Communication method and related device

Abstract

A communication method and a related device relate to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps that: a relay node releases the configuration of a return link under the condition of meeting a first triggering condition. The return link is a return link between the relay node and the first host node. According to the method, the triggering condition for releasing the backhaul link configuration is clearly given. Therefore, the relay node can release the configuration of the backhaul link in time under the condition that the first triggering condition is met, so that the configuration of the backhaul link which is not used temporarily is released and can be used for other nodes, and the utilization rate of resources is improved. In addition, according to the embodiment of the invention, the situation that two sets of backhaul link configurations are allocated to the IAB node can be avoided, so that conflicts on the backhaul link configurations can be avoided, and the signaling overhead in the MT migration process can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related devices. Background Art

[0002] Compared with the fourth generation mobile communication system, the fifth generation mobile communication (5th generation, 5G) and future mobile communication systems have put forward more stringent requirements for various network performance indicators. For example, compared with 4G, 5G has a capacity increase of 1,000 times, wider coverage requirements, ultra-high reliability and ultra-low latency, etc. On the one hand, considering the rich high-frequency carrier frequency resources, in hot spots, in order to meet the ultra-high capacity requirements of 5G, the use of high-frequency small base stations to form networks is becoming more and more popular. Due to the poor propagation characteristics of high-frequency carriers, severe attenuation due to obstruction, and a narrow coverage range, a large number of small base stations need to be deployed densely. However, the cost of providing fiber optic backhaul for these large and densely deployed small base stations is very high, and the construction is difficult, so an economical and convenient backhaul solution is needed. On the other hand, from the perspective of wide coverage requirements, in some remote areas, network coverage is provided, and the deployment of optical fiber is difficult and costly, and flexible and convenient access and backhaul solutions also need to be designed. Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) technology provides a solution to the above two problems: its access link (access link) and backhaul link (backhaul link, BL) both adopt wireless transmission solutions, reducing the deployment of optical fibers.

[0003] In the IAB network, the relay node RN (relay node) or IAB node (IAB node) can provide wireless access services and forwarding of service data for user equipment (UE). The service data of the UE is transmitted by the IAB node to the IAB donor through the wireless backhaul link. The IAB donor can also be called the donor node (donor node) or the donor gNodeB (DgNB). The IAB node consists of a mobile terminal (mobile termination, MT) part and a distributed unit (distributed unit, DU) part. Among them, when the IAB node faces its parent node, it can act as a terminal device, that is, the role of MT; when the IAB faces its child node (the child node may be another IAB node, or UE), it is regarded as a network device, that is, the role of DU. The donor base station (DgNB) can be an access network element with complete base station functions, or it can be an access network element in the form of a centralized unit (centralized unit, CU) and a distributed unit (distributed unit, DU) separated. The host base station is connected to the core network element (e.g., connected to the 5G core network) serving the UE and provides wireless backhaul function for the IAB node.

[0004] In the IAB network, during the MT migration process of the IAB node, the target CU will assign the backhaul link configuration to the IAB node by default, such as the default backhaul adaption protocol (BAP) configuration, BAP address, and IP address. After the MT migration is completed, when the state changes from the unauthorized state to the authorized state, the IAB node will also obtain the backhaul link configuration. When the MT is in the unauthorized state after the migration is completed and then changes to the authorized state, the IAB node may have two sets of backhaul link configurations, which increases the signaling overhead. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and related devices, which can reduce the signaling overhead during the migration of an IAB node MT.

[0006] In the application, the CU (or host) connected to the MT and the CU (or host) connected to the DU refer to logical connections, which do not represent direct physical connections. For example, the MT has a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the CU to which it is connected, and the DU has an F1 interface connection with the CU to which it is connected. In addition, the logical connection may be in a state that is about to be established (for example: the DU has determined that an F1 connection will be established with a certain CU, but the F1 interface has not been established at this time, and the establishment of the F1 interface is about to be initiated), or in an established state (for example: the DU has established an F1 interface with the CU to which it is connected). In this application, the migration of a relay node generally refers to the migration of a DU in a relay node.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a communication device. The communication device can be a device, or a chip (system) or circuit for a device, which is not limited in the present application. The method is applied to a relay node, including:

[0008] The relay node releases the configuration of the backhaul link when the first trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0009] The first trigger condition includes:

[0010] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, where the first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0011] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, in which a relay node releases the configuration of a backhaul link when a first trigger condition is met, and the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and a first host node. The first trigger condition includes that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. The backhaul link configuration that will not be used by the relay node temporarily can be released in time and may be used for other nodes, thereby reducing the waste of resources and improving resource utilization.

[0012] The relay node in the implementation manner of the present application may be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or may be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions. The relay node in the implementation manner of the present application includes a terminal side part facing the parent node and a network side part facing the child node, for example, it may include MT and DU, or it may include MT and gNB, and the implementation manner of the present application does not limit this. Among them, the DU migration of the relay node is completely decoupled from the MT migration, so the host node connected to the MT of the relay node and the host node connected to the DU may be different or the same. For example, the MT and DU of the relay node are both connected to the first host node, and for another example, the MT of the relay node is connected to the second host node, and the DU of the relay node is connected to the first host node. When the communication method in the implementation manner of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node may be an IAB node, the MT of the IAB node is connected to the first host node, and the host node connected to the DU of the IAB node is not limited in the implementation manner of the present application, for example, it may be the first host node or the second host node.

[0013] The first host node in the implementation manner of the present application may be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or may be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions. The first host node in the implementation manner of the present application is the target CU corresponding to the MT of the relay node, and the first host node is connected to the MT of the relay node after the relay node performs MT migration. When the communication method in the implementation manner of the present application is applied to an IAB network, the relay node may be an IAB node, and the first host node may be connected to the MT of the IAB node.

[0014] The second host node in the implementation mode of the present application may be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or may be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions. The second host node in the implementation mode of the present application is the host node before the MT migration. When the communication method in the implementation mode of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node may be an IAB node, and the second host node may be connected to the MT of the IAB node.

[0015] The configuration of releasing the backhaul link in the embodiment of the present application can be understood as the configuration failure of the backhaul link, or the configuration of not occupying the backhaul link, or the configuration of not using the backhaul link, or the construction of the backhaul link has been completed based on the configuration of the backhaul link, and then the backhaul link that has been constructed is released, etc. The configuration of releasing the backhaul link should not be understood only as the construction of the backhaul link has been completed according to the configuration of the backhaul link, and then the backhaul link that has been constructed is released. Optionally, after the relay node releases the configuration of the backhaul link, a message can be sent to the first host node, for example: an RRC message, which is used to inform the first host node that the relay node has released the backhaul link configuration, or is used to trigger the first host node side to release the backhaul link configuration. After receiving the first host node, if the backhaul link configuration has not been released, the backhaul link configuration is released.

[0016] The first trigger condition in the implementation manner of the present application includes, but is not limited to: the relay node performs MT migration, the relay node is in an unauthorized state, and the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, the first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0017] The relay node performs MT migration, which may refer to after the first host node receives information indicating MT migration, for example, after the first host node receives MT migration indication information (for example, HANDOVERREQUEST message) from the second host node.

[0018] Among them, the relay node is in an unauthorized state, which may mean that the relay node is in an unauthorized state under the second host node, or it may mean that the relay node is in an unauthorized state under the first host node, or it may mean that the relay node is only allowed to be in an unauthorized state in the current situation (for example, a specific time period, or a specific space, etc.), and the implementation methods of the present application do not impose any restrictions on this.

[0019] The relay node being in an unauthorized state may also be understood as the relay node being about to be determined to be in an unauthorized state, or the relay node being indicated as being in an unauthorized state by other indication information.

[0020] For example, the handover request information (HANDOVER REQUEST message) sent by the second host node to the first host node includes information indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0021] For another example, the access and mobility management function (AMF) sends information to the first host node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message to the first host node, and the relay node authorization information carried indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0022] For another example, the AMF directly sends information to the MT of the relay node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a NAS message to the MT of the relay node, and the NAS message carries information about the authorization status of the MT of the relay node, and the authorization status information indicates that the MT of the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0023] The first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of a backhaul link, which is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node, and the configuration of the backhaul link is used to build a backhaul link for communication. The configuration of the backhaul link may include one or more of the following: a default BAP configuration, a BAP address, an IP address, etc.

[0024] Optionally, the first configuration information may be carried in an RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message RRCReconfiguration.

[0025] In the IAB network, during the MT migration process of the IAB node, the target CU will default to assign the relevant configuration of the backhaul link to the IAB node, for example, including one or more of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address and IP address, etc. After the MT migration is completed, when the unauthorized state changes to the authorized state, the IAB node will execute the network access process and obtain the relevant configuration of the backhaul link once. For example, during the migration of the MT of the IAB node to the first host node, the first host node usually defaults to the authorized state of the MT of the IAB node and assigns the relevant configuration of the backhaul link to the MT of the IAB node. After the MT switching of the IAB node is completed, the AMF will send the authorization information of the IAB node (including the authorized state or the unauthorized state) to the first host node. For example, the NAS message sent by the AMF to the IAB node carries the authorization information of the IAB node. The authorization information can be an IAB Authorized information element or a Mobile IAB Authorized information element (hereinafter referred to as mIAB Authorized information element). This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0026] If the MT of the IAB node is in an unauthorized state, how to deal with the configuration of the backhaul link of the MT that has been assigned to the IAB node is a problem that needs to be solved at present. In addition, if the MT of the IAB node subsequently changes from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the IAB node will re-enter the network process and obtain a new backhaul link configuration. At this time, whether the IAB node uses the new backhaul link configuration or the old backhaul link configuration is also a problem that needs to be solved. At the same time, the allocation of two sets of backhaul link configurations by the IAB node may also cause usage conflicts and increase signaling overhead.

[0027] However, in the implementation of the present application, the triggering conditions for releasing the backhaul link configuration are clearly given. Therefore, when the first triggering condition is met, the relay node will release the backhaul link configuration in a timely manner, so that the backhaul link configuration that will not be used temporarily can be released and can be used for other nodes, thereby improving the utilization rate of resources. In addition, since the implementation of the present application can also avoid the situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations are allocated to the IAB node, it can avoid conflicts in the backhaul link configuration and reduce the signaling overhead during the MT migration process.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the configuration of the backhaul link is not released when the following trigger conditions are met, including: the relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and, the relay node is in an authorized state; and, the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, the first configuration information being used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: a default backhaul link adaptation layer protocol BAP configuration, a BAP address, and an Internet Protocol IP address.

[0030] In the embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of the first configuration is provided, specifically, in the MT migration scenario of the IAB node, the first host node sends the first configuration to the IAB node, wherein the first configuration may include at least one of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address and IP address, etc. It should be noted that the first configuration information may be carried in one RRC message or in multiple RRC messages, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0031] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0032] When the relay node switches to the authorized state, second configuration information is received from the first host node, where the second configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0033] Among them, the relay node switching to the authorized state may refer to the AMF sending an indication message to the first host node, indicating that the relay node is in the authorized state, and the indication message may be carried by the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message in the switching process. Alternatively, the indication message may be carried by the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message. It may also refer to the AMF sending a non-access layer NAS message to the MT of the IAB node, indicating that the IAB node is in the authorized state. It may also refer to the NAS layer of the IAB node sending an indication message to the AS layer, indicating that the IAB node is in the authorized state. The embodiment of the present application does not limit which specific state the relay node switches to.

[0034] Optionally, the message indicating the authorization status of the relay node may be an IAB Authorized information element or an mIAB Authorized information element, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0035] The relay node receives the second configuration information from the first host node, and accordingly, the first host node generates / sends the second configuration information. The second configuration information is configuration information of a backhaul link, and the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node.

[0036] Optionally, the second configuration information includes at least one of the following: a default BAP configuration, a BAP address, and an Internet Protocol IP address, which is not limited in the implementation manner of the present application.

[0037] It should be noted that the second configuration information can be carried in one RRC message or in multiple RRC messages, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0038] In the implementation manner of the present application, a possible specific implementation manner of a relay node is provided, specifically, in a scenario where the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the relay node receives second configuration information from the first host node for building a backhaul link for communication. It is understandable that in the implementation manner of the present application, if the relay node is in an unauthorized state, the configuration information (first configuration information) assigned to the relay node will be released. When the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, there will not be a situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations exist at the same time, which can avoid configuration conflicts of the backhaul link and reduce signaling overhead. In addition, the second configuration information is the configuration information of the backhaul link assigned to the relay node by the first host node after the relay node is reauthorized. This information can enable the backhaul link configuration to be based on the latest resource status, thereby improving the performance of resource allocation.

[0039] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second configuration information includes an IP address.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the implementation manner of the present application, the second configuration information including an IP address generally means that the second configuration information includes one and only one IP address. In other words, when the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the configuration information received by the relay node includes one and only one IP address. That is, the second configuration information may also include a default BAP configuration or a BAP address, etc., but includes one and only one IP address, not multiple IP addresses.

[0041] In the implementation manner of the present application, a specific implementation manner of the second configuration information is provided, specifically, in the scenario where the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the relay node receives the second configuration information from the first host node, which is used to build a backhaul link and communicate. Among them, the second configuration information has and only includes one IP address, rather than multiple IP addresses. It can be understood that one or more IP addresses are required to build a backhaul link, but the IP address resources that can be allocated by the host node are limited. By allocating an IP address to the relay node, the demand for building a backhaul link can be met. In the case where the relay node needs more IP addresses, more IP addresses are requested from the first host node.

[0042] Optionally, an IP address in the second configuration information may be carried in an RRC message, for example, an RRCReconfiguration message.

[0043] Optionally, one of the IP addresses in the second configuration information may be used for a control plane protocol (F1-C). The F1-C can implement management of the interface between the relay node and the first host node, management of the DU of the relay node, and execution of UE context-related configuration.

[0044] In the implementation manner of the present application, the second configuration information includes only one IP address, which can save IP address resources and make full use of the limited IP address resources in the first host node.

[0045] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the relay node sends second information to the first host node, where the second information is used to request at least one IP address.

[0046] In the implementation manner of the present application, the second information is used to request at least one IP address, and accordingly, the first host node allocates at least one IP address to the relay node according to the second information.

[0047] The use of the above IP address is not limited in the implementation of the present application. For example, it can be used for F1-C or user plane protocol F1-U.

[0048] Optionally, the second information may be carried in an RRC message, such as IABOtherInformation.

[0049] Optionally, when the relay node needs more IP addresses, the second information is sent to the first host node. The implementation of the present application does not limit why the relay node needs more IP addresses or the purpose of the IP addresses. For example, when the relay node needs to return more traffic, more IP addresses are needed.

