a first value, which is used to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to that bit is deactivated; the bit in the second bit diagram takes a second value, which is used to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to that bit is activated. Here, as an example, the first value is 0 and the second value is 1. Or, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0.

[0114] In the above scheme, for the packets indicated by the third information that have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information includes the second bitmap corresponding to the packet; for the packets indicated by the third information that do not have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information does not include the second bitmap corresponding to the packet.

[0115] In some alternative implementations, the length of the first bitmap is indicated by system information or by the paging message, and the length of the second bitmap is indicated by system information.

[0116] Based on the specific implementation of the first indication information above, the UE's behavior after receiving the paging message is as follows:

[0117] In the case of scenario 2-1) where the UE is configured with downlink SPS resources:

[0118] After receiving the paging message, the UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier. If a matching paging record exists, the UE initiates random access to receive downlink data. If no matching paging record exists, the UE determines whether there is downlink small packet transmission in the packet it belongs to based on the third information. If downlink small packet transmission exists, the UE determines whether its downlink SPS resources are activated based on the fourth information. If activated, the UE receives downlink data on the downlink SPS resources; if deactivated, the UE does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the downlink SPS resources. If there is no downlink small packet transmission, the UE does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the downlink SPS resources.

[0119] Furthermore, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access, including: the UE initiates random access and obtains third indication information during the random access process. The third indication information is used to indicate whether the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or whether it has entered the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or does not enter the connected state, the UE receives downlink data without entering the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is not a downlink small packet transmission or enters the connected state, the UE receives downlink data after entering the connected state.

[0120] In the case described in scenario 2-2), where the UE is not configured with downlink SPS resources:

[0121] After receiving the paging message, the UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier. If a matching paging record exists, the UE initiates random access to receive downlink data. If no matching paging record exists, the UE maintains its current behavior.

[0122] Furthermore, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access, including: the UE initiates random access and obtains third indication information during the random access process. The third indication information is used to indicate whether the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or whether it has entered the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or does not enter the connected state, the UE receives downlink data without entering the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is not a downlink small packet transmission or enters the connected state, the UE receives downlink data after entering the connected state.

[0123] It should be noted that if a UE has periodic downlink small packets, the technical solution of this application also supports keeping the downlink SPS resources configured through the RRC release message in an active state, i.e., not configuring the activation / deactivation of downlink SPS resources based on paging messages. In specific implementation, the network device sends an RRC release message to the UE, and correspondingly, the UE receives the RRC release message. The RRC release message carries fourth indication information, which is used to indicate whether the UE enables the activation or deactivation of downlink SPS resources based on paging messages.

[0124] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are illustrated below with specific application examples. It should be noted that the technical details in the following application examples can be arbitrarily combined with the solutions described above, and all of them fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0125] Application Example 1

[0126] The paging message includes a paging record list (corresponding to the first information). The paging records of all UEs receiving downlink data via pre-configured downlink SPS resources (i.e., corresponding to mode 1) are placed at the beginning of the paging record list, while the paging records of all UEs receiving downlink data through random access (i.e., corresponding to modes 2 and 3) are placed at the end of the paging record list. In addition, a new field (corresponding to the second information) is added to the paging message to indicate the number of UEs receiving downlink data via pre-configured downlink SPS resources (i.e., the number of paging records corresponding to mode 1). As an example, this new field can be represented as nrOfConfiguredAssignmentUE.

[0127] Reference Figure 5 Assume a paging message contains M paging records in its paging record list, where M is a positive integer. The first N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M) of the M paging records are the paging records of all UEs receiving downlink data through pre-configured downlink SPS resources (i.e., the number of paging records corresponding to mode 1). The last MN of the M paging records are the paging records of all UEs receiving downlink data through initiating random access (i.e., the number of paging records corresponding to modes 2 and 3). Optionally, the number of bits occupied by the newly added nrOfConfiguredAssignmentUE field (corresponding to the second information) in the paging message is ceiling(log2(M+1)), and its value is equal to N. Since a paging record list contains at most 32 paging records (corresponding to maxNrofPageRec), which means at most 32 UEs can be paged simultaneously, the value range of nrOfConfiguredAssignmentUE is 0 to 32, corresponding to a maximum required number of bits of 6.

