Information indication method, repeater and network equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an information indication method, a repeater and network equipment. The method comprises: a mobile terminal of the repeater receiving first control information, the first control information at least comprising first information for indicating a time domain resource; the forwarding unit of the repeater is in a first state, a second state or a third state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information.

Description

Information indication method, repeater and network device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology. Background Art

[0002] Compared with traditional 3G (third generation mobile communication technology) and 4G (fourth generation mobile communication technology) systems, 5G (fifth generation mobile communication technology) systems can provide larger bandwidth and higher data rates, and can support more types of terminals and vertical services.

[0003] To this end, in addition to traditional telecom spectrum, 5G systems are also being deployed on new spectrum with significantly higher frequencies than the traditional telecom spectrum used by 3G and 4G systems. For example, 5G systems can be deployed in millimeter wave bands (28 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz, and above).

[0004] According to the propagation laws of wireless signals, the higher the carrier frequency, the more severe the signal fading during propagation. Therefore, in actual deployment, 5G systems require cell coverage enhancement methods even more than previous 3G and 4G systems, especially 5G systems deployed in the millimeter wave frequency band. How to better enhance 5G system cell coverage has become a pressing issue.

[0005] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is merely intended to provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of this application and facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Simply because these solutions are described in the background technology section of this application, it should not be assumed that the above technical solutions are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] To better address coverage issues in actual cellular mobile communication system deployments, RF relays (RF repeaters) are commonly used to amplify and forward communication signals between terminal devices and network equipment. RF repeaters are widely used in the deployment of 3G and 4G systems. Generally speaking, an RF repeater is a device that amplifies and forwards signals between devices in the RF domain. In other words, an RF repeater is a non-regenerative relay node that simply amplifies and forwards all received signals.

[0008] The inventors discovered that traditional RF repeaters are unable to exchange information with other devices (e.g., network devices / terminal devices). Specifically, in terms of reception, traditional RF repeaters do not support measurement, demodulation, or decoding of the forwarded signal, nor do they receive signals other than the forwarded signal. In terms of transmission, traditional RF repeaters only amplify and forward signals and do not support signal generation and transmission. Therefore, the forwarding behavior of traditional RF repeaters is not controlled by the network (e.g., through network devices). For example, the on / off state of the repeater is often manually set.

[0009] The inventors recognized that traditional repeaters are typically manually set to on and off, and cannot dynamically adjust to the data transmission between network devices and UEs. Generally, data transmission between network devices and terminal devices is not always ongoing. If a repeater is turned on even when no network devices or terminal devices are transmitting data, it would not only increase unnecessary power consumption but also potentially interfere with other devices and reduce network throughput. Therefore, compared to traditional repeaters, a repeater on / off function is needed. However, a specific method for controlling the on / off state is currently not available.

[0010] In response to at least one of the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides an information indication method, a forwarder, and a network device.

[0011] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a forwarder is provided, including:

[0012] A receiving unit, configured to receive first control information at a mobile terminal of the repeater, where the first control information at least includes first information indicating a time domain resource;

[0013] The forwarding unit of the forwarder is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information.

[0014] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a network device is provided, including:

[0015] A sending unit sends first control information to a forwarder, wherein the first control information includes at least first information for indicating time domain resources; and / or sends or does not send second control information, wherein the second control information is used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward a signal within the time domain resources.

[0016] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication system is provided, comprising: the repeater of the aforementioned aspect and / or the network device of the aforementioned aspect.

[0017] One of the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application is that the switch of the repeater can be controlled by the first control information so that the time domain resources corresponding to the on state of the repeater match the time domain resources of the data transmission between the network device and the terminal device, saving the power consumption of the repeater, while reducing interference to other devices in the network and improving network throughput.

[0018] With reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present application are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present application can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the embodiments of the present application include many variations, modifications and equivalents.

[0019] Features described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments.

[0020] It should be emphasized that the term "include / comprising" when used herein refers to the presence of features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The elements and features described in one figure or one embodiment of the present application can be combined with the elements and features shown in one or more other figures or embodiments. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals represent corresponding parts in several figures and can be used to indicate corresponding parts used in more than one embodiment.

[0022] The included drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present application, which constitute a part of the specification, are used to illustrate the implementation methods of the present application, and together with the text description, explain the principles of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive work. In the drawings:

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of various states of an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of access link beams in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a transponder according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The above and other features of the present application will become apparent through the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description and the accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present application are disclosed in detail, which illustrate some embodiments in which the principles of the present application can be adopted. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the described embodiments. On the contrary, the present application includes all modifications, variations and equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0032] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish different elements from the name, but do not indicate the spatial arrangement or temporal order of these elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. The term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", etc. refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, components or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components or components.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, the singular forms "a," "the," etc. include plural forms and should be broadly understood to mean "a" or "a type" rather than being limited to "one." Furthermore, the term "said" should be understood to include both singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the term "according to" should be understood to mean "at least in part based on...", and the term "based on" should be understood to mean "at least in part based on...", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "communication network" or "wireless communication network" may refer to a network that complies with any of the following communication standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), enhanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A, LTE-Advanced), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), etc.

[0035] Furthermore, communication between devices in the communication system may be carried out according to communication protocols of any stage, for example, including but not limited to the following communication protocols: 1G (generation), 2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G and future 5G, New Radio (NR), etc., and / or other currently known or future communication protocols to be developed.

[0036] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "network device" refers to, for example, a device in a communication system that connects a terminal device to the communication network and provides services to the terminal device. Network devices may include, but are not limited to, the following devices: base station (BS), access point (AP), transmission reception point (TRP), broadcast transmitter, mobile management entity (MME), gateway, server, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), etc.

[0037] Base stations may include, but are not limited to, NodeB (NB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), 5G base stations (gNB), IAB hosts, and the like. They may also include remote radio heads (RRHs), remote radio units (RRUs), relays, or low-power nodes (e.g., femto, pico, etc.). The term "base station" may include some or all of their functions, and each base station may provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. The term "cell" may refer to a base station and / or its coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "user equipment" (UE) refers to, for example, a device that accesses a communication network through a network device and receives network services, and may also be referred to as "terminal equipment" (TE). Terminal equipment may be fixed or mobile, and may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), terminal, user, subscriber station (SS), access terminal (AT), station, etc.

[0039] Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, the following devices: cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, wireless communication devices, handheld devices, machine-type communication devices, laptop computers, cordless phones, smartphones, smart watches, digital cameras, etc.

[0040] For another example, in scenarios such as the Internet of Things (IoT), the terminal device can also be a machine or device for monitoring or measurement, including but not limited to: machine type communication (MTC) terminal, vehicle-mounted communication terminal, device-to-device (D2D) terminal, machine-to-machine (M2M) terminal, and so on.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present application, existing services or future services can be transmitted between the network device and the terminal device. For example, these services may include but are not limited to: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, etc.

[0042] Traditional repeaters lack the ability to communicate with network devices. Therefore, while they can help boost signal strength, they lack the flexibility to adapt to complex environmental changes. Deploying traditional repeaters in 5G networks (especially those operating at higher frequencies) can cause unnecessary interference to other network devices and / or terminal devices, thereby reducing the transmission efficiency (e.g., throughput) of the entire network. To make repeater forwarding more flexible and adaptable to the characteristics of 5G networks, network devices need to assist the repeaters and be able to configure their forwarding according to network conditions.

[0043] To enhance NR coverage, 3GPP Release 18 proposes a network-controlled repeater (NCR) solution to forward signals between network devices and terminal devices. The NCR can communicate directly with network devices via a control link to assist in NCR forwarding operations.

[0044] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an NCR according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , NCR 102 is configured between network device 101 and terminal device 103. NCR 102 may include the following two modules / components: a mobile terminal (NCR-MT) of the transponder and a forwarding unit (NCR-Fwd) of the transponder; NCR-Fwd may also be referred to as a routing unit (NCR-RU) of the NCR. NCR-MT is used to communicate with network devices (exchange information), and NCR-Fwd is used to forward signals between network devices and terminal devices. NCR-MT and NCR-Fwd are functional entities, and their functions may be implemented by the same or different hardware modules.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the NCR of the embodiment of the present application may have three links: a control link (C-link), a backhaul link (or backhaul link, BH link) for forwarding, and an access link (AC link). Among them, the C-link is used for communication between the NCR and the network device. The BH link is used for the forwarder to receive a signal to be forwarded from the network device, or to forward a signal from the terminal device to the network device. The AC link is used for the forwarder to forward a signal from the network device to the terminal device, or to receive a signal to be forwarded from the terminal device. Specifically, the NCR-MT communicates with the network device through the C-link; the NCR-Fwd forwards signals through the BH link and the AC link.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present application, a repeater can communicate with a network device. The repeater can receive a communication channel / signal sent by the network device and demodulate / decode the channel / signal to obtain information sent by the network device to the repeater. This signal processing process is hereinafter referred to as "communication". The repeater can also forward a channel / signal transmitted between a network device and a terminal device. The repeater does not demodulate / decode the channel / signal, but can perform amplification and other processing. This signal processing process is hereinafter referred to as "forwarding". "Communication" and "forwarding" are collectively referred to as "transmission". In addition, "sending or receiving on an AC (or BH) link" can be equivalent to "forwarding on an AC (or BH) link", and "sending or receiving on a control link" can be equivalent to "communicating on a control link". The above terms are for convenience of explanation only and do not constitute a limitation of this application. In some cases, "forwarding unit" can be interchangeable with "forwarding behavior".

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, the repeater can also be expressed as a network controlled repeater (NCR), a repeater, a radio frequency repeater, a repeater, a radio frequency repeater; or it can also be expressed as a repeater node, a repeater node, a repeater node; or it can also be expressed as an intelligent repeater, an intelligent repeater, an intelligent repeater, an intelligent repeater node, an intelligent repeater node, an intelligent repeater node, etc., but the present application is not limited to this.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device can be a device of the service cell of the terminal device, a device of the cell where the repeater is located, a device of the service cell of the repeater, or a parent node of the repeater. The present application does not impose any restrictions on the name of the repeater. As long as the device can realize the above functions, it is included in the scope of the repeater of the present application.

[0049] The following describes various implementations of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These implementations are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0050] Embodiments of the first aspect

[0051] An embodiment of the present application provides an information indication method, which is described from the perspective of a forwarder.

[0052] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG2 , the method includes:

[0053] 201. A mobile terminal of the forwarder receives first control information, where the first control information includes at least first information indicating a time domain resource.

[0054] The forwarding unit of the forwarder is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information.

[0055] It is worth noting that FIG2 above is merely a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the execution order of the various operations may be appropriately adjusted, and other operations may be added or some operations may be reduced. Those skilled in the art may make appropriate modifications based on the above description, and are not limited to the description of FIG2 above.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first state may also be referred to as an on (ON) state or a first on state, the second state may also be referred to as a standby state or a switching state or a second on state or a second off state, and the third state may also be referred to as an off (OFF) state or a shutdown state or a first off state.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first state, the second state, and the third state refer to the state of the forwarding unit (NCR-Fwd) of the repeater. As mentioned above, the NCR-Fwd is used to forward signals between the network device and the terminal device. The above-mentioned first state, second state, or third state is used to characterize the working state or switch state of the NCR-Fwd.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first state indicates that the NCR-Fwd is forwarding signals. For example, the forwarding unit being in the first state in a time period (or time domain resource) A means that the forwarding unit forwards signals within the time period, including forwarding downlink signals sent by the network device to the terminal device and / or forwarding uplink signals sent by the terminal device to the network device. It should be noted that if the forwarding unit forwards downlink signals and uplink signals in a time-division manner within the time period and / or uses different BH link beams and / or AC link beams to forward signals in a time-division manner, the time period includes the time when the forwarding unit performs uplink and downlink conversion and / or beam switching.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second state indicates that the NCR-Fwd is allowed, capable, or ready to forward signals. For example, when the forwarding unit is in the second state in a time period (or time domain resource) B, the forwarding unit is in a standby state during the time period, or the forwarding unit stops forwarding signals during the time period; or the forwarding unit does not forward signals during the time period; or the forwarding unit is allowed to, or is able to, or is capable of, or is ready to) forward signals during the time period.

[0060] In some embodiments, the third state indicates that the NCR-Fwd is not allowed, is not capable of, or is not ready to forward signals. For example, when a time period (or time domain resource) C of the forwarding unit is in the third state, the forwarding unit is in a shutdown state during the time period, or the forwarding unit stops forwarding signals during the time period; or the forwarding unit does not forward signals during the time period; or the forwarding unit is allowed to, or is able to, or is capable of, or is ready to) forward signals during the time period; or the forwarding unit is not capable of (or is not allowed to, or is not able to, or is not capable of, or is not ready to) forward signals during the time period.

[0061] In some embodiments, the NCR supports a first state, wherein output power requirements may also be defined for the first state, for example, the output power of the NCR in the first state is not less than or greater than a first power (or power level), and / or, the output power of the NCR in the first state is not greater than or less than a fourth power (or power level).

[0062] In some embodiments, NCR (or NCR-Fwd) supports only one of the second state and the third state. For example, NCR supports the first state and the second state, or the first state and the third state.

[0063] In some embodiments, NCR (or NCR-Fwd) supports the second state and the third state. For example, NCR supports the first state, the second state, and the third state.

[0064] In some embodiments, the NCR (or NCR-MT) may report to the network device whether it supports the second state and / or the third state.

[0065] In some embodiments, the output power requirement is defined only for the second state or only for the third state. For example, the output power of the NCR in the second state or the third state is not greater than or less than the following second power (or power level).

[0066] In some embodiments, output power requirements are defined for both the second state and the third state.

[0067] In some embodiments, the output power requirements for the second state and the third state are the same. For example, the output power of the NCR in the second state and the third state is not greater than or less than the following second power (or power level).

[0068] In some embodiments, the output power requirements for the NCR-Fwd in the second state and the third state are different. For example, if the NCR-Fwd is in the second state, the output power of the NCR-Fwd is not greater than or less than the second power. If the NCR-Fwd is in the third state, the output power of the NCR-Fwd is not greater than or less than the third power. The second power and the third power are different values, for example, the second power is greater than the third power.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second power / third power refers to power spectral density (dBm / MHz), which can be respectively referred to as the second power spectral density and the third power spectral density. For example, the second power is equal to -85dBm / MHz and the third power is less than -85dBm / MHz, or the second power is greater than -85dBm / MHz and the third power is equal to -85dBm / MHz. For another example, the second power is equal to -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB+1) / 1000)MHz, the third power is less than -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000)MHz; or, the second power is greater than -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000)MHz, the third power is equal to -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000) MHz, where the subcarrier spacing SCS is, for example, the SCS of a forwarded signal (not being forwarded), but is not limited thereto. For another example, the second power is equal to -36 dBm / MHz and the third power is less than -36 dBm / MHz, or the second power is greater than -36 dBm / MHz and the third power is equal to -36 dBm / MHz.

[0070] In some embodiments, the output power requirements for NCR-Fwd can be defined separately for uplink and downlink. That is, the second power and / or third power can be defined separately for the output power of the BH link and AC link. For example, for the output power of the downlink or AC link, the second power is equal to -85dBm / MHz and the third power is less than -85dBm / MHz, or the second power is greater than -85dBm / MHz and the third power is equal to -85dBm / MHz. For the output power of the uplink or BH link, the second power is equal to -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000)MHz, the third power is less than -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000)MHz; or, the second power is greater than -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000)MHz, the third power is equal to -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000) MHz, the subcarrier spacing SCS is, for example, the SCS of the forwarded signal (not being forwarded), but is not limited thereto.

[0071] In some embodiments, output power requirements may be defined separately for different operating frequency bands or frequency ranges (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR2-1, and FR2-2). That is, the second power and / or third power may be defined separately for the output power of NCR-Fwd operating in different frequency bands or frequency ranges. For example, for the output power of the downlink or AC link in FR1, the second power is equal to -85dBm / MHz and the third power is less than -85dBm / MHz, or the second power is greater than -85dBm / MHz and the third power is equal to -85dBm / MHz. For the output power of the uplink or BH link in FR1, the second power is equal to -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000)MHz, the third power is less than -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000)MHz; or, the second power is greater than -50dBm / (SCS*(12*N RB +1) / 1000)MHz, the third power is equal to -50dBm / (SCS×(12×N RB +1) / 1000) MHz, where the subcarrier spacing SCS is, for example, the SCS of a forwarded signal (not being forwarded), but is not limited thereto. For another example, for the output power of FR2, the second power is equal to -36 dBm / MHz and the third power is less than -36 dBm / MHz, or the second power is greater than -36 dBm / MHz and the third power is equal to -36 dBm / MHz.

[0072] In some embodiments, the output power of NCR-Fwd in the second state or the third state is defined as: exceeding / greater than / not less than the average power measured over a certain time length during the time period in which it is in the second state or the third state. For example, during the time period in which it is in the second state or the third state, the output power of NCR-Fwd exceeds / greater than / not less than the average power measured over a certain time length when filtered by a filter (e.g., a square filter) having a bandwidth equal to the passband bandwidth of NCR-Fwd and centered on the assigned channel frequency. The time length is, for example, related to the SCS, for example, the time length = 70 / Nus, where N = SCS / 15. The SCS is, for example, the SCS of the forwarded signal (not being forwarded), but is not limited thereto.

[0073] In some embodiments, the forwarding unit is supported to directly transition (or switch) from the third state to the first state. Alternatively, the forwarding unit is not supported to directly transition from the third state to the first state and / or from the first state to the third state. In other words, if the NCR-Fwd is in the third state, it must first transition to the second state before it can transition from the second state to the first state. Similarly, the forwarding unit is supported or not supported to directly transition from the first state to the third state.

[0074] In some embodiments, only the transition time (or switching time) between the first state and the second state or only the transition time between the first state and the third state is defined, for example, the first transition time described below. That is, the first transition time is included only when the first state and the second state are switched, and is not included when the first state and the third state are switched. Alternatively, the first transition time is included only when the first state and the third state are switched, and is not included when the first state and the second state are switched.

[0075] In some embodiments, a transition time between the first state and the second state, as well as a transition time between the first state and the third state, is defined. That is, the transition time is included when the first state switches to the second state, and the transition time is also included when the first state switches to the third state. In addition, the transition time between the second state and the third state may or may not be defined.

[0076] In some embodiments, the transition time between the first state and the second state is the same length as the transition time between the first state and the third state, for example, the first transition time.

[0077] In some embodiments, the transition period between the first state and the second state is different from the transition period between the first state and the third state. For example, the transition period between the first state and the second state is the first transition period, and the transition period between the first state and the third state is the second transition period, and the first transition period is less than the second transition period. For example, the first transition period is equal to 10 us and the second transition period is greater than 10 us, or the first transition period is less than 10 us and the second transition period is equal to 10 us. For another example, the first transition period is equal to 3 us and the second transition period is greater than 3 us, or the first transition period is less than 3 us and the second transition period is equal to 3 us.

[0078] In some embodiments, transition times can be defined separately for different operating frequency bands or frequency ranges (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR2-1, FR2-2). That is, the first transition time and / or second transition time can be defined separately for NCR-Fwd operating in different frequency bands or frequency ranges. For example, for FR1, the first transition time is 10 us and the second transition time is greater than 10 us, or the first transition time is less than 10 us and the second transition time is 10 us. For FR2, the first transition time is 3 us and the second transition time is greater than 3 us, or the first transition time is less than 3 us and the second transition time is 3 us.

[0079] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the transition time and output power of each state in an embodiment of the present application (assuming that the transition time and output power requirements are different). As shown in FIG3 , switching from the second state to the first state includes a first transition time, and switching from the first state to the third state includes a second transition time. In the first state, the output power of NCR-Fwd is greater than the first power. In the second state, the output power of NCR-Fwd is less than the second power. In the third state, the output power of NCR-Fwd is less than the third power. The values ​​of first power > second power > third power are different. FIG3 is only an example. For example, the second power and the third power can be the same, the first transition time and the second transition time can be the same, or the state transition can not include the first transition time and the second transition time. Detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0080] The above describes the behavior of the forwarding unit in different states. The following describes the behavior of the mobile terminal in different states of the forwarding unit.

[0081] In some embodiments, the forwarding unit is in the third state in time period D, and the mobile terminal (NCR-MT) does not receive some or all downlink signals and / or does not send some or all uplink signals in time period D. For example, the downlink signal includes second control information for instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal, and the second control information includes RRC or MAC CE or DCI.

[0082] In some embodiments, the forwarding unit is in the third state in time period D, and the mobile terminal does not listen to the DCI format used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward the signal in this time period D, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information (such as DCI) indicating that the forwarding unit forwards the signal in this time period, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information (such as RRC or MAC CE or DCI) indicating that the forwarding unit forwards the signal within the time period.

[0083] Alternatively, the forwarding unit is in the second state or the third state in the time period D, and the mobile terminal listens to the DCI format for instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal in the time period, or the mobile terminal receives the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time period in the time period, or the mobile terminal receives the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time period after receiving the first control information.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first state, the second state and the third state refer to the state of the mobile terminal (NCR-MT) of the repeater, and the first state, the second state or the third state is used to represent the working state or the switch state of the NCR-MT.

[0085] In some embodiments, the third state indicates that the NCR-MT does not send or receive signals on the C-link. For example, in the third state, the mobile terminal (NCR-MT) does not receive some or all downlink signals and / or does not send some or all uplink signals in time period D. For example, the downlink signal includes second control information for instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal, and the second control information includes RRC or MAC CE or DCI.

[0086] In some embodiments, the third state characterizes that the NCR-MT does not listen to the signal sent or received on the C-link or does not expect to send or receive the signal on the C-link. For example, in the third state, the mobile terminal does not listen to the DCI format used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward the signal in the time period D, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information (such as DCI) indicating that the forwarding unit forwards the signal in the time period, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information (such as RRC or MAC CE or DCI) indicating that the forwarding unit forwards the signal within the time period.

[0087] Alternatively, the second state or the third state characterizes that the NCR-MT monitors signals sent or received on the C-link or sends or receives signals on the C-link. For example, in the second state or the third state, the mobile terminal monitors the DCI format for instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal in the time period, or the mobile terminal receives the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time period in the time period, or the mobile terminal receives the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time period after receiving the first control information.

[0088] In some embodiments, the time period corresponding to the above first state, second state or third state is represented by the time domain resources configured by the network device, that is, the mobile terminal of the forwarder receives the first control information sent by the network device, and the first control information may include DCI and / or RRC signaling and / or MAC CE, and the first control information includes at least first information for indicating the time domain resources (time period); the first information may explicitly or implicitly indicate that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state or the third state in the time domain resources, thereby, the forwarding unit of the forwarder is in the first state, the second state or the third state in the time domain resources indicated by the first information.

[0089] The following describes how to indicate the time domain resources through the first information.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried by one or more first information fields, which indicate the starting position (offset) and / or duration and / or interval and / or period of the time domain resource. The time domain resource may be periodic, semi-continuous, or aperiodic. The starting position (offset) and / or duration and / or interval and / or period may be indicated with the following time units as granularity. The time unit may be, for example, a subframe, a time slot, a symbol, a mini-slot, a millisecond, or the like.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first information field may include the number of time units included in the starting position (offset) and / or duration and / or interval and / or period of the time domain resource (for example, field_1 and / or field_2 in Element_2 in the example described later), and the starting position (offset) and / or duration and / or interval and / or period of the time domain resource is indicated by the number of time units, or the first information field includes the index of the time unit (for example, field_3 in Element_2 in the example described later), or the first information field (for example, the time domain resource allocation information field described later) may also include a row index value, and the starting position (offset) and / or duration and / or interval and / or period is indicated by the index value in combination with the time domain resource allocation table.

[0092] In some embodiments, when carried by multiple (X) first information domains, different first information domains indicate different information related to time domain resources. For example, different first information domains can respectively indicate different information such as offset, duration, period, etc. (for example, field_1, field_2, and field_3 in Element_2 in the example described later), or different first information domains indicate different time units, for example, different first information domains respectively indicate time slots and symbols, etc.; or the time domain resources indicated by different first information domains do not overlap or do not completely overlap. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0093] In some embodiments, when carried by multiple (X) first information fields, the X first information fields can be divided into multiple (Y) groups of first information fields, each group of first information fields including one or more (Z) first information fields. A group of first information fields indicates a portion of time domain resources, and the time domain resources indicated by different groups of information fields do not overlap or do not completely overlap. For example, in Example 6 described below, Element_2 includes a group of first information fields, including three first information fields: field_1, field_2, and field_3.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first control information may further include or exclude second information indicating one or more access link beams. Whether the first control information includes the second information is related to the operating frequency band (or frequency range) and / or capability and / or high-level parameter configuration of the forwarding unit.

[0095] For example, related to the working frequency band (or frequency range): when the working frequency band of the forwarding unit is FR1, the first control information does not include the second information; when the working frequency band of the forwarding unit is FR2, the first control information includes the second information;

[0096] For example, regarding capabilities: when the access link beam of the repeater is fixed (or only supports one access link beam (analog beam)), the first control information includes the second information. When the access link beam of the repeater can be adjusted or switched (or the repeater supports more than one access link beam), the first control information includes the second information. In this example, the repeater may or may not send capability-related information to the network device. The capability-related information includes, for example, the number of access link beams supported by the repeater, and / or a beam index, and / or information related to spatial characteristics. The beam index will be described later.

[0097] For example, the operating frequency band of the repeater is FR1, and the default access link beam is fixed (or only one access link beam (analog beam) is supported), and the repeater does not need to send the capability-related information to the network device; or, if the access link beam of the repeater can be adjusted / converted (or the repeater supports more than one access link beam), the capability-related information is sent to the network device, otherwise, there is no need to send the capability-related information to the network device.

[0098] For example, the operating frequency band of the repeater is FR2, and the default access link beam can be adjusted / converted (or the repeater supports more than one access link beam). The repeater does not need to send the capability-related information to the network device. Alternatively, if the access link beam of the repeater is fixed (or only supports one access link beam (analog beam)), the capability-related information is sent to the network device. Otherwise, there is no need to send the capability-related information to the base station.

[0099] For another example, the operating frequency band of the repeater is FR1 or FR2. Regardless of whether the access link beam is fixed or adjustable / convertible (or the repeater supports more than one access link beam), the repeater sends capability-related information to the network device. For example, when the access link beam is fixed, the reported number of access link beams is 1, or the access link beam can be adjusted / converted (or the repeater supports more than one (N) access link beams), the reported number of access link beams is N.

[0100] For example, related to the high-level parameter configuration (temporally before the first control information): for example, assuming that the first control information is DCI (DCI format X_Y), the high-level parameter is an information field of RRC signaling, and the information field is used (directly or indirectly) to configure whether DCI format X_Y includes the second information. For example, the high-level parameter can be 1 bit. When the high-level parameter configuration includes the second information (for example, the bit value is 1), DCI format X_Y includes the second information. When the high-level parameter configuration does not include the second information (for example, the bit value is 0), DCI format X_Y does not include the second information. For another example, when a certain information element IE or another information field includes the information field, DCI format X_Y includes the second information; otherwise, the second information is not included. For another example, the high-level parameter is used to configure the access link beam that DCI format X_Y can indicate (for example, called a candidate beam). If one of the access link beams of the forwarder is configured as a candidate beam, DCI format X_Y does not include the second information. More than one access link beam is configured as a candidate beam, and the DCI format X_Y includes second information.

[0101] For example, the high-level parameters exampleField_4 and exampleField_5 can be expressed using the Abstract Syntax Notation ASN.1 data format as follows:

[0102]

[0103] Among them, exampleField_4 is used to configure the information field for indicating the access link beam in DCI format X_Y, INTEGER (0..3) can be the number of bits of the information field, and optionally, it can also include Element_3, which is used to configure the list of beam patterns corresponding to the information field (assuming that the information field indicates the index of a beam pattern). The exampleField_4 can exist or not, that is, exampleField_4 is conditionally present, and the condition XYZ1 includes optional presence (optional present) for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence (absent) for FR1; or mandatory presence (mandatory present) for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence (absent) for FR1; or mandatory presence (mandatory present) for FR2 (or FR2-1); optional presence (optional present) for FR1.

[0104] Among them, exampleField_5 is used to configure the information field for indicating time domain resources in DCI format X_Y, and Element_4 configures the time domain resource list corresponding to the information field, such as PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList.

[0105] For example, the high-level parameter ExampleIE_6 or exampleField_6 can be expressed as follows using the abstract syntax notation ASN.1 data format:

[0106]

[0107] Among them, ExampleIE_6 or exampleField_6 is used to configure DCI format X_Y, aField is used to configure the information field in DCI format X_Y for indicating the access link beam, INTEGER (0..3) can be the number of bits of the information field, and optionally, it can also include Element_3, which is used to configure the list of beam patterns corresponding to the information field (assuming that the information field indicates the index of a beam pattern). The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The aField may exist or not, that is, aField exists conditionally. The condition XYZ1 is as described above and will not be repeated here. anotherField is used to configure the information field in DCI format X_Y for indicating time domain resources. Element_4 configures the time domain resource list corresponding to the information field, such as PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList.

[0108] For example, the second information may be relevant information of one or more access link beams, and the relevant information includes beam type and / or beam index, etc. The beam type and index will be described later.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first control information further includes or does not include third information for indicating the first state, the second state, or the third state. For example, the third information may be 1-bit information or 2-bit information, and the 1-bit or 2-bit information is used to indicate whether the state of the forwarding unit is the first state, the second state, or the third state. For example, when the bit value is 0, it indicates the first state, and when the bit value is 1, it indicates the third state. Examples are not given one by one here.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first control information is DCI (DCI format X_Y), and the second information and the third information include the same information field. That is, the same information field in DCI format X_Y provides the second information or the third information in different situations. For example, for FR1, the information field is used to provide the third information, and for FR2, the information field is used to provide the second information. For another example, when the NCR supports or is configured with only one access link beam, the information field is used to provide the third information, and when the NCR supports or is configured with more than one access link beam, the information field is used to provide the second information.

[0111] The following examples illustrate implementations of the first control information.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first information explicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource, that is, the first information is only used to indicate that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource, and will not indicate other content.

[0113] In this embodiment, the first control information may or may not include the second information indicating one or more access link beams. For example, when the operating frequency band of the repeater is FR1, and / or beam control or indication is not supported, and / or the access link beam may be a default, fixed, or default (supporting only one analog beam), the network device may not send the second information indicating one or more access link beams to the terminal device, or in other words, may not send the second information indicating one or more access link beams in the first control information.

[0114] In the above embodiments, the second information indicates one or more access link beams as an example, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. The second information can also indicate one or more return link beams, and the implementation methods are similar. The embodiments of the present application will not be repeated one by one.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first control information may further include third information for indicating the first state, the second state, or the third state.

[0116] For example, the first control information includes the first information but does not include the second information. Optionally, it may also include the third information. In this case, the access link beam may be default or fixed or default, and the first information only indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state or the second state or the third state in the time domain resource.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first information implicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource, and the first information is also used to indicate the time domain resources corresponding to one or more access link beams and / or one or more return link beams. The one or more access link beams and / or one or more return link beams are indicated by the second information included in the second control information. For example, the operating frequency band of the repeater is in FR2, and / or supports beam adjustment or indication or conversion (or the repeater supports more than one (N) access link beams), so the network device sends the second information for indicating one or more access link beams to the terminal device.

[0118] For example, the first control information includes first information and second information, the second information indicates one or more access link beams and / or one or more return link beams, the first information indicates the time domain resources corresponding to one or more access link beams and / or one or more return link beams, and at the same time, the first information can also implicitly indicate that the state of the forwarding unit in the time domain resources is the first state, the second state, or the third state.

[0119] The following example illustrates this.

[0120] The following first describes how to define the index of the access (AC) link beam.

[0121] The AC link beam, also known as the terminal device-side beam, refers to the receive beam / transmit beam adopted (used) by the repeater on the AC link. The transmit beam forwards signals from the network device to the terminal device, and the receive beam forwards signals from the terminal device to the network device. The backhaul link beam, also known as the network device-side beam, refers to the receive beam / transmit beam adopted (used) by the repeater on the BH link. The receive beam forwards signals from the terminal device to the network device, and the transmit beam forwards signals from the network device to the terminal device. The beam (of the antenna) refers to, for example, the main lobe of the radiation pattern of the antenna array.

[0122] In some embodiments, the repeater can support multiple beams (or antenna beams) of different directions and / or widths, and there may be an association relationship between the beams. For example, the association relationship between the first beam and the second beam includes: the beam center direction of the first beam and the second beam is the same, and / or the beam peak direction of the first beam and the second beam is the same, and / or the first beam and the second beam are quasi-co-located (for example, QCL type D), and / or the first beam is within the range of the second beam, or the second beam is within the range of the first beam, and / or the beam width of the first beam is within the beam width range of the second beam, and / or the beam width of the second beam is within the beam width range of the first beam. Among them, the beam center direction refers to, for example, the geometric center of the half power contour of the beam, and the beam peak direction refers to, for example, the direction of the maximum EIRP of the beam.

[0123] For example, the beams supported by NCR are numbered sequentially. The numbering can be based on spatial relationships. For example, beams with adjacent numbers are spatially adjacent. For example, NCR supports four beams, numbered starting from 0 or 1, with respective indices of 0 to 3 or 1 to 4.

[0124] For example, in example 2, NCR supports both the first beam (wide beam) and the second beam (narrow beam), and the beams are numbered in sequence, and the numbering can be performed according to the spatial relationship. For example, the wide beam is numbered first, and then the narrow beam is numbered. Adjacently numbered wide beams are spatially adjacent, and adjacently numbered narrow beams are spatially adjacent. Alternatively, a wide beam and the narrow beam associated with the wide beam are numbered first, and then other wide beams and narrow beams are numbered in the same way. For example, Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of beam indexing in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4A, NCR supports 2 wide beams (first beams) and 8 narrow beams (second beams). The first 4 narrow beams are associated with the first wide beam, and the last 4 narrow beams are associated with the second wide beam. All beams are numbered starting from 0 or 1, for example, 0 to 9 (or 1 to 10 not shown). When numbering, the first two can be wide beams and the rest can be narrow beams, or the 1st and 6th can be wide beams and the others can be narrow beams.

[0125] For example, in example 3, NCR supports both the first beam (wide beam) and the second beam (narrow beam). The first beam and the second beam are numbered in sequence, and the numbering can be performed according to the spatial relationship. Wide beams with adjacent numbers are spatially adjacent, and narrow beams with adjacent numbers are spatially adjacent. For example, Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of beam indexing in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4B, NCR supports 2 wide beams (first beams) and 8 narrow beams (second beams). Wide beams and narrow beams are numbered starting from 0 or 1, respectively, such as wide beams 0 to 1 (or 1 to 2 not shown), and narrow beams 0 to 7 (or 1 to 8 not shown). For example. The first 4 narrow beams are associated with the first wide beam, and the last 4 narrow beams are associated with the second wide beam.

[0126] For example, 4, NCR supports both the first beam (wide beam) and the second beam (narrow beam). The first beam and the second beam are numbered hierarchically, starting from 0 or 1 respectively, and the numbering can be performed according to the spatial relationship. Wide beams with adjacent numbers are spatially adjacent, and narrow beams with adjacent numbers are spatially adjacent. For wide beams with adjacent numbers, the narrow beam with a larger number associated with the narrow beam with a smaller number is spatially adjacent to the narrow beam with a smaller number associated with the wide beam with a larger number. For example, Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of the beam index in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4C, NCR supports 2 wide beams (first beams) and 8 narrow beams (second beams). The wide beams are numbered 0 to 1 (or 1 to 2 not shown), and the 4 narrow beams associated with the first wide beam and the 4 narrow beams associated with the second wide beam are numbered 0 to 3 or (or 1 to 4 not shown), respectively.

[0127] The above indexes are all based on one dimension, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The indexes can also be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. For example, the beams can be arranged in a two-dimensional array, and the horizontal beams and vertical beams can be numbered separately. This index is a two-dimensional index, and examples are not given here one by one.

[0128] In some embodiments, the range of beams corresponding to the numberable beams may be all beams that the NCR can use for forwarding or all beams that can be indicated by the first control information (candidate beams configured by high-level parameters of the network device) and / or all beams supported by the NCR, or in other words, one beam may correspond to one or more beam indexes (multiple beam indexes are predefined and / or reported by the NCR to the network device and / or configured by the network device). For example, one beam corresponds to a first index and a second index, wherein the first index is an index that uniquely identifies the beam among all beams supported by the NCR, and the second index is an index that uniquely identifies the beam among all beams that the NCR can use for forwarding or all beams that can be indicated by the first control information (candidate beams configured by high-level parameters of the network device).

[0129] In the above example, the first control information includes first information and second information, and the one or more access link beams indicated by the second information correspond to the time domain resources indicated by the first information. When the second information indicates multiple access link beams, the multiple access link beams are time-divided or frequency-divided.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by a first information field, and the time domain resource indicated by the first information field corresponds to an access link beam; the second information is carried by one or more second information fields, and the one or more second information fields indicate an access link beam corresponding to the time domain resource indicated by the first information field;

[0131] For example (1), when carried by multiple (M) second information fields, different second information fields indicate different beam-related information. For example, when two second information fields are included, one is used to indicate the beam type (wide beam / narrow beam), and the other is used to indicate the beam index (of the beam of the beam type), or one is used to indicate the beam group identifier, and the other is used to indicate the beam index (of the beam of the beam group), or one is used to indicate the index of the wide beam, and the other is used to indicate the index of the narrow beam (for example, based on the above example 3 on indexes, specific values ​​can be reserved to indicate that no wide beam or narrow beam is indicated; for example, based on the above example 4 on indexes, a specific value is reserved for the second information field used only to indicate the index of the narrow beam to indicate that no narrow beam is indicated (or, in other words, it indicates that the DCI indicates a wide beam)).

[0132] For example (2), when one second information field is included, the second information field directly or indirectly indicates the beam index (first index or second index) of the access link beam. When directly indicated, the decimal value of the second information field is equal to the index value of the beam, thereby indicating the corresponding beam. When indirectly indicated, the decimal value / binary value of the second information field is mapped to the index value of the beam from small to large in order from small to large, thereby indicating the corresponding beam. Alternatively, the bits in the second information field are mapped to the index value of the beam from small to large in order from MSB to LSB (or vice versa). If a bit value is 0, the corresponding beam is not indicated. If a bit value is 1, the corresponding beam is indicated (only one bit is 1 and the others are 0). For example, for Example 1, the second information field can be 0001, indicating the last numbered beam.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by a first information field, and the time domain resources indicated by the first information field correspond to one or more access link beams. The second information is carried by one or more second information fields, and the one or more second information fields indicate one or more access link beams corresponding to the time domain resources indicated by the first information field.

[0134] For example (three), when the second information is carried by multiple (K) second information fields, each second information field indicates an access link beam, and the access link beams indicated by the multiple second information fields correspond to different parts (time division) of the time domain resources indicated by the first information field according to a predefined rule, or the access link beams indicated by the multiple second information fields all correspond to all (frequency division) of the time domain resources indicated by the first information field, or a mixture of time domain resources.

[0135] For example (four), when the second information is carried by multiple (K) second information fields, the K second information fields can be divided into multiple (N) groups of second information fields, each group of second information fields includes one or more (M) second information fields, each group of second information fields indicates an access link beam, and the access link beams indicated by the multiple groups of second information fields correspond to different parts of the time domain resources indicated by the first information field according to predefined rules (time division), or the access link beams indicated by the multiple groups of second information fields all correspond to all of the time domain resources indicated by the first information field (frequency division), or a mixture of time domain resources. When a group of second information fields includes M second information fields, different second information fields indicate different beam-related information. The specific indication method is as described in (one) and will not be repeated here.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first information is carried by multiple first information fields, and the time domain resources indicated by the multiple first information fields correspond to one or more access link beams. For example, different first information fields indicate different information related to the time domain resources. For example, the first information is carried by two first information fields, and the time units of different first information fields are different, one is used to indicate the time slot, and the other is used to indicate the symbol; or the information indicated by different first information fields is different, one is used to indicate the starting position, and the other is used to indicate the duration. For another example, the first information is carried by three first information fields, which are respectively used to indicate the time slot offset, the symbol offset, and the duration. Or, for example, the time domain resources indicated by different first information fields do not overlap or do not completely overlap. The time domain resources indicated by the multiple first information fields are the union of the time domain resources indicated by the multiple first information fields.

[0137] For example, in (five), the first information is carried by multiple first information fields, and the second information is carried by one or more second information fields. The one or more second information fields indicate an access link beam, corresponding to the time domain resources indicated by the multiple first information fields. When the second information is carried by a second information field, the second information field directly or indirectly indicates the access link beam. The specific indication method is shown in (two), which will not be repeated here. When the second information is carried by multiple second information fields, different second information fields indicate different beam-related information. The specific indication method is shown in (one), which will not be repeated here.

[0138] For example (six), the first information is carried by multiple first information fields, and the second information is carried by one or more second information fields. The one or more second information fields indicate one or more access link beams corresponding to the time domain resources indicated by the multiple first information fields. Example 1: When the second information is carried by multiple (K) second information fields, each second information field indicates an access link beam, and each first information field corresponds to each second information field. That is, the access link beam indicated by a second information field is applied to the time domain resource indicated by its corresponding first information field. Example 2: When the second information is carried by multiple (K) second information fields, the K second information fields can be divided into multiple (N) groups of second information fields, each group of second information fields includes one or more (M) second information fields, each group of second information fields indicates an access link beam, and each first information field corresponds to each group of second information fields. The access link beam indicated by a group of second information fields is applied to the time domain resource indicated by its corresponding first information field. When a group of second information fields includes M second information fields, different second information fields indicate different beam-related information. The specific instruction method is as described in (1) and will not be repeated here.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first control information may be RRC signaling.

[0140] In some embodiments, when the first control information is RRC signaling, the same information element (ExampleIE_1 in the example) or the same field (exampleField_1 in the example) in the RRC signaling is used to configure the access link beam in different situations, or to configure the forwarding unit to the first state, the second state, or the third state.

[0141] For example 1, ExampleIE_1 or exampleField_1 can be represented as follows using the ASN.1 data format:

[0142]

[0143] Among them, aField is used to configure the access link beam, INTEGER (0..9) can be the index of the beam (corresponding to the second information), or the number of beams, etc. Optionally, it can also include Element_X, which is used to configure the beam pattern. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The aField may exist or not (the first control information includes or does not include the second information), that is, aField exists conditionally. The condition XYZ1 includes that for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField is optional (present); for FR1, aField is absent (absent); or for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField must exist (mandatory present); for FR1, aField is absent (absent); or for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField must exist (mandatory present); for FR1, aField is optional (present).

[0144] Among them, when aField exists, anotherField is used to configure the time domain resources corresponding to the access link beam (configured by the corresponding aField), thereby implicitly indicating that the NCR-Fwd is in the first state in the time domain resources. When aField does not exist, anotherField is used to configure the forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state of the time domain resources. Element_2 includes first information for indicating the time domain resources, and the Element_2 includes one or more first information fields.

[0145] Example 2, ExampleIE_1 or exampleField_1 can be expressed using the abstract syntax notation ASN.1 data format as follows: ExampleIE_1 or exampleField_1 is used to configure an access link beam, or to configure a forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state.

[0146]

[0147] Among them, Element_1 is used to configure one or more access link beams and the time domain resources corresponding to these beams, or to configure the forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state of time domain resources.

[0148] Among them, aField is used to configure the access link beam, INTEGER (0..9) can be the index of the beam (corresponding to the second information), or the number of beams, etc. Optionally, it can also include Element_X, which is used to configure the beam pattern. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The aField may exist or not (the first control information includes or does not include the second information), that is, aField exists conditionally. The condition XYZ1 includes that for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField is optional (present); for FR1, aField is absent (absent); or for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField must exist (mandatory present); for FR1, aField is absent (absent); or for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField must exist (mandatory present); for FR1, aField is optional (present).

[0149] Among them, when aField exists, anotherField is used to configure the time domain resources corresponding to the access link beam (configured by the corresponding aField), thereby implicitly indicating that the NCR-Fwd is in the first state in the time domain resources. When aField does not exist, anotherField is used to configure the forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state of the time domain resources. Element_2 includes first information for indicating the time domain resources, and the Element_2 includes one or more first information fields.

[0150] Example 3, ExampleIE_1 or exampleField_1 can be expressed using the abstract syntax notation ASN.1 data format as follows: ExampleIE_1 or exampleField_1 is used to configure an access link beam, or to configure a forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state.

[0151]

[0152]

[0153] Among them, Element_1 is used to configure one or more access link beams and the time domain resources corresponding to these beams, or to configure the forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state of time domain resources.

[0154] Among them, aField is used to configure the access link beam, INTEGER (0..9) can be the index of the beam (corresponding to the second information), or the number of beams, etc. Optionally, it can also include Element_X, which is used to configure the beam pattern. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The aField may exist or not (the first control information includes or does not include the second information), that is, aField exists conditionally. The condition XYZ1 includes that for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField is optional (present); for FR1, aField is absent (absent); or for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField must exist (mandatory present); for FR1, aField is absent (absent); or for FR2 (or FR2-1), aField must exist (mandatory present); for FR1, aField is optional (present).

[0155] Among them, when aField exists, anotherField is used to configure the time domain resources corresponding to the access link beam (configured by the corresponding aField), thereby implicitly indicating that the NCR-Fwd is in the first state in the time domain resources. When aField does not exist, anotherField is used to configure the forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state of the time domain resources. Element_2 includes first information for indicating the time domain resources, and the Element_2 includes one or more first information fields.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the first control information is RRC signaling, different information elements or different fields in the RRC signaling are used to configure the access link beam, or to configure the forwarding unit to the first state, the second state, or the third state, respectively. Different information elements (ExampleIE_2 and ExampleIE_3 in the example) or different fields (exampleField_2 and exampleField_3 in the example) share the same information element (Element_1 or Element_2 in the example) to configure time domain resources. In Example 4, ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 and ExampleIE_3 or exampleField_3 can be represented using the Abstract Syntax Notation (ASN.1) data format as follows:

[0157]

[0158] ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 is used to configure the access link beam, and ExampleIE_3 or exampleField_3 is used to configure the forwarding unit to the first state, the second state, or the third state. ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 may or may not exist (the first control information may or may not include the second information), that is, it may exist conditionally. The condition XYZ1 includes optional presence for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence for FR1; or mandatory presence for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence for FR1; or mandatory presence for FR2 (or FR2-1); optional presence for FR1.

[0159] Example 5: ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 and ExampleIE_3 or exampleField_3 can be expressed using the ASN.1 data format as follows:

[0160]

[0161] Among them, ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 is used to configure the access link beam, and ExampleIE_3 or exampleField_3 is used to configure the forwarding unit to the first state, the second state, or the third state. The ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 (corresponding to the second information) may exist or not exist (the first control information includes or does not include the second information), that is, it exists conditionally. The condition XYZ1 includes optional presence (optional present) for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence (absent) for FR1; or mandatory presence (mandatory present) for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence (absent) for FR1; or mandatory presence (mandatory present) for FR2 (or FR2-1); optional presence (optional present) for FR1. For the description of Element_1, please refer to Example 6 and will not be repeated here.

[0162] Example 6: ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 and ExampleIE_3 or exampleField_3 can be expressed using the ASN.1 data format as follows:

[0163]

[0164]

[0165] Among them, ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 is used to configure the access link beam (corresponding to the second information), and ExampleIE_3 or exampleField_3 is used to configure the forwarding unit to the first state, the second state, or the third state. The ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2 may exist or not exist (the first control information includes or does not include the second information), that is, it exists conditionally. The condition XYZ1 includes optional presence for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence for FR1; or mandatory presence for FR2 (or FR2-1); absence for FR1; or mandatory presence for FR2 (or FR2-1); optional presence for FR1.

[0166] Among them, Element_1 is used to configure one or more access link beams and the time domain resources corresponding to these beams, or to configure the forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state of time domain resources.

[0167] Among them, aField is used to configure the access link beam, INTEGER (0..9) can be the index of the beam, or the number of beams, etc. Optionally, it can also include Element_X, which is used to configure the beam pattern. The embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The aField may exist or not, that is, aField exists conditionally. The condition XYZ2 includes that for ExampleIE_2 or exampleField_2, it must exist (mandatory present); for ExampleIE_3 or exampleField_3, it does not exist (absent).

[0168] Among them, when aField exists, anotherField is used to configure the time domain resources corresponding to the access link beam (configured by the corresponding aField), thereby implicitly indicating that the NCR-Fwd is in the first state in the time domain resources. When aField does not exist, anotherField is used to configure the forwarding unit to be in the first state, the second state, or the third state of the time domain resources. Element_2 includes first information for indicating the time domain resources, and the Element_2 includes one or more first information fields.

[0169] Among them, Element_2 uses the abstract syntax notation ASN.1 data format and can be expressed as:

[0170]

[0171] Among them, field_1 is used to configure the period and / or offset (periodicityAndOffset) of the time domain resource, field_2 is used to configure the duration (duration) within the period, and field_3 is used to configure the time slots and / or symbols within the duration, for example, indicating the time slot index, the starting time slot index, the starting symbol index, the number of time slots, and the number of symbols. Among them, the time slot index is an index within 10ms (a frame) or 1ms (a subframe), and the symbol index is an index within 10ms (a frame) or 1ms (a subframe) or a time slot. The number of time slots is the number of time slots within the duration. The number of symbols is the number of symbols within the duration or time slot.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first control information may be DCI, and the DCI may be DCI format X_Y. For example, the DCI format X_Y may be an existing DCI format (eg, DCI format 1_0 / 1_1 / 1_2 / 0_0 / 0_1 / 0_2 / 2_2, etc.), or a DCI format newly introduced for NCR.

[0173] In some embodiments, the DCI may be unicast / dedicated or group common.

[0174] In some embodiments, the CRC of the DCI is scrambled by a first radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) or a second RNTI, where the first RNTI includes, for example, RNTI types that non-NCRs can also adopt / be configured with, such as a first C-RNTI, a first MCS-C-RNTI, or an SFI-RNTI, and the second RNTI includes, for example, an NCR-specific RNTI (e.g., an NCR-RNTI or a second C-RNTI, or a second MCS-C-RNTI), that is, non-NCRs cannot adopt / be configured with the second RNTI.

[0175] In some embodiments, the NCR (e.g., NCR-MT) can be configured to monitor DCI format X_Y in the dedicated search space USS and / or the common search space CSS. For example, if the DCI format X_Y is unicast or dedicated, it can be configured to monitor the DCI format in the USS, and the corresponding RNTI used for scrambling the CRC is, for example, the first C-RNTI, or the NCR-RNTI or the second C-RNTI, and the second MCS-C-RNTI. If the DCI format X_Y is group common, it can be configured to monitor the DCI format in the CSS, and the CSS is, for example, the Type3-PDCCH CSS set, and the corresponding RNTI used for scrambling the CRC is, for example, the SFI-RNTI, or the NCR-RNTI or the second C-RNTI, and the second MCS-C-RNTI.

[0176] For example, the DCI includes one or more first information fields, each of which includes a time domain resource allocation information field. A TDRA information field indicates a row of TDRA configurations through a row index. A time domain resource allocation (TDRA) table (or simply a TDRA table) includes at least one row. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, a row is referred to as a TDRA configuration, i.e., the TDRA table includes at least one TDRA configuration. A TDRA configuration includes at least one time domain resource configuration, which includes at least a symbol position (starting position symbol + length) configuration in a time slot; in addition, optionally, a TDRA configuration may also include at least one time slot offset K0 configuration; the TDRA configuration may also include or not include other information (e.g., mapping type). The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. Regarding the symbol position configuration in the time slot, for example, it includes a start and length indicator SLIV, which corresponds to a valid combination of a starting symbol (S) and a length (L), or, for example, corresponds to a starting symbol configuration and a length configuration, which is a valid combination.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first time position related to the first control information may be the time slot or the last time slot or the last symbol where the time domain resource or physical channel (PDCCH / PDSCH) carrying the first control information is located, or the first time position may also be the subframe or time slot or the last time slot or the last symbol where the HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information or the physical channel (PDCCH / PDSCH) carrying the first control information is located. For example, when the first control information is DCI, the DCI is carried by PDCCH, and the first time position may be the subframe or time slot or the last time slot or the last symbol where the PDCCH carrying the DCI is located, or the first time position may be the subframe or time slot or the last time slot or the last symbol where the HARQ-ACK feedback (PUCCH / PUSCH) corresponding to the DCI or the PDCCH carrying the DCI is located. For example, the first control information is a MAC CE, which can be carried by a PDSCH, and the first time position is the subframe or time slot or the last time slot or the last symbol where the HARQ-ACK feedback (PUCCH / PUSCH) corresponding to the PDSCH carrying the MAC CE is located.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second time position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is the subframe or time slot or the first time slot or the first symbol in which the time domain resource indicated by the first information is located.

[0179] In some embodiments, if the state of the transponder when receiving the first control information, or the state of the transponder before the first information indicates the time domain resource, is different from the state of the time domain resource indicated by the first information, then the state switching also requires a certain transition time. In addition, it may also include the time of some other transponder processing behaviors (such as beam switching) and / or the time required to receive the first control information (decoding), etc. Therefore, the first interval between the first time position and the second time position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is greater than or not less than the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value. The first predetermined value is greater than the second predetermined value. The following is an example of transitioning from the third state or the second state to the first state.

[0180] In some embodiments, the forwarding unit is in the third state when the mobile terminal receives the first control information, or the forwarding unit is in the third state before the time domain resources indicated by the first information, and is in the first state when the time domain resources indicated by the first information are in the first state, and the first interval is greater than or not less than the first predetermined value.

[0181] For example, the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the first state, wherein the time required to switch from the third state to the first state includes or excludes the time required for beam switching. For example, when the first control information includes the second information, the time required to switch from the third state to the first state includes the time required for beam switching. When the first control information does not include the second information, the time required to switch from the third state to the first state does not include the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the first predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0182] Or, for example, the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state. Optionally, the first predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0183] Alternatively, for example, the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required to switch from the second state to the first state. The time required to switch from the second state to the first state includes or excludes the time required for beam switching. For example, when the first control information includes the second information, the time required to switch from the second state to the first state includes the time required for beam switching; when the first control information does not include the second information, the time required to switch from the second state to the first state does not include the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the first predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0184] Alternatively, for example, the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the first predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0185] In some embodiments, the forwarding unit is in the second state when receiving the first control information or the forwarding unit is in the second state before the time domain resources indicated by the first information, and is in the first state when the indicated time domain resources are in the first state, and the first interval is greater than or not less than a second predetermined value.

[0186] For example, the second predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the second state to the first state, wherein the time required to switch from the second state to the first state includes or excludes the time required for beam switching. For example, when the first control information includes the second information, the time required to switch from the second state to the first state includes the time required for beam switching; when the first control information does not include the second information, the time required to switch from the second state to the first state does not include the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the second predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0187] Alternatively, for example, the second predetermined value includes the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the second predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0188] The above description uses the transition from the third state or the second state to the first state as an example. The implementation methods for the forwarder transitioning from the first state to the third state and from the first state to the second state are similar. When the forwarder switches from the second state to the third state, or from the third state to the second state, for example, the forwarding unit is in the third state upon receiving the first control information, or the forwarding unit is in the third state before the time domain resource indicated by the first information, and is in the second state during the indicated time domain resource, and the first interval is greater than or not less than a fifth predetermined value. For example, the fifth predetermined value includes the time required to switch from the third state to the second state. Optionally, the fifth predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0189] The implementation of the first interval is described above by taking state switching as an example. The implementation of the first interval (hereinafter referred to as the second interval) is described below by taking whether the first control information includes the second information as an example.

[0190] In some embodiments, a second interval between a third time position associated with the first control information and a fourth time position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is greater than or not less than a third predetermined value or a fourth predetermined value. The third predetermined value is greater than the fourth predetermined value. The third time position may refer to the first time position, and the fourth time position may refer to the second time position, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first control information includes second information for indicating one or more access link beams, and the second interval is greater than or not less than the third predetermined value.

[0192] For example, the third predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the first state, wherein the time required to switch from the third state to the first state includes the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the third predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0193] Alternatively, for example, the third predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required to switch from the second state to the first state. The time required to switch from the second state to the first state includes the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the third predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0194] Alternatively, for example, the third predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the third predetermined value may further include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information. Alternatively, for example, the third predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the second state to the first state, wherein the time required to switch from the second state to the first state includes the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the third predetermined value may further include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0195] Alternatively, for example, the third predetermined value includes the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the third predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first control information does not include second information for indicating one or more access link beams, and the second interval is greater than or not less than the fourth predetermined value.

[0197] For example, the fourth predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the first state, wherein the time required to switch from the third state to the first state does not include the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the fourth predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0198] Or, for example, the fourth predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state. Optionally, the fourth predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0199] Alternatively, for example, the fourth predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required to switch from the second state to the first state. The time required to switch from the second state to the first state does not include the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the fourth predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0200] Alternatively, for example, the fourth predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the second state to the first state, wherein the time required to switch from the second state to the first state does not include the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the fourth predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0201] Alternatively, for example, the fourth predetermined value includes the time required for beam switching. Optionally, the fourth predetermined value may also include or exclude the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0202] In each of the above examples, whether each predetermined value includes the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information can be determined according to whether HARQ-ACK for the first control information is fed back.

[0203] For example, when providing feedback, if the first (third) time position is based on the position of HARQ-ACK (for example, the time slot where the HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the DCI or MAC CE is located or the last time slot or the last symbol), then each predetermined value does not need to include the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information; if the first (third) time position is based on the first control information (the time slot where the PDCCH carrying the DCI is located or the last time slot or the last symbol), then each predetermined value needs to include the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0204] For example, without feedback: the first (third) time position is based on the first control information (the time slot where the PDCCH carrying DCI is located or the last time slot or the last symbol), then each predetermined value needs to include the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0205] The following describes how to determine whether to feed back HARQ-ACK information.

[0206] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal of the forwarder sends or does not send HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information.

[0207] In some embodiments, whether the mobile terminal sends HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information is related to the capabilities and / or higher-layer parameter configuration of the forwarder. In other words, whether HARQ-ACK feedback for the first control information is supported is related to the capabilities and / or higher-layer parameter configuration of the forwarder. For example, the first control information may be DCI.

[0208] For example, regarding capabilities: assuming the first control information is DCI (DCI format X_Y), the NCR reports to the base station whether it supports or does not support HARQ-ACK feedback for DCI format X_Y. If support is reported, the NCR sends corresponding HARQ-ACK information (ACK) to the base station after receiving DCI format X_Y. Otherwise, the NCR does not send corresponding HARQ-ACK information (ACK) to the base station after receiving DCI format X_Y. In some cases, it is assumed that the NCR does not support it. Therefore, the NCR reports support for HARQ-ACK feedback for DCI format X_Y to the base station only when it is supported, and does not report otherwise.

[0209] For example, related to high-level parameter configuration: assuming that the first control information is DCI (DCI format X_Y), the high-level parameter is an information field of RRC signaling, which is used (directly or indirectly) to configure whether the NCR performs HARQ-ACK feedback on DCI format X_Y. If it is configured to perform HARQ-ACK feedback on DCI format X_Y, the NCR sends the corresponding HARQ-ACK information (ACK) to the base station after receiving DCI format X_Y. Otherwise, the NCR does not send the corresponding HARQ-ACK information (ACK) to the base station after receiving DCI format X_Y. For example, the high-level parameter can be a 1-bit information element. When the high-level parameter (e.g., carried by RRC) configures a bit value of 1, HARQ-ACK feedback is performed for the first control information. When the high-level parameter (e.g., carried by RRC) configures a bit value of 0, no HARQ-ACK feedback is performed for the first control information. Generally, if, as described above, the NCR's capabilities do not support the HARQ-ACK feedback, the high-level parameter should not be configured to perform HARQ-ACK feedback on DCI format X_Y.

[0210] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal of the forwarder sends HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information, and the starting position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is after (to ensure reliability) or before (to reduce latency) or the same as the ending position of the time domain resource used to send the HARQ-ACK information. The time domain position for sending the HARQ-ACK information can be predefined or indicated by a network device, and the network device can configure the starting position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information taking into account latency and reliability factors.

[0211] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal of the forwarