Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device. The communication efficiency of terminal equipment can be improved. The method comprises: a terminal device receives a first signaling, and sends first uplink data in response to the first signaling; and the terminal equipment receives the second signaling and sends second uplink data in response to the second signaling, and the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data. Wherein the first signaling carries a first process number, the second signaling carries a second process number, both the first signaling and the second signaling are used for paging the terminal device, or both the first signaling and the second signaling are used for indicating time / time slot resources for random access. According to the method, the time delay between the two inventory events can be reduced, so that the inventory rate can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) technology, such as Ambient IoT (A-IoT), has been introduced into wireless communication systems. A-IoT is composed of readers and passive / semi-passive / active tags based on the cellular network communication infrastructure. In this scenario, the tags are terminals in the cellular network, such as extremely low-power and extremely low-complexity IoT terminals. The reader can be a base station. Since the time required for the base station to process the uplink signal is relatively long, the inventory rate is low and the communication quality is poor. This is particularly obvious in the single-tag scenario in A-IoT. For example, in scenarios such as target tracking in A-IoT, individual tags need to be inventoried repeatedly. In this scenario, a high inventory rate is required. If the inventory rate is low, a large inventory delay will be caused. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to improve the inventory rate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can improve the communication efficiency of terminal devices.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method can be a terminal device, or a chip, a chip system, or a circuit located in the terminal device. This method can be implemented through the following steps: receiving a first signaling, and in response to the first signaling, sending first uplink data; receiving a second signaling, and in response to the second signaling, sending second uplink data, where the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data. Here, the first signaling carries a first process number, the second signaling carries a second process number, and both the first signaling and the second signaling are used to page the terminal device, or both the first signaling and the second signaling are used to indicate the time / slot resources for random access.

[0005] Compared with triggering the next inventory event after ending one inventory event, this application can reduce the delay between two inventory events by triggering the next inventory event during the period when the network device processes the first uplink data, thereby improving the inventory rate. For example, assume that the duration of an inventory event is T. In the way of triggering the next inventory event after ending one inventory event, it takes at least 2T to complete two inventory events. In this application, when triggering the next inventory event before one inventory event ends, there is an overlapping period t between the two inventory events. Then, it takes 2T - t to complete two inventory times. It can be seen that the delay of at least t duration can be reduced.

[0006] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates skipping random access. With the above design, the first terminal device skipping the random access process can further reduce the inventory latency, thereby further improving the inventory rate.

[0007] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates skipping random access, including: the first signaling indicates not to send a random number for random access, or the first signaling indicates not to listen for a third signaling, and the third signaling indicates time / slot resources for random access.

[0008] In a possible design, if the first signaling is used to indicate time / slot resources for random access, the first signaling indicating skipping random access includes: the first signaling carries a parameter Q, and the value of the parameter Q is 0, where the parameter Q is used to indicate the number of random access time slots included in a time slot. With the above design, implicitly indicating skipping random access through the parameter Q can, on the one hand, reduce signaling overhead, and on the other hand, reduce implementation complexity.

[0009] In a possible design, the method further includes: starting a timer, where the timer is used to indicate the time period during which the third signaling carrying the first process number is not responded to, and the third signaling is used to page the terminal device or the third signaling is used to indicate time / slot resources for random access. The above design is beneficial for managing inventory events through the timer.

[0010] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates the duration of the timer.

[0011] In a possible design, the method further includes: receiving a fourth signaling, where the fourth signaling indicates resetting or discarding the first process number; resetting or discarding the first process number. Through the above method, the inventory event corresponding to the first process number can be ended in a timely manner, thereby further reducing the inventory latency and improving the inventory rate.

[0012] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) rule, and the CRC rule is that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than a threshold value, no cyclic redundancy check is performed on the first uplink data.

[0013] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates a CRC rule, and the CRC rule is that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than (or equal to) a threshold value, a CRC of a first number of bits is performed on the first uplink data. If the number of bits of the first uplink data is greater than (or equal to) the threshold value, a CRC of a second number of bits is performed on the first uplink data. Among them, the first number of bits is less than the second number of bits.

[0014] The above solution can reduce the duration required for the access network device to process uplink data by reducing the number of bits of the CRC or not performing CRC verification, thereby further improving the inventory rate.

[0015] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates the processing duration of the first uplink data.

[0016] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The execution entity of this method can be a network device or a chip, chip system, or circuit located in the network device. This method can be implemented through the following steps: sending a first signaling to a first terminal device and receiving first uplink data from the first terminal device; sending a second signaling to the first terminal device and receiving second uplink data, where the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data. Among them, the first signaling carries a first process number, the second signaling carries a second process number, and both the first signaling and the second signaling are used to page the terminal device, or both the first signaling and the second signaling are used to indicate the time / slot resources for random access.

[0017] Compared with triggering the next inventory event after ending one inventory event, the present application can reduce the delay between two inventory events by triggering the next inventory event during the time period when the network device processes the first uplink data, thereby improving the inventory rate. For example, assuming that the duration of an inventory event is T, in the way of triggering the next inventory event after ending one inventory event, it takes at least 2T to complete two inventory events. However, in the present application, when triggering the next inventory event before one inventory event ends, there is an overlapping time period t between the two inventory events, then it takes 2T - t to complete two inventory times. It can be seen that the delay of at least t duration can be reduced.

[0018] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates skipping random access. Through the above design, the first terminal device skipping the random access process can further reduce the inventory delay, thereby further improving the inventory rate.

[0019] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates skipping random access, including: the first signaling indicates not sending a random number for random access, or the first signaling indicates not listening for a third signaling, and the third signaling indicates the time / slot resources for random access.

[0020] In a possible design, if the first signaling is used to indicate the time / slot resources for random access, and the first signaling indicates skipping random access, it includes: the first signaling carries a parameter Q, and the value of the parameter Q is 0, where the parameter Q is used to indicate the number of random access time slots included in a time slot. Through the above design, implicitly indicating skipping random access by the parameter Q can reduce the signaling overhead on the one hand and reduce the implementation complexity on the other hand.

[0021] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates the duration of a timer, where the timer is used to indicate the time period during which the terminal device does not respond to the third signaling carrying the first process number, and the third signaling is used to page the terminal device or the third signaling is used to indicate the time / slot resources for random access. The above design facilitates the management of inventory events through the timer.

[0022] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending a fourth signaling, where the fourth signaling indicates to reset or discard the first process number. By the above method, the inventory event corresponding to the first process number can be ended in a timely manner, thereby further reducing the inventory delay and improving the inventory rate.

[0023] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates a CRC rule, where the CRC rule is that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than a threshold value, no cyclic redundancy check is performed on the first uplink data.

[0024] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates a CRC rule, where the CRC rule is that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than (or equal to) the threshold value, a CRC of a first number of bits is performed on the first uplink data. If the number of bits of the first uplink data is greater than (or equal to) the threshold value, a CRC of a second number of bits is performed on the first uplink data. Among them, the first number of bits is less than the second number of bits.

[0025] The above solution can reduce the duration required for the access network device to process uplink data by reducing the number of bits of the CRC or not performing a CRC check, thereby further improving the inventory rate.

[0026] In a possible design, the first signaling further indicates the processing duration of the first uplink data.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, and the device is a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device. This communication device has the function of implementing any of the methods provided in the first aspect above. This communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0028] In a possible design, the communication device includes: a processor configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the terminal device in the method shown above. The communication device may further include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores the necessary program instructions and data of the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as service network devices, for example, the transceiver of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces.

[0029] In a possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules respectively for implementing the steps in the above method. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0030] In a possible design, the structure of the communication device includes a processing unit (or processing module) and a communication unit (or communication module), and these units can execute the corresponding functions in the above method examples. For specific details, refer to the description of the method provided in the first aspect, and details will not be elaborated here.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, which is a network device or a chip in a network device. The communication device has the function of implementing any of the methods provided in the second aspect above. The communication device may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0032] In a possible design, the communication device includes: a processor configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the network device in the method shown above. The communication device may further include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores the necessary program instructions and data of the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and devices such as terminal devices, for example, the transceiver of data or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces.

[0033] In a possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules respectively for implementing the steps in the above method. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0034] In a possible design, the structure of the communication device includes a processing unit (or processing module) and a communication unit (or communication module). These units can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples. For specific details, refer to the description in the method provided in the second aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor uses logic circuits or executes code instructions to implement the methods in the foregoing first aspect and any possible designs.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor uses logic circuits or executes code instructions to implement the methods in the foregoing second aspect and any possible designs.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions are executed by a processor, the methods in the foregoing first aspect or second aspect and any possible designs are implemented.

[0038] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product storing instructions is provided. When the instructions are run by a processor, the methods in the foregoing first aspect or second aspect and any possible designs are implemented.

[0039] In a ninth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes a processor and may also include a memory, and is used to implement the methods in the foregoing first aspect or second aspect and any possible designs. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0040] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided. The system includes a first terminal device and a network device. Among them, the network device sends a first signaling to the first terminal device. The first terminal device sends first uplink data to the network device. The network device sends a second signaling to the first terminal device. The time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data. The first terminal device sends second uplink data to the network device. Among them, the first signaling carries a first process number, the second signaling carries a second process number, and both the first signaling and the second signaling are used to page the terminal device, or both the first signaling and the second signaling are used to indicate time / slot resources for random access.

[0041] The technical effects achievable by the technical solutions of any one of the third to tenth aspects described above can be described by referring to the technical effects achievable by the technical solutions of the first aspect above. Repeated descriptions will not be elaborated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a communication system with a separated reader and writer;

[0044] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of an inventory process provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of an inventory process provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of an inventory process provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0048] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0050] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can be applied to the Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT includes Ambient IoT (A-IoT), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. IoT technology is widely used in various industrial fields. For example, IoT technology can be applied to scenarios such as logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, or environmental monitoring. IoT is implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. RFID technology is a non-contact communication technology implemented using radio frequency communication. Its principle is that there is no need for contact between the reader / writer and the tag, and data communication is achieved through radio waves. IoT technology can be applied to communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems, the 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or can also be applied to other next-generation mobile communication systems, such as the 6th Generation (6G) communication system, or other similar communication systems. Other similar communication systems may include Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Vehicle to Everything (V2X), and so on.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 Taking the example that this communication system includes a terminal device and a network device. Figure 1 The network architecture shown is only illustrative. The number of terminal devices and network devices can be less or more. The communication system described in the embodiments of this application is to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication systems applicable to the embodiments of this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art know that with the evolution of the network architecture, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems. When applying the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiments can be replaced with the corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems without limitation.

[0052] Among them, any device capable of data communication with a network device can be regarded as a terminal device. A terminal device is also referred to as a terminal, a terminal device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, or a mobile terminal, etc. For example, a terminal device can be: a mobile phone, a computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a robotic arm, a camera, a robot, or a smart home device (such as a TV, an air conditioner, a floor sweeper, a speaker, a set-top box), a relay, a customer premise equipment (CPE), a device with a tagging function. For example, a terminal device can be a tag in IoT / A-IoT, etc. Figure 1 Taking the terminal device as an A-IoT terminal as an example.

[0053] A tag can be called an RFID tag or an electronic tag, and can also be called an A-IoT terminal or an A-IoT device. Generally, it is attached to an object to identify the target object. The tag can receive a radio frequency signal from a reader. Relying on the energy obtained from the induced current, the tag can send out the information stored in the chip inside the tag. Or, the tag can also actively send a signal of a certain frequency to the reader, and the reader reads the information from the tag. The design of the tag is relatively simple. It integrates the application layer signaling and the air interface signaling, and has the characteristics of low power consumption. Tags are divided into three types: active, passive, and semi-active / semi-passive. Active tags are also called active tags, passive tags are also called passive tags, and semi-active / semi-passive tags are also called semi-passive tags. Active tags / active tags are equipped with a power supply and adopt a communication method of actively generating a carrier wave, that is, they can actively send signals to the reader without obtaining the energy for sending signals according to the received signals. Passive tags / passive tags are not equipped with a power supply module or the power of the power supply module is less, and can adopt a communication method based on backscatter. They can obtain energy from the environment and send signals through this energy. Passive tags can work in a reflection communication scenario. For example, passive tags obtain energy by reflecting signals from the reader to transmit data. Semi-active / semi-passive tags integrate the advantages of active tags and passive tags and can be used as a special marker. Usually, semi-active / semi-passive tags are in a dormant state and can be inactive and do not send signals to the outside world; only when they enter the activation signal range of the low-frequency activator, the semi-active / semi-passive tags are activated and start to work. The tags involved in the embodiments of this application can be active tags, passive tags, or semi-active / semi-passive tags, etc.

[0054] In the embodiments of the present application, a tag can be regarded as a type of terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal devices in the present application can be of the following three types: Passive terminal: It has no energy storage, cannot generate signals independently, and uses backscattering to transmit signals; Semi-passive terminal: It has energy storage, but cannot generate signals independently, uses backscattering to transmit signals, and the stored energy can amplify the reflected signals; Active terminal: It has energy storage, can generate signals independently, and has active radio frequency components for transmission.

[0055] Both the tag device and the reader can be implemented based on the infrastructure in the cellular network, or the tag device and the reader can be devices in the cellular network. For example, the function of the reader can be implemented by a network device or a terminal device, and the tag device can be implemented by a terminal device in the cellular network. For example, the tag device can be an Internet of Things terminal with extremely low power consumption and extremely low complexity. When a terminal device has the function of a tag device, non-contact data communication can be performed between the terminal device and a network device or another terminal device.

[0056] For the various terminal devices introduced above, if they are located on a vehicle (for example, placed / installed inside the vehicle), they can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices. The in-vehicle terminal device can be built into the vehicle's in-vehicle module, in-vehicle module group, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit as one or more components or units. The in-vehicle terminal device can also be a vehicle device, in-vehicle module, vehicle, on-board unit (OBU), roadside unit (RSU), telematics box (T-box), chip, or system on chip (SOC), etc. The above-mentioned chip or SOC can be installed in a vehicle, OBU, RSU, or T-box.

[0057] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or a device that can support the terminal device to implement this function, such as a chip system or a combined device or component that can implement the function of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the terminal device. For example, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can be in the form of a tag, or in other terminal forms. Unless otherwise specified, the terminal device and the tag can be replaced with each other.

[0058] A network device is also referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device. The RAN can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as an LTE system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future evolved system (e.g., a 6G mobile communication system). The RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a virtualized RAN (vRAN), etc. The RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. The RAN device can also be referred to as an RAN node, an RAN entity, or an access node, etc. For example, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, etc. The RAN node in V2X technology can be an RSU, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, etc.

[0059] The RAN node can also be a module or unit that completes some functions of the base station; or multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist the terminal device in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement some functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU), etc. In different systems, the CU, DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be called an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be called an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be called an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be called an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be called an O-RU. For the convenience of description, in this application, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are used as examples for description. The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. This application embodiment does not limit which protocol layers the CU and DU are respectively configured with. Any one of the CU, DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present application, a network device may be built with a reader-writer. When the terminal device is a tag, communication between the tag and the network device may be through the Uu interface, as Figure 1 shown. The functions of the reader-writer may be further separated, and the reader-writer is divided into a receiver and a helper. The receiver is also referred to as a receiving end or a receiving unit, and the helper is also referred to as an exciting end or an exciting unit. The exciting unit is equivalent to the transmitter in the reader-writer, and the receiving unit is equivalent to the receiver in the reader-writer. When the reader-writer is implemented in a separated architecture, different entities of the reader-writer may be deployed on different network devices, as Figure 2 shown. Figure 2 In Figure 2 , a helper is deployed on a first network device to perform the sending function of the reader-writer; a receiver is deployed on a second network device to perform the receiving function of the reader-writer. The transmission between the helper and the reader-writer / network device may be through the air interface or in a wired connection manner.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the functions of the network device may be the network device itself or a device capable of supporting the network device to implement such functions, such as a chip system or a combined device or component capable of implementing the functions of the network device. This device may be installed in the network device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the network device.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there may be three relationships. For example, A and / or B may indicate: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B may be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item)" or its similar expression refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c may indicate: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c may be single or multiple.

[0063] Also, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects and do not limit the size, content, order, time sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first process number and the second process number are only used to distinguish different process numbers, rather than indicating differences in the size, priority, or importance of these two process numbers.

[0064] It should be noted that in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific manner.

[0065] As used in the following descriptions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes other steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0066] Tags can be applied to a variety of industry fields. Logistics management, as a typical application, realizes logistics management by taking inventory of physical tags. Tag inventory requires tags to access the network. After each tag randomly accesses the network, it can report the tag's identification to the reader, so that the reader can determine the presence of tags within the covered range. After a tag accesses the network, it can interact with network devices (such as readers) and / or core network elements to exchange some service information. For example, the core network element can forward a message to the tag through the network device, and the message can include information about the operations to be performed on the tag. Or, the network device can also forward a message from the tag to the core network element. The network device can parse or process messages from the core network element or the tag. Common tag services include inventory, read, write, positioning, kill, or obtaining tag information, etc. Among them, inventory, which can also be called stocktaking, is used to obtain the identifications of all tags within the coverage of the network device; read can read data from the tag; write can write data to the tag; positioning can obtain the location information of the tag; kill, also known as inactivation, can make the tag identification invalid or inactivated; obtaining tag information can obtain information about the tag, such as the tag's identification, the information stored in the tag, the location information of the tag, etc. The above tag services are only listed, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the quantity and types of tag services. For example, tag services also include authentication services.

[0067] The following introduces the technical background involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0068] In A-IoT, the network device can take inventory of the terminal device. The specific inventory process is similar to the inventory process in RFID. In RFID, the inventory process is as Figure 3 shown.

[0069] S301. The reader / writer sends a Select signaling.

[0070] The Select signaling includes the identification range of the tag to be selected. The identification range of the tag includes the identification of the tag.

[0071] Optionally, the Select signaling can also be replaced by a downlink trigger signaling, or a paging signaling, or a system message. Exemplarily, this message / signaling is used to select / page at least one tag, or trigger at least one tag to wake up, or enter the inventory process, or start listening for other downlink signaling related to random access.

[0072] Optionally, the Select signaling can carry a mask or a group identification or identification information. If the tag matches the mask or the group identification or the identification information, it responds to the Select signaling. If the tag does not match the mask or the group identification or the identification information, it does not respond to the Select signaling.

[0073] Optionally, the Select signaling can also instruct (such as through an action field) the tag to generate a flag bit. Here, the flag bit is only an exemplary name and can also be described as a status identification, etc. The tag determines whether to complete this round of inventory / data transmission / service according to the flag bit. For example, if the flag bit remains unchanged, it indicates that it is not completed. If the flag bit flips, it indicates that this round of inventory / data transmission / service is completed. Optionally, after completing this round of inventory / data transmission / service, the tag can stop responding to other downlink signaling and start listening for the next Select signaling.

[0074] S302. The reader / writer sends a Query signaling.

[0075] Optionally, the reader / writer can also directly send a Query signaling to trigger the tag to enter the access / inventory of this round or subsequent time slots without sending a Select signaling / a paging signaling / a system message.

[0076] The Query signaling can carry a Q value. Q can determine the number of random access time slots. By setting the Q value, the access collision between tags can be reduced. The Query signaling can also carry a flag bit and a session identification. The tag determines whether to respond or enter the subsequent inventory / access process according to whether it matches the flag bit and / or the session identification. For example, if it matches, it generates a random number or a time slot number according to Q (specifically refer to the relevant description in S304). If it does not match, it does not respond to the Query signaling.

[0077] S303. The reader / writer sends a QueryRep signaling.

[0078] The reader / writer can send the QueryRep signaling multiple times. For example, the reader / writer can repeatedly send 2Q A QueryRep signaling.

[0079] S303 only shows one QueryRep signaling. Subsequent QueryRep signalings can be sent after S305 or S306.

[0080] Exemplarily, each QueryRep corresponds to the start or end of an access time slot. The tag can randomly select an access time slot and initiate access, send uplink data, or receive downlink data in the corresponding access time slot.

[0081] S304. The tag sends a random number to the reader.

[0082] Exemplarily, the random number can also be a temporary identifier of the UE. For example, the random number or the temporary identifier can be used for contention resolution of random access and / or initiating a random access request.

[0083] When the tag determines that its own identifier is within the identifier range indicated by the Select signaling, after detecting the Query signaling, it sends a random number to the reader in response to the Query signaling. The tag can generate a random number between [0, 2 Q -1] according to the Q value. For example, if Q = 4, the tag generates a random number between [0, 15]. The tag records the number of random numbers as the initial value of the counter. Each time the tag receives a QueryRep signaling, counter - 1. When counter is 0, the tag sends a random number to initiate access.

[0084] S305. The reader sends an acknowledgment (ACK) signaling or a contention resolution identifier to the tag. The ACK signaling includes the random number received from the tag.

[0085] Exemplarily, the random number is used to indicate successful reception of uplink data or successful contention resolution of random access.

[0086] The reader sends an ACK signaling to the tag. If the random number included in the ACK signaling is the same as the random number sent by the tag to the reader, then the tag accesses the reader.

[0087] S306. The tag sends the electronic product code (EPC) of the tag to the reader.

[0088] In one implementation, the reader forwards / passthroughs / sends the received data to a core network element (the core network element may be an access and mobility management function (AMF), a network exposure function (NEF), a tag management function (TMF), etc.).

[0089] Exemplarily, the tag is not limited to sending EPC, and may also send other uplink data, such as extended product code (XPC), tag ID, UE ID, application layer data, product code, etc., or other data stored in the tag memory bank, which can be used for the reader to identify the tag or complete services (such as inventory, positioning, sensing, tracking, reading, writing, locking, inactivation, etc.).

[0090] In wireless communication, the signaling bit length needs to meet byte alignment, and the time required for the network device to process the uplink signal is relatively long, which may reach hundreds of microseconds or even several milliseconds. This means that after the network device receives the uplink data, it will take hundreds of microseconds or even several milliseconds to process the uplink data, and only after processing can it send a downlink data feedback. During this period, this will also cause waste of time-domain resources and result in a low inventory rate (i.e., the number of tags read per second). This is particularly obvious in the single-tag scenario in A-IoT, such as scenarios like target tracking in A-IoT, where a single tag needs to be inventoried repeatedly. In this scenario, a high inventory rate is required. If the inventory rate is low, it will result in a large inventory delay.

[0091] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for solving the problem of low inventory rate in A-IoT. Among them, the method and the apparatus are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles of the method and the apparatus for solving the problem are similar, the implementation of the apparatus and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be elaborated. Among them, the method and the apparatus are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles of the method and the apparatus for solving the problem are similar, the implementation of the apparatus and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be elaborated.

[0092] Exemplarily, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the A-IoT scenario, especially suitable for the single-tag (or single-user) scenario in A-IoT. Among them, the single-tag scenario can be a scenario where there is only one tag or only one tag is inventoried in the communication environment. In the single-tag scenario, the tag can be inventoried once or multiple times.

[0093] The following takes the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application being executed by a network device and a terminal as an example for introduction. The steps executed by the network device can be implemented by the network device itself, or can be implemented by components in the network device (such as a baseband chip, or other processing units or processors, etc.). The steps executed by the terminal device can be implemented by the terminal device itself, or can be implemented by components in the terminal device (such as a chip, a processing unit, or a processor, etc.).

[0094] The naming of each message / signaling in the present application is only an example, and the present application does not limit the specific naming of each message / signaling. As long as it can meet the functions / limitations / meanings / descriptions, etc. of the message, it can be understood as the message. For example, the paging signaling and the Select signaling are only exemplary namings of the paging message. As long as it can meet the functions / limitations / meanings / descriptions, etc. of the paging message in the present application, it can be understood as the paging message of the present application.

[0095] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 which shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. This method is used for a network device to obtain the working mode of a terminal.

[0097] S401, the network device sends a first signaling to a first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first signaling from the network device.

[0098] The first signaling can be used to page the terminal device, or select the terminal device, or trigger the terminal device to start listening for downlink signaling, or trigger the terminal device to send uplink data. For example, the first signaling can be a paging message. Exemplarily, the paging message can be a paging signaling or a Select signaling, etc. Or, the first signaling can be used to indicate the time / slot resources for random access. For example, the first signaling can be a Query signaling.

[0099] In one example, the first signaling can carry a first process number.

[0100] It should be noted that the process number is only an exemplary naming used to identify an inventory event. The process number can also be described as an identifier, an event identifier, an event number, etc.

[0101] In another example, the first signaling can carry a multi-process / parallel indication identifier.

[0102] After receiving the first signaling carrying the multi-process / parallel indication identifier, the first terminal device can continue to respond to other signaling carrying the multi-process / parallel indication identifier, such as the second signaling in the following text.

[0103] S402, the first terminal device sends first uplink data to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first uplink data.

[0104] Among them, the first uplink data can be sent by the first terminal device in response to the first signaling, or, it can also be understood that the first uplink data is associated with the first signaling, or the first uplink data is associated with the inventory event corresponding to the first process number, or the first uplink data is associated with the first process number, etc.

[0105] Optionally, the first uplink data carries the first process number or the multi-process / parallel indication identifier to indicate that the uplink data corresponds to the first signaling.

[0106] It should be noted that in this application, "inventory event" can also be described as "inventory service", "inventory process", "inventory operation", "inventory check event", "inventory check service", "inventory check process", "inventory check operation", etc.

[0107] In a possible implementation manner, after sending the first uplink data, the first terminal device can start a timer.

[0108] Before the timer times out, the first terminal device does not respond to the downlink signaling carrying the process number that the first terminal device is maintaining (or saving), such as a paging message / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling. Among them, the process number that the first terminal device is maintaining (or saving) includes the first process number. Or, before the timer times out, the first terminal device can respond to other downlink signaling carrying the multi-process / parallel indication identifier, such as a paging message / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling.

[0109] Optionally, the duration of the timer can be indicated by the network device, such as indicated by the first signaling, or, it can also be predefined by the protocol, etc.

[0110] In an exemplary illustration, the duration of the timer can be the processing time of the first uplink data. Among them, the processing time of the first uplink data can be understood as the time for the network device to process the first uplink data, or, it can also be understood as the time for the network device to respond to the first uplink data, or, it can also be understood as the time interval between the first uplink data and the feedback information corresponding to the first uplink data.

[0111] As an alternative solution, the first terminal device may also reset the first process number before the timer expires. For example, the first terminal device may reset the first process number under the trigger of the fourth signaling from the network device.

[0112] In a possible implementation manner, the network device may send the fourth signaling after processing the first uplink data.

[0113] Exemplarily, the fourth signaling may be a paging message / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling, etc.

[0114] It should be noted that resetting the first process number may also be described as discarding the first process number, stopping maintaining the first process number, no longer saving the first process number, allowing response to the first process number, releasing the first process number, etc.

[0115] Through the above method, the inventory event corresponding to the first process number can be ended in time, thereby further reducing the inventory delay and improving the inventory rate.

[0116] A possible way to indicate the process number is that the first m process numbers are indicated by the high n bits of this field, and the (m + 1)-th process number and the subsequent process numbers are indicated by N bits, where both N and n are integers, and n is less than N, and m is an integer greater than 0.

[0117] For example, assume n = 2 and N = 3. The first 2 process numbers can be indicated by 2 bits. For example, 00 represents process #1, and 01 represents process #2. The 3rd and subsequent process numbers are indicated by 3 bits. For example, 100 represents process #3, and 101 represents process #4.

[0118] Assume n = 2 and N = 4. The first 2 process numbers can be indicated by 2 bits. For example, 00 represents process #1, and 01 represents process #2. The 3rd and subsequent process numbers are indicated by 4 bits. For example, 1000 represents process #3, 1001 represents process #4, 1010 represents process #5, 1011 represents process #6, 1100 represents process #7, 1101 represents process #8, and so on.

[0119] It should be understood that the above examples are only illustrative with the process numbers starting from 1.

[0120] In the above method, the process number is indicated by a variable-length field, enabling the network device to indicate the process number with fewer bits when the number of processes is relatively small, thereby saving signaling overhead. And by shortening the signaling length, the time for the terminal device to read the signaling is reduced. Therefore, the inventory rate can be further improved through this method.

[0121] S403, the network device sends a second signaling to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the second signaling from the network device.

[0122] In one example, the second signaling carries a second process number. The indication method is similar to the way the first signaling indicates the first process number, and specific details can refer to the previous description.

[0123] In another example, the second signaling may carry a multi-process / parallel indication flag.

[0124] Optionally, after sending the second uplink data, the first terminal device can also start a timer corresponding to the second uplink data.

[0125] Before the timer expires, the first terminal device does not respond to the downlink signaling carrying the process number that the first terminal device is maintaining (or saving), such as a paging message / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling. Among them, the process number that the first terminal device is maintaining (or saving) includes the second process number. Or, before the timer expires, the first terminal device can respond to other downlink signaling carrying the multi-process / parallel indication flag, such as a paging message / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling. The specific method is similar to the first terminal device starting a timer after sending the first uplink data, and will not be elaborated here.

[0126] Furthermore, the first terminal device can also reset the second process number before the timer corresponding to the second uplink data expires. For example, the first terminal device can reset the second process number under the trigger of the fifth signaling from the network device. The specific method is similar to the first terminal device resetting the first process number, and will not be elaborated here.

[0127] The second signaling can be used to page the terminal device, or select the terminal device, or trigger the terminal device to start listening for downlink signaling, or trigger the terminal device to send uplink data. For example, the second signaling can be a paging message. Or, the second signaling can be used to indicate the time / slot resource for random access. For example, the second signaling can be a Query signaling.

[0128] The second signaling is sent by the network device before the inventory event corresponding to the first process number ends. Or, it can also be understood that the inventory event corresponding to the first process number and the inventory event corresponding to the second process number cross in the time domain (or there is an overlapping time period). Or, it can also be understood that the network device sends the second signaling to the first terminal device before sending the feedback information of the first uplink data to the first terminal device. Or, it can also be understood that the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data.

[0129] S404, the first terminal device sends second uplink data to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second uplink data from the first terminal device.

[0130] Among them, the second uplink data may be sent by the first terminal device in response to the second signaling, or, it can also be understood that the second uplink data is associated with the second signaling, or the second uplink data is associated with the inventory event corresponding to the second process number, or the second uplink data is associated with the second process number, etc.

[0131] Optionally, the second uplink data carries the second process number or a multi-process / parallel indication identifier, used to indicate that the uplink data corresponds to the second signaling.

[0132] Compared with triggering the next inventory event after ending one inventory event, in this application, by triggering the next inventory event during the time period when the network device processes the first uplink data, the delay between two inventory events can be reduced, thereby improving the inventory rate. For example, assuming the duration of an inventory event is T, in the way of triggering the next inventory event after ending one inventory event, it takes at least 2T duration to complete two inventory events. However, in this application, when triggering the next inventory event before one inventory event ends, there is an overlapping time period t between the two inventory events, then it takes 2T - t duration to complete two inventory events. It can be seen that the delay of at least t duration can be reduced.

[0133] In a possible way, after receiving the first signaling, the first terminal device can skip the random access process or not perform the random access process. For example, after receiving the first signaling, the first terminal device can not listen to the Query signaling / QueryRep signaling, or, not respond to the Query signaling / QueryRep signaling, or, not send a random number. Or, if the first terminal device performs random access based on a 4-step random access process, after receiving the first signaling, the first terminal device can not send Message 1 (Msg1) and / or Message 3 (Msg3), or, not listen to Message 2 (Msg2) and / or Message 4 (Msg4). Or, if the first terminal device performs random access based on a 2-step random access process, after receiving the first signaling, the first terminal device can not send Message A (MsgA), or, not listen to Message B (MsgB).

[0134] Among them, Msg1 or msgA can also be called a random access request message / random access preamble (preamble), etc.

[0135] Msg2 can also be referred to as a random access response message (RAR). Optionally, the RAR may include an identifier of a preamble, a temporary cell - radio network temporary identifier (TC - RNTI), a timing advance (TA), an uplink grant (UL grant), etc.

[0136] Msg3 can also be referred to as a transmission scheduling message, an RRC connection request message, an RRC re - establishment request message, an RRC resume request message, or an RRC setup request message, etc.

[0137] Msg4 or msgB can also be referred to as a UE contention resolution identity message, an RRC connection setup completion message, a random access response message, etc.

[0138] Optionally, the network device can indicate to skip random access through a first signaling. Among them, the first signaling indicating to skip random access can also be described as: the first signaling indicates not to send a random number for random access; or, the first signaling indicates not to listen for Query signaling / QueryRep signaling; or, the first signaling indicates single - tag inventory; or, the first signaling indicates that the first terminal device does not listen for other downlink signaling and directly sends uplink data, etc.

[0139] As an exemplary description, "skipping random access" can also be described as not performing random access, not initiating random access, etc. Not responding to XXX can also be described as discarding XXX, not listening for XXX, not decoding XXX, or not sending a response message for XXX, etc.

[0140] In one example, the first signaling can explicitly indicate skipping random access. For example, the first signaling carries an indication information / field / identifier / indication domain, etc. indicating skipping random access.

[0141] In another example, the first signaling can implicitly indicate skipping random access.

[0142] For example, the first signaling may implicitly indicate skipping random access by carrying a process number. Alternatively, if the first signaling is a Query signaling, the first signaling may also implicitly indicate skipping random access in the following manner: the first signaling carries a parameter Q, and the value of the parameter Q is 0, where the parameter Q is used to indicate the number of random access time slots included in a time slot. For example, Q indicates 2 Q random access time slots, and each random access time slot allows a terminal device to access. For specific details, reference may be made to the relevant description in S304 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0143] For another example, the first signaling may implicitly indicate skipping random access by carrying a multi-process / parallel indication identifier or a first process number. If the first signaling carries a multi-process / parallel indication identifier or a first process number, it indicates skipping random access.

[0144] It can be understood that the first terminal device may also skip the random access process after receiving the second signaling, and the second signaling may also indicate skipping random access. For specific details, reference may be made to the relevant description of the first terminal device skipping the random access process after receiving the first signaling and the first signaling indicating skipping random access, which will not be repeated here.

[0145] For the convenience of understanding the solution, the solution provided in this application will be introduced below by taking the first signaling as a paging message and the first signaling as a Query signaling as examples respectively.

[0146] Example 1: The first signaling is a paging message.

[0147] As Figure 5 shown, the inventory process may include:

[0148] S501, the network device sends a paging message 1 to the first terminal device.

[0149] Among them, the paging message 1 carries Process #1. Optionally, the paging message 1 also indicates that the first terminal device skips random access.

[0150] For specific details of the paging message 1, reference may be made to the description of the first signaling above.

[0151] S502, the first terminal device sends uplink data #1.

[0152] Optionally, if the paging message 1 also indicates skipping random access, the first terminal device may skip the random access process after receiving the paging message 1. For example, the network device does not send a Query signaling / QueryRep signaling, the first terminal device does not respond to or listen for the Query signaling / QueryRep signaling, and the first terminal device does not send a random number.

[0153] Optionally, the first terminal device starts Timer 1 after sending uplink data #1. During the timing of Timer 1, the first terminal device does not respond to paging messages carrying process number #1. It can be understood that the first terminal device can respond to paging messages of other process numbers during the timing of Timer 1. For the specific method, reference can be made to the description of the timer in the previous text, which will not be repeated here.

[0154] S503, the network device sends a paging message 2 to the first terminal device.

[0155] Among them, the paging message 2 carries process #2. Optionally, the paging message 2 also indicates skipping random access.

[0156] For the specific content of the paging message 2, reference can be made to the description of the second signaling in the previous text.

[0157] S504, the first terminal device sends uplink data #2.

[0158] Optionally, if the paging message 2 also indicates skipping random access, the first terminal device can skip the random access process after receiving the paging message 2. For example, the network device does not send a Query signaling / QueryRep signaling, and the first terminal device does not respond to the Query signaling / QueryRep signaling and does not send a random access request random number.

[0159] Optionally, the first terminal device starts Timer 2 after sending uplink data #2. During the timing of Timer 2, the first terminal device does not respond to paging messages carrying process number #2. It can be understood that the first terminal device can respond to paging messages of other process numbers during the timing of Timer 2. For the specific method, reference can be made to the description of the timer in the previous text, which will not be repeated here.

[0160] Similarly, the subsequent network device can also trigger other inventory events of the first terminal device, that is, send a Select signaling carrying other process numbers. For the specific content, reference can be made to the inventory event corresponding to process #2, which will not be elaborated here.

[0161] Example 2: The first signaling is a Query signaling.

[0162] As Figure 6 shown, the inventory process may include:

[0163] S601, the network device sends a Query signaling 1 to the first terminal device.

[0164] Among them, the Query signaling 1 carries process #1. Optionally, the Query signaling 1 also indicates that the first terminal device skips random access, or indicates that the first terminal device does not listen to other downlink signals and directly sends uplink data.

[0165] The Query signaling 1 can specifically refer to the description of the first signaling in the previous text.

[0166] S602, the first terminal device sends uplink data #1.

[0167] Optionally, if the Query signaling 1 also indicates skipping random access, the first terminal device can skip the random access process after receiving the Query signaling 1. For example, the first terminal device does not send a random number.

[0168] Optionally, the first terminal device starts timer 1 after sending the uplink data #1. During the timing of this timer 1, the first terminal device does not respond to the Query signaling carrying process number #1. It can be understood that the first terminal device can respond to the Query signaling of other process numbers during the timing of this timer 1. This method can specifically refer to the description of the timer in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0169] S603, the network device sends Query signaling 2 to the first terminal device.

[0170] Among them, the Query signaling 2 carries process #2. Optionally, the Query signaling 2 also indicates skipping random access.

[0171] The Query signaling 2 can specifically refer to the description of the second signaling in the previous text.

[0172] S604, the first terminal device sends uplink data #2.

[0173] Optionally, if the Query signaling 2 also indicates skipping random access, the first terminal device can skip the random access process after receiving the Query signaling 2. For example, the first terminal device does not send a random number.

[0174] Optionally, the first terminal device starts timer 2 after sending the uplink data #2. During the timing of this timer 2, the first terminal device does not respond to the Query signaling carrying process number #2. It can be understood that the first terminal device can respond to the Query signaling of other process numbers during the timing of this timer 2. This method can specifically refer to the description of the timer in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0175] Similarly, the subsequent network device can also trigger other inventory events of the first terminal device, that is, send Query signaling carrying other process numbers. Specifically, it can refer to the inventory event corresponding to process #2 and will not be elaborated here.

[0176] The signaling involved in the above two examples, such as Select signaling / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling / random number, etc., can refer to the previous text Figure 3Descriptions of paging messages / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling, random numbers, etc.

[0177] The process of the first terminal device performing multiple inventory events is introduced above. The following introduces six solutions that can further improve the inventory rate. It should be understood that the following six solutions can be combined Figure 4 with the method described above, or can be implemented independently of Figure 4 the method described above, and the following six solutions can be combined with each other or implemented independently.

[0178] Solution 1:

[0179] Currently, the logical channel identification (LCID) is carried in the MAC CE, and the LCID is used to indicate the MAC CE.

[0180] A way for the LCID to indicate the MAC CE is that the LCID includes K bits, h MAC CEs are indicated by the high k bits of the LCID, and other MAC CEs are indicated by the K bits. h, K, and k are all integers, and k is less than K, and h is an integer greater than 0.

[0181] For example, assume k = 2 and K = 4. Two MAC CEs can be indicated by 2 bits. For example, the MAC CE with the highest usage frequency can be indicated. For example, 11 indicates the QueryRep signaling, and 01 indicates the UE Contention Resolution Identity. Other MAC CEs are indicated by 4 bits. For example, 00000 indicates Feedback, 0001 indicates Flag Unchange, 0010 indicates Query signaling, 0011 indicates random numbers, 1000 indicates the paging control channel (PCCH) or the passive link paging control channel (PLPCCH). Here, PLPCCH is the paging control channel for A-IoT or passive IoT. PCCH and PLPCCH are only exemplary names, and the present application does not make specific limitations on the naming of the paging control channel. 1001 indicates the PLCCH (passive link control channel) or CCCH (common control channel). Here, PLCCH / CCCH are only exemplary names, and the present application does not make specific limitations on the names of the channels. 1010 and 1011 are reserved states, as shown in Table 1.

[0182] Table 1

[0183] LCID MAC CE 11 QueryRep signaling 01 UE Contention Resolution Identity 0000 Feadback 0001 Flag Unchange 0010 Query signaling 0011 Random number 1000 PCCH / PLPCCH 1001 PLCCH / CCCH 1010，1011 Reserved

[0184] It should be understood that the correspondence between the above LCID status and MAC CE, the number of bits of LCID, etc. are only exemplary descriptions.

[0185] In the above manner, the MAC CE is indicated by a variable-length field of LCID, so that the network device uses fewer bits to indicate the MAC CE with a higher usage frequency, thereby saving signaling overhead, and by shortening the signaling length, the time for the terminal device to read the signaling is reduced. Therefore, the inventory rate can be further improved by this method.

[0186] It should be noted that the LCID indicating the MAC CE can also be described as the LCID indicating the service data unit (SDU), or the LCID indicating the padding bit, etc.

[0187] Solution 2:

[0188] Currently, in wireless communication, the MAC header or MAC CE needs to satisfy 8-bit alignment, that is, byte alignment. That is, the length of each MAC header or MAC CE needs to be an integer multiple of 8 bits. If the length of the valid field is not an integer multiple of 8 bits, reserved bits need to be filled to make it an integer multiple of 8 bits. However, the reserved bits will cause some additional signaling length overhead, and because more bits are transmitted, the inventory rate is affected.

[0189] A solution is that the MAC header or MAC CE is not 8-bit aligned and the reserved bits are removed. That is, the MAC header or MAC CE has no 8-bit alignment constraint (or restriction).

[0190] For example, the MAC header of the QueryRep signaling includes an LCID field, a session field, and a process field. Among them, the LCID field can be 2 bits or 4 bits. Taking the above Table 1 as an example, the LCID field can be 2 bits, the session field is 1 bit, and the process field is 3 bits. Therefore, the bit length of the MAC header of the QueryRep signaling can be 6 bits. It can be seen that compared with the MAC header under the 8-bit alignment constraint, the MAC header of the QueryRep signaling in this solution is reduced by 2 bits.

[0191] For another example, when the control information (CI) is equal to 0, the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling includes a CI field with a length of 1 bit, and the bit length of the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling can be 1 bit. It can be seen that compared with the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling under the 8-bit alignment constraint, the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling in this solution is reduced by 6 bits.

[0192] When CI is equal to 1, the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling includes a CI field, a pilot tone field, a preamble field, a Midamble field, a forward error correction (FEC) indication field, a repetition field, and an index field. Among them, the CI field includes 1 bit, the pilot tone field includes 1 bit, the preamble field includes 2 bits, the Midamble field includes 4 bits, the FEC indication field includes 1 bit, the repetition field includes 2 bits, and the index field includes 6 bits. Therefore, the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling can include 17 bits. It can be seen that compared with the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling under the 8-bit alignment constraint, the MAC CE of the QueryRep signaling in this solution is reduced by 7 bits.

[0193] Solution 3:

[0194] The number of bits of the random number may not be an integer multiple of 8. Optionally, the number of bits of the random number can be configured by the network device through the Query signaling / QueryRep signaling. For example, if the number of terminal devices is large, the number of bits of the random number is large; if the number of terminal devices is small, the number of bits of the random number is large.

[0195] Solution 4:

[0196] The network device can send uplink scheduling information to the terminal device.

[0197] For example, the network device can carry the uplink scheduling information in the Query signaling. Alternatively, the network device can also carry the uplink scheduling information in other downlink signaling.

[0198] In one implementation, the network device can carry the uplink scheduling information in the Query signaling, and the uplink scheduling information is used to indicate the resources for the first terminal device to send uplink data. The network device can also update the uplink scheduling information through other downlink signaling. For example, carry new uplink scheduling information in other downlink signaling.

[0199] In a specific implementation, assume that the Query signaling carries uplink scheduling information 1, and other downlink signaling (assume it is Signaling 1) carries uplink scheduling information 2. The terminal device can perform uplink transmission using or based on uplink scheduling information 1 before receiving Signaling 1. After receiving Signaling 1, when performing an uplink transmission after executing Signaling 1 (or understood as an uplink transmission corresponding to / associated with / triggered by Signaling 1), it uses or based on uplink scheduling information 2, and still uses uplink scheduling information 1 when performing other uplink transmissions.

[0200] In another specific implementation, assume that the Query signaling carries uplink scheduling information 1, and other downlink signaling carries uplink scheduling information 2. The terminal device can perform uplink transmission using uplink scheduling information 1 before receiving Signaling 1, and perform uplink transmission using uplink scheduling information 2 after receiving Signaling 1.

[0201] An exemplary illustration is that the uplink scheduling information may include at least one of the following: frequency domain resource allocation information, block (block) repetition times (or bit repetition times / data packet repetition times, etc.), start boundary of the uplink transmission frame (or start position of the uplink transmission frame), or preamble sequence length. Exemplarily, a block may refer to a data block for uplink transmission.

[0202] Optionally, the uplink scheduling information may further include Midamble configuration, FEC indication, or channel coding code rate (Code Rate).

[0203] Among them, the Midamble configuration indicates the configuration of the midamble (intermediate preamble) of the uplink transmission sequence. For example, it can indicate the midamble sequence, such as indicating four midamble sequences through 2 bits. Optionally, the bit length of each sequence can be different, such as 8, 16, 32, 64, etc. The Midamble configuration can also indicate parameters of the uplink transmission, where the parameters of the uplink transmission are used to determine the position of the midamble in the sequence.

[0204] The FEC indication is used to indicate whether the uplink transmission uses channel coding / forward error correction coding, such as convolutional coding, or polar coding. For example, it can be indicated by 1 bit whether the uplink transmission uses convolutional coding or polar coding.

[0205] The Code Rate can indicate the channel coding code rate used for the uplink transmission, such as the code rate of convolutional coding or polar coding. For example, it can be indicated by 2 bits to select 4 code rates: 00 indicates a code rate of 1 / 8, 01 indicates 1 / 4, 10 indicates 1 / 2, and 11 indicates 1.

[0206] Optionally, the code rate can be jointly indicated with the FEC indication. For example, a code rate of 1 corresponds to not using FEC.

[0207] In addition, the uplink scheduling information can also indicate other parameters, such as the level or bit repetition times (chip repetition / bit repetition), Manchester coding, configuration parameters of the line code (PIE), etc.

[0208] The above information can be configured separately, together, or multiple indications can be jointly configured through a single field. For example, a single field / identifier / index can be associated with one piece of information or multiple pieces of information.

[0209] For example, in a scenario with poor coverage (or described as poor communication quality), the resources configured by the uplink scheduling information have at least one of the following differences from the resources configured by the uplink scheduling information in a scenario with good coverage (or described as good communication quality):

[0210] The frequency-domain resources in the poor-coverage scenario are greater than those in the good-coverage scenario;

[0211] The block repetition times (or bit repetition times / packet repetition times, etc.) in the poor-coverage scenario are greater than those in the good-coverage scenario;

[0212] The length of the preamble sequence in the poor-coverage scenario is greater than that in the good-coverage scenario.

[0213] The code rate in the poor-coverage scenario is greater than that in the good-coverage scenario.

[0214] Among them, good coverage (or described as good communication quality) can mean that the signal strength is greater than the signal strength threshold, the signal quality is greater than the signal strength threshold, the signal power is greater than the signal power threshold, and so on. Similarly, poor coverage (or described as poor communication quality) can mean that the signal strength is less than the signal strength threshold, the signal quality is less than the signal strength threshold, the signal power is less than the signal power threshold, and so on. No specific limitations are made here.

[0215] The above solution can flexibly configure the inventory resources through the uplink scheduling information, which is beneficial to reducing resource fragmentation, reducing the transmission delay, and is also beneficial to improving the coverage, thereby being beneficial to improving the inventory rate.

[0216] Solution Five:

[0217] The network device can send Information 1 to the terminal device, and Information 1 is used to indicate the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) rule.

[0218] Among them, the CRC rule is that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than (or equal to) the threshold value, the first uplink data is not subjected to CRC. If the number of bits of the first uplink data is greater than (or equal to) the threshold value, the first uplink data is subjected to CRC.

[0219] Alternatively, the CRC rule is that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than (or equal to) the threshold value, the first uplink data is subjected to CRC with the number of the first bits. If the number of bits of the first uplink data is greater than (or equal to) the threshold value, the first uplink data is subjected to CRC with the number of the second bits. Among them, the number of the first bits is less than the number of the second bits.

[0220] In the above Scheme 1, by reducing the number of bits of CRC or not performing CRC check, the time required for the access network device to process the uplink data can be reduced, so that the inventory rate can be further improved.

[0221] Scheme 6:

[0222] The network device can send Information 2 to the terminal device, and Information 2 is used to indicate the processing duration of the uplink data. For example, Information 2 can indicate the range of the processing duration of the uplink data, or can indicate the specific duration of the processing duration of the uplink data, or can indicate the maximum value and / or minimum value of the processing duration of the uplink data, etc.

[0223] Among them, Information 2 is used to indicate the processing duration of the uplink data, and can also be described as Information 2 indicating the handover delay from the network device uplink to the downlink, Information 2 indicating the duration for the network device to receive the uplink data and send the feedback information of the uplink data, etc.

[0224] For example, it can be default that the processing duration of the uplink data is the first duration, and when the communication quality is good, it is indicated by the first signaling that the processing duration of the uplink data is the second duration, where the second duration is less than the first duration.

[0225] For another example, it can be default that the processing duration of the uplink data is the second duration, and when the communication quality is poor, it is indicated by the first signaling that the processing duration of the uplink data is the first duration, where the second duration is less than the first duration.

[0226] For still another example, when the communication quality is poor, it is indicated by the first signaling that the processing duration of the uplink data is the first duration, and when the communication quality is good, it is indicated by the first signaling that the processing duration of the uplink data is the second duration.

[0227] Among them, for the good communication quality and the poor communication quality, reference can be made to the relevant description in Scheme 3, and it will not be repeated here.

[0228] Based on the above Solution 4 / Solution 5 / Solution 6, a possible implementation is that the network device can send uplink scheduling information / Information 1 / Information 2 to all paged / selected terminal devices. For example, the network device can send the uplink scheduling information / Information 1 / Information 2 through multicast (or broadcast or groupcast) signaling such as paging messages / Query signaling / QueryRep signaling.

[0229] Another possible implementation is that the network device can send uplink scheduling information / Information 1 / Information 2 to a single terminal device. For example, the network device can send the uplink scheduling information / Information 1 / Information 2 through unicast signaling such as ACK signaling / feedback signaling / contention resolution identifier / NACK signaling.

[0230] Based on the same inventive concept as the method embodiment, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, and the structure of the communication device can be as Figure 7 shown, including a communication unit 701 and a processing unit 702.

[0231] In one implementation, the communication device can specifically be used to implement Figure 4 the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment. The device can be the terminal device itself, or a chip or chipset in the terminal device, or a part of the chip for executing the relevant method functions. Among them, the processing unit 702 is used to receive a first signaling through the communication unit 701. The first signaling carries a first process number, and the first signaling is used to page the terminal device or the first signaling is used to indicate the time / slot resource for random access; and, in response to the first signaling, send first uplink data through the communication unit 701; and, receive a second signaling through the communication unit 701. The second signaling carries a second process number, and the second signaling is used to page the terminal device or the second signaling is used to indicate the time / slot resource for random access, and the second process number is not equal to the first process number; and, in response to the second signaling, send second uplink data through the communication unit 701; wherein, the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data.

[0232] Optionally, the processing unit 702 is further used to start a timer, and the timer is used to indicate the time period during which the third signaling carrying the first process number is not responded to. The third signaling is used to page the terminal device or the third signaling is used to indicate the time / slot resource for random access.

[0233] Optionally, the processing unit 702 is further used to receive a fourth signaling through the communication unit 701, and the fourth signaling indicates to reset or discard the first process number; and, reset or discard the first process number.

[0234] In one embodiment, the communication device may specifically be used to implement Figure 4 the method executed by the network device in the embodiment of Figure 4 . The device may be the network device itself, or a chip or chipset in the network device, or a part of the chip for executing the relevant method functions. Among them, the processing unit 702 is configured to send a first signaling to the first terminal device through the communication unit 701. The first signaling carries a first process number. The first signaling is used to page the terminal device or the first signaling is used to indicate the time / slot resource for random access. The first identifier is used to identify the inventory event. And receive the first uplink data from the first terminal device through the communication unit 701. And send a second signaling to the first terminal device through the communication unit 701. The second signaling carries a second process number. The second signaling is used to page the terminal device or the second signaling is used to indicate the time / slot resource for random access. The second process number is not equal to the first process number. And receive the second uplink data from the first terminal device through the communication unit 701. Wherein, the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data.

[0235] Optionally, the processing unit 702 is further configured to send a fourth signaling through the communication unit 701 to indicate resetting or discarding the first process number.

[0236] The division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative. It is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, each functional module may be integrated in a processor, or may exist physically alone, or two or more modules may be integrated in one module. The above integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software function modules. It can be understood that the functions or implementations of each module in the embodiments of the present application may be further referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0237] In a possible way, the communication device may be as Figure 8 shown. The device may be a communication device or a chip in the communication device. The communication device may be the terminal device in the above embodiment or the network device in the above embodiment. The device includes a processor 801 and a communication interface 802, and may further include a memory 803. Among them, the processing unit 702 may be the processor 801. The communication unit 701 may be the communication interface 802. Optionally, the processor 801 and the memory 803 may also be integrated together.

[0238] The processor 801 can be a CPU, or a digital processing unit, etc. The communication interface 802 can be a transceiver, or an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver chip, etc. The device further includes: a memory 803 for storing programs executed by the processor 801. The memory 803 can be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or can also be a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory 803 is any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0239] The processor 801 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 803, specifically for performing the actions of the above-mentioned processing unit 702, which will not be elaborated herein in this application. The communication interface 802 is specifically used to perform the actions of the above-mentioned communication unit 701, which will not be elaborated herein in this application.

[0240] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific connection medium between the above-mentioned communication interface 802, processor 801, and memory 803 is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application Figure 8 it is shown that the memory 803, processor 801, and communication interface 802 are connected through a bus 804. The bus is represented by a thick line in Figure 8 The connection manners between other components are only for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the convenience of representation, Figure 8 only one thick line is used to represent it in

[0241] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions required to be executed by the above-mentioned processor, which includes a program required to be executed by the above-mentioned processor.

[0242] Embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, including a communication device for implementing the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of Figure 4 and a communication device for implementing the functions of the network device in the embodiments of Figure 4

[0243] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk memory, CD-ROM, optical memory, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0244] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate means for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the flows Figure 1 or a plurality of flows and / or blocks

[0245] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a manufactured article including instruction means that implement the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the flows Figure 1 or a plurality of flows and / or blocks

[0246] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, such that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process, and thus the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the flows Figure 1 or a plurality of flows and / or blocks

[0247] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the present application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, the method includes: receiving a first signaling, the first signaling carrying a first process number, the first signaling being used for paging a terminal device or the first signaling being used for indicating time / slot resources for random access; responding to the first signaling by sending first uplink data; receiving a second signaling, the second signaling carrying a second process number, the second signaling being used for paging a terminal device or the second signaling being used for indicating time / slot resources for random access, the second process number being different from the first process number; responding to the second signaling by sending second uplink data; wherein, the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first signaling further indicates skipping random access.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, the first signaling further indicates skipping random access, including: the first signaling indicates not sending a random number for random access, or the first signaling indicates not listening for a third signaling, the third signaling indicating time / slot resources for random access.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, if the first signaling is used for indicating time / slot resources for random access, the first signaling indicating skipping random access includes: the first signaling carries a parameter Q, and the value of the parameter Q is 0, where the parameter Q is used for indicating the number of random access time slots included in a time slot.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, the method further includes: starting a timer, the timer being used for indicating a time period during which a third signaling carrying the first process number is not responded to, the third signaling being used for paging a terminal device or the third signaling being used for indicating time / slot resources for random access.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, the first signaling further indicates the duration of the timer.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, the method further includes: receiving a fourth signaling, the fourth signaling indicating resetting or discarding the first process number; resetting or discarding the first process number.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, the first signaling further indicates a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) rule, the CRC rule being that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than a threshold value, the first uplink data is not CRC-checked.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, the first signaling further indicates the processing duration of the first uplink data.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, the method is applicable to a network device, and the method includes: sending a first signaling to a first terminal device, the first signaling carrying a first process number, the first signaling being used for paging a terminal device or the first signaling being used for indicating time / slot resources for random access, the first identifier being used for identifying an inventory event; Receive first uplink data from the first terminal device; Send a second signaling to the first terminal device, where the second signaling carries a second process number, and the second signaling is used for paging the terminal device or the second signaling is used to indicate time / slot resources for random access, and the second process number is not equal to the first process number; Receive second uplink data from the first terminal device; Wherein, the time interval between the second signaling and the first signaling is less than the processing time of the first uplink data.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first signaling further indicates skipping random access.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first signaling further indicates skipping random access, including: The first signaling indicates not to send a random number for random access, or the first signaling indicates not to listen for a third signaling, and the third signaling indicates time / slot resources for random access.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, If the first signaling is used to indicate time / slot resources for random access, the first signaling indicating skipping random access includes: The first signaling carries a parameter Q, and the value of the parameter Q is 0, where the parameter Q is used to indicate the number of random access time slots included in a time slot.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that, The first signaling further indicates the duration of a timer, and the timer is used to indicate the time period during which the terminal device does not respond to a third signaling carrying the first process number, and the third signaling is used for paging the terminal device or the third signaling is used to indicate time / slot resources for random access.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth signaling, and the fourth signaling indicates resetting or discarding the first process number.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The first signaling further indicates a cyclic redundancy check CRC rule, and the CRC rule is that if the number of bits of the first uplink data is less than a threshold value, the first uplink data is not subjected to CRC.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, The first signaling further indicates the processing duration of the first uplink data.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-9, or includes a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 10-17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store program instructions, and when the processor executes the program instructions, the method according to any one of claims 1-9 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 10-17 is executed.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-readable instructions, which, when run on a communication device, cause the method according to any one of claims 1-9 or the method according to any one of claims 10-17 to be executed.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that when the computer program product runs on a device, the device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-9 or the method according to any one of claims 10-17.

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