[0128] As an optional case, if downlink SPS resources are configured for an inactive UE, the UE's processing procedure after receiving a paging message is as follows: Figure 6 This includes the following steps:

[0129] Step 601: The UE receives a paging message.

[0130] Step 602: The UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's ID. If not, proceed to step 603; if yes, proceed to step 604.

[0131] Step 603: The UE stops receiving downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources (if in progress), or maintains its current behavior, and the process ends.

[0132] Step 604: The UE determines whether the paging record matching the UE's ID is one of the first N paging records. If yes, proceed to step 605; otherwise, proceed to step 606.

[0133] Step 605: The UE receives a downlink small packet on the downlink SPS resource, and the process ends.

[0134] Step 606: UE initiates random access (stops receiving downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources).

[0135] Step 607: The UE obtains a network indication during the random access process and determines whether it is a small packet transmission based on the network indication. If yes, proceed to step 608; otherwise, proceed to step 609.

[0136] Step 608: The UE does not enter the connected state to receive downlink packets, and the process ends.

[0137] Step 609: The UE enters connected mode to receive downlink data, and the process ends.

[0138] As an alternative, if downlink SPS resources are not configured for the inactive UE, the UE's processing procedure after receiving a paging message is as follows: Figure 7 This includes the following steps:

[0139] Step 701: The UE receives a paging message.

[0140] Step 702: The UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's ID. If not, proceed to step 703; if yes, proceed to step 704.

[0141] Step 703: The UE maintains its current behavior, and the process ends.

[0142] Step 704: UE initiates random access.

[0143] Step 705: The UE obtains an indication from the network during the random access process, and determines whether it is a small packet transmission based on the network indication. If yes, proceed to step 706; otherwise, proceed to step 707.

[0144] Step 706: The UE does not enter the connected state to receive downlink packets, and the process ends.

[0145] Step 707: The UE enters connected mode to receive downlink data, and the process ends.

[0146] Application Example 2

[0147] As can be seen from Example 1, a paging record list contains at most 32 paging records (corresponding to maxNrofPageRec), which means that at most 32 UEs can be paged simultaneously. If a paging message is used to activate the downlink SPS resources of an inactive UE, then one paging message can activate the downlink SPS resources of at most 32 inactive UEs simultaneously. A paging record occupies at least 41 bits and at most 50 bits, and using a paging record to indicate whether a UE has activated downlink SPS resources consumes a significant amount of resources. To utilize air interface resources more effectively, the following solution from Application Example 2 can be used.

[0148] Two new fields are added to the paging message: bitmap1 (corresponding to the third information) and a list of bitmap2 (corresponding to the fourth information). Inactive UEs configured with downlink SPS resources under the same PO are mapped to these two bitmaps as follows:

[0149] 1. First, the UEs are grouped, with each group corresponding to a bitmap2. Each bit in bitmap2 corresponds to one UE and is used to indicate whether the UE needs to receive downlink small packets on the pre-configured downlink SPS resources, or whether the downlink SPS resources for the UE are activated. If the bit corresponding to the UE is 1, the UE receives downlink data on the pre-configured downlink SPS resources; if the bit corresponding to the UE is 0, the UE does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the pre-configured downlink SPS resources. The most significant bit (MSB) to the least significant bit (LSB) of bitmap2 corresponds to the first to the last configured UE in the group.

[0150] 2. Each of these packets corresponds to a bitmap1. Each bit in bitmap1 corresponds to a packet, indicating whether downlink small packet transmission exists within that packet. If none of the UEs in a packet are transmitting downlink small packets, the corresponding bit in bitmap1 for that packet is set to 0, and bitmap2 for that packet does not need to be sent. If at least one UE in a packet is transmitting downlink small packets, the corresponding bit in bitmap1 for that packet is set to 1, and bitmap2 for that packet needs to be sent. The bitmap2 corresponding to each packet with a corresponding bit set to 1 is concatenated in the order of the packets. Bitmap1, from MSB to LSB, corresponds to the first to the last configured packets.

[0151] The length of bitmap2 can be specified through system information. The length of bitmap1 can be specified through system information or in a paging message.

[0152] It should be noted that when the network releases the UE to an inactive state via the RRC release message, it will specify the UE's position in bitmap1 (i.e., the packet it belongs to) and its position in bitmap2 (i.e., the position within the packet) in the RRC release message.

[0153] As an example, assume 8 groups are defined, meaning bitmap1 is 8 bits long. Also assume each group supports indicating whether downlink SPS resources should be activated to 8 UEs simultaneously, meaning bitmap2 is also 8 bits long. If UEs 1, 3, and 5 in group 1 and UEs 4, 5, and 8 in group 3 need to activate downlink SPS resources, then the values ​​of the relevant fields in the paging message would be as follows: Figure 8As shown, since only two packets have downlink SPS resources that need to be activated, only two 8-bit bitmap2 arrays need to be concatenated. It can be seen that using this method, activating the downlink SPS resources of six UEs requires only 24 bits (corresponding to an 8-bit bitmap1 and a 16-bit bitmap2 list). Using the traditional method, at least 41 * 6 = 246 bits are needed (assuming each paging record occupies a minimum of 41 bits, and ignoring additional fields indicating whether downlink SPS is enabled). Furthermore, in this example, the network can simultaneously activate the downlink SPS resources of up to 8 * 8 = 64 UEs, requiring a maximum of only 72 bits.

[0154] In this example, the worst-case scenario is that only one UE in each packet needs to activate the downlink SPS, which requires 72 bits for indication. Using the traditional method, activating the downlink SPS for eight UEs would require at least 41 * 8 = 328 bits.

[0155] As an optional case, if downlink SPS resources are configured for an inactive UE, the UE's processing procedure after receiving a paging message is as follows: Figure 9 This includes the following steps:

[0156] Step 901: The UE receives a paging message.

[0157] Step 902: The UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's ID. If yes, proceed to step 903; otherwise, proceed to step 907.

[0158] Step 903: The UE initiates random access (if in progress, stop receiving downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources).

[0159] Step 904: The UE obtains a network indication during the random access process and determines whether it is a small packet transmission based on the network indication. If yes, proceed to step 905; otherwise, proceed to step 906.

[0160] Step 905: The UE does not enter the connected state to receive downlink packets, and the process ends.

[0161] Step 906: The UE enters connected mode to receive downlink data, and the process ends.

[0162] Step 907: The UE determines in bitmap1 whether the corresponding bit of the current group is set to 1. If not, proceed to step 908; if yes, proceed to step 909.

[0163] Step 908: The UE stops receiving downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources (if in progress), or maintains its current behavior, and the process ends.

[0164] Step 909: The UE checks whether the corresponding bit in the bitmap2 corresponding to the group is set to 1. If not, proceed to step 910; if yes, proceed to step 911.

[0165] Step 910: The UE stops receiving downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources (if in progress), or maintains its current behavior, and the process ends.

[0166] Step 911: The UE receives downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources.

[0167] As an alternative, if downlink SPS resources are not configured for the inactive UE, the UE's processing procedure after receiving a paging message is as follows: Figure 10 This includes the following steps:

[0168] Step 1001: The UE receives a paging message.

[0169] Step 1002: The UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's ID. If not, proceed to step 1003; if yes, proceed to step 1004.

[0170] Step 1003: The UE maintains its current behavior, and the process ends.

[0171] Step 1004: UE initiates random access.

[0172] Step 1005: The UE obtains an indication from the network during the random access process. Based on the network indication, it determines whether it is a small packet transmission. If yes, proceed to step 1006; otherwise, proceed to step 1007.

[0173] Step 1006: The UE does not enter the connected state to receive downlink packets, and the process ends.

[0174] Step 1007: The UE enters connected mode to receive downlink data, and the process ends.

[0175] Since the UE does not need to periodically receive downlink packets on the pre-configured downlink SPS resources, but instead activates / deactivates the downlink SPS resources via paging messages when needed, the power consumption of the inactive UE is reduced.

[0176] It should be noted that if a UE has periodic downlink small packets, the technical solution of this application also supports keeping the downlink SPS resources configured through the RRC release message in an active state, i.e., without configuring activation / deactivation based on paging messages. For example, a new field (i.e., the fourth indication information) is added to the RRC release message to indicate whether the UE enables activation / deactivation of downlink SPS resources based on paging messages.

