Coding and decoding bit rate adaptation

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to coding and decoding bit rate adaptation. A terminal device negotiates a first coding and decoding bit rate with a second terminal device, and the first coding and decoding bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device. And the terminal equipment receives a second coding and decoding bit rate from the second terminal equipment, and the second coding and decoding bit rate is supported by the second terminal equipment and is used for performing voice communication with the first terminal equipment. And the terminal device determines a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate. In this manner, an unnecessary access network bit rate recommendation (ANBR) process may be avoided, thereby reducing the latency of codec adaptation, as well as voice packet loss in the event of an increase in bit rate, taking into account path loss change trends in the NTN system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for codec bit rate adaptation. Background Art

[0002] As communication systems evolve, new technologies have been proposed. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has defined a work item (WI) for non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in Release 17 (Rel-17) in RP-201256, and further enhancements will be made in Release 18 in Work Item Description (WID) RP-220953. One of the next steps in the research is to improve the performance of low-rate codecs under limited link budget. There is still a need to further improve the codec bit rate adaptation scheme. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for codec bit rate adaptation.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first terminal device is provided. The first terminal device includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions are configured to: when executed by the at least one processor, enable the first terminal device to: negotiate a first codec bit rate with a second terminal device, the first codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device, and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device; receive a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device, and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device, and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second terminal device is provided. The second terminal device includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions are configured to: when executed by the at least one processor, enable the second terminal device to: negotiate with the first terminal device a first codec bit rate, the first codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; determine a second codec bit rate based on a movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and send the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0006] In a third aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions are configured to: when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first network device to: receive a second codec bit rate from a first terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; and send the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions are configured to: when executed by at least one processor, enable the second network device to: receive a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device from a second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; determine a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and send the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions are configured to: when executed by the at least one processor, enable the second network device to: determine, for a second terminal device, a second codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device and a mapping between a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device; and send the mapping to the second terminal device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a first terminal device, negotiating a first codec bit rate with a second terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device; receiving a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and determining a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a second terminal device, negotiating a first codec bit rate with a first terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; determining a second codec bit rate based on a movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a first network device, a second codec bit rate from a first terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; determining, based on the second codec bit rate, a third codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; and sending the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, at a second network device, a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate from a second terminal device, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with a first terminal device; determining a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and sending the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device.

[0013] In a tenth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: determining, at a second network device, for a second terminal device, a second codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device and a mapping between a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device; and sending the mapping to the second terminal device.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for negotiating a first codec bit rate with a second terminal device at a first terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and being used for voice communication with the second terminal device; a component for receiving a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for determining a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and being used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0015] In a twelfth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for negotiating a first codec bit rate with a first terminal device at a second terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; a component for determining a second codec bit rate based on a movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0016] In a thirteenth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for receiving a second codec bit rate from a first terminal device at a first network device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; a component for determining a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; and a component for sending the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0017] In a fourteenth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for receiving, at a second network device, a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate, which was supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with a first terminal device; a component for determining a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, which was supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for sending the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device.

[0018] In a fifteenth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for determining, at a second network device, a second codec bit rate for a second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device, for mapping between voice communication with a first terminal device and a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device; and a component for sending the mapping to the second terminal device.

[0019] In a sixteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions is provided, the program instructions being used to cause an apparatus to at least execute a method according to any one of the third or fourth aspects above.

[0020] In the seventeenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: negotiate with a second terminal device a first codec bit rate, the first codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device; receive a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and determine, based on the second codec bit rate, a third codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0021] In an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: negotiate with a first terminal device a first codec bit rate, the first codec bit rate being supported by a second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; determine a second codec bit rate based on movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and send the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0022] In the nineteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a second codec bit rate from a first terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; and send the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0023] In the twentieth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate from a second terminal device, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; determine a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss, and the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and send the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device.

[0024] In a twenty-first aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: determine, for a second terminal device, a second codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for mapping between voice communication with the first terminal device and a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device; and send the mapping to the second terminal device.

[0025] In a twenty-second aspect, a first terminal device is provided. The first terminal device includes: a negotiation circuit device configured to negotiate a first codec bit rate with a second terminal device, the first codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device; a receiving circuit device configured to receive a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a determination circuit device configured to determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0026] In a twenty-third aspect, a second terminal device is provided. The second terminal device includes: a negotiation circuit device configured to negotiate a first codec bit rate with a first terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; a determination circuit device configured to determine a second codec bit rate based on a movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a sending circuit device configured to send the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0027] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device includes: a receiving circuit device configured to receive a second codec bit rate from a first terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; a determining circuit device configured to determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; and a sending circuit device configured to send the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0028] In a twenty-fifth aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes: a receiving circuit device configured to receive a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate from a second terminal device, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; a determining circuit device configured to determine a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a sending circuit device configured to send the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device.

[0029] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device comprises: a determining circuit device configured to determine, for a second terminal device, a second codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device and a mapping between a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device; and a transmitting circuit device configured to transmit the mapping to the second terminal device.

[0030] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates an example communication network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0033] Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating an example process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3illustrates an example of an optimized codec bit rate adaptation process that may be used in example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates an example of another optimized codec bit rate adaptation process that may be used in example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0037] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0038] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0039] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0040] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0041] Fig.10 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0042] Fig.11 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for illustrative purposes, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways except for the following described ways.

[0045] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0046] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, those skilled in the art recognize that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0047] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any term and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0048] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "include", "comprise", "contain", "have", "have", "include" and / or "contain" when used in this article specify the presence of the features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or their combinations. As used herein, "at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>" and "at least one of the <list of two or more elements>" and similar wording, wherein the list of two or more elements is connected by "and" or "or", meaning at least any one element, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0049] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0050] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0051] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0052] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0053] (ii) any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software (including

[0054] digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and

[0055] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0056] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0057] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Non-terrestrial Network (NTN), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocol, sixth generation (6G) communication protocol and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be used to implement the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0058] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network, a terminal device that accesses the network and receives services from the network. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low-power node (such as a femto, a pico), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite), an aircraft network device, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied.

[0059] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device (such as a digital camera), a game terminal device, a music storage and playback appliance, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a notebook embedded device (LEE), a notebook mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless client device (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), consumer electronic devices, equipment operating in a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0060] Non-terrestrial network (NTN) refers to a network or part of a network that uses typical technologies (such as satellites and high-altitude platforms) to participate in network deployment compared to traditional terrestrial networks (TN). NTN can provide NTN cells with a wider range than TN cells provided by TN. Typical NTN scenarios that can be foreseen include situations where base stations cannot be built and base stations are damaged, such as continuous coverage in remote mountainous areas, deserts, oceans, and forests, or emergency communications when disasters occur and base stations are damaged. The industry summarizes typical NTN scenarios as all-terrain coverage, signaling offloading, emergency communications, the Internet of Things, and broadcast services.

[0061] 3GPP has defined a work item for Release 17 on NTN in RP-201256, and will continue to further enhance it in Release 18 in WIDRP-220953. One goal of this Release 18 WI is to consider coverage enhancement. There is a 6-month study phase focusing on the following (to come up with a clear and limited scope):

[0062] Evaluate coverage performance and identify candidate physical radio channels with NTN-specific coverage issues, taking into account the following target services, taking into account studies in Technical Report (TR) 38.830 where appropriate, and general coverage enhancement techniques specified in Release 18 [RAN1, RAN2, RAN4];

[0063] oVoIP and low data rate services for commercial mobile terminals.

[0064] The following items are shown as examples of areas to consider in the next steps of the research:

[0065] - NTN specific repetition enhancements beyond the techniques covered in Release 17 Coverage Enhancement WI for associated channels;

[0066] - NTN specific technologies to improve diversity and / or reduce polarization losses;

[0067] - Improving the performance of low-rate codecs with limited link budgets includes reducing the radio access network (RAN) protocol overhead for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) over New Radio (NR).

[0068] Based on the above information, support for VoIP (VoNR) over NR for commercial mobile terminals in NTN and improving the performance of low-rate codecs with limited link budget should be studied in R18NTN WI.

[0069] According to TS 26.114, UEs providing voice communication shall support narrowband (Adaptive Multi-Rate AMR speech codec), wideband (AMR-WB), and ultra-wideband (Enhanced Voice Service EVS) communications. The supported codec modes can be summarized in Table 1 below.

[0070] Table 1: Codec modes with different codec bit rates

[0071]

[0072] As shown in Table 1, the codec bit rate of EVS is much greater than that of AMR. A higher AMR voice bit rate can provide higher clarity voice calls, thereby providing a better user experience. Since each VoIP packet is generated in a 20ms period, the higher the codec bit rate used, the more real-time transport protocol (RTP) payload will be generated. Table 2 gives an example to illustrate the transport block size (TBS) that accommodates the VoIP payload, as well as the RTP / User Datagram Protocol (UDP) / Internet Protocol (IP) header and the media access control (MAC) header. When the UE's codec rate changes from 4.75Kbps to 12.2Kbps, the required TBS will increase from 184 bits to 328 bits.

[0073] Table 2: TBS for different codec modes

[0074]

[0075]

[0076] In LTE, RAN-assisted codec adaptation for VoIP calls is discussed under WID RP-160563. The codec mode and codec rate can be selected and determined based on the radio conditions. For example, in poor radio conditions, a lower codec rate can be used to generate a smaller RTP payload and reduce packet loss and end-to-end (E2E) delay and jitter. On the other hand, in good radio conditions, a higher codec rate can be used to ensure a better user experience for VoNR calls. The results of the corresponding study item can be found in TR36.750.

[0077] If the eNB determines that it is recommended for a UE in RRC_CONNECTED mode to modify the bit rate due to, for example, detecting poor radio conditions or network congestion in the uplink or downlink transmission direction, it may signal the recommended bit rate to the UE. The UE may use the recommended bit rate as input to initiate end-to-end rate adaptation by sending an application layer message (e.g., RTP Control Protocol (RTCP) or RTP Codec Mode Request (CMR)) to a peer UE or an associated media gateway (GW). Thus, the peer UE may obtain the recommended bit rate from its serving eNB to ensure E2E codec adaptation.

[0078] In the current codec bitrate adaptation scheme, E2E voice codec adaptation is based on the Access Network Bitrate Recommendation (ANBR) mechanism defined in the RAN (as agreed in LTE and NR). The details of the ANBR mechanism can be found in TS26.114 section 10.7, where the message ANBR is mapped to a MAC level message named "Recommended Bitrate MAC Control Element" and the message Access Network Bitrate Recommendation Query (ANBRQ) is mapped to a MAC level message named "Recommended Bitrate Query MAC Control Element". The "Request Maximum" message is a generic application level message corresponding to an RTP CMR or Application Defined RTP Control Protocol Packet (RTCP-APP) for voice.

[0079] In the current codec bit rate adaptation scheme, a multimedia telephony service for an IP Multimedia Subsystem (MTSI) client in a terminal receives both an ANBR with a bit rate R1 and a "request maximum" message with a bit rate R0 in its media sending direction, min(R0, R1) should be used as the combined bit rate for these two adaptation triggers. When the MTSI client in the terminal (e.g., UE1) receives an ANBR message for the local uplink that triggers an adaptation decision, if the adaptation results in an increase in the media sender bit rate (e.g., R2) in the uplink, it may result in an early increase in the media sender bit rate, taking into account other adaptation triggers. When the peer MTSI client in the terminal (e.g., UE2) receives application signaling for media bit rate adaptation (such as a frame type indicator (for voice)) that results in an increase in the media sender bit rate, UE2 should consider all available adaptation triggers for the local downlink, such as any bit rate limit from the most recently received ANBR message. If UE2 has reason to believe that the most recently received ANBR for its downlink is no longer applicable, it can send an ANBRQ message in its uplink to query whether the network (NW) can support the increased bit rate (R2) from the perspective of the NW. Based on the NW's decision (e.g., the RF indicator channel quality indicator (CQI) or reference signal received power (RSRP) received from the UE, and the overload status of the NW), the NW can indicate the recommended bit rate (e.g., R3, which is less than R2) to the UE in the ANBR. Therefore, UE2 can re-initialize the codec change negotiated with UE1.

[0080] Similarly, when the MTSI client in the terminal (UE1) receives an ANBR message for the local downlink that triggers the adaptation decision, an adaptation signaling matching the local downlink restrictions should be initiated to the remote media sender. Similarly, UE2 can trigger the ANBRQ and ANBR procedures again to check whether the increased bit rate can be supported.

[0081] Based on the above signaling process, if the voice codec adaptation leads to an increase in the media bit rate, the application signaling for bit rate adaptation received by the remote terminal (peer node) will trigger the adaptation decision. At least one RTT is required for the transmission of ANBRQ and ANBR messages between the terminal and the network. Due to the large delay in the NTN system, the codec adaptation process will take a considerable time, especially when the remote terminal cannot accept the increased bit rate, and it may take up to three RTTs to successfully negotiate the increased bit rate.

[0082] The delay in codec adaptation negotiation in NTN system may cause voice packet loss to occur longer compared to TN system. For example, UE1 applies an increased bit rate in voice packets and UE2 cannot support it, which may cause voice packets to be lost until the codec adaptation negotiation is completed. In addition, the delay in codec adaptation may delay the use of higher codec rate in good radio conditions to ensure better user experience of VoNR calls.

[0083] For NTN, satellites in non-GEO orbits move at high speed relative to a fixed position on the earth. The distance and path loss between the satellite and the UE are constantly changing. When the satellite moves away from the UE, the change in path loss is positive. When the satellite moves toward the UE, the change in path loss is negative. Therefore, the change trend of path loss and the coding bit rate of a UE can be predicted to some extent.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a scheme for codec bit rate adaptation is provided. In the scheme, a first terminal device negotiates a first codec bit rate with a second terminal device, the first codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used to communicate with the second terminal device. The first terminal device receives a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used to communicate with the first terminal device, and based on the second codec bit rate, determines a third codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used to communicate with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0085] In addition, the second terminal device negotiates with the first terminal device a first codec bit rate, the first codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used to communicate with the first terminal device; determines a second codec bit rate based on the movement of the second terminal device relative to the second network device serving the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used to communicate with the first terminal device; and sends the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device. In this way, unnecessary ANBR processes can be avoided, thereby reducing the delay of codec adaptation and, in the NTN system, the loss of voice packets when the bit rate increases in view of the trend of path loss changes. The following will refer to Figures 1 to 11 An example embodiment of the present disclosure for determining a terminal device identity is described.

[0086] Figure 1 An example network environment 100 is illustrated in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Environment 100 may be part of a communication network including UE 110, UE 120, satellite 130, and satellite 140. Figure 1 As shown, satellite 130 (hereinafter also referred to as “first satellite 130 ” or “first network device 130 ”) provides and manages service cell 101 , and satellite 140 (hereinafter also referred to as “second satellite 140 ” or “second network device 140 ”) provides and manages service cell 102 .

[0087] UE 110 (hereinafter also referred to as "first terminal device 110" or "first user equipment 110") and satellite 130 can transfer data and control information to each other within the coverage of serving cell 101. The link from satellite 130 to UE 110 is called downlink (DL), and the link from UE 110 to satellite 130 is called uplink (UL). Similarly, UE 120 (hereinafter also referred to as "second terminal device 120" or "second user equipment 120") and satellite 140 can transfer data and control information to each other within the coverage of serving cell 102. UE 110 can communicate with UE 120 via satellite 130 and satellite 140.

[0088] In the NTN scenario, the satellites 130 and 140 can serve as base stations (BSs) to provide service cells for the UEs 110 and 120, and the satellites 130 and 140 can also provide service cells for the UEs 110 and 120 through a gateway device ( Figure 1 1 and 12. In some other embodiments, the satellites 130 and 140 may serve as network relay nodes between the UE and the BS.

[0089] It should be understood that the numbers of network devices and terminal devices are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. System 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it can be understood that one or more terminal devices may be located in environment 100.

[0090] Communication in communication system 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), and sixth generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols (such as those of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc.), and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. In addition, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0091] Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating an example process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, process 200 will be described with reference to Figure 1 Process 200 may involve a first terminal device 110, a second terminal device 120, a first network device 130, and a second network device 140 as shown in Figure 1 It can be understood that although process 200 for a link has been described in the communication system 100 of Figure 1 the process can equally be applied to other communication scenarios.

[0092] In process flow 200, the first terminal device 110 negotiates 205 a first codec bit rate 202 with the second terminal device 120. The first codec bit rate 202 is supported by the first terminal device 110 for voice communication with the second terminal device 120. On the other side of the communication, the second terminal device 120 negotiates 210 the first codec bit rate 202 with the first terminal device 110. The first codec bit rate 202 is also supported by the second terminal device 120 for voice communication with the first terminal device 110. In some embodiments, voice terminals (e.g., the first terminal device 110 and the second terminal device 120) negotiate a maximum bit rate R0, and the two terminals communicate using a bit rate R1 (R1 < R0) during an ongoing call.

[0093] After negotiating 210 the first codec bit rate 202 with the first terminal device 110, the second terminal device 120 determines 215 a second codec bit rate 206 based on a movement of a second network device 140 serving the second terminal device 120 relative to the second terminal device 120, the second codec bit rate 206 being supported by the second terminal device 120 for voice communication with the first terminal device 110. Then, the second terminal device 120 sends 225 the second codec bit rate 206 to the first terminal device 110.

[0094] After receiving 220 the second codec bit rate 206 from the second terminal device 120, the first terminal device 110 determines 230 a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate 206, the third codec bit rate supported by the first terminal device 110 for voice communication with the second terminal device 120. The third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate 206. Through the process flow 200, the maximum codec bit rate supported by the second terminal 120 can be sent to the first terminal device 110, thereby avoiding unnecessary access network bit rate recommendation (ANBR) procedures.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may also send to the second terminal device 120 a first change trend of a first channel condition between a first network device 130 serving the first terminal device 110 and the first terminal device 110 during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate 202; and receive from the second terminal device 120 a second change trend of a second channel condition between a second network device 140 serving the second terminal device 120 and the second terminal device 120 during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate 202.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first channel condition is a first path loss associated with a first terminal device, and a decrease in the first path loss corresponds to an improvement in the first channel condition, and an increase in the first path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the first channel condition; or the second channel condition is a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a decrease in the second path loss corresponds to an improvement in the second channel condition, and an increase in the second path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the second channel condition.

[0097] In some embodiments, in order to receive the second codec bit rate 206, the first terminal device 110 may receive a previous codec bit rate from the second terminal device 120, the previous codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for the step size of the change in voice communication with the first terminal device, and determine the second codec bit rate 206 based on the previous codec bit rate and the step size. For example, the second terminal device 120 may also notify the first terminal device 110 of the step size of the increase / decrease for the maximum supported codec rate. After negotiating 210 the first codec bit rate 202, if there is no bit rate change between the first terminal device 110 and the second terminal device 120, the previous codec bit rate refers to the first codec bit rate. After negotiating 210 the first codec bit rate 202, if the bit rate between the first terminal device 110 and the second terminal device 120 changes, the previous codec bit rate refers to the codec bit rate supported by the first terminal device 110 and the second terminal device 120 after the last change.