[0050] In the implementation manner of the present application, a specific implementation manner of the second information is provided, specifically, in a scenario where the relay node needs more IP addresses, the relay node sends the second information to the first host node. It is understandable that the first host node will allocate at least one IP address to the relay node based on the second information so that the relay node can implement / complete the corresponding task. This method of allocating IP addresses to relay nodes according to the needs of the relay nodes can avoid allocating unused IP addresses, thereby saving IP address resources and improving the utilization rate of IP addresses.

[0051] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the second configuration information does not include an IP address; and the method further includes:

[0052] When the second trigger condition is met, the relay node sends third information to the first host node, where the third information is used to request an IP address;

[0053] The second trigger condition includes at least one of the following:

[0054] The second configuration information includes a default BAP configuration; or, the second configuration information includes a BAP address; or, the relay node receives fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state.

[0055] The second trigger condition in the implementation manner of the present application includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: the second configuration information includes a default BAP configuration; or, the second configuration information includes a BAP address; or, the relay node receives fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state.

[0056] Among them, the relay node receives the fourth information, which usually means that the relay node receives the fourth information from the AMF, and accordingly, the AMF sends the fourth information to the relay node. Usually, the AMF sends the fourth information to the NAS layer of the relay node, or the NAS layer of the relay node sends the fourth information to the AS layer. That is, the relay node receives the fourth information from the AMF, which can be understood as the relay node receiving the fourth information from the AMF through the NAS layer, or after the NAS layer receives the authorization information from the AMF, the relay node receives the fourth information from the NAS layer through the AS layer.

[0057] Optionally, the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state. For example, the fourth information may indicate that an IAB Authorized value is equal to authorized. The fourth information may also indicate that an mIAB Authorized value is equal to authorized. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0058] In an implementation manner of the present application, when the second trigger condition is met, the relay node sends the third information to the first host node. Correspondingly, the first host node also receives the third information from the relay node and sends one or more IP addresses to the relay node based on the third information.

[0059] The IP addresses requested through the third information at least include an IP address for F1-C.

[0060] Optionally, the IP address of the third information request may also include an IP address for F1-U.

[0061] The implementation mode of the present application provides a possible implementation mode of the third information. Specifically, in the scenario where the second trigger condition is met, or in the scenario where the relay node needs an IP address, the relay node sends the third information to the first host node to request the IP address. It is understandable that in the implementation mode of the present application, when the first host node sends the backhaul link configuration to the relay node, the IP address will not be allocated to the relay node by default. Only when the second trigger condition is met, the relay node sends the third information to the first host node and requests one or more IP addresses.

[0062] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the fourth information comes from a non-access layer NAS or an access layer AS of the relay node.

[0063] In the implementation manner of the present application, a possible specific implementation manner of the fourth information is provided, specifically, the fourth information comes from the NAS layer or AS layer of the relay node. It can be understood that the AMF is responsible for the authentication of the authorization status of the relay node. After authentication, the AMF will send the authentication result to the relay node. For example, the AMF sends indication information of the authorization status to the NAS layer of the relay node to indicate the authorization status of the relay node. For another example, the NAS layer of the relay node will send indication information to the AS layer to indicate the authorization status of the relay node.

[0064] Optionally, the indication information sent by the AMF to the NAS layer can be carried in a NAS message.

[0065] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a communication device. The communication device can be a device, or a chip (system) or circuit for a device, which is not limited in the present application. The method is applied to a first host node, including:

[0066] When the relay node meets the third trigger condition, the first host node sends second configuration information to the relay node, where the second configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node; the second configuration information includes an IP address;

[0067] Wherein, the third trigger condition includes:

[0068] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and the relay node switches to an authorized state.

[0069] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a communication device. The communication device can be a device, or a chip (system) or circuit for a device, which is not limited in the present application. The method is applied to a first host node, including:

[0070] When the relay node meets the third trigger condition, the first host node sends second configuration information to the relay node, where the second configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node; the second configuration information does not include an IP address;

[0071] Wherein, the third trigger condition includes:

[0072] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and the relay node switches to an authorized state.

[0073] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a communication device. The communication device can be a device, or a chip (system) or circuit for a device, which is not limited in the present application. The method is applied to a relay node, including:

[0074] The relay node saves third configuration information of a backhaul link when a fourth trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0075] Wherein, the fourth trigger condition includes:

[0076] The relay node performs MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives the third configuration information from the first host node, wherein the third configuration information is used to indicate the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0077] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, in which the relay node can save the configuration information of the backhaul link when the fourth trigger condition is met, and the backhaul link is the backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node. The fourth trigger condition includes that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. When the relay node is adjusted to an authorized state, the saved backhaul link configuration can be directly enabled without requesting the backhaul link configuration from the relay node again, which is conducive to the rapid startup of the relay node after changing from unauthorized to authorized.

[0078] For the related introduction of the relay node, the first host node and the second host node in the embodiment of the present application, please refer to the description of the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0079] The configuration information of the backhaul link stored in the embodiment of the present application may be stored in, for example, a memory of the relay node, or other devices from which the relay node can quickly obtain the configuration information, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0080] The fourth trigger condition in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to:

[0081] The relay node performs MT migration. And, the relay node is in an unauthorized state. And, the relay node receives third configuration information from the first host node, where the third configuration information is used to indicate configuration of a backhaul link.

[0082] The relay node performs MT migration, which may refer to after the first host node receives information indicating MT migration, for example, after the first host node receives MT migration indication information (for example, HANDOVERREQUEST message) from the second host node.

[0083] Among them, the relay node is in an unauthorized state, which may mean that the relay node is in an unauthorized state under the second host node, or it may mean that the relay node is in an unauthorized state under the first host node, or it may mean that the relay node is only allowed to be in an unauthorized state in the current situation (for example, a specific time period, or a specific space, etc.), and the implementation methods of the present application do not impose any restrictions on this.

[0084] The relay node being in an unauthorized state may also be understood as the relay node being about to be determined to be in an unauthorized state, or the relay node being indicated as being in an unauthorized state by other indication information.

[0085] For example, the handover request information (HANDOVER REQUEST message) sent by the second host node to the first host node includes information indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0086] For another example, the AMF sends information to the first host node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message to the first host node, and the relay node authorization information carried indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0087] For another example, the AMF directly sends information to the MT of the relay node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a NAS message to the MT of the relay node, and the NAS message carries information about the authorization status of the MT of the relay node, and the authorization status information indicates that the MT of the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0088] The third configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of a backhaul link, where the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node, and the configuration of the backhaul link is used to build a backhaul link for communication.

[0089] In the IAB network, during the MT migration process of the IAB node, the second host node may send an indication of the authorization status of the relay node to the first host node. For example, the indication information may be carried in the handover request message HANDOVER REQUEST. It is understandable that the authorization status indicated by the indication information generally refers to the authorization status of the relay node under the second host node. For example, if the relay node is in an authorized state under the second host node, the indication information indicates that the relay node is in an authorized state. For another example, if the relay node is in an unauthorized state under the second host node, the indication information indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. In the case where the first host node receives that the relay node is in an unauthorized state, the configuration information of the backhaul link may not be sent to the relay node. However, whether the relay node is ultimately in an authorized state needs to be based on the indication information of the AMF. If the relay node is in an authorized state after AMF authentication, the first host node sends the configuration of the backhaul link to the relay node again, which will affect the startup speed of the relay node.

[0090] However, in the implementation manner of the present application, the triggering condition for saving the backhaul link configuration is clearly given. Therefore, when the fourth triggering condition is met, the relay node will save the configuration of the backhaul link and use it for the quick start of the relay node after authorization. In addition, since the configuration of the backhaul link that has been saved in the embodiment of the present application is used for the quick start of the relay node after authorization, it is not necessary to send the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node again when the relay node switches to the authorized state, which reduces the signaling overhead during the MT migration process and can also avoid conflicts in the backhaul link configuration.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the third configuration information of the backhaul link is still saved when the following conditions are met: the relay node performs MT migration; the relay node is in an authorized state; and the relay node receives the third configuration information from the first host node, the third configuration information being used to indicate the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0092] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method further includes:

[0093] The relay node receives fifth information, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state; the relay node performs backhaul link transmission based on the configuration information, where the backhaul link transmission includes establishing an F1 interface of the relay node.

[0094] In the implementation manner of the present application, a possible specific implementation manner of the fifth information is provided, specifically, the fifth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state, and the fifth information can come from the AMF. For example, the AMF sends the fifth information to the relay node through a NAS message, or, after the AMF sends the authorization information to the relay node through a NAS message, the NAS layer of the relay node sends the fifth information to the AS layer. It can be understood that after the relay node changes from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the relay node performs backhaul link transmission based on the above configuration information, which allows the relay node to start quickly and can also avoid the phenomenon of backhaul link configuration conflicts.

[0095] Among them, the backhaul link transmission includes establishing the F1 interface of the relay node. For example, through the backhaul link constructed by the above configuration information, the relay node sends an F1 application protocol (F1 application protocol, F1AP) message to the F1 anchor CU of the relay node. Specifically, an F1 interface message can be sent to the F1 anchor CU through the backhaul link constructed above to request the establishment of the F1 interface of the relay node.

[0096] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a communication device. The communication device can be a device, or a chip (system) or circuit for a device, which is not limited in the present application. The method is applied to a first host node, including:

[0097] The first host node retains configuration information of a backhaul link when the fourth condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0098] The fourth condition includes:

[0099] The first host node receives sixth information from an access and mobility management function network element AMF, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

[0100] The implementation mode of the present application provides a possible specific implementation mode of the configuration information. Specifically, the first host node retains the above configuration information when the fourth condition is met. The fourth information includes the seventh information from the AMF indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state, so that when the relay node is in an unauthorized state, the first host node ignores the indication information of the AMF and still saves the configuration of the backhaul link. It is convenient to directly use the configuration of the backhaul link when the relay node is switched to an authorized state, so as to achieve the effect of quickly enabling the relay node. In addition, since the first host node saves the configuration information, it can also ensure that the first host node will no longer send the configuration of the backhaul link to the relay node when the relay node is switched to an authorized state, so as to avoid conflicts in the backhaul link configuration.

[0101] For the introduction of the relay node, the first host node and the second host node in the implementation manner of the present application, reference may be made to the relevant description of the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0102] The sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state, and the sixth information may be carried in a UECONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message. The sixth information may also be carried in a NAS message sent to the relay node, and the NAS message carries the authorization state of the relay node as "authorized".

[0103] The above-mentioned relay node is connected to the first host node, which usually means that the relay node and the first host node are not disconnected, specifically means that the MT of the relay node remains connected to the first host node, for example, the backhaul link between the MT of the relay node and the first host node is not disconnected, or the MT of the relay node has not performed a new MT migration, etc.

[0104] In a possible implementation, the first host node retains the configuration information when the following conditions are met: the first host node receives indication information from the AMF, indicating that the relay node is in an authorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

[0105] In the IAB network, during the MT migration process of the IAB node, the second host node may send an indication of the authorization status of the relay node to the first host node. For example, the indication information may be carried in the handover request message HANDOVER REQUEST. It is understandable that the authorization status indicated by the indication information generally refers to the authorization status of the relay node under the second host node. For example, if the relay node is in an authorized state under the second host node, the indication information indicates that the relay node is in an authorized state. For another example, if the relay node is in an unauthorized state under the second host node, the indication information indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. In the case where the first host node receives that the relay node is in an unauthorized state, the configuration information of the backhaul link may not be sent to the relay node. However, whether the relay node is ultimately in an authorized state needs to be based on the indication information of the AMF. If the relay node is in an authorized state after AMF authentication, the first host node sends the configuration of the backhaul link to the relay node again, which will affect the startup speed of the relay node.

[0106] The embodiment of the present application clearly provides a processing method for the first host node when the AMF indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the first host node ignores the indication information of the AMF, that is, it does not consider whether the indication information from the AMF indicates that the relay node is in an authorized state, and directly sends the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node. So that, when the authentication result of the AMF is that the relay node is in an authorized state, the relay node directly uses the configuration information of the backhaul link. On the one hand, it can achieve the effect of quickly enabling the relay node. On the other hand, the first host node does not need to send the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node again when the relay node switches to an authorized state, so as to avoid conflicts in the backhaul link configuration.

[0107] In a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the method further includes:

[0108] The first host node receives the seventh information from the second host node, and sends configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node;

[0109] The seventh information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0110] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, in which a first host node receives seventh information from a second host node and sends configuration information of a backhaul link to a relay node. The seventh information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. The first host node ignores the authorization indication information from the second host node, so that the relay node can build a backhaul link according to the above configuration information when the AMF authentication result is in an authorized state, thereby achieving the effect of quickly enabling the relay node.

[0111] It is understandable that the first host node receives the seventh information from the second host node, and accordingly, the second host node generates / sends the seventh information. The first host node sends the configuration information of the backhaul link, and accordingly, the second host node also receives the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0112] It should be noted that the first host node receiving the seventh information should not be understood as a condition that triggers the first host node to send the backhaul link configuration to the relay node. Instead, it should be understood that the first host node can send the backhaul link configuration information to the relay node when receiving the sixth information.

[0113] Optionally, the seventh information may be carried in a request message for MT migration of the relay node, for example, a HANDOVERREQUEST message.

[0114] Optionally, the configuration information of the backhaul link may be carried in a radio resource control (RRC) message, for example, an RRCReconfiguration message.

[0115] Optionally, the configuration information of the backhaul link may include one or more of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address, IP address, etc.

[0116] Optionally, the above IP address can be used for at least F1-C.

[0117] The embodiment of the present application clearly provides a processing method for the first host node when the second host node indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the first host node ignores the indication information of the second host node, that is, it does not consider whether the indication information from the second host node indicates that the relay node is in an authorized state, and directly sends the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node. So that, when the authentication result of the AMF is that the relay node is in an authorized state, the relay node directly uses the configuration information of the backhaul link. On the one hand, it can achieve the effect of quickly enabling the relay node. On the other hand, the first host node does not need to send the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node again when the relay node switches to an authorized state, so as to avoid conflicts in the backhaul link configuration.

[0118] In a possible implementation manner, when the first host node receives indication information from the second host node indicating that the relay node is in an authorized state, the first host node still sends configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node.

[0119] In a possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the method further includes:

[0120] When the relay node is disconnected from the first host node, the configuration information is deleted.

[0121] The embodiment of the present application provides a possible specific implementation method for deleting the backhaul link configuration information. Specifically, when the relay node is disconnected from the first host node, the backhaul link configuration information of the first host node is deleted. This allows the unused backhaul link configuration to be released in a timely manner. If possible, the backhaul link configuration will be used by other nodes, which can improve resource utilization.

[0122] It can be understood that the relay reception is disconnected from the first host node, which may mean that the MT of the relay node is disconnected from the first host node, or that the backhaul link between the MT of the relay node and the first host node is disconnected, or that MT migration has occurred in the MT of the relay node, etc.

[0123] The first host node deleting the configuration information may refer to releasing the configuration information, or may refer to adjusting the configuration information to configuration information that can be used by other nodes.

[0124] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a unit for executing any method as described in the first aspect.

[0125] In one possible design, the apparatus includes:

[0126] A processing unit, configured to release the configuration of a backhaul link when the relay node satisfies a first trigger condition; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0127] The first trigger condition includes:

[0128] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, where the first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0129] In a possible implementation, the device further includes:

[0130] A communication unit is used to receive second configuration information from the first host node when the relay node switches to an authorized state, wherein the second configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0131] In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is further used to send second information, where the second information is used to request at least one IP address.

[0132] In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is further used to send third information, where the third information is used to request an IP address.

[0133] The method executed by the above-mentioned processing unit and communication unit can refer to the method corresponding to the above-mentioned first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0134] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the sixth aspect and any possible implementation method, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects corresponding to the first aspect and the corresponding implementation method.

[0135] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a unit for executing a method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0136] In one possible design, the apparatus includes:

[0137] A communication unit, configured for a relay node to send second configuration information to the relay node by the first host node when a third trigger condition is satisfied, wherein the second configuration information is used to indicate a configuration of a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node; the second configuration information includes an IP address;

[0138] Wherein, the third trigger condition includes:

[0139] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and the relay node switches to an authorized state.

[0140] In one possible design, the device further includes:

[0141] A processing unit is used to generate the second configuration information.

[0142] The method performed by the above-mentioned processing unit and communication unit can refer to the method corresponding to the above-mentioned second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0143] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the seventh aspect and any possible implementation method, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects corresponding to the second aspect and the corresponding implementation method.

[0144] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a unit for executing the method as described in any one of the third aspects.

[0145] In one possible design, the apparatus includes:

[0146] A communication unit, configured for a relay node to send second configuration information to the relay node by the first host node when a third trigger condition is satisfied, wherein the second configuration information is used to indicate a configuration of a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node; the second configuration information does not include an IP address;

[0147] Wherein, the third trigger condition includes:

[0148] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and the relay node switches to an authorized state.

[0149] In one possible design, the device further includes:

[0150] A processing unit is used to generate the second configuration information.

[0151] The method executed by the above-mentioned processing unit and communication unit can refer to the method corresponding to the above-mentioned third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the eighth aspect and any possible implementation method, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects corresponding to the third aspect and the corresponding implementation methods.

[0153] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a unit for executing a method as described in any one of the fourth aspects.

[0154] In one possible design, the apparatus includes:

[0155] A processing unit, configured for the relay node to save third configuration information of a backhaul link when a fourth trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0156] Wherein, the fourth trigger condition includes:

[0157] The relay node performs MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives the third configuration information from the first host node, wherein the third configuration information is used to indicate the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0158] In one possible design, the device further includes:

[0159] A communication unit is used to receive the third configuration information.

[0160] The method executed by the above-mentioned processing unit and communication unit can refer to the method corresponding to the above-mentioned fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0161] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the ninth aspect and any possible implementation method, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects corresponding to the fourth aspect and the corresponding implementation methods.

[0162] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a unit for executing any method as described in the fifth aspect.

[0163] In one possible design, the apparatus includes:

[0164] A processing unit, configured to retain configuration information of a backhaul link when the first host node satisfies a fourth condition; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between a relay node and the first host node;

[0165] The fourth condition includes:

[0166] The first host node receives sixth information from an access and mobility management function network element AMF, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

[0167] In one possible design, the device further includes:

[0168] a communication unit, configured to receive seventh information from the second host node, and send configuration information of a backhaul link to the relay node;

[0169] The seventh information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0170] The method executed by the above-mentioned processing unit and communication unit can refer to the method corresponding to the above-mentioned fifth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0171] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the tenth aspect and any possible implementation method, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the fifth aspect and the corresponding implementation methods.

[0172] Optionally, in the communication device described in any aspect of the sixth to tenth aspects and any possible implementation manner:

[0173] In one implementation, the communication device is a communication device. When the communication device is a communication device, the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0174] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip (system) or circuit used in a communication device. When the communication device is a chip (system) or circuit used in a communication device, the communication unit may be a communication interface (input / output interface), interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin or related circuit on the chip (system) or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0175] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method of any aspect of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation method. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device also includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0176] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a logic circuit and a communication interface. The communication interface is used to receive information or send information; the logic circuit is used to receive information or send information through the communication interface, so that the communication device executes the method of any aspect of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation method.

[0177] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program (also referred to as code, or instruction); when the computer program is run on a computer, the method of any one of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation method mentioned above is implemented.

[0178] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions); when the computer program is executed, it enables the computer to execute any one of the first to fifth aspects above and any possible implementation method.

[0179] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, the chip including a processor, the processor being used to execute instructions, when the processor executes the instructions, the chip executes the method of any aspect of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation method. Optionally, the chip also includes a communication interface, the communication interface being used to receive or send signals.

[0180] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes at least one communication device as described in aspects six to ten, or the communication device described in aspect eleven, or the communication device described in aspect twelfth, or the chip described in aspect fifteen.

[0181] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes at least one of a relay node and a first host node, the relay node is used to execute the method of the first aspect or the fourth aspect and any possible implementation method, and the second host node is used to execute the method of the second aspect or the third aspect or the fifth aspect and any possible implementation method.

[0182] In addition, in the process of executing the method described in any aspect of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation method, the process of sending information and / or receiving information in the above method can be understood as a process in which the processor outputs information, and / or a process in which the processor receives input information. When outputting information, the processor can output the information to the transceiver (or communication interface, or sending module) so that it can be transmitted by the transceiver. After the information is output by the processor, it may also need to be processed otherwise before it reaches the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver (or communication interface, or sending module) receives the information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may need to be processed otherwise before it is input into the processor.

[0183] Based on the above principle, for example, the sending information mentioned in the above method can be understood as the processor outputting information. For another example, the receiving information can be understood as the processor receiving input information.

[0184] Optionally, for the operations of transmitting, sending and receiving involved in the processor, if there is no special explanation, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be more generally understood as operations such as processor output, reception and input.

[0185] Optionally, in the process of executing the method described in any aspect of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation method, the processor may be a processor specifically used to execute these methods, or a processor that executes these methods by executing computer instructions in a memory, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory may be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or may be separately arranged on different chips. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of memory and the arrangement of the memory and the processor.

[0186] In a possible implementation manner, the at least one memory is located outside the device.

[0187] In yet another possible implementation, the at least one memory is located within the device.

[0188] In another possible implementation, part of the at least one memory is located inside the device, and another part of the memory is located outside the device.

[0189] In the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together.

[0190] In the implementation mode of the present application, the triggering condition for releasing the backhaul link configuration is clearly given. When the first triggering condition is met, the relay node will release the backhaul link configuration in a timely manner, so that the backhaul link configuration that will not be used temporarily can be released in a timely manner and may be used for other nodes, thereby improving the utilization rate of resources. In addition, it can also avoid the situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations are allocated to the IAB node, thereby avoiding conflicts in the backhaul link configuration and reducing the signaling overhead during the MT migration process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0191] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0192] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0193] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB node provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0194] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0195] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a control plane protocol architecture in an IAB network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0196] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a user plane protocol architecture in an IAB network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0197] Figure 6 An example of an IAB network architecture diagram provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0198] Figure 7 An example of a BAP topology of an IAB network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0199] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of network access of an IAB node provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0200] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0201] Fig.10 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0202] Fig.11 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0203] Fig.12 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0204] Fig.13 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0205] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0206] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0207] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0208] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0209] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0210] The "embodiment" mentioned in this article means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that in the various embodiments of the present application, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0211] It should be understood that in the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0212] It should be noted that in this application, "indication" may include direct indication, indirect indication, explicit indication, and implicit indication. When describing that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0213] In the present application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, specified by the protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. The information to be indicated can be sent together as a whole, or it can be divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application. Among them, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be pre-defined, for example, pre-defined according to the protocol, or can be configured by the transmitting end device by sending configuration information to the receiving end device.

[0214] It should be noted that in this application, "send" can be understood as "output", and "receive" can be understood as "input". "Send information to A", where "to A" only indicates the direction of information transmission, A is the destination, and does not limit "sending information to A" to direct transmission on the air interface. "Sending information to A" includes sending information directly to A, and also includes sending information to A indirectly through a transmitter, so "sending information to A" can also be understood as "outputting information to A". Similarly, "receiving information from A" means that the source of the information is A, including receiving information directly from A, and also including receiving information from A indirectly through a receiver, so "receiving information from A" can also be understood as "inputting information from A".

[0215] Before introducing the present application, some terms in the embodiments of the present application are briefly explained first to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0216] 1) Terminal side equipment is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal side device may be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal equipment, terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. For example, the terminal side device may include a handheld device with a wireless connection function, or a communication device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal side device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and / or data with the RAN.

[0217] Some examples of terminal side devices are: mobile station (MS), subscriber unit (subscriberunit), cellular phone (cellular phone), smart phone (smart phone), wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, tablet computer, wireless modem (modem), handheld device (handset), laptop computer (laptop computer), machine type communication (MTC) terminal, wearable device, vehicle terminal device, etc. Terminal side devices also include restricted devices, such as devices with low power consumption, or devices with limited storage capacity, or devices with limited computing power, etc. Terminal side devices also include information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning system (GPS), laser scanners, etc.

[0218] The functions of the terminal side device can be realized by the hardware components inside the terminal device, and the above-mentioned hardware components can be the processor and / or programmable chip inside the above-mentioned terminal device. Optionally, the chip can be realized by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD). The above-mentioned PLD can be any one of a complex programmable logical device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), and a system on a chip (SOC) or any combination thereof.

[0219] 2) Donor base station (donor gNodeB), also known as the donor node, can access the core network through the donor node. In other words, the donor base station is a device in the communication system that connects the terminal side device to the core network. The donor base station is generally connected to the core network through a wired link (such as a fiber optic cable). The donor base station can be responsible for receiving data from the core network and forwarding it to the wireless backhaul device (such as an IAB node), or receiving data from the wireless backhaul device and forwarding it to the core network. The donor base station can generally be connected to the network by wire.

[0220] As an example, the donor base station may include a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), etc., and may also include an evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutionary Node B) in an evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A), or may also include a next generation node B (next generation node B, gNB) in a fifth generation mobile communication technology (fifth generation, 5G) new radio (new radio, NR) system, etc. As another example, the donor base station may include a centralized unit (CU) (abbreviated as Donor-CU or gNB-CU in this application) and a distributed unit (DU) (abbreviated as Donor-DU or gNB-DU in this application). The gNB-CU and gNB-DU are connected through the F1 interface, and the F1 interface may further include a control plane interface (F1-C) and a user plane interface (F1-U). The Donor-CU and the core network are connected through a next generation (NG) interface. Among them, the gNB-CU or Donor-CU may also exist in a form in which the user plane (UP) (referred to as CU-UP in this application) and the control plane (CP) (referred to as CU-CP in this application) are separated, that is, the gNB-CU or Donor-CU is composed of a CU-CP and a CU-UP. A gNB-CU may include a gNB-CU-CP and at least one gNB-CU-UP. Alternatively, a Donor-CU may include a Donor-CU-CP and at least one Donor-CU-UP.

[0221] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are described as examples in this application. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0222] The functions of the host base station may be implemented by hardware components inside the host base station, for example, a processor and / or a programmable chip inside the host base station. For example, the chip may be implemented by an ASIC or a PLD. The PLD may be any one of a CPLD, an FPGA, a GAL, and a SOC, or any combination thereof.

[0223] The present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the field of communication technology, such as communication of an IAB network. In order to more clearly describe the solution of the present application, some knowledge related to IAB is first introduced below.

[0224] In the IAB network, the IAB node can establish a wireless backhaul link with one or more upper-level nodes and access the core network through the upper-level node. The upper-level node can perform certain control on the relay node through various signaling (for example, data scheduling, timing modulation, power control, etc.). In addition, the relay node can establish an access link with one or more lower-level nodes and provide access services for one or more lower-level nodes. The upper-level node of the relay node can be a base station or another relay node. The lower-level node of the relay node can be a terminal or another relay node. In some cases, the upper-level node of an IAB node can also be referred to as its upstream node or parent node, and the lower-level node of the IAB node can also be referred to as its downstream node or child node.

[0225] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0226] like Figure 1 As shown, the IAB node provides wireless access and wireless backhaul for access services to the UE. The IAB host node (IABdonor node) provides wireless backhaul functionality to the IAB node and provides an interface between the UE and the core network. The IAB node is connected to the IAB donor node via a wireless backhaul link, thereby connecting the UE served by the IAB node to the core network.

[0227] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB node provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0228] like Figure 2 As shown, the IAB node in NR can be divided into two parts: MT and DU. MT can also be understood as a component similar to UE. In the IAB node, MT is called a function residing on the IAB node. Since MT is similar to the function of an ordinary UE, it can be understood that MT is used for the IAB node to communicate with the upper node. DU is relative to the CU function of the network device, and DU is used for the IAB node to communicate with the lower node. It should be understood that the upper node can be a base station or other IAB node, and the lower node can be a UE or other IAB node.

[0229] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to various communication systems including relay nodes, such as NR system, LTE system, LTE-A system, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), or wireless local area networks (WLAN). In LTE, relay nodes are generally referred to as RN. In NR, relay nodes are generally referred to as IAB nodes. In some embodiments, the relay node may also be referred to as a relay device, or a relay transmission and reception point (rTRP), and the upper node of the relay node may be a network device (including a DU of a network device, or including a CU of a network device, etc.).

[0230] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an IAB network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0231] like Figure 3 As shown, the IAB network includes multiple UEs and multiple IAB nodes. Figure 3 Take 2 UEs and 5 IAB nodes as an example. The 2 UEs are UE1 and UE2, and the 5 IAB nodes are IAB node 1 to IAB node 5. It should be understood that Figure 3The thick line indicates the access link, and the thin line indicates the backhaul link. Among them, UE2 can be connected to the host base station via IAB node 5, IAB node 2 and IAB node 1. UE2 can also be connected to the host base station via IAB node 4, IAB node 2 and IAB node 1. Or UE2 can also be connected to the host base station via IAB node 4, IAB node 3 and IAB node 1. UE1 can be connected to the host base station via IAB node 4, IAB node 3 and IAB node 1. UE1 can be connected to the host base station via IAB node 4, IAB node 2 and IAB node 1.

[0232] It should be noted that Figure 3 The communication system shown is only an example and does not limit the application scenarios to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable. It should be understood that the use of the IAB node in the embodiments of the present application is only for the needs of description, and does not mean that the solution of the embodiments of the present application is only used in the NR scenario. In the embodiments of the present application, the IAB node can refer to any node or device with a relay function, and the use of the IAB node and the relay node in the implementation of the present application should be understood to have the same meaning.

[0233] In the IAB network, the IAB node is connected to the core network via the IAB host node. For example, in the 5G architecture of standalone (SA), the IAB node is connected to the 5G core network (5GC / 5GCN) via the IAB host node. For another example, in the 5G architecture of dual connectivity (DC) or multi-connectivity (MC) (for example: non-standalone (NSA scenario, etc.), on the primary path, the IAB node can be connected to the evolved packet core (EPC) via the evolved NodeB (eNB), or it can be connected to the 5G core network via the IAB host.

[0234] In an IAB network, a transmission path between a UE and an IAB host may include one or more IAB nodes. Each IAB node needs to maintain a wireless backhaul link to the parent node, and also needs to maintain a wireless link with its child nodes. If the child node of an IAB node is a UE, the IAB node and its child node (i.e., the UE) have a wireless access link. If the child node of an IAB node is another IAB node, the IAB node and its child node (i.e., the other IAB node) have a wireless backhaul link. For example, see Figure 3, in the path “UE1→IAB node 4→IAB node 3→IAB node 1→IAB host”, UE1 accesses IAB node 4 through a wireless access link, IAB node 4 is connected to IAB node 3 through a wireless backhaul link, IAB node 3 is connected to IAB node 1 through a wireless backhaul link, and IAB node 1 is connected to the IAB host node through a wireless backhaul link.

[0235] In the embodiment of the present application, the access IAB node refers to the IAB node accessed by the UE, and the intermediate IAB node refers to the IAB node that provides wireless backhaul services to the UE or the IAB node. Figure 3 In the path "UE1→IAB node 4→IAB node 3→IAB node 1→IAB host", IAB node 4 is an access IAB node, and IAB node 3 and IAB node 1 are intermediate IAB nodes. It should be noted that an IAB node is an access IAB node for a UE accessing the IAB node, and an intermediate IAB node for a UE accessing other IAB nodes. Therefore, whether an IAB node is an access IAB node or an intermediate IAB node is not fixed and can be determined based on specific application scenarios.

[0236] It should be noted that Figure 3 The communication system shown is only an example and does not limit the application scenarios applicable to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the IAB node is used in the embodiments of the present application only for the purpose of description, and does not mean that the solution of the embodiments of the present application is only used in the new radio (NR) scenario.

[0237] There is an F1 interface between the DU of the IAB node and the CU of the IAB host. The F1 interface may include two parts: a control plane and a user plane, wherein the user plane part is maintained between the IAB-DU and the IAB donor CU-UP, and the control plane part is maintained between the IAB-DU and the IAB donor CU-CP. Of course, the F1 interface may also be referred to as an F1* interface, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the name of the interface. And in this article, the interface is referred to as the F1 interface as an example.

[0238] The F1 interface can support user plane protocols (F1-U / F1*-U) and control plane protocols (F1-C / F1*-C). The user plane protocol includes one or more of the following protocol layers: general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol user plane (GPRS tunnelling protocol user plane, GTP-U) protocol layer, user datagram protocol (UDP) protocol layer, Internet protocol (IP) protocol layer, etc.; the control plane protocol includes one or more of the following protocol layers: F1 application protocol (F1AP), stream control transport protocol (SCTP), IP protocol layer, etc. Through the control plane of the F1 / F1* interface, the IAB node and the IAB host can perform interface management, manage IAB-DU, and perform UE context-related configuration. Through the user plane of the F1 / F1* interface, the IAB node and the IAB host can perform user plane data transmission, downlink transmission status feedback and other functions.

[0239] For example, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a control plane protocol architecture in an IAB network provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a user plane protocol architecture in an IAB network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0240] For the control plane, Figure 4As shown, a Uu interface is established between UE1 and IAB2-DU, and the equivalent protocol layers include the radio link control protocol (RLC) layer, the media access control layer (MAC) layer and the physical layer (PHY) layer. An F1-C interface is established between IAB2-DU and IAB donor CU 1, and the equivalent protocol layers include the F1AP layer and the SCTP layer. IAB donor DU 1 and IAB donor CU 1 are connected via a wired connection, and the equivalent protocol layers include the internet protocol (IP) layer, L2 and L1. BL is established between IAB node 2 and IAB node 3, between IAB node 3 and IAB node 1, and between IAB node 1 and IAB donor DU 1, and the equivalent protocol layers include the backhaul adaptation protocol (BAP) layer, RLC layer, MAC layer and PHY layer. In addition, a peer-to-peer radio resource control (RRC) layer and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer are established between UE1 and IAB donor CU 1, and a peer-to-peer IP layer is established between IAB2-DU and IAB donor DU 1.

[0241] It can be seen that compared with the control plane protocol stack of a single air interface, the control plane protocol stack of the IAB network, the DU connected to the IAB node realizes the functions of the gNB-DU of a single air interface (i.e., the functions of establishing a peer RLC layer, MAC layer and PHY layer with the UE, and the functions of establishing a peer F1AP layer and SCTP layer with the CU). In other words, the DU connected to the IAB node in the IAB network realizes the functions of the gNB-DU of a single air interface; the IAB donor CU realizes the functions of the gNB-CU of a single air interface.

[0242] On the control plane, the RRC message is encapsulated in the F1AP message between the access IAB node and the IAB donor CU for transmission. Specifically, in the uplink direction, UE1 encapsulates the RRC message in the PDCP protocol data unit (PDU), and sends it to the IAB2-DU after being processed by the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer in sequence. The IAB2-DU is processed by the PHY layer, MAC layer, and RLC layer in sequence to obtain the PDCP PDU, and the PDCP PDU is encapsulated in the F1AP message, and is processed by the SCTP layer and IP layer in sequence to obtain the IP packet. The IAB2-MT sends the IP packet to the IAB3-DU after being processed by the BAP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer respectively. The IAB3-DU is processed by the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, and BAP layer in sequence to obtain the IP packet, and then the IAB3-MT uses operations similar to the IAB2-MT to send the IP packet to the IAB1-DU. Similarly, the IAB1-MT sends the IP packet to the IABdonor DU 1. After IAB donor DU 1 parses and obtains the IP packet, it sends the IP packet to IAB donor CU 1. IABdonor CU 1 processes the IP packet through the SCTP layer, F1AP layer and PDCP layer in sequence to obtain the RRC message. The downlink direction is similar and will not be described here.

[0243] For the user plane, Figure 5 As shown, a Uu interface is established between UE1 and IAB2-DU, and the equivalent protocol layers include the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer. An F1-U interface is established between IAB2-DU and IAB donor CU 1, and the equivalent protocol layers include the GTP-U layer and the user datagram protocol (UDP) layer. IAB donor DU 1 and IABdonor CU 1 are connected via a wired connection, and the equivalent protocol layers include the IP layer, L2, and L1. BL is established between IAB node 2 and IAB node 3, between IAB node 3 and IAB node 1, and between IAB node 1 and IAB donor DU 1, and the equivalent protocol layers include the BAP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer. In addition, an equivalent SDAP layer and PDCP layer are established between UE1 and IAB donor CU 1, and an equivalent IP layer is established between IAB2-DU and IAB donor DU 1.

[0244] It can be seen that compared with the user plane protocol stack of the single air interface, the user plane protocol stack of the IAB network, the DU of the IAB access node implements some functions of the gNB-DU of the single air interface (i.e., the functions of establishing a peer RLC layer, MAC layer and PHY layer with the terminal, and the functions of establishing a peer GTP-U layer and UDP layer with the IAB donor CU 1). It can be understood that the DU of the IAB access node implements the functions of the gNB-DU of the single air interface; the IAB donor CU implements the functions of the gNB-CU of the single air interface.

[0245] On the user plane, PDCP packets are encapsulated and transmitted in the GTP-U tunnel between the access IAB node and the IAB donor CU. The GTP-U tunnel is established on the F1-U interface.

[0246] The communication method provided in this application is mainly applied to IAB networks, including standalone (SA) IAB networks and non-standalone (NSA) IAB networks. IAB nodes include MT parts and DU parts. IAB donors can be further divided into DU and CU parts. CU can also be divided into CU-CP and CU-UP parts.

[0247] See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 An example of an IAB network architecture diagram provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0248] like Figure 6 FIG. 4 shows an example of an IAB node connected to an IAB donor via a wireless backhaul link. Figure 6 Take a system including 1 UE, 2 IAB nodes and 2 IAB donors as an example. The two IAB nodes are IAB node 1 and IAB node 2, and both of them include MT part and DU part; the two IAB donors are IAB donor 1 and IABdonor 2. The two IAB donors are IAB donor 1 and IAB donor 2, and each IAB donor can be further divided into DU and CU parts, and CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP parts. Figure 6In the present invention, the MT of IAB node 2 and the DU of IAB node 1, the MT of IAB node 1 and the DU of IAB donor 1, and the MT of IAB node 1 and the DU of IAB donor 2 all communicate through a wireless backhaul (BH) link; a Uu interface is established between UE and IAB2-DU; an F1-C interface is established between IAB donor DU and IAB donor CU-CP, and an F1-U interface is established between IAB donor DU and IAB donor CU-UP; the DU of IAB donor 2 and the CU of IAB donor 1 are connected through an Internet protocol network (IP) network.

[0249] When the IAB node works in SA mode, the IAB node can be connected to one parent node or two parent nodes. The two parent nodes can be controlled by the same IAB donor or different IAB donors. The DU part of the IAB node can establish an F1 interface with an IAB donor, and the IAB donor can be connected to the 5G core network, that is, Figure 6 The dotted part in the diagram. The IAB-donor-CU-CP is connected to the control plane network elements (such as access and mobility management functions) in the 5GC through the NG control plane interface (NG-C), and the IAB-donor-CU-UP is connected to the user plane network elements (such as user plane functions) in the 5GC through the NG user plane interface (NG-U).

[0250] When the IAB node works in NSA mode, the IAB-donor-CU-UP can be connected to the EPC (for example, connected to the service gateway (SGW)) through the S1 user plane interface (S1-U), there is an LTEUu air interface connection between the MeNB and the MT of the IAB node, there is an X2-C interface between the MeNB and the IAB-donor-CU-CP, and the MeNB is connected to the EPC through the S1 interface (including the S1 interface user plane and the S1 interface control plane), that is, Figure 6 The dotted part in .

[0251] Another possible scenario, Figure 6 The MeNB in ​​the network can also be replaced with a 5G base station gNB. Figure 6The LTE-Uu interface in the NR-Uu interface is replaced by the NR-Uu interface accordingly. The gNB can establish a user plane and / or control plane interface with the 5GC. The gNB and IAB-donor provide dual connection services for the IAB node. The gNB can act as the primary base station of the IAB node, or the secondary base station.

[0252] The above is an example of an application scenario of the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is not limited to application only in Figure 6 In the network architecture shown.

[0253] In the IAB network, the IAB node is movable, such as a vehicle-mounted IAB node. For example, the movable IAB node may be referred to as a mobile IAB node (mIAB). Figure 7 As shown, the mIAB node can switch from IAB donor 1 to IAB donor 2 during the movement. Since the coverage of the donor CU1 is limited, it is impossible to always maintain the F1 connection with the mIAB-DU, so the F1 connection of the mIAB-DU needs to be migrated from Donor-CU1 to Donor-CU2. In this scenario, the way in which the mIAB-DU needs to migrate the RRC connection and the F1 connection from Donor-CU1 to Donor-CU2 can be called full migration.

[0254] For example, in an IAB network, in order to enhance network robustness and achieve more sophisticated load balancing and topology management, the mAB node may perform a partial migration process, that is, the MT ( Figure 7 IAB-MT2 in) from a parent node ( Figure 7 IAB-node1) switches to another parent node ( Figure 7 IAB-node3 in the figure). The two parent nodes belong to the topology controlled by different host CUs, namely Figure 7 IAB-node1 in the topology belongs to the topology controlled by Donor-CU1 ( Figure 7 The solid line frame part), IAB-node3 belongs to the topology controlled by Donor-CU2 ( Figure 7 During the partial migration process, the RRC connection of IAB-MT2 is switched from CU1 to CU2, but the F1 connection of IAB-DU2 is still terminated in CU1 (e.g. Figure 7As shown by the solid arrow in the middle, it does not migrate to CU2 along with IAB-MT2. It is understandable that the F1 connection of IAB node 4, a child node of IAB node 2, can also be terminated at CU1 (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 (indicated by the dashed arrow in the middle).

[0255] Exemplarily, the F1 interface of IAB node 2 is terminated at CU1, and IAB host 1 can be called the F1-terminating IAB-donor of IAB node 2. CU2 has an RRC connection with IAB node 2 but the F1 connection of IAB node 2 is not terminated at CU2, and IAB host 2 can be called the non-F1-terminating IAB-donor of IAB node 2.

[0256] After IAB node 2 switches from CU1 topology to CU2 topology, in order to realize the migration of data traffic of IAB node 2 from CU1 topology to CU2 topology, the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) Release-17 standard (R17) introduces the IAB Transport Migration Management process, that is, CU1 can perform the IAB Transport Migration Management process to migrate the data traffic of IAB node 2 to CU2 through the Xn interface between CU1 and CU2. The specific IAB Transport Migration Management process is as follows:

[0257] Step S701: CU1 sends an IAB Transport Migration Management request message to CU2, and correspondingly, CU2 receives the IAB Transport Migration Management request message.

[0258] The CU1 is the F1-terminating IAB-donor of the IAB node 2, and the CU2 is the Non-F1-terminating IAB-donor of the IAB node 2. The IAB transport migration management request message is used to request the migration of data traffic of the IAB node 2 to the CU2.

[0259] Step S702: CU2 sends an IAB Transport Migration Management response message to CU1, and correspondingly, CU1 receives the IAB Transport Migration Management response message.

[0260] The IAB transmission migration management response message is used to respond to the above-mentioned IAB transmission migration management request message to migrate the data traffic of the IAB node 2 to the CU2.

[0261] The details of the above-mentioned "IAB Transport Migration Management" process can be referred to the 3GPP protocol TS38.423R17, but it is not limited to the method described in the above-mentioned protocol. In the above-mentioned "IAB Transport Migration Management" process, CUs realize the transfer (offloading) of data traffic by exchanging the quality of service (QoS) of data traffic and the corresponding integrated access and backhaul (IAB) configuration information. The R17 standard defines that this process is performed by the F1-terminating IAB-donor (i.e. Figure 7 CU1) to Non-F1-terminating IAB-donor (i.e. Figure 7 CU2) initiated.

[0262] In the IAB network, the IAB node access process (IAB Intergration) includes IAB-MT access and IAB-DU access. Since the IAB-DU access process requires the use of the backhaul link established between the IAB-MT and the host node, the IAB-DU access needs to be completed after the IAB-MT access is completed.

[0263] See also Figure 8 , a schematic diagram of an IAB node accessing the network provided in an embodiment of the present application, including: IAB-donor2 (IAB node), IAB-donor1, IAB-donor (host node) and core network. For the sake of simplicity, IAB-donor2 is used as an example to introduce the access process. The IAB node mentioned in the following text usually refers to IAB-donor2, the host node usually refers to IAB-donor, which is the host node of the IAB node accessing the network, and the core network usually refers to the 5G core network (5GC).

[0264] The IAB node access process may include the following steps:

[0265] Step 1. IAB-MT setup.

[0266] Typically, the IAB-MT needs to access the cell in a manner similar to that of a common UE, establish an RRC connection with the host node, and indicate that it is an IAB node when establishing the RRC connection. For example, the RRCSetupComplete message carries the indication information of the IAB node.

[0267] After the RRC connection between the host node and the IAB-MT is established, the host node can send the indication information of the IAB-MT to the AMF network element of the core network, so that the AMF can authenticate the IAB-MT and determine whether the IAB-MT is in an authorized state. Specifically, the indication information of the IAB-MT can be carried in the UE initial message (e.g., INITIAL UE MESSAGE) sent by the CU of the host node to the AMF network element of the core network.

[0268] Optionally, the AMF network element may also return authentication information (e.g., IAB Authorized information element) to the host node. The authentication information may be carried in the UE initial context message of the IAB-MT. For example, the IAB Authorized information element may be carried in the INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message.

[0269] If the indication information returned by the AMF network element indicates that the IAB-MT is in an authorized state (the value of IAB Authorized is authorized), the subsequent network access process is executed. If the indication information returned by the AMF network element indicates that the IAB-MT is in an unauthorized state (the value of IAB Authorized is not authorized), the subsequent network access process is not performed. Optionally, if the host node has already allocated the configuration information of the backhaul link to the IAB-MT, the host node can delete the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0270] In some possible scenarios, whether to allow IAB node authorization may also be related to time and space. For example, only some IABs are allowed to provide services during the morning peak hours. For another example, the IAB node has a specific service range. Therefore, when the authorization status of the IAB node changes, the AMF will also send a UE context modification request (e.g., UE CONTEXTMODIFICATION REQUEST) message to the host node, which can carry the latest authorization status of the IAB node.

[0271] In a possible implementation, after receiving the authorization status indication of the IAB node from the AMF, the host node will allow the IAB node to provide services / not allow the IAB node to provide services through its own implementation according to the indication information (the value of IAB Authorized).

[0272] To introduce the subsequent network access process, it is assumed that the network element authorization status, that is, the value of IAB Authorized is authorized.

[0273] Step 2-1. Establish a return link RLC channel.

[0274] When the IAB node is in the authorized state, the host node configures the backhaul link RLC channel and performs routing configuration through RRC messages. At this time, only a default backhaul radio link control channel (default BH RLC CH) and a default routing ID (default routing ID) are configured for use when the F1 interface is first established later.

[0275] Step 2-2. Update routing.

[0276] In addition to configuring the routing of the IAB node, it also updates the routing of the nodes between the IAB node and the host node. Figure 8 As shown, IAB-donor1 is a node between IAB-donor2 and IAB-donor. After configuring the route of IAB-donor2, the route of IAB-donor1 will also be updated to inform the intermediate node (for example, IAB-donor1) how to select the next hop link and the next hop RLC Channel when receiving a data packet from IAB-donor2 or sending a data packet to IAB-donor2.

[0277] Step 3.IAB-DU settings.

[0278] The DU of the IAB node can use the default configuration obtained in step 2-1 (for example, default BH RLC CH and default routing ID) to send a request message to the migrated host node to establish an F1 interface. Optionally, the above request message may include the configuration information of the cell under the DU of the IAB node. After receiving the request message, the host node can return information on the completion of establishing the F1 interface to the IAB node. For example, the information can be carried in the F1 interface message, and the cell is activated to complete the migration of the IAB-DU. At this point, the IAB node has completed the network access and can provide services for the UE and the next-hop IAB-MT.

[0279] The above content is an exemplary introduction to the network access process of the IAB node. After the IAB node completes the network access, there may be migration of the IAB node, including migration of the IAB-MT and migration of the IAB-DU.

[0280] In some possible scenarios, during the IAB-MT migration process, the AMF network element will send the authorization status information of the IAB node to the host node during the switching process. For example, the conclusion of the RAN3 meeting has agreed that during the IAB-MT migration process, the authorization information of the IAB node will be carried in the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message. Among them, the PATH SWITCHREQUEST-PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message is the information exchanged between the host node and the AMF, which is used to inform the AMF that the IAB node has been switched to the host node, so that the AMF can send the UE's downlink data to the host node.

[0281] In other possible scenarios, during the handover request phase of IAB-MT, the source host node will send the authorization status indication information of the IAB node to the target host node. Compared with carrying the authorization status information of the IAB node in the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message, the method of sending the authorization status information of the IAB node to the target host node can enable the target host node to obtain the authorization status of the IAB node faster. For example, during the handover request phase of IAB-MT, the source host node carries the authorization status indication information of the IAB node in the HANDOVER REQUEST message.

[0282] After the target host node receives the authorization status indication information (HANDOVER REQUEST) from the IAB node, if the authorization status indication information in the information indicates that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state, the target host node may not send the backhaul link configuration information (including: default BAP configuration, BAP address or IP address, etc.) to the IAB node.

[0283] However, the authorization status of the IAB node is usually related to time, space, etc. The authorization status of the IAB node under the source host node is usually not equal to the authorization status of the IAB node under the target host node. For example, the authorization status of the IAB node under the source host node is authorized, and the authorization status of the IAB node under the target host node may be not authorized. The authorization of the IAB node is ultimately subject to the authentication result of the AMF network element, for example, the authorization indication information in the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message received by the target host node.

[0284] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the target host node will default the IAB node to the authorized state, and send the backhaul link configuration (including: default BAP configuration, BAP address or IP address, etc.) to the IAB node during the IAB-MT migration process. For example, the backhaul link configuration information is carried in the RRC message and sent to the IAB node.

[0285] However, the IAB node migrated to the target host node may still be in an unauthorized state. When the IAB node is switched from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the IAB node should follow Figure 8 The network access process shown in the figure is used to access the network, obtain the configuration information of the backhaul link and establish the F1 interface. It can be understood that in this case, the relay node obtains the configuration information of the backhaul link twice, during the IAB-MT migration process and after switching to the authorized state. There is currently no clear solution on how to process / use the backhaul link configuration information obtained twice. If no further processing is done, two sets of backhaul link configurations may appear, which will cause conflicts in the backhaul link configuration and high signaling overhead.

[0286] It should be noted that all indication information about IAB in the embodiments of the present application can be replaced with indication information of MobileIAB. For example, for IAB authorization information, IAB authorization information and Mobile IAB authorization information can be included. For example, the IAB Authorized cell can be used to carry the authorization information of the IAB, and the mIAB Authorized cell can be used to carry the authorization information of the IAB node. Exemplarily, when the IAB node is mIAB, the mIAB Authorized cell is used to carry the authorization status of the IAB node. Otherwise, the IAB Authorized cell can be used to carry the authorization status of the IAB node.

[0287] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a new communication method, which can avoid the situation of two sets of backhaul link configurations, thereby ensuring that there will be no conflict in the backhaul link configuration and no additional signaling overhead.

[0288] See also Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication method is applied in the field of communication technology, such as communication of an IAB network, and the communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0289] S901: The relay node releases the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0290] S902: The first host node sends second configuration information to the relay node, and correspondingly, the relay node receives the second configuration information from the first host node.

[0291] It can be understood that the relay node in the embodiment of the present application can be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or it can be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The relay node in the embodiment of the present application includes a terminal side part facing the parent node and a network side part facing the child node. For example, it can include MT and DU, and it can also include MT and gNB. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. Among them, the DU migration and MT migration of the relay node are completely decoupled, so the host node connected to the MT of the relay node and the host node connected to the DU can be different. The MT of the relay node is connected to the first host node, and the DU of the relay node is connected to the third host node. Optionally, when the communication method in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node can be an IAB node, the MT of the IAB node is connected to the first host node, and the DU of the IAB node is connected to the third host node. Exemplarily, the relay node can be an mIAB node, for example, Figure 7 The relay node composed of IAB-MT2 and IAB-DU2 is used to execute the communication method in the embodiment of the present application, which can avoid the situation of two sets of backhaul link configurations, thereby ensuring that there will be no conflict in the backhaul link configuration and no additional signaling overhead.

[0292] It is understandable that the first host node in the embodiment of the present application may be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or may be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The first host node in the embodiment of the present application is the target CU corresponding to the MT of the relay node, and the first host node is connected to the MT of the relay node. Optionally, when the communication method in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node may be an IAB node, and the first host node may be connected to the MT of the IAB node. Exemplarily, the first host node may be the above-mentioned Figure 7 CU2 in the embodiment of the present application is used to execute the communication method, which can avoid the situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations appear, thereby ensuring that there will be no conflict in the backhaul link configuration and no additional signaling overhead.

[0293] It is understandable that the second host node in the embodiment of the present application may be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or it may be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The second host node in the embodiment of the present application is the source CU corresponding to the MT of the relay node. It is understandable that the MT of the relay node is migrated from the second host node to the first host node. Optionally, when the communication method in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node may be an IAB node, and the second host node may be the source CU corresponding to the MT of the IAB node. It is understandable that the MT of the IAB node is migrated from the second host node to the first host node. Exemplarily, the first host node may be the above-mentioned Figure 7 CU1 in the embodiment of the present application is used to execute the communication method, which can avoid the situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations appear, thereby ensuring that there will be no conflict in the backhaul link configuration and no additional signaling overhead.

[0294] Specifically, the above S901 and / or S902 are executed when the following triggering conditions are met:

[0295] When the first trigger condition is met, the relay node releases the configuration of the backhaul link. The first trigger condition at this time can be understood as a condition that triggers the relay node to release the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0296] The first trigger condition includes but is not limited to any one or more of the following:

[0297] (1) The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration.

[0298] (2) The relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0299] (3) The relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, where the first configuration information is used to indicate configuration of the backhaul link.

[0300] The configuration of releasing the backhaul link in the embodiment of the present application can be understood as the configuration failure of the backhaul link, or the configuration of not occupying the backhaul link, or the configuration of not using the backhaul link, or the backhaul link has been constructed based on the configuration of the backhaul link, and then the constructed backhaul link is released. The configuration of releasing the backhaul link should not be understood only as the backhaul link has been constructed based on the configuration of the backhaul link, and then the constructed backhaul link is released.

[0301] Optionally, the relay node performing MT migration may refer to after the first host node receives MT migration indication information (eg, HANDOVER REQUEST message) from the second host node and before the MT re-establishes the F1 interface through the first host node.

[0302] Optionally, the relay node being in the unauthorized state may be that the handover request information (HANDOVER REQUEST message) sent by the second host node to the first host node includes information indicating that the relay node is in the unauthorized state.

[0303] Alternatively, the access and mobility management function (AMF) sends information to the first host node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message to the first host node, and the relay node authorization information carried indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0304] It is also possible that the AMF directly sends information to the MT of the relay node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a NAS message to the MT of the relay node, and the NAS message carries information about the authorization status of the MT of the relay node, and the authorization status information indicates that the MT of the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0305] Optionally, the first configuration information may be carried in an RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message RRCReconfiguration, and may include one or more of the following: a default BAP configuration, a BAP address, an IP address, and the like.

[0306] In the IAB network, during the MT migration process of the IAB node, the target CU will default to assign the relevant configuration of the backhaul link to the IAB node, for example, including one or more of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address and IP address, etc. After the MT migration is completed, when the state changes from the unauthorized state to the authorized state, the IAB node will execute the network access process and obtain the relevant configuration of the backhaul link once. For example, during the migration of the MT of the IAB node to the first host node, the first host node usually defaults to the authorized state of the MT of the IAB node and assigns the relevant configuration of the backhaul link to the MT of the IAB node. After the MT switching of the IAB node is completed, the AMF will send the authorization information of the MT of the IAB node to the first host node (including the authorized state or the unauthorized state). If the MT of the IAB node is in the unauthorized state, how to deal with the configuration of the backhaul link of the MT that has been assigned to the IAB node is a problem that needs to be solved at present. In addition, if the MT of the IAB node subsequently changes from the unauthorized state to the authorized state, the IAB node will re-enter the network process and obtain a new configuration of the backhaul link. At this time, whether the IAB node uses the new backhaul link configuration or the old backhaul link configuration is also a problem that needs to be solved. At the same time, the IAB node allocates two sets of backhaul link configurations, which may also cause usage conflicts and increase signaling overhead.

[0307] However, in the implementation manner of the present application, the triggering conditions for releasing the backhaul link configuration are clearly given. Therefore, when the first triggering condition is met, the relay node will promptly release the backhaul link configuration, so that the backhaul link configuration that will not be used temporarily can be promptly released and may be used for other nodes, thereby improving resource utilization. In addition, it can also avoid the situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations are allocated to the IAB node, thereby avoiding conflicts in the backhaul link configuration and reducing the signaling overhead during the MT migration process.

[0308] In a possible implementation, the configuration of the backhaul link is not released when the following trigger conditions are met, including: the relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and, the relay node is in an authorized state; and, the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, and the first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0309] In a possible implementation manner, the first configuration information includes at least one of the following: a default backhaul link adaptation layer protocol BAP configuration, a BAP address, and an Internet Protocol IP address.

[0310] In the embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of the first configuration is provided, specifically, in the MT migration scenario of the IAB node, the first host node sends the first configuration to the IAB node, wherein the first configuration may include at least one of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address and IP address, etc. It should be noted that the first configuration information may be carried in one RRC message or in multiple RRC messages, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0311] In a possible implementation, the above method further includes:

[0312] When the relay node switches to the authorized state, the first host node sends second configuration information to the relay node, and correspondingly, the relay node receives the second configuration information from the first host node, where the second configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0313] Among them, the relay node switching to the authorized state may refer to the AMF sending an indication message to the first host node, indicating that the relay node is in the authorized state, and the indication message may be carried by the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message in the switching process. It may also refer to the AMF sending a non-access layer NAS message to the MT of the IAB node, indicating that the IAB node is in the authorized state. It may also refer to the NAS layer of the IAB node sending an indication message to the AS layer, indicating that the IAB node is in the authorized state. The embodiment of the present application does not limit which specific state the relay node switches to.

[0314] The relay node receives the second configuration information from the first host node, and accordingly, the first host node generates / sends the second configuration information. The second configuration information is configuration information of a backhaul link, and the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node.

[0315] Optionally, the second configuration information includes at least one of the following: a default BAP configuration, a BAP address, and an Internet Protocol IP address, which is not limited in the implementation manner of the present application.

[0316] It should be noted that the second configuration information can be carried in one RRC message or in multiple RRC messages, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0317] In the implementation manner of the present application, a possible specific implementation manner of a relay node is provided, specifically, in a scenario where the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the relay node receives second configuration information from the first host node for building a backhaul link for communication. It is understandable that in the implementation manner of the present application, if the relay node is in an unauthorized state, the configuration information (first configuration information) assigned to the relay node will be released. When the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, there will not be a situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations exist at the same time, which can avoid configuration conflicts of the backhaul link and reduce signaling overhead. In addition, the second configuration information is the configuration information of the backhaul link assigned to the relay node by the first host node after the relay node is reauthorized. This information can enable the backhaul link configuration to be based on the latest resource status, thereby improving the performance of resource allocation.

[0318] In a possible implementation manner, the second configuration information includes an IP address.

[0319] It should be noted that, in the implementation manner of the present application, the second configuration information including an IP address generally means that the second configuration information includes one and only one IP address. In other words, when the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the configuration information received by the relay node includes one and only one IP address. That is, the second configuration information may also include a default BAP configuration or a BAP address, etc., but includes one and only one IP address, not multiple IP addresses.

[0320] It is understandable that in the scenario where the relay node switches from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the relay node receives the second configuration information from the first host node for building a backhaul link and communicating. Among them, the second configuration information has and only includes one IP address, not multiple IP addresses. It is understandable that building a backhaul link requires one or more IP addresses, but the IP address resources that can be allocated by the host node are limited. By allocating an IP address to the relay node, the demand for building a backhaul link can be met. In the case where the relay node needs more IP addresses, it requests more IP addresses from the first host node.

[0321] Optionally, an IP address in the second configuration information may be carried in an RRC message.

[0322] Optionally, one of the IP addresses in the second configuration information may be used for a control plane protocol (F1-C). The F1-C can implement management of the interface between the relay node and the first host node, management of the DU of the relay node, and execution of UE context-related configuration.

[0323] In the implementation manner of the present application, the second configuration information includes only one IP address, which can save IP address resources and make full use of the limited IP address resources in the first host node.

[0324] In a possible implementation, the relay node sends the second information to the first host node, and correspondingly, the first host node receives the second information from the relay node, where the second information is used to request at least one IP address.

[0325] In the implementation manner of the present application, the second information is used to request at least one IP address, and accordingly, the first host node allocates at least one IP address to the relay node according to the second information.

[0326] The use of the above IP address is not limited in the implementation of the present application. For example, it can be used for F1-C or user plane protocol F1-U.

[0327] Optionally, the second information may be carried in an RRC message, such as IABOtherInformation.

[0328] Optionally, when the relay node needs more IP addresses, the second information is sent to the first host node. The implementation of the present application does not limit why the relay node needs more IP addresses or the purpose of the IP addresses. For example, when the relay node needs to return more traffic, more IP addresses are needed.

[0329] In the implementation manner of the present application, a specific implementation manner of the second information is provided, specifically, in a scenario where the relay node needs more IP addresses, the relay node sends the second information to the first host node. It is understandable that the first host node will allocate at least one IP address to the relay node based on the second information so that the relay node can implement / complete the corresponding task. This method of allocating IP addresses to relay nodes according to the needs of the relay nodes can avoid allocating unused IP addresses, thereby saving IP address resources and improving the utilization rate of IP addresses.

[0330] In a possible implementation manner, the second configuration information does not include an IP address; and the method further includes:

[0331] When the second trigger condition is met, the relay node sends third information to the first host node, and correspondingly, the first host node receives the third information from the relay node, where the third information is used to request an IP address;

[0332] The second trigger condition includes at least one of the following:

[0333] The second configuration information includes a default BAP configuration; or, the second configuration information includes a BAP address; or, the relay node receives fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state.

[0334] The second trigger condition in the implementation manner of the present application includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: the second configuration information includes a default BAP configuration; or, the second configuration information includes a BAP address; or, the relay node receives fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state.

[0335] Among them, the relay node receives the fourth information, which usually means that the relay node receives the fourth information from the AMF, and accordingly, the AMF sends the fourth information to the relay node. Usually, the AMF sends the fourth information to the NAS layer of the relay node, or the NAS layer of the relay node sends the fourth information to the AS layer. That is, the relay node receives the fourth information from the AMF, which can be understood as the relay node receiving the fourth information from the AMF through the NAS layer, or the relay node receiving the authorization information from the AMF at the NAS layer and then receiving the fourth information from the NAS layer through the AS layer.

[0336] In an implementation manner of the present application, when the second trigger condition is met, the relay node sends the third information to the first host node. Correspondingly, the first host node also receives the third information from the relay node and sends one or more IP addresses to the relay node based on the third information.

[0337] The IP addresses requested through the third information at least include an IP address for F1-C.

[0338] Optionally, the IP address of the third information request may also include an IP address for F1-U.

[0339] The implementation mode of the present application provides a possible implementation mode of the third information. Specifically, in the scenario where the second trigger condition is met, or in the scenario where the relay node needs an IP address, the relay node sends the third information to the first host node to request the IP address. It is understandable that in the implementation mode of the present application, when the first host node sends the backhaul link configuration to the relay node, the IP address will not be allocated to the relay node by default. Only when the second trigger condition is met, the relay node sends the third information to the first host node and requests one or more IP addresses.

[0340] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth information comes from a non-access layer NAS or an access layer AS of the relay node.

[0341] It is understandable that AMF is responsible for the authentication of the authorization status of the relay node. After authentication, AMF will send the authentication result to the relay node. For example, AMF sends authorization status indication information to the NAS layer of the relay node to indicate the authorization status of the relay node. For another example, the NAS layer of the relay node will send indication information to the AS layer to indicate the authorization status of the relay node.

[0342] Optionally, the indication information sent by the AMF to the NAS layer can be carried in a NAS message.

[0343] See also Fig.10 , Fig.10 A flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the steps in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as the above Fig. 9 or, it can be understood that the communication method in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the field of communication technology, such as communication of IAB network.

[0344] It can be understood that the CU1 involved in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can refer to the above Fig. 9 The first host node in the communication method shown in the embodiment of the present application and the IAB (including IAB-DU and IAB-MT) involved in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can refer to the above Fig. 9 The relay node in the communication method shown will not be described in detail here.

[0345] The communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0346] Step 1: CU1 sends first configuration information to IAB-MT, and accordingly, IAB-MT receives the first configuration information from CU1, where the first configuration information is used to establish a backhaul link between CU1 and IAB-MT. The first configuration information may be carried in an RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0347] Step 2: The IAB node releases the backhaul link configuration, where the backhaul link configuration is the backhaul link configuration indicated by the first configuration information.

[0348] Optionally, the AMF sends a NAS message to the IAB node to indicate that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state, or the NAS layer of the IAB node sends an indication message to the AS layer to indicate that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state. The IAB node releases the above-mentioned backhaul link configuration information.

[0349] It can be understood that if the AMF sends a NAS message to the IAB node to indicate that the IAB node is in an authorized state, or the NAS layer of the IAB node sends an indication message to the AS layer to indicate that the IAB node is in an authorized state, the IAB node may not release the above-mentioned backhaul link configuration information.

[0350] Step 3-1: AMF sends authorization indication information to CU1. For example, AMF sends a UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message to CU1. Accordingly, CU1 receives a UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message from AMF. The UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message carries the authorization indication information of the IAB node. The authorization indication information indicates that the IAB node is in an authorized state. Specifically, the IAB Authorized information element in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message may indicate the authorization state of the IAB node, or the mIAB Authorized information element in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message may indicate the authorization state of the IAB node. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0351] Step 3-2: AMF sends authorization indication information to the relay node. For example, AMF directly sends a NAS message to the IAB node. Accordingly, the IAB node receives a NAS message from the AMF, and the NAS message carries information indicating that the IAB node is in an authorized state. Specifically, the IAB Authorized information element in the NAS message may indicate the authorization state of the IAB node, or the mIAB Authorized information element in the NAS message may indicate the authorization state of the IAB node, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0352] It should be understood that the execution order of the above steps 3-1 and 3-2 is not limited in the present embodiment of the application, for example, step 3-1 is executed first, and then step 3-2. Alternatively, step 3-2 is executed first, and then step 3-1.

[0353] Step 4: CU1 sends second configuration information to IAB-MT. Correspondingly, IAB-MT receives the second configuration information from CU1, and the second configuration information is used to establish a backhaul link between CU1 and IAB-MT. The second configuration information can be carried in an RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message. The configuration information includes one or more of the following: default BAP configuration and BAP address.

[0354] Step 5: IAB-MT requests an IP address from CU1 (Option 1, an IP address is assigned by default).

[0355] Optionally, before IAB-MT requests an IP address from CU1, CU1 sends an IP address to IAB-MT. For example, CU1 carries the IP address in an RRC message and sends it to IAB-MT. Optionally, the RRC message used to send an IP address can be the same as the RRC message in step 4. This is equivalent to CU1 allocating an IP address to IAB-MT by default.

[0356] Optionally, one of the above IP addresses can be used for F1-C.

[0357] When the IAB-MT needs more IP addresses, it can send a request message to CU1 to request more IP addresses. The request message can be carried in an RRC message, such as IAB Other Information.

[0358] It should be noted that the solution shown in step 5 and the subsequent step 6 are two parallel solutions, wherein CU1 will assign an IP address to IAB-MT by default in step 5 for F1-C. In step 6, CU1 will not assign an IP address to IAB-MT by default, and IAB-MT can apply for an IP address from CU1 if the triggering conditions are met.

[0359] Step 6: IAB-MT requests an IP address from CU1 (Option 2, IP address is not allocated by default).

[0360] When the following triggering conditions are met, the IAB-MT requests an IP address from CU1 (for example, the request information is carried in an RRC message, such as IABOtherInformation). The triggering conditions include one or more of the following:

[0361] (1) IAB-MT receives the default BAP configuration.

[0362] (2) IAB-MT receives the BAP address.

[0363] (3) Receive indication information (indicating that the IAB node is in the authorized state) through the NAS layer.

[0364] (4) The NAS layer sends an indication message to the AS layer (indicating that the IAB node is in the authorized state).

[0365] The IP addresses requested by the IAB-MT to CU1 include at least one IP address for F1-C.

[0366] The embodiment of the present application clarifies that during the IAB-MT migration process, if the IAB node is in an unauthorized state, the configuration information obtained by the IAB node is directly released, so that the IAB node will not have two backhaul link configurations, which can avoid configuration conflicts of the backhaul link and reduce signaling overhead. In addition, the second configuration information is the configuration information of the backhaul link assigned to the IAB node by CU1 after the IAB node is re-authorized. This information can make the backhaul link configuration based on the latest resource status, thereby improving the performance of resource allocation.

[0367] See also Fig.11 , Fig.11 A flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the steps in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as the above Fig. 9 or Fig.10 or, it can be understood that the communication method in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the field of communication technology, such as communication of IAB network, and the communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0368] S1101: The relay node saves the configuration of the backhaul link, and correspondingly, the first host node generates / sends the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0369] S1102: The first host node sends fifth information to the relay node, and correspondingly, the relay node receives the fifth information from the first host node.

[0370] It can be understood that the relay node in the embodiment of the present application can be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or it can be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The relay node in the embodiment of the present application includes a terminal side part facing the parent node and a network side part facing the child node. For example, it can include MT and DU, and it can also include MT and gNB. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. Among them, the DU migration and MT migration of the relay node are completely decoupled, so the host node connected to the MT of the relay node and the host node connected to the DU can be different. The MT of the relay node is connected to the first host node, and the DU of the relay node is connected to the third host node. Optionally, when the communication method in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node can be an IAB node, the MT of the IAB node is connected to the first host node, and the DU of the IAB node is connected to the third host node. Exemplarily, the relay node can be an mIAB node, for example, Figure 7The relay node composed of IAB-MT2 and IAB-DU2 is used to execute the communication method in the embodiment of the present application, which can avoid the situation of two sets of backhaul link configurations, thereby ensuring that there will be no conflict in the backhaul link configuration and no additional signaling overhead.

[0371] It is understandable that the first host node in the embodiment of the present application may be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or may be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The first host node in the embodiment of the present application is the target CU corresponding to the MT of the relay node, and the first host node is connected to the MT of the relay node. Optionally, when the communication method in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node may be an IAB node, and the first host node may be connected to the MT of the IAB node. Exemplarily, the first host node may be the above-mentioned Figure 7 CU2 in the embodiment of the present application is used to execute the communication method, which can avoid the situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations appear, thereby ensuring that there will be no conflict in the backhaul link configuration and no additional signaling overhead.

[0372] It is understandable that the second host node in the embodiment of the present application may be a device equipped with a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, or it may be a processor / chip that can be used to execute computer-executable instructions, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The second host node in the embodiment of the present application is the source CU corresponding to the MT of the relay node. It is understandable that the MT of the relay node is migrated from the second host node to the first host node. Optionally, when the communication method in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the IAB network, the relay node may be an IAB node, and the second host node may be the source CU corresponding to the MT of the IAB node. It is understandable that the MT of the IAB node is migrated from the second host node to the first host node. Exemplarily, the first host node may be the above-mentioned Figure 7 CU1 in the embodiment of the present application is used to execute the communication method, which can avoid the situation where two sets of backhaul link configurations appear, thereby ensuring that there will be no conflict in the backhaul link configuration and no additional signaling overhead.

[0373] Specifically, the above S1101 and / or S1102 are executed when the following triggering conditions are met:

[0374] When the fourth trigger condition is met, the relay node saves the configuration of the backhaul link. The fourth trigger condition at this time can be understood as a condition that triggers the relay node to save the configuration of the backhaul link. Alternatively, it can be understood that when the fourth trigger condition is met, the configuration of the backhaul link is still saved.

[0375] The fourth trigger condition includes but is not limited to any one or more of the following:

[0376] (1) The relay node performs MT migration.

[0377] (2) The relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0378] (3) The relay node receives third configuration information from the first host node, where the third configuration information is used to indicate configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0379] The configuration of the backhaul link in the embodiment of the present application may be stored, for example, in a memory of the relay node, or in other devices from which the relay node can quickly obtain the configuration information, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0380] Optionally, the relay node performing MT migration may refer to after the first host node receives MT migration indication information (eg, HANDOVER REQUEST message) from the second host node and before the MT re-establishes the F1 interface through the first host node.

[0381] Optionally, the relay node being in an unauthorized state may be that the information of the handover request (HANDOVER REQUEST message) sent by the second host node to the first host node includes information indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the IAB Authorized information element in the HANDOVER REQUEST message may indicate the authorization state of the relay node, or the mIAB Authorized information element in the HANDOVER REQUEST message may indicate the authorization state of the relay node, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0382] Alternatively, the access and mobility management function (AMF) sends information to the first host node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message to the first host node, and the relay node authorization information carried is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0383] It is also possible that the AMF directly sends information to the MT of the relay node indicating that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the AMF sends a NAS message to the MT of the relay node, and the NAS message carries information about the authorization status of the MT of the relay node, and the authorization status information indicates that the MT of the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0384] Optionally, the third configuration information may be carried in an RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message, and may include one or more of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address, IP address, etc.

[0385] In the IAB network, during the MT migration process of the IAB node, the target CU will default to assign the relevant configuration of the backhaul link to the IAB node, for example, including one or more of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address and IP address, etc. After the MT migration is completed, when the state changes from the unauthorized state to the authorized state, the IAB node will execute the network access process and obtain the relevant configuration of the backhaul link once. For example, during the migration of the MT of the IAB node to the first host node, the first host node usually defaults to the authorized state of the MT of the IAB node and assigns the relevant configuration of the backhaul link to the MT of the IAB node. After the MT switching of the IAB node is completed, the AMF will send the authorization information of the MT of the IAB node to the first host node (including the authorized state or the unauthorized state). If the MT of the IAB node is in the unauthorized state, how to deal with the configuration of the backhaul link of the MT that has been assigned to the IAB node is a problem that needs to be solved at present. In addition, if the MT of the IAB node subsequently changes from the unauthorized state to the authorized state, the IAB node will re-enter the network process and obtain a new configuration of the backhaul link. At this time, whether the IAB node uses the new backhaul link configuration or the old backhaul link configuration is also a problem that needs to be solved. At the same time, the IAB node allocates two sets of backhaul link configurations, which may also cause usage conflicts and increase signaling overhead.

[0386] Understandably, Fig.11 Compared with the embodiment shown Fig. 9 The difference of the embodiment shown is that Fig.11 The illustrated embodiment does not consider whether the relay node is authorized (for example, the relay node is in an authorized state, or the relay node is in an unauthorized state), and the relay node saves the received backhaul link configuration information. Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the backhaul link configuration information received by the relay node is saved only when the relay node is in an authorized state. Fig.11 and Fig. 9 The embodiments shown can avoid conflicts in backhaul link configuration and reduce signaling overhead during MT migration. Fig.11 The illustrated embodiment can enable the relay node based on the saved backhaul link configuration as soon as the relay node obtains authorization, thereby achieving the effect of quickly enabling the relay node. Fig. 9 The embodiment shown can release unused backhaul link configurations in a timely manner, thereby improving resource utilization. Fig. 9The illustrated embodiment can obtain the backhaul link configuration generated based on the latest resource status after the relay node obtains authorization, thereby improving the performance of resource allocation.

[0387] In a possible implementation, the third configuration information of the backhaul link is still saved when the following conditions are met, including: the relay node performs MT migration; and the relay node is in an authorized state; and the relay node receives the third configuration information from the first host node, and the third configuration information is used to indicate the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0388] In a possible implementation, the above method further includes:

[0389] The relay node receives fifth information, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state; the relay node performs backhaul link transmission based on the configuration information, where the backhaul link transmission includes establishing an F1 interface of the relay node.

[0390] In the implementation manner of the present application, a possible specific implementation manner of the fifth information is provided, specifically, the fifth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state, and the fifth information can come from the AMF. For example, the AMF sends the fifth information to the relay node through a NAS message, or the fifth information is carried in the indication information sent by the NAS layer of the relay node to the AS layer. It can be understood that after the relay node changes from an unauthorized state to an authorized state, the relay node performs backhaul link transmission based on the above configuration information, which allows the relay node to start quickly and avoids the phenomenon of backhaul link configuration conflicts.

[0391] Among them, the backhaul link transmission includes establishing the F1 interface of the relay node. For example, through the backhaul link constructed by the above configuration information, the relay node sends an F1 application protocol (F1 application protocol, F1AP) message to the F1 anchor CU of the relay node. Specifically, an F1 interface message can be sent to the F1 anchor CU through the backhaul link constructed above to request the establishment of the F1 interface of the relay node.

[0392] See also Fig.12 , Fig.12 A flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the steps in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as the above Fig. 9 or Fig.10 or Fig.11or, it can be understood that the communication method in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the field of communication technology, such as communication of IAB network, and the communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0393] S1201: The second host node sends seventh information to the first host node, and correspondingly, the first host node receives the seventh information from the second host node. The seventh information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0394] S1202: The first host node sends the configuration of the backhaul link to the relay node, and correspondingly, the relay node receives the configuration of the backhaul link from the first host node.

[0395] In the embodiment of the present application, for the relevant description of the first host node, the second host node and the relay node, please refer to the above Fig.11 The relevant description in will not be repeated here.

[0396] Optionally, the seventh information may be carried in a request message for MT migration of the relay node, for example, a HANDOVERREQUEST message.

[0397] Optionally, the configuration information of the backhaul link may be carried in a radio resource control (RRC) message, for example, an RRCReconfiguration message.

[0398] Optionally, the configuration information of the backhaul link may include one or more of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address, IP address, etc.

[0399] Optionally, the above IP address can be used for at least F1-C.

[0400] In an IAB network, during the MT migration process of an IAB node, the second host node may send indication information of the authorization status of the relay node to the first host node. For example, the indication information may be carried in a handover request message HANDOVER REQUEST. It is understandable that the authorization status indicated by the indication information generally refers to the authorization status of the relay node under the second host node. For example, if the relay node is in an authorized state under the second host node, the indication information indicates that the relay node is in an authorized state. For another example, if the relay node is in an unauthorized state under the second host node, the indication information indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the IABAuthorized element in the HANDOVER REQUEST message may indicate the authorization status of the IAB node under the second host node, or the mIAB Authorized element in the HANDOVER REQUEST message may indicate the authorization status of the IAB node under the second host node. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0401] When the first host node receives that the relay node is in an unauthorized state, it may not send the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node. However, whether the relay node is finally in an authorized state depends on the indication information of the AMF. If the relay node is in an authorized state after AMF authentication, the first host node sends the configuration of the backhaul link to the relay node again, which will affect the startup speed of the relay node.

[0402] However, the embodiments of the present application clearly provide a processing method for the first host node when the second host node indicates that the relay node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, the first host node ignores the indication information of the second host node, that is, it does not consider whether the indication information from the second host node indicates that the relay node is in an authorized state, and directly sends the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node. So that, when the authentication result of the AMF is that the relay node is in an authorized state, the relay node directly uses the configuration information of the backhaul link. On the one hand, it can achieve the effect of quickly enabling the relay node. On the other hand, the first host node does not need to send the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node again when the relay node switches to an authorized state, so as to avoid conflicts in the backhaul link configuration.

[0403] Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment, the first host node does not consider whether the relay node is authorized (for example, the relay node is in an authorized state, or the relay node is in an unauthorized state), and after receiving the MT migration request from the relay node, it sends the backhaul link configuration information to the relay node. Fig.11In the illustrated embodiment, regardless of whether the relay node is authorized (for example, the relay node is in an authorized state, or the relay node is in an unauthorized state), the relay node saves the received backhaul link configuration information. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The illustrated embodiments work together to achieve the effect of quickly enabling the relay node when the relay node switches to the authorized state.

[0404] In a possible implementation manner, when the first host node receives indication information from the second host node indicating that the relay node is in an authorized state, the first host node still sends configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node.

[0405] In a possible implementation, the above method further includes:

[0406] The first host node retains the configuration information when the fourth condition is met;

[0407] The fourth condition mentioned above includes:

[0408] The first host node receives sixth information from an access and mobility management function network element AMF, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

[0409] Among them, the sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state, and the sixth information can be carried in a UECONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message. The sixth information can also be carried in a NAS message sent to the relay node, and the NAS message carries information that the authorization state of the relay node is "authorized". Specifically, it can be the IAB Authorized element in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message indicating that the IAB node is in an authorized state, or it can be the mAB Authorized element in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message indicating that the IAB node is in an authorized state, or it can be the IAB Authorized element in the NAS message indicating that the IAB node is in an authorized state, or it can be the mAB Authorized element in the NAS message indicating that the IAB node is in an authorized state, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0410] The above-mentioned relay node is connected to the first host node, which usually means that the relay node and the first host node are not disconnected, specifically means that the MT of the relay node remains connected to the first host node, for example, the backhaul link between the MT of the relay node and the first host node is not disconnected, or the MT of the relay node has not performed a new MT migration, etc.

[0411] In a possible implementation, the first host node retains the configuration information when the following conditions are met: the first host node receives indication information from the AMF, indicating that the relay node is in an authorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

[0412] In a possible implementation, the above method further includes:

[0413] When the relay node is disconnected from the first host node, the configuration information is deleted.

[0414] The embodiment of the present application provides a possible specific implementation method for deleting the backhaul link configuration information. Specifically, when the relay node is disconnected from the first host node, the backhaul link configuration information of the first host node is deleted. This allows the unused backhaul link configuration to be released in a timely manner. If possible, the backhaul link configuration will be used by other nodes, which can improve resource utilization.

[0415] It can be understood that the relay reception is disconnected from the first host node, which may mean that the MT of the relay node is disconnected from the first host node, or that the backhaul link between the MT of the relay node and the first host node is disconnected, or that MT migration has occurred in the MT of the relay node, etc.

[0416] The first host node deleting the configuration information may refer to releasing the configuration information, or may refer to adjusting the configuration information to configuration information that can be used by other nodes.

[0417] See also Fig.13 , Fig.13 A flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the steps in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as the above Fig. 9 or, it can be understood that the communication method in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the field of communication technology, such as communication of IAB network.

[0418] It can be understood that the CU1 involved in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can refer to the above Fig.11 or Fig.12 The first host node in the communication method shown in the embodiment of the present application and the CU2 involved in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can refer to the above Fig.11 or Fig.12The second host node in the communication method shown in the embodiment of the present application and the IAB (including IAB-DU and IAB-MT) involved in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can refer to the above Fig.11 or Fig.12 The relay node in the communication method shown will not be described in detail here.

[0419] The communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0420] Step 1: CU1 sends a handover request to CU2, and accordingly, CU2 receives the handover request from CU1. For example, the handover request information may be carried in a Handover Request message. Optionally, the handover request information may include the authorization status of the IAB-MT under CU1. Specifically, it may be that the IAB Authorized element in the Handover Request message indicates that the IAB node is in an authorized state, or it may be that the mIAB Authorized element in the Handover Request message indicates that the IAB node is in an authorized state, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0421] Step 2: CU2 sends the configuration information of the backhaul link to IAB-MT, and accordingly, IAB-MT receives the configuration information of the backhaul link from CU2. For example, the configuration information of the backhaul link can be carried in an RRC message, such as an RRCReconfiguration message. Specifically, the RRC message can be forwarded to IAB-MT through CU1, for example, the transmission path of the RRC message is CU2-CU1-DU1-IAB-MT.

[0422] Optionally, the configuration information includes one or more of the following: default BAP configuration, BAP address, IP address, etc.

[0423] Normally, if the indication information received by CU2 from CU1 includes that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state, CU2 will not send configuration information to the IAB node. However, in an embodiment of the present application, CU2 ignores the indication information from CU1. Even if CU1 indicates that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state, it still allocates configuration information to the IAB-MT, so as to quickly enable the IAB node when receiving an indication from AMF that the IAB node is in an authorized state.

[0424] Step 3: The IAB node saves the configuration information of the backhaul link. Even if the IAB node knows that it is in an unauthorized state, it still saves the configuration information of the backhaul link obtained in step 2. Similarly, if the IAB node knows that it is in an authorized state, it will also save the configuration information of the backhaul link obtained in step 2.

[0425] Step 4: IAB-MT performs switching and establishes an RRC connection between IAB-MT and CU2. CU2 sends a UE initial message (e.g., INITIAL UE MESSAGE) to the AMF network element. Optionally, the RRCSetupComplete message and the INITIAL UE MESSAGE message may carry indication information of the IAB node. Specifically, the RRCSetupComplete message and the INITIALUE MESSAGE message may carry indication information of the IAB node, and the RRCSetupComplete message and the INITIAL UE MESSAGE message may carry indication information of the mIAB node, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0426] Step 5: AMF sends IAB node authorization indication information to CU2. Correspondingly, CU2 receives the IAB node authorization indication information from AMF, and the authorization indication information is used to indicate that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state. For example, the authorization indication information is carried in the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message sent by AMF to CU2, and indicates that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state. Specifically, it can be the IAB Authorized information element in the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message that indicates that the IAB node is in an authorized state, or it can be the mIAB Authorized information element in the PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message that indicates that the IAB node is in an authorized state, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0427] Step 6: Even if the AMF indicates that the IAB node is in an unauthorized state, CU2 still saves the configuration information of the backhaul link. It should be noted that before the next MT migration of IAB-MT, CU2 can save the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0428] Step 7-1: AMF sends IAB node authorization indication information to CU2. Correspondingly, CU2 receives IAB node authorization indication information from AMF, and the authorization indication information is used to indicate that the IAB node is in an authorized state. For example, the authorization indication information is carried in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message sent by AMF to CU2, and indicates that the IAB node is in an authorized state. Specifically, it can be the IAB Authorized information element in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message indicating that the IAB node is in an authorized state, or it can be the mIABAuthorized information element in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message indicating that the IAB node is in an authorized state, which is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0429] Step 7-2: AMF sends authorization indication information to the IAB node. For example, AMF sends a NAS message to the IAB node. Correspondingly, the IAB node receives the NAS message from the AMF. The NAS message is used to indicate that the IAB node is in an authorized state.

[0430] Step 8: Construct a backhaul link between IAB-MT and CU2. The IAB node performs backhaul link transmission based on the backhaul link configuration information saved in step 3. For example, the IAB-DU uses the saved backhaul link information to initiate the establishment of the F1 interface to the F1 anchor CU (the F1 anchor CU is the termination CU of the F1 interface of the IAB-DU, which can be a different CU or the same CU as CU2) through the topology under CU2.

[0431] In the embodiment of the present application, the triggering conditions and situations for the IAB node and CU2 to save the backhaul link configuration information are clearly given, and the backhaul link configuration information saved by the IAB node and CU2 is used to build the backhaul link between the IAB node and CU2. On the one hand, the effect of quickly enabling the IAB node can be achieved, and on the other hand, when the IAB node switches to the authorized state, CU2 does not need to send the backhaul link configuration information to the IAB node again, avoiding conflicts in the backhaul link configuration.