[0177] In this embodiment of the application, in order for the network side to instruct the UE in the paging message to receive downlink data in the manner described in case 1, case 2, or case 3 above, the network side needs to determine which method to send downlink data to the UE. The following describes this process.

[0178] After receiving downlink data, the network device determines, based on the amount of downlink data, whether to send the downlink data to the UE via downlink SPS resources or via random access, while the UE is in an inactive state.

[0179] Specifically, if the amount of downlink data is less than or equal to a first threshold, it is determined that the downlink data will be sent to the UE via downlink SPS resources; if the amount of downlink data is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the downlink data will be sent to the UE via random access. Further, sending the downlink data to the UE via random access includes: if the amount of downlink data is less than or equal to a second threshold, sending the downlink data to the UE during the random access process, and the UE not entering a connected state; if the amount of downlink data is greater than the second threshold, sending the downlink data to the UE after the UE enters a connected state through the random access process.

[0180] It should be noted that although the above solution only takes into account the amount of downlink data, it is not limited to this. Other factors can also be considered, such as business type and downlink RSRP.

[0181] As an example: On the network side, the base station determines whether the current transmission is small packet or not, and whether to use downlink SPS resources or send downlink small packets via random access, based on the size of the arriving downlink data packets and the service type. Specifically, after receiving downlink data from the core network, the base station compares the service type and data packet size with a configured first threshold to determine whether to send the downlink data to the inactive UE via downlink SPS resources or a random access procedure. Branch 1) If the downlink data size is less than or equal to the first threshold, the network side instructs the UE to receive downlink data on the pre-configured downlink SPS resources in the paging message. Branch 2) If the downlink data size is greater than the first threshold, the network side instructs the UE to receive downlink data by triggering random access in the paging message. Furthermore, for branch 2), the network side will further compare the service type and downlink data volume with the configured second threshold to determine whether to use a random access procedure to send a small packet and prevent the UE from entering the connected state, or to allow the UE to enter the connected state before sending downlink data. Specifically, in branch 2-1), if the downlink data volume is less than or equal to the second threshold, a downlink small packet is sent using a random access procedure, and the UE is instructed not to enter the connected state; if the downlink data volume is greater than the second threshold, the UE is allowed to enter the connected state through a random access procedure before sending downlink data.

[0182] The technical solution of this application embodiment, by adding indication information to the paging message, enables the UE to be instructed whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources, receive downlink data through random access (without entering the connected state), or receive downlink data after entering the connected state through random access. On one hand, it enables downlink small packet transmission in the inactive state. Since downlink small packet transmission does not require a transition from the inactive state to the connected state, it effectively reduces signaling overhead and UE power consumption. On the other hand, since the UE does not need to periodically receive downlink small packets on pre-configured downlink SPS resources, but instead activates / deactivates the downlink SPS resources when needed through paging messages, it reduces the power consumption of inactive UEs. Furthermore, because paging messages have lower overhead, they can instruct more inactive UEs to receive downlink small packets on downlink SPS resources.

[0183] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the downlink data transmission indication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 Applied to UE, such as Figure 11 As shown, the downlink data transmission indication device includes:

[0184] Receiving unit 1101 is configured to receive a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following:

[0185] Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0186] Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access;

[0187] Activate downlink SPS resources;

[0188] Should the downlink SPS resource be activated?

[0189] In some alternative implementations, the paging message carries first indication information, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0190] One or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0191] One or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access.

[0192] In some alternative implementations, the first indication information includes first information and second information, wherein,

[0193] The first information includes a paging record list, which includes paging records of a first part of UEs and / or paging records of a second part of UEs. The first part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources, and the second part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access.

[0194] The second information is used to indicate the number of UEs in the first part of UEs and / or the number of UEs in the second part of UEs.

[0195] In some alternative implementations, in the paging record list,

[0196] The paging records of the first group of UEs are located before the paging records of the second group of UEs; or,

[0197] The paging records of the second group of UEs are located before the paging records of the first group of UEs.

[0198] In some alternative implementations, the paging message carries second indication information, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0199] One or more UEs that activate downlink SPS resources;

[0200] Deactivate one or more UEs that have downlink SPS resources.

[0201] In some optional embodiments, the second indication information includes third and fourth information, wherein,

[0202] The third information includes a first bitmap, where each bit in the first bitmap corresponds to a group, and the value of the bit in the first bitmap is used to indicate whether there is downlink small packet transmission in the group corresponding to that bit.

[0203] The fourth information includes at least one second bitmap, each second bitmap corresponds to a group, each bit in the second bitmap corresponds to a UE in the group, and the value of the bit in the second bitmap is used to indicate whether the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is activated or deactivated.

[0204] In some optional implementations, the bits in the first bit diagram are set to a first value to indicate that there is no downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to the bit; the bits in the first bit diagram are set to a second value to indicate that there is downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to the bit.

[0205] In some optional implementations, the bit in the second bit diagram takes a first value to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is deactivated; the bit in the second bit diagram takes a second value to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is activated.

[0206] In some alternative implementations, for packets indicated by the third information that have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information includes the second bitmap corresponding to the packet; for packets indicated by the third information that do not have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information does not include the second bitmap corresponding to the packet.

[0207] In some alternative implementations, the length of the first bitmap is indicated by system information or by the paging message, and the length of the second bitmap is indicated by system information.

[0208] In some alternative embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a processing unit 1102;

[0209] When the UE is configured with downlink SPS resources, after receiving the paging message, the receiving unit 1101 and the processing unit 1102 determine, based on the first information, whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier; if a matching paging record exists, then based on the second information, determine whether the matching paging record belongs to the paging record of one of the first group of UEs; if it does, then the receiving unit 1101 receives downlink data on the downlink SPS resources; if it does not, then the receiving unit 1101 receives downlink data by initiating random access; if there is no matching paging record, then the receiving unit 1101 does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the downlink SPS resources.

[0210] When the UE is configured with downlink SPS resources, after receiving the paging message, the receiving unit 1101 determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier. If a matching paging record exists, the receiving unit 1101 receives downlink data by initiating random access. If no matching paging record exists, the processing unit 1102 determines whether there is downlink small packet transmission in the packet to which the UE is located based on the third information. If downlink small packet transmission exists, the receiving unit determines whether the UE's downlink SPS resources are activated based on the fourth information. If activated, the receiving unit 1101 receives downlink data on the downlink SPS resources. If deactivated, the receiving unit 1101 does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the downlink SPS resources. If there is no downlink small packet transmission, the receiving unit 1101 does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the downlink SPS resources.

[0211] When the UE is not configured with downlink SPS resources, after receiving the paging message, the receiving unit 1101 and the processing unit 1102 determine whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the identifier of the UE; if there is a matching paging record, the receiving unit 1101 receives downlink data by initiating random access; if there is no matching paging record, the UE maintains its current behavior.

[0212] In some alternative embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a random access unit 1103;

[0213] The random access unit 1103 initiates random access and acquires third indication information during the random access process. The third indication information is used to indicate whether the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or whether it has entered the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or does not enter the connected state, the receiving unit 1101 receives downlink data when the UE does not enter the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is not a downlink small packet transmission or enters the connected state, the receiving unit 1101 receives downlink data after the UE enters the connected state.

[0214] In some optional embodiments, the receiving unit 1101 is configured to receive an RRC release message, the RRC release message carrying fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate whether the UE enables or deactivates downlink SPS resources based on paging messages.

[0215] Those skilled in the art should understand that Figure 11The functions of each unit in the downlink data transmission indication device shown can be understood by referring to the relevant description of the aforementioned method. Figure 11 The functions of each unit in the downlink data transmission indicator shown can be implemented by a program running on a processor or by specific logic circuits.

[0216] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the downlink data transmission indication device provided in this application embodiment, which is applied to network devices, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the downlink data transmission indication device includes:

[0217] Sending unit 1201 is configured to send a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following:

[0218] Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0219] Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access;

[0220] Activate downlink SPS resources;

[0221] Should the downlink SPS resource be activated?

[0222] In some alternative implementations, the paging message carries first indication information, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0223] One or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources;

[0224] One or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access.

[0225] In some alternative implementations, the first indication information includes first information and second information, wherein,

[0226] The first information includes a paging record list, which includes paging records of a first part of UEs and / or paging records of a second part of UEs. The first part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources, and the second part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access.

[0227] The second information is used to indicate the number of UEs in the first part of UEs and / or the number of UEs in the second part of UEs.

[0228] In some alternative implementations, in the paging record list,

[0229] The paging records of the first group of UEs are located before the paging records of the second group of UEs; or,

[0230] The paging records of the second group of UEs are located before the paging records of the first group of UEs.

[0231] In some alternative implementations, the paging message carries second indication information, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0232] One or more UEs that activate downlink SPS resources;

[0233] Deactivate one or more UEs that have downlink SPS resources.

[0234] In some optional embodiments, the second indication information includes third and fourth information, wherein,

[0235] The third information includes a first bitmap, where each bit in the first bitmap corresponds to a group, and the value of the bit in the first bitmap is used to indicate whether there is downlink small packet transmission in the group corresponding to that bit.

[0236] The fourth information includes at least one second bitmap, each second bitmap corresponds to a group, each bit in the second bitmap corresponds to a UE in the group, and the value of the bit in the second bitmap is used to indicate whether the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is activated or deactivated.

[0237] In some optional implementations, the bits in the first bit diagram are set to a first value to indicate that there is no downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to the bit; the bits in the first bit diagram are set to a second value to indicate that there is downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to the bit.

[0238] In some optional implementations, the bit in the second bit diagram takes a first value to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is deactivated; the bit in the second bit diagram takes a second value to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is activated.

[0239] In some alternative implementations, for packets indicated by the third information that have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information includes the second bitmap corresponding to the packet; for packets indicated by the third information that do not have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information does not include the second bitmap corresponding to the packet.

[0240] In some optional embodiments, the sending unit 1201 is configured to send an RRC release message to the UE, the RRC release message carrying fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate whether the UE enables or deactivates downlink SPS resources based on paging messages.

[0241] In some alternative embodiments, the apparatus further includes a receiving unit 1202 and a processing unit 1203;

[0242] After receiving downlink data, the receiving unit 1202 determines, based on the amount of downlink data, whether to send the downlink data to the UE via downlink SPS resources or via random access, while the UE is in an inactive state.

[0243] The processing unit 1203 is specifically configured to: if the amount of downlink data is less than or equal to a first threshold, determine to send the downlink data to the UE via downlink SPS resources; if the amount of downlink data is greater than the first threshold, determine to send the downlink data to the UE via random access.

[0244] The sending unit 1201 is specifically used to send the downlink data to the UE during a random access process if the amount of downlink data is less than or equal to a second threshold, and the UE does not enter the connected state; if the amount of downlink data is greater than the second threshold, the downlink data is sent to the UE after the UE enters the connected state through a random access process.

[0245] Those skilled in the art should understand that Figure 12 The functions of each unit in the downlink data transmission indication device shown can be understood by referring to the relevant description of the aforementioned method. Figure 12 The functions of each unit in the downlink data transmission indicator shown can be implemented by a program running on a processor or by specific logic circuits.

[0246] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a UE or a network device. Figure 13 The communication device 1300 shown includes a processor 1310, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0247] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 may further include a memory 1320. The processor 1310 can retrieve and run computer programs from the memory 1320 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0248] The memory 1320 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1310, or it can be integrated into the processor 1310.

[0249] Optionally, such as Figure 13As shown, the communication device 1300 may also include a transceiver 1330, and the processor 1310 may control the transceiver 1330 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0250] The transceiver 1330 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1330 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0251] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may specifically be a network device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1300 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0252] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may specifically be a UE in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1300 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the UE in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0253] Figure 14 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 14 The chip 1400 shown includes a processor 1410, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0254] Optionally, such as Figure 14 As shown, chip 1400 may further include memory 1420. Processor 1410 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 1420 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0255] The memory 1420 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1410, or it can be integrated into the processor 1410.

[0256] Optionally, the chip 1400 may also include an input interface 1430. The processor 1410 can control the input interface 1430 to communicate with other devices or chips; specifically, it can acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0257] Optionally, the chip 1400 may also include an output interface 1440. The processor 1410 can control the output interface 1440 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0258] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0259] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the UE in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the UE in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0260] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0261] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0262] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0263] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0264] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer programs.