[0098] In some embodiments, to determine the step length, the first terminal device 110 may determine the step length as a positive value based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving toward the second terminal device 120. And the first terminal device 110 may determine the step length as a negative value based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving away from the second terminal device 120.

[0099] In some embodiments, to determine the second codec bit rate 206, the first terminal device 110 may increase the previous codec bit rate by the step size based on determining that the second change trend indicates a decrease in the second path loss to obtain the second codec bit rate 206. And the first terminal device 110 may decrease the previous codec bit rate by the step size based on determining that the second change trend indicates an increase in the second path loss to obtain the second codec bit rate 206. For example, if a UE (e.g., the second terminal device 120) is moving toward the satellite, the step size may be a positive value. If a UE (e.g., the second terminal device 120) is moving away from the satellite, the step size may be a negative value. This may be achieved by exchanging the path loss change trend in 205. Using the received step size, the peer UE (e.g., the first terminal device 110) may derive a new maximum bit rate for the second terminal device 120 accordingly.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may send information indicating a change in the first change trend to the second terminal device 120 based on determining that the first change trend changes. In addition, the first terminal device 110 may receive information indicating a change in the second change trend from the second terminal device 120. For example, when the path loss change trend changes in certain circumstances, such as during a handover, the UE will notify another remote UE of the information, such as through RTCP-APP.

[0101] In some embodiments, in order to determine the third codec bit rate, the first terminal device 110 may send the second codec bit rate 206 to the first network device 130 serving the first terminal device 110. The first network device 130 determines the third codec bit rate supported by the first terminal device 110 based on the second codec bit rate 206, and sends the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device 110. For example, in order to determine the maximum bit rate R2, the first terminal device 110 may send the new maximum bit rate (i.e., R3 / R4) or step size supported by the second terminal device 120 to the first network device 130, and the first network device 130 determines the maximum bit rate R2 supported by the first terminal device 110 based on the new maximum bit rate (i.e., R3 / R4) and the current channel conditions, and the maximum bit rate R2 is less than or equal to R3 / R4. Then the first network device 130 sends the maximum bit rate R2 to the first terminal device 110.

[0102] In some embodiments, in order to determine the third codec bit rate, the first terminal device 110 may receive a fourth codec bit rate supported by the first terminal device 110 from the first network device 130 serving the first terminal device 110, and the fourth codec bit rate may be used for voice communication with the second terminal device 120. And the first terminal device 110 may determine the smaller of the second codec bit rate 206 and the fourth codec bit rate as the third codec bit rate. For example, in order to determine the maximum bit rate R2, the first network device 130 may determine the maximum bit rate R5 based on the current channel conditions, and send the maximum bit rate R5 to the first terminal device 110. The first terminal device 110 determines the maximum bit rate R2 supported by the first terminal device 110 based on the maximum bit rate R5 and the new maximum bit rate (i.e., R3 / R4) supported by the second terminal device 120, and the maximum bit rate R2 is less than or equal to R3 / R4.

[0103] For example, the first terminal device 110 and the first network device 130 may determine the maximum bit rate R2 (≤R3 / R4) supported by the first terminal device 110. Using the newly changed maximum bit rate (i.e., R3 / R4) or step size, if the UE (e.g., the first terminal device 110) determines to increase the codec data rate, the newly increased codec data rate shall not be greater than the new maximum bit rate supported by the second terminal device 120. Therefore, when the first terminal device 110 receives an increased bit rate request, the ANBR process in the second terminal device 120 is avoided, and the packet loss is reduced.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second codec bit rate 206 is carried in the codec mode request (CMR) in the real-time transport protocol (RTP), or carried in the application-defined RTP control protocol packet (RTCP-APP) message, and the third codec bit rate is carried in the recommended bit rate media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0105] In some embodiments, to determine the second codec bit rate 206, the second terminal device 120 may increase the previous codec bit rate based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving towards the second terminal device 120 to obtain the second codec bit rate 206, and decrease the previous codec bit rate based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving away from the second terminal device 120 to obtain the second codec bit rate 206. For example, if a UE (e.g., the second terminal device 120) is moving away from a satellite (e.g., the second network device 140), the UE may determine that the supported maximum bit rate may decrease as the satellite moves, and the supported maximum bit rate changes to R3 (R3 < R0). Alternatively, when the UE (e.g., the second terminal device 120) is moving towards the satellite, the UE determines that the supported maximum bit rate may increase as the satellite moves, and the supported maximum bit rate changes to R4 (R4 > R0). Then the UE will notify the peer UE (e.g., the first terminal device 110) with which it is communicating of the changed maximum bit rate as R3 or R4. This information may be carried in the CMR in the RTP, or the RTCP-APP message.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine the second codec bit rate 206 by determining the step size of the change from the previous codec bit rate to the second codec bit rate 206. In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine the step size as a positive value based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving towards the second terminal device 120. And the second terminal device 120 may determine the step size as a negative value based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving away from the second terminal device 120.

[0107] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine that the first path loss associated with the first terminal device 110 is reduced based on the first change trend. The second terminal device 120 then sends the second codec bit rate 206 to the first terminal device 110 after determining that the first path loss is reduced. For example, the second terminal device 120 sends the changed maximum bit rate / step size to the peer first terminal device 110 only when the path loss of the first terminal device 110 becomes smaller (i.e., the satellite moves towards the first terminal device 110 and the bit rate may increase). This can be achieved by exchanging the path loss change trend in 210.

[0108] In some embodiments, in order to determine the second codec bit rate 206, the second terminal device 120 may send a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device and a previous codec bit rate to the second network device 140. After the second network device 140 determines the second codec bit rate 206, the second terminal device 120 receives the second codec bit rate 206 from the second network device 140.

[0109] In some embodiments, to determine the second codec bit rate 206, the second terminal device 120 may receive a mapping between the second codec bit rate 206 and the RSRP or the second path loss associated with the second terminal device 120 from the second network device 140. The second terminal device 120 may determine the second codec bit rate 206 based on the mapping and the RSRP or the second path loss.

[0110] For example, from the perspective of the second terminal device 120, the following two methods may be used to determine the maximum supported bit rate change:

[0111] Option 1: The second terminal device 120 reports the measured RSRP and the negotiated maximum bit rate R0 to the second network device 140 , and the second network device 140 determines the change in the maximum supported bit rate and sends the changed maximum bit rate R3 / R4 to the second terminal device 120 .

[0112] Option 2: The second network device 140 broadcasts a mapping relationship between the maximum supported bit rate and RSRP / path loss, and the second terminal device 120 determines the maximum supported bit rate.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may send the second codec bitrate 206 to the first terminal device 110 only when the second codec bitrate 206 is different from the previous codec bitrate. For example, the second terminal device 120 may compare the maximum supported bitrate with the negotiated maximum bitrate. If the newly determined maximum bitrate R3 / R4 is less than / greater than the negotiated maximum bitrate R0, the second terminal device 120 sends the changed maximum bitrate to the remote peer UE.

[0114] Figure 3 Illustrates an example of an optimized codec bitrate adaptation process that may be used in example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 A new solution is given, that is, notifying the peer UE of the changed maximum bitrate. At 301, when voice terminals (e.g., UE1 and UE2) negotiate the maximum bitrate R0, they exchange the path loss change trend. In addition, when the path loss change trend changes in some cases (e.g., during handover), the UE will notify this information to another remote UE, for example, via RTCP-APP.

[0115] As Figure 3 shown, UE2 determines a new maximum bitrate based on the path loss change trend and sends a changed maximum bitrate signaling to UE1. If a UE (e.g., UE2) is moving away from the satellite and the supported maximum bitrate changes to R3 (R3 < R0), the UE will notify the communicating peer UE (e.g., UE1) of the changed maximum bitrate R3. If a UE (e.g., UE2) is moving towards the satellite and the supported maximum bitrate changes to R4 (R4 > R0), the UE will notify the communicating peer UE (e.g., UE1) of the changed maximum bitrate R4. This information may be carried in RTP or RTCP-APP.

[0116] Using the newly changed maximum bitrate, if UE1 decides to increase the codec data rate, the newly increased codec data rate will not be greater than the new maximum bitrate of UE2. Therefore, when UE2 receives a request for an increased bitrate, the ANBR process in UE2 is avoided and packet loss is reduced.

[0117] Figure 4 Illustrates an example of another optimized codec bitrate adaptation process that may be used in example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 Another example of the new solution is given, that is, notifying the peer UE of the step size for increasing / decreasing the maximum supported codec data rate.

[0118] As Figure 4As shown, UE2 determines a new maximum bit rate based on the path loss change trend, and sends a step size signaling to UE1. If a UE (e.g., UE2) is moving toward the satellite, the step size can be a positive value. If a UE (e.g., UE2) is moving away from the satellite, the step size can be a negative value. This can be achieved by exchanging the path loss change trend in 401. Using the received step size, the peer UE (e.g., UE1) can derive a new maximum bit rate for UE2 accordingly.

[0119] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 500 is described from the perspective of the first terminal device 110. It should be understood that the method 500 may also include additional blocks not shown, and / or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0120] At box 510, the first terminal device 110 can negotiate a first codec bit rate with the second terminal device 120, where the first codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device 110 and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device 120; at box 520, the first terminal device 110 can receive a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device 120, where the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device 120 and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device 110; at box 530, the first terminal device 110 can determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, where the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device 110 and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device 120, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may send to the second terminal device 120 a first change trend of a first channel condition between a first network device 130 serving the first terminal device 110 and the first terminal device 110 during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate; and receive from the second terminal device 120 a second change trend of a second channel condition between a second network device 140 serving the second terminal device 120 and the second terminal device 120 during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first channel condition is a first path loss associated with a first terminal device, and a decrease in the first path loss corresponds to an improvement in the first channel condition, and an increase in the first path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the first channel condition; or the second channel condition is a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a decrease in the second path loss corresponds to an improvement in the second channel condition, and an increase in the second path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the second channel condition.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may receive the second codec bit rate by: receiving a step size of a change in a previous codec bit rate from the second terminal device 120, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and determining the second codec bit rate based on the previous codec bit rate and the step size.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may determine the step length by: determining the step length as a positive value based on determining that the second network device is moving toward the second terminal device; and determining the step length as a negative value based on determining that the second network device is moving away from the second terminal device.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 can determine the second codec bit rate by: based on determining that the second change trend indicates that the second path loss is reduced, increasing the previous codec bit rate by a step size to obtain the second codec bit rate; and based on determining that the second change trend indicates that the second path loss is increased, reducing the previous codec bit rate by a step size to obtain the second codec bit rate.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may perform at least one of the following: based on determining that the first change trend changes, send information indicating the first change trend changes to the second terminal device 120; or receive information indicating the second change trend changes from the second terminal device 120. In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may determine the third codec bit rate by: sending the second codec bit rate to the first network device 130 serving the first terminal device 110; and receiving the third codec bit rate from the first network device 130.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may determine the third codec bit rate by: receiving a fourth codec bit rate from a first network device 130 serving the first terminal device 110, the fourth codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device 110 and being used for voice communication with the second terminal device 120; and determining the smaller of the second codec bit rate and the fourth codec bit rate as the third codec bit rate. In some embodiments, at least one of the following: the second codec bit rate is carried in a codec mode request (CMR) in a real-time transport protocol (RTP), or carried in an application-defined real-time transport protocol control protocol packet (RTCP-APP) message; or the third codec bit rate is carried in a recommended bit rate media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0128] Figure 6FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 600 is described from the perspective of the first terminal device 120. It should be understood that the method 600 may also include additional blocks not shown, and / or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0129] At box 610, the second terminal device 120 can negotiate a first codec bit rate with the first terminal device 110, which is supported by the second terminal device 120 and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device 110; at box 620, the second terminal device 120 can determine a second codec bit rate based on the movement of a second network device 140 serving the second terminal device 120 relative to the second terminal device 120, which is supported by the second terminal device 120 and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device 110; at box 630, the second terminal device 120 can send the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device 110.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 receives, from the first terminal device 110, a first change trend of a first channel condition between a first network device 130 serving the first terminal device 120 and the first terminal device 110 during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate; and sends, to the first terminal device 110, a second change trend of a second path loss associated with the second terminal device 120 during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first channel condition is a first path loss associated with a first terminal device, and a decrease in the first path loss corresponds to an improvement in the first channel condition, and an increase in the first path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the first channel condition; or the second channel condition is a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a decrease in the second path loss corresponds to an improvement in the second channel condition, and an increase in the second path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the second channel condition.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine the second codec bit rate by: increasing the previous codec bit rate to obtain the second codec bit rate based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving toward the second terminal device 120; and decreasing the previous codec bit rate to obtain the second codec bit rate based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving away from the second terminal device 120. In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine the second codec bit rate by: determining a step size of a change from a previous codec bit rate to the second codec bit rate.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine the step length by: determining the step length as a positive value based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving toward the second terminal device 120; and determining the step length as a negative value based on determining that the second network device 140 is moving away from the second terminal device 120. In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may send the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device 110 by sending the step length.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may send the second codec bit rate by: determining, based on the first change trend, that the first path loss associated with the first terminal device 110 is reduced; and based on determining that the first path loss is reduced, sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device 110. In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may do at least one of the following: sending information indicating a change in the second change trend to the first terminal device 110 based on determining that the second change trend has changed; or receiving information indicating a change in the first change trend from the first terminal device 110.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine the second codec bit rate by: sending a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device 120, and a previous codec bit rate to the second network device 140; and receiving the second codec bit rate from the second network device 140. In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may determine the second codec bit rate by: receiving a mapping between the second codec bit rate and the RSRP or the second path loss associated with the second terminal device 120 from the second network device 140; and determining the second codec bit rate based on the mapping and the RSRP or the second path loss.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second terminal device 120 may send the second codec bit rate by: based on determining that the second codec bit rate is different from the previous codec bit rate, sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device 110. In some embodiments, at least one of the following: the second codec bit rate is carried in a codec mode request (CMR) in a real-time transport protocol (RTP), or carried in an application-defined real-time transport protocol control protocol packet (RTCP-APP) message; or the third codec bit rate is carried in a recommended bit rate media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0137] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1The method 700 is described from the perspective of the first network device 130. It should be understood that the method 700 may also include additional blocks not shown, and / or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0138] At block 710, the first network device 130 may receive a second codec bit rate from the first terminal device 110, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device 120 for voice communication with the first terminal device 110. At block 720, the first network device 130 may determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device 110 for voice communication with the second terminal device 120, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate. At block 730, the first network device 130 may send the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device 110.

[0139] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 800 is described from the perspective of the second network device 140. It should be understood that the method 800 may also include additional blocks not shown, and / or omit some of the shown blocks, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0140] At block 810, the second network device 140 may receive, from the second terminal device 120, a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device 120, and a previous codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device 120 for voice communication with the first terminal device 110. At block 820, the second network device 140 may determine a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device 120 for voice communication with the first terminal device 110. At block 830, the second network device 140 may send the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device 120.

[0141] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 900 is described from the perspective of the second network device 140. It should be understood that the method 900 may also include additional blocks not shown, and / or omit some of the shown blocks, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0142] At block 910, the second network device 140 may determine, for the second terminal device 120, a mapping between a second codec bit rate and a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device 120, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device 120 for voice communication with the first terminal device 110. At block 920, the second network device 140 may send the mapping to the second terminal device 120.

[0143] In some embodiments, a device capable of executing any of the steps of method 500 (e.g., first terminal device 110) may include: a component for executing the corresponding steps of method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented as a circuit device or a software module.

[0144] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for negotiating a first codec bit rate with a second terminal device at a first terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and being used for voice communication with the second terminal device; a component for receiving a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for determining a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and being used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

[0145] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for sending a first change trend of a first channel condition between a first network device serving the first terminal device and the first terminal device to a second terminal device during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate; and a component for receiving a second change trend of a second channel condition between a second network device serving the second terminal device and the second terminal device from the second terminal device during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first channel condition is a first path loss associated with a first terminal device, and a decrease in the first path loss corresponds to an improvement in the first channel condition, and an increase in the first path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the first channel condition; or the second channel condition is a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a decrease in the second path loss corresponds to an improvement in the second channel condition, and an increase in the second path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the second channel condition.

[0147] In some embodiments, the component for receiving the second codec bit rate includes: a component for receiving a step size of a change in a previous codec bit rate from a second terminal device, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for determining the second codec bit rate based on the previous codec bit rate and the step size.

[0148] In some embodiments, the component for determining the step length includes: a component for determining the step length as a positive value based on determining that the second network device is moving toward the second terminal device; and a component for determining the step length as a negative value based on determining that the second network device is moving away from the second terminal device.

[0149] In some embodiments, the component for determining the second codec bit rate includes: a component for increasing the previous codec bit rate by a step size to obtain the second codec bit rate based on determining that the second change trend indicates a decrease in the second path loss; and a component for reducing the previous codec bit rate by a step size to obtain the second codec bit rate based on determining that the second change trend indicates an increase in the second path loss.

[0150] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one of: a component for sending information indicating a first change trend change to a second terminal device based on determining that the first change trend changes; or a component for receiving information indicating a second change trend change from a second terminal device.

[0151] In some embodiments, the means for determining the third codec bit rate includes: means for sending the second codec bit rate to a first network device serving the first terminal device; and means for receiving the third codec bit rate from the first network device.

[0152] In some embodiments, the component for determining the third codec bit rate includes: a component for receiving a fourth codec bit rate from a first network device serving a first terminal device, the fourth codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device for voice communication with a second terminal device; and a component for determining the smaller of the second codec bit rate and the fourth codec bit rate as the third codec bit rate.

[0153] In some embodiments, at least one of the following: the second codec bit rate is carried in a codec mode request (CMR) in a real-time transport protocol (RTP), or carried in an application-defined real-time transport protocol control protocol packet (RTCP-APP) message; or the third codec bit rate is carried in a recommended bit rate media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0154] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 500. In some embodiments, the component comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the performance of the apparatus.

[0155] In some embodiments, a device capable of executing any of the steps of method 600 (e.g., second terminal device 120) may include: a component for executing the corresponding steps of method 600. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented as a circuit device or a software module.

[0156] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for negotiating a first codec bit rate with a first terminal device at a second terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; a component for determining a second codec bit rate based on movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for receiving, from a first terminal device, a first change trend of a first channel condition between a first network device serving the first terminal device and the first terminal device during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate; and a component for sending, to the first terminal device, a second change trend of a second channel condition between a second network device serving the second terminal device and the second terminal device during the negotiation of the first codec bit rate.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first channel condition is a first path loss associated with a first terminal device, and a decrease in the first path loss corresponds to an improvement in the first channel condition, and an increase in the first path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the first channel condition; or the second channel condition is a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a decrease in the second path loss corresponds to an improvement in the second channel condition, and an increase in the second path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the second channel condition.

[0159] In some embodiments, the component for determining the second codec bit rate includes: a component for increasing the previous codec bit rate to obtain the second codec bit rate based on determining that the second network device is moving toward the second terminal device; and a component for reducing the previous codec bit rate to obtain the second codec bit rate based on determining that the second network device is moving away from the second terminal device.

[0160] In some embodiments, the means for determining the second codec bit rate comprises means for determining a step size of a change from a previous codec bit rate to the second codec bit rate.

[0161] In some embodiments, the component for determining the step length includes: a component for determining the step length as a positive value based on determining that the second network device is moving toward the second terminal device; and a component for determining the step length as a negative value based on determining that the second network device is moving away from the second terminal device.

[0162] In some embodiments, the means for sending the second codec bit rate includes: means for sending the step size to the first terminal device.

[0163] In some embodiments, the component for sending the second codec bit rate includes: a component for determining that a first path loss associated with a first terminal device is reduced based on a first change trend; and a component for sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device based on determining that the first path loss is reduced.

[0164] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one of: a component for sending information indicating a change in the second change trend to the first terminal device based on determining that the second change trend has changed; or a component for receiving information indicating a change in the first change trend from the first terminal device.

[0165] In some embodiments, the component for determining the second codec bit rate includes: a component for sending a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate to a second network device; and a component for receiving the second codec bit rate from the second network device.

[0166] In some embodiments, the component for determining the second codec bit rate includes: a component for receiving a mapping between the second codec bit rate and the RSRP or second path loss associated with the second terminal device from the second network device; and a component for determining the second codec bit rate based on the mapping, and the RSRP or the second path loss.

[0167] In some embodiments, the means for sending the second codec bit rate includes means for sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device based on determining that the second codec bit rate is different from a previous codec bit rate.

[0168] In some embodiments, at least one of the following: the second codec bit rate is carried in a codec mode request (CMR) in a real-time transport protocol (RTP), or in an application-defined RTP control protocol packet (RTCP-APP) message; or the third codec bit rate is carried in a recommended bit rate media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0169] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 600. In some embodiments, the component comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the performance of the apparatus.

[0170] In some embodiments, a device capable of executing any of the method 700 (e.g., the first network device 130) may include: a component for executing the corresponding steps of the method 700. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented as a circuit device or a software module.

[0171] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving a second codec bit rate from a first terminal device at a first network device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and being used for voice communication with the first terminal device; a component for determining a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and being used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; and a component for sending the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

[0172] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 700. In some embodiments, the component comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform.

[0173] In some embodiments, a device capable of executing any of the methods 800 (e.g., the second network device 140) may include: a component for executing the corresponding steps of the method 800. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented as a circuit device or a software module.

[0174] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving, at a second network device, a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with a second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate from a second terminal device, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; a component for determining a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for sending the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device.

[0175] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 800. In some embodiments, the component comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform.

[0176] In some embodiments, a device capable of executing any of the methods 900 (e.g., the second network device 140) may include: a component for executing the corresponding steps of the method 900. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented as a circuit device or a software module.

[0177] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for determining, at a second network device, a mapping between a second codec bit rate and a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device for a second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal for voice communication with the first terminal device; and a component for sending the mapping to the second terminal device.

[0178] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 900. In some embodiments, the component comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform.

[0179] Fig.10 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 1000 may be used to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1The first terminal device 110, the second terminal device 120, the first network device 130, and the second network device 140 are shown. As shown in the figure, the device 1000 includes: one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1020 coupled to the processors 1010, and one or more communication modules 1040 coupled to the processors 1010.

[0180] The communication module 1040 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 1040 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface required to communicate with other network elements.

[0181] Processor 1010 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network, and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1000 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0182] The memory 1020 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1024, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and other magnetic storage devices and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0183] Computer program 1030 includes computer executable instructions executed by associated processor 1010. Program 1030 may be stored in ROM 1024. Processor 1010 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1030 into RAM 1022.

[0184] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by the program 1030 so that the device 1000 may execute the following steps: Figures 2 to 9 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0185] In some embodiments, the program 1030 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 1000 (such as in the memory 1020) or in other storage devices accessible to the device 1000. The device 1000 may load the program 1030 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 1022 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Fig.11 An example of a computer readable medium 1100 in the form of a CD or DVD is illustrated. The computer readable medium has a program 1030 stored thereon.

[0186] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0187] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform the above referenced Figures 2 to 9 The process 200, 300 or 400, or the method 500, 600, 700, 800 or 900 described herein. Typically, a program module includes a routine, program, library, object, class, component, data structure, etc. that performs a specific task or implements a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine executable instructions for the program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, the program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0188] The program code for executing the disclosed method can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the function / operation specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be realized. The program code can be executed completely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0189] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0190] The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A more specific example of a computer readable storage medium will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0191] In addition, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in order, or performing all the operations shown, to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0192] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first terminal device at least: Negotiate with a second terminal device a first codec bit rate, where the first codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device; receiving a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as Based on the second codec bit rate, a third codec bit rate is determined, the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

2. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: During the negotiation of the first codec bit rate, sending to the second terminal device a first change trend of a first channel condition between a first network device serving the first terminal device and the first terminal device; and During the negotiation of the first codec bit rate, a second change trend of a second channel condition between a second network device serving the second terminal device and the second terminal device is received from the second terminal device.

3. The first terminal device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the following: The first channel condition is a first path loss associated with the first terminal device, and a decrease in the first path loss corresponds to an improvement in the first channel condition, and an increase in the first path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the first channel condition; or The second channel condition is a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, and a decrease in the second path loss corresponds to an improvement in the second channel condition, and an increase in the second path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the second channel condition.

4. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal device is caused to receive the second codec bit rate by: receiving, from the second terminal device, a step size of a previous codec bit rate change, the step size of the previous codec bit rate change being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and The second codec bit rate is determined based on the previous codec bit rate and the step size.

5. The first terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the first terminal device is caused to determine the step size by: Based on determining that the second network device is moving toward the second terminal device, determining the step length to be a positive value; and Based on determining that the second network device is moving away from the second terminal device, the step size is determined to be a negative value.

6. The first terminal device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first terminal device is caused to determine the second codec bit rate by: Based on determining that the second change trend indicates a decrease in the second path loss, increasing the previous codec bit rate by the step size to obtain the second codec bit rate; and Based on determining that the second change trend indicates an increase in the second path loss, the previous codec bit rate is reduced by the step size to obtain the second codec bit rate.

7. The first terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to perform at least one of the following: Based on determining that the first change trend has changed, sending information indicating that the first change trend has changed to the second terminal device; or Information indicating a change in the second change trend is received from the second terminal device.

8. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first terminal device is configured to determine the third codec bit rate by: Sending the second codec bit rate to a first network device serving the first terminal device; and The third codec bit rate is received from the first network device.

9. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first terminal device is configured to determine the third codec bit rate by: receiving a fourth codec bit rate from a first network device serving the first terminal device, the fourth codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device; and A smaller one of the second codec bit rate and the fourth codec bit rate is determined as the third codec bit rate.

10. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the following is: The second codec bit rate is carried in a codec mode request (CMR) in a real-time transport protocol (RTP) or in an application-defined real-time transport protocol control protocol packet (RTCP-APP) message; or The third codec bit rate is carried in a recommended bit rate medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

11. A second terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second terminal device at least: Negotiate with the first terminal device a first codec bit rate, where the first codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; Determine a second codec bit rate based on a movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, where the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as Send the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

12. The second terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: During the negotiation of the first codec bit rate, receiving from the first terminal device a first change trend of a first channel condition between a first network device serving the first terminal device and the first terminal device; and During the negotiation of the first codec bit rate, a second change trend of a second channel condition between a second network device serving the second terminal device and the second terminal device is sent to the first terminal device.

13. The second terminal device according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the following: The first channel condition is a first path loss associated with the first terminal device, and a decrease in the first path loss corresponds to an improvement in the first channel condition, and an increase in the first path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the first channel condition; or The second channel condition is a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, and a decrease in the second path loss corresponds to an improvement in the second channel condition, and an increase in the second path loss corresponds to a deterioration in the second channel condition.

14. The second terminal device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second terminal device is caused to determine the second codec bit rate by: Based on determining that the second network device is moving toward the second terminal device, increasing a previous codec bit rate to obtain the second codec bit rate, the previous codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and Based on determining that the second network device is moving away from the second terminal device, the previous codec bit rate is reduced to obtain the second codec bit rate.

15. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second terminal device is caused to determine the second codec bit rate by: A step size of a change from the previous codec bit rate to the second codec bit rate is determined.

16. The second terminal device according to claim 15, wherein the second terminal device is caused to determine the step size by: Based on determining that the second network device is moving toward the second terminal device, determining the step length to be a positive value; and Based on determining that the second network device is moving away from the second terminal device, the step size is determined to be a negative value.

17. The second terminal device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second terminal device is caused to send the second codec bit rate by: Send the step size to the first terminal device.

18. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second terminal device is caused to send the second codec bit rate by: Based on the first change trend, determining that the first path loss associated with the first terminal device is reduced; and Based on determining that the first path loss is reduced, the second codec bit rate is sent to the first terminal device.

19. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to perform at least one of the following: Based on determining that the second change trend has changed, sending information indicating that the second change trend has changed to the first terminal device; or Information indicating a change in the first change trend is received from the first terminal device.

20. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the second terminal device is caused to determine the second codec bit rate by: Sending a reference signal received power (RSRP) or the second path loss associated with the second terminal device and the previous codec bit rate to the second network device; and The second codec bit rate is received from the second network device.

21. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the second terminal device is caused to determine the second codec bit rate by: receiving, from the second network device, a mapping between the second codec bit rate and an RSRP or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device; and Based on the mapping and the RSRP or the second path loss, the second codec bit rate is determined.

22. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the second terminal device is caused to send the second codec bit rate by: Based on determining that the second codec bit rate is different from the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate is sent to the first terminal device.

23. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein at least one of the following: The second codec bit rate is carried in a codec mode request (CMR) in a real-time transport protocol (RTP) or in an application-defined real-time transport protocol control protocol packet (RTCP-APP) message; or The third codec bit rate is carried in a recommended bit rate medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

24. A first network device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first network device at least: receiving a second codec bit rate from a first terminal device, wherein the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; Determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; as well as The third codec bit rate is sent to the first terminal device.

25. A second network device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second network device at least: receiving, from a second terminal device, a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; Determine a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, where the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as The second codec bit rate is sent to the second terminal device.

26. A second network device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second network device at least: For a second terminal device, determining a mapping between a second codec bit rate and a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and The mapping is sent to the second terminal device.

27. A method comprising: At the first terminal device, negotiate with the second terminal device a first codec bit rate, the first codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device; receiving a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as Based on the second codec bit rate, a third codec bit rate is determined, the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

28. A method comprising: At the second terminal device, negotiate with the first terminal device a first codec bit rate, where the first codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; Determine a second codec bit rate based on a movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, where the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as Send the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

29. A method comprising: At the first network device, receiving a second codec bit rate from the first terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; Determine a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; as well as The third codec bit rate is sent to the first terminal device.

30. A method comprising: receiving, at the second network device, from a second terminal device, a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; Determine a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, where the second codec bit rate is supported by the second terminal device and is used for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as The second codec bit rate is sent to the second terminal device.

31. A method comprising: At the second network device, determining, for a second terminal device, a mapping between a second codec bit rate and a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; and The mapping is sent to the second terminal device.

32. An apparatus comprising: A component for negotiating, at a first terminal device, a first codec bit rate with a second terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device; a component for receiving a second codec bit rate from the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as A component for determining a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, wherein the third codec bit rate is supported by the first terminal device and is used for voice communication with the second terminal device, and the third codec bit rate is less than or equal to the second codec bit rate.

33. An apparatus comprising: A component for negotiating a first codec bit rate at a second terminal device with a first terminal device, the first codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device and used for voice communication with the first terminal device; a component for determining a second codec bit rate based on a movement of a second network device serving the second terminal device relative to the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as A component for sending the second codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

34. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, at a first network device, from a first terminal device, a second codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; a component for determining a third codec bit rate based on the second codec bit rate, the third codec bit rate being supported by the first terminal device and used for voice communication with the second terminal device, the third codec bit rate being less than or equal to the second codec bit rate; as well as A component for sending the third codec bit rate to the first terminal device.

35. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, at a second network device, from a second terminal device, a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, and a previous codec bit rate supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; means for determining a second codec bit rate based on the RSRP or the second path loss and the previous codec bit rate, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as A component for sending the second codec bit rate to the second terminal device.

36. An apparatus comprising: means for determining, at a second network device, for a second terminal device, a mapping between a second codec bit rate and a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a second path loss associated with the second terminal device, the second codec bit rate being supported by the second terminal device for voice communication with the first terminal device; as well as Means for sending the mapping to the second terminal device.

37. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 27 to 31.

Images