[0432] Understandably, Fig.13 Can be used as Fig.11 and Fig.12 A specific description of the embodiment shown in detail shows Fig.11 or Fig.12 possible steps in Fig.11 and Fig.12 The above-mentioned Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The illustrated embodiment shows that when the relay node is in an unauthorized state, the relay node releases the backhaul link configuration, thereby achieving the effect of improving resource utilization. Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 The illustrated embodiment shows that the relay node and / or the first host node both ignore the authorization status of the relay node, the relay node saves the received backhaul link configuration, and the first host node saves the backhaul link configuration sent to the relay node. When the relay node switches to the authorized status, the saved backhaul link configuration is used to quickly enable the relay node.

[0433] Optionally, if MT migration occurs in IAB-MT, the configuration information of the above-mentioned backhaul link saved by CU2 needs to be released / deleted. Unused resources can be released, and if possible, the released resources can be used to build backhaul links in other nodes to improve resource utilization.

[0434] The above describes in detail the method of the embodiments of the present application. The following provides an apparatus for implementing any method in the embodiments of the present application. For example, an apparatus is provided including units (or means) for implementing each step performed by the device in any of the above methods.

[0435] like Fig.14 As shown, the communication device 140 may include a communication unit 1401 and a processing unit 1402. The communication unit 1401 and the processing unit 1402 may be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0436] The communication unit 1401 can implement a sending function and / or a receiving function, and the communication unit 1401 can also be described as a transceiver unit. The communication unit 1401 can also be a unit integrating an acquisition unit and a sending unit, wherein the acquisition unit is used to implement a receiving function, and the sending unit is used to implement a sending function. Optionally, the communication unit 1401 can be used to receive information sent by other devices, and can also be used to send information to other devices.

[0437] In one possible design, the communication device 140 may correspond to the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The relay node in the method embodiment shown, such as the communication device 140, may be a relay node, or a chip in the relay node. The communication device 140 may include a chip for performing the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The units of the operation performed by the relay node in the method embodiment shown in the figure are respectively Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The operations performed by the relay node in the method embodiment shown are as follows:

[0438] The processing unit 1402 is configured to release the configuration of the backhaul link when the first trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0439] The first trigger condition includes:

[0440] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, where the first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0441] or,

[0442] The processing unit 1402 is configured to store, by the relay node, third configuration information of a backhaul link when a fourth trigger condition is satisfied; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0443] Wherein, the fourth trigger condition includes:

[0444] The relay node performs MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives the third configuration information from the first host node, wherein the third configuration information is used to indicate the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0445] In a possible implementation, the device further includes:

[0446] The communication unit 1401 is configured to receive second configuration information from the first host node.

[0447] or,

[0448] The communication unit 1401 is configured to receive second configuration information from the first host node when the relay node switches to the authorized state.

[0449] or,

[0450] The communication unit 1401 is used to send second information to the first host node, where the second information is used to request at least one IP address.

[0451] or,

[0452] The communication unit 1401 is configured for the relay node to send third information to the first host node when a second trigger condition is met, where the third information is used to request an IP address;

[0453] The second trigger condition includes at least one of the following:

[0454] The second configuration information includes a default BAP configuration; or, the second configuration information includes a BAP address; or, the relay node receives fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state.

[0455] or,

[0456] The communication unit 1401 is used to receive fifth information, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state; the relay node performs backhaul link transmission based on the configuration information.

[0457] In one possible design, the communication device 140 may correspond to the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The first host node in the method embodiment shown in the figure, such as the communication device 140, can be the first host node, or a chip in the first host node. The communication device 140 can include a device for executing the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 In the method embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first host node performs the operation of the unit, and the units in the communication device 140 are respectively for implementing the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The operations performed by the first host node in the method embodiment shown are described as follows:

[0458] The processing unit 1402 is configured to retain the configuration information of the backhaul link when the fourth condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0459] The fourth condition includes:

[0460] The first host node receives sixth information from an access and mobility management function network element AMF, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

[0461] or,

[0462] The processing unit 1402 is configured to delete the configuration information when the relay node is disconnected from the first host node.

[0463] In a possible implementation, the device further includes:

[0464] The communication unit 1401 is configured to receive seventh information from the second host node and send configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node;

[0465] The seventh information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0466] For the technical effects of any of the above designs and any possible implementation methods, please refer to the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The introduction of the technical effects of the corresponding methods will not be repeated here.

[0467] Optionally, in the communication device described in any of the above designs and any of the possible implementation modes:

[0468] In one implementation, the communication device is a communication device. When the communication device is a communication device, the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0469] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip (system) or circuit used in a communication device. When the communication device is a chip (system) or circuit used in a communication device, the communication unit may be a communication interface (input / output interface), interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin or related circuit on the chip (system) or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0470] According to the embodiment of the present application, Fig.14 The various units in the device shown can be separately or all combined into one or several other units to constitute, or some of the units (some) can also be split into multiple smaller units in function to constitute, which can achieve the same operation without affecting the realization of the technical effects of the embodiments of the present application. The above-mentioned units are divided based on logical functions. In practical applications, the functions of one unit can also be implemented by multiple units, or the functions of multiple units can be implemented by one unit. In other embodiments of the present application, other units can also be included based on the electronic device. In practical applications, these functions can also be implemented with the assistance of other units, and can be implemented by the collaboration of multiple units.

[0471] It should be noted that the implementation of each unit can also refer to the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown.

[0472] exist Fig.14In the described communication device 140, the IAB node can timely release the unused backhaul link configuration, or save the received backhaul link configuration and use it to establish the backhaul link, so that the IAB node will not have two sets of backhaul link configuration conflicts, and can also save signaling overhead.

[0473] See also Fig.15 , Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0474] It should be understood that Fig.15 The communication device 150 shown is only an example. The communication device of the embodiment of the present application may also include other components, or include Fig.15 components similar in function to the components in the Fig.15 All parts in.

[0475] The communication device 150 includes a communication interface 1501 and at least one processor 1502 .

[0476] The communication device 150 may correspond to any node or device among the first host node, the relay node, the third host node, and the fourth host node. The communication interface 1501 is used to send and receive signals, and at least one processor 1502 executes program instructions so that the communication device 150 implements the corresponding process of the method executed by the corresponding device in the above method embodiment.

[0477] In one possible design, the communication device 150 may correspond to the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The first host node in the method embodiment shown, such as the communication device 150, can be the first host node, or a chip in the first host node. The communication device 150 can include components for performing the operations performed by the first host node in the above method embodiment, and the components in the communication device 150 are respectively for implementing the operations performed by the first host node in the above method embodiment. Specifically, it can be as follows:

[0478] The processing unit 1402 is configured to release the configuration of the backhaul link when the first trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0479] The first trigger condition includes:

[0480] The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, where the first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

[0481] or,

[0482] Processor 1502, configured for the relay node to save third configuration information of a backhaul link when a fourth trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0483] Wherein, the fourth trigger condition includes:

[0484] The relay node performs MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives the third configuration information from the first host node, wherein the third configuration information is used to indicate the configuration information of the backhaul link.

[0485] In a possible implementation, the device further includes:

[0486] The communication interface 1501 is used to receive second configuration information from the first host node.

[0487] or,

[0488] The communication interface 1501 is used to receive second configuration information from the first host node when the relay node switches to the authorized state.

[0489] or,

[0490] The communication interface 1501 is used to send second information to the first host node, where the second information is used to request at least one IP address.

[0491] or,

[0492] The communication interface 1501 is used for the relay node to send third information to the first host node when the second trigger condition is met, wherein the third information is used to request an IP address;

[0493] The second trigger condition includes at least one of the following:

[0494] The second configuration information includes a default BAP configuration; or, the second configuration information includes a BAP address; or, the relay node receives fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state.

[0495] or,

[0496] The communication interface 1501 is used to receive fifth information, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state; the relay node performs backhaul link transmission based on the configuration information.

[0497] In one possible design, the communication device 150 may correspond to the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The first host node in the method embodiment shown in the figure, such as the communication device 150, can be the first host node, or a chip in the first host node. The communication device 150 can include a device for performing the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 In the method embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first host node performs the operation of the unit, and the units in the communication device 150 are respectively for implementing the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The operations performed by the first host node in the method embodiment shown are described as follows:

[0498] Processor 1502 is configured to retain configuration information of a backhaul link when a fourth condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node;

[0499] The fourth condition includes:

[0500] The first host node receives sixth information from an access and mobility management function network element AMF, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

[0501] or,

[0502] Processor 1502 is configured to delete the configuration information when the relay node is disconnected from the first host node.

[0503] In a possible implementation, the device further includes:

[0504] The communication interface 1501 is used to receive the seventh information from the second host node and send the configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node;

[0505] The seventh information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

[0506] The method executed by the processor 1502 and the communication interface 1501 can be referred to in the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The corresponding methods will not be described here.

[0507] For the technical effects of any of the above designs and any possible implementation methods, please refer to the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The introduction of the technical effects of the corresponding methods will not be repeated here.

[0508] exist Fig.14 In the described communication device 140, the IAB node can timely release the unused backhaul link configuration, or save the received backhaul link configuration and use it to establish the backhaul link, so that the IAB node will not have two sets of backhaul link configuration conflicts, and can also save signaling overhead.

[0509] It should be understood that when the communication device 150 is a relay node / first host node, it includes a CU and a DU, and the CU may include a communication interface, a processor, and optionally a memory, wherein the communication interface can be used to communicate with the CU of the host node or the DU of the IAB node. The DU may also include a communication interface, a processor, and a memory, and a bus connecting the communication interface, the processor, and the memory, wherein the communication interface is used to communicate with the MT of the IAB node.

[0510] For the case where the communication device may be a chip or a chip system, see Fig.16 Schematic diagram of the chip structure shown.

[0511] like Fig.16 As shown, the chip 160 includes a processor 1601 and an interface 1602. The number of the processors 1601 may be one or more, and the number of the interfaces 1602 may be multiple. It should be noted that the functions corresponding to the processor 1601 and the interface 1602 may be implemented by hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software, which is not limited here.

[0512] Optionally, the chip 160 may further include a memory 1603, and the memory 1603 is used to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0513] In the present application, the processor 1601 may be used to call the implementation program of the communication method provided by one or more embodiments of the present application in the first host node, the second host node, or one or more devices or nodes in the first node from the memory 1603, and execute the instructions contained in the program. The interface 1602 may be used to output the execution result of the processor 1601. In the present application, the interface 1602 may be specifically used to output various messages or information of the processor 1601.

[0514] For the communication method provided by one or more embodiments of the present application, please refer to the aforementioned Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The various embodiments shown will not be described in detail here.

[0515] The processor in the embodiment of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0516] The memory in the embodiment of the present application is used to provide storage space, and the storage space can store data such as operating system and computer program. The memory includes but is not limited to random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or portable read only memory (compact disc read-only memory, CD-ROM).

[0517] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed on one or more processors, the above-mentioned Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The method shown.

[0518] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, the above-mentioned computer program product includes a computer program, when the above-mentioned computer program is run on a processor, it can implement the above-mentioned Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The method shown.

[0519] The embodiment of the present application also provides a system, which includes at least one communication device 140 or communication device 150 or chip 160 as described above, for executing the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The steps performed by the corresponding device in any embodiment.

[0520] The embodiment of the present application also provides a system, which includes at least one of a relay node, a first host node, a second host node, and an AMF server, wherein the relay node is used to perform the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 In any embodiment, the steps performed by the relay node are as follows: the first host node is used to perform the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 In any embodiment, the first host node performs the steps, and the second host node is used to perform the above Fig.12 , Fig.13 The steps performed by the relay node in any embodiment, the AMF server is used to perform the above Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The steps performed by the third host node in any embodiment.

[0521] An embodiment of the present application also provides a processing device, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the method in any of the above method embodiments.

[0522] It should be understood that the above-mentioned processing device can be a chip. For example, the processing device can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), 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 gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, a system on chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processing circuit (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD) or other integrated chips. The methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to be executed, or the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor are combined to be executed. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0523] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0524] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website site, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (digital subscriber line, DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disc (SSD)).

[0525] The units in the above-mentioned various device embodiments completely correspond to the electronic devices in the method embodiments, and the corresponding modules or units perform the corresponding steps. For example, the communication unit (transceiver) performs the steps of receiving or sending in the method embodiment, and other steps except sending and receiving can be performed by the processing unit (processor). The functions of the specific units can refer to the corresponding method embodiments. Among them, the processor can be one or more.

[0526] It is understandable that in the embodiments of the present application, the electronic device can perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application, and these steps or operations are only examples. The embodiments of the present application can also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the various steps can be performed in different orders presented in the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible that not all operations in the embodiments of the present application need to be performed.

[0527] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example 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 performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0528] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0529] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0530] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0531] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0532] If the functions are implemented in the form of 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 the present application can be essentially or the contributing part or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories ROM, random access memories RAM, magnetic disks or optical disks.

[0533] The above description is only a specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The relay node releases the configuration of the backhaul link when the first trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node; The first trigger condition includes: The relay node performs mobile terminal MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives first configuration information from the first host node, where the first configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first configuration information includes at least one of the following: Default Backhaul Link Adaptation Layer Protocol (BAP) configuration, BAP address, and Internet Protocol (IP) address.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the relay node switches to the authorized state, second configuration information is received from the first host node, where the second configuration information is used to indicate the configuration of the backhaul link.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The second configuration information includes an IP address.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The one IP address is used for the control plane protocol F1-C.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The relay node sends second information to the first host node, where the second information is used to request at least one IP address.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The second configuration information does not include an IP address; and the method further includes: When the second trigger condition is met, the relay node sends third information to the first host node, where the third information is used to request an IP address; The second trigger condition includes at least one of the following: The second configuration information includes a default BAP configuration; or, the second configuration information includes a BAP address; or, the relay node receives fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The fourth information comes from the non-access layer NAS or the access layer AS of the relay node.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The relay node saves third configuration information of a backhaul link when a fourth trigger condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node; Wherein, the fourth trigger condition includes: The relay node performs MT migration; and, the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and, the relay node receives the third configuration information from the first host node, wherein the third configuration information is used to indicate the configuration information of the backhaul link.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: The relay node receives fifth information, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an authorized state; and the relay node performs backhaul link transmission based on the configuration information.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first host node retains configuration information of a backhaul link when the fourth condition is met; the backhaul link is a backhaul link between the relay node and the first host node; The fourth condition includes: The first host node receives sixth information from an access and mobility management function network element AMF, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state; and the relay node is connected to the first host node.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first host node receives the seventh information from the second host node, and sends configuration information of the backhaul link to the relay node; The seventh information is used to indicate that the relay node is in an unauthorized state.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the relay node is disconnected from the first host node, the configuration information is deleted.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising means for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a processor for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a logic circuit and an interface, wherein the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; The interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is performed.

18. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Relay node, first host node; The relay node is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the first host node is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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