[0265] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0266] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the UE in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the UE in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0267] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0268] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0269] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the UE in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the UE in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0270] This application also provides a computer program.

[0271] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application. When the computer program is run on the computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0272] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the UE in the embodiments of this application. When the computer program is run on the computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the UE in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0273] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0274] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0275] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0276] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0277] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0278] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0279] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A downlink data transmission indication method, characterized in that, The method includes: User equipment (UE) receives a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following: Whether to receive downlink data on downlink semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) resources; Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access; Activate downlink SPS resources; Should we activate downlink SPS resources? The method further includes: when the UE is not configured with downlink SPS resources, after receiving the paging message, the UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier; if there is a matching paging record, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access; if there is no matching paging record, the UE maintains its current behavior, wherein the paging message carries the paging record list.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paging message carries first indication information, which indicates at least one of the following: One or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources; One or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information includes first information and second information, wherein, The first information includes a paging record list, which includes paging records of a first part of UEs and / or paging records of a second part of UEs. The first part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources, and the second part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access. The second information is used to indicate the number of UEs in the first part of UEs and / or the number of UEs in the second part of UEs.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the paging record list, The paging records of the first group of UEs are located before the paging records of the second group of UEs; or, The paging records of the second group of UEs are located before the paging records of the first group of UEs.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paging message carries second indication information, which indicates at least one of the following: One or more UEs that activate downlink SPS resources; Deactivate one or more UEs that have downlink SPS resources.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second indication information includes third and fourth information, wherein, The third information includes a first bitmap, where each bit in the first bitmap corresponds to a group, and the value of the bit in the first bitmap is used to indicate whether there is downlink small packet transmission in the group corresponding to that bit. The fourth information includes at least one second bitmap, each second bitmap corresponds to a group, each bit in the second bitmap corresponds to a UE in the group, and the value of the bit in the second bitmap is used to indicate whether the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is activated or deactivated.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bit in the first bit diagram takes the first value, which is used to indicate that there is no downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to that bit; The bit in the first bitmap takes the second value, which is used to indicate that there is a downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to that bit.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bit in the second bit diagram takes the first value, which is used to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is deactivated; The bit in the second bit diagram takes a second value, which is used to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to that bit is activated.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, For the packet indicated by the third information that there is downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information includes the second bitmap corresponding to the packet; For packets indicated by the third information that do not have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information does not include the second bitmap corresponding to that packet.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The length of the first bitmap is indicated by system information or by the paging message, and the length of the second bitmap is indicated by system information.

11. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the UE is configured with downlink SPS resources, after receiving the paging message, the UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier based on the first information; If a matching paging record exists, the UE determines, based on the second information, whether the matching paging record belongs to the paging record of one of the UEs in the first part of the UEs; if it does, the UE receives downlink data on downlink SPS resources; if it does not, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access. If no matching paging record exists, the UE will not receive or will stop receiving downlink data on downlink SPS resources.

12. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the UE is configured with downlink SPS resources, after receiving the paging message, the UE determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier. If a matching paging record exists, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access; If no matching paging record exists, the UE determines whether downlink small packet transmission exists in the packet to which the UE belongs based on the third information. If downlink small packet transmission exists, the UE determines whether its downlink SPS resource is activated based on the fourth information. If activated, the UE receives downlink data on the downlink SPS resource. If deactivated, the UE does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the downlink SPS resource. If no downlink small packet transmission exists, the UE does not receive or stops receiving downlink data on the downlink SPS resource.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that, The UE receives downlink data by initiating random access, including: The UE initiates random access and obtains third indication information during the random access process. The third indication information is used to indicate whether the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or whether it has entered the connected state. If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is a downlink small packet transmission or does not enter the connected state, then the UE receives downlink data without entering the connected state; If the third indication information indicates that the downlink transmission is not a downlink small packet transmission or that the UE has entered the connected state, then the UE receives downlink data after entering the connected state.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Before the UE receives the paging message, the method further includes: The UE receives an RRC release message, which carries fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate whether the UE can enable or deactivate downlink SPS resources based on paging messages.

15. A downlink data transmission indication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A network device sends a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following: Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources; Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access; Activate downlink SPS resources; Should we activate downlink SPS resources? The paging message carries a paging record list. When the user equipment (UE) is not configured with downlink SPS resources, the paging message is used by the UE to determine whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier after receiving the paging message. If there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access. If there is no paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier, the UE maintains its current behavior.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The paging message carries first indication information, which indicates at least one of the following: One or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources; One or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first indication information includes first information and second information, wherein, The first information includes a paging record list, which includes paging records of a first part of UEs and / or paging records of a second part of UEs. The first part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources, and the second part of UEs includes one or more UEs that receive downlink data by initiating random access. The second information is used to indicate the number of UEs in the first part of UEs and / or the number of UEs in the second part of UEs.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, In the paging record list, The paging records of the first group of UEs are located before the paging records of the second group of UEs; or, The paging records of the second group of UEs are located before the paging records of the first group of UEs.

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The paging message carries second indication information, which indicates at least one of the following: One or more UEs that activate downlink SPS resources; Deactivate one or more UEs that have downlink SPS resources.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second indication information includes third and fourth information, wherein, The third information includes a first bitmap, where each bit in the first bitmap corresponds to a group, and the value of the bit in the first bitmap is used to indicate whether there is downlink small packet transmission in the group corresponding to that bit. The fourth information includes at least one second bitmap, each second bitmap corresponds to a group, each bit in the second bitmap corresponds to a UE in the group, and the value of the bit in the second bitmap is used to indicate whether the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is activated or deactivated.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The bit in the first bit diagram takes the first value, which is used to indicate that there is no downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to that bit; The bit in the first bitmap takes the second value, which is used to indicate that there is a downlink small packet transmission in the packet corresponding to that bit.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The bit in the second bit diagram takes the first value, which is used to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to the bit is deactivated; The bit in the second bit diagram takes a second value, which is used to indicate that the downlink SPS resource of the UE corresponding to that bit is activated.

23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, For the packet indicated by the third information that there is downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information includes the second bitmap corresponding to the packet; For packets indicated by the third information that do not have downlink small packet transmission, the fourth information does not include the second bitmap corresponding to that packet.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, Before the network device sends a paging message, the method further includes: The network device sends an RRC release message to the UE. The RRC release message carries fourth indication information, which is used to indicate whether the UE can enable or deactivate downlink SPS resources based on paging messages.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: After receiving downlink data, the network device determines, based on the amount of downlink data, whether to send the downlink data to the UE via downlink SPS resources or via random access, while the UE is in an inactive state.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The determination of the data volume based on the downlink data, whether to send the downlink data to the UE via downlink SPS resources or via random access, includes: If the amount of downlink data is less than or equal to the first threshold, then it is determined that the downlink data will be sent to the UE through downlink SPS resources; If the amount of downlink data is greater than the first threshold, then it is determined that the downlink data will be sent to the UE via random access.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The step of sending the downlink data to the UE via random access includes: If the amount of downlink data is less than or equal to the second threshold, the downlink data is sent to the UE during the random access process, and the UE does not enter the connected state. If the amount of downlink data is greater than the second threshold, the downlink data is sent to the UE after the UE enters the connected state through a random access procedure.

28. A downlink data transmission indication device, characterized in that, Applied to a UE, the device includes: A receiving unit is configured to receive a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following: Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources; Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access; Activate downlink SPS resources; Should we activate downlink SPS resources? When the UE is not configured with downlink SPS resources, after receiving the paging message, the receiving unit determines whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier. If a matching paging record exists, the receiving unit receives downlink data by initiating random access. If no matching paging record exists, the UE maintains its current behavior.

29. A downlink data transmission indication device, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, the device includes: A sending unit is configured to send a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one of the following: Whether to receive downlink data on downlink SPS resources; Whether to receive downlink data by initiating random access; Activate downlink SPS resources; Should we activate downlink SPS resources? The paging message carries a paging record list. When the user equipment (UE) is not configured with downlink SPS resources, the paging message is used by the UE to determine whether there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier after receiving the paging message. If there is a paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier, the UE receives downlink data by initiating random access. If there is no paging record in the paging record list that matches the UE's identifier, the UE maintains its current behavior.

30. A UE, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

31. A network device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 27.

32. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device having the chip mounted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 27.

33. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 27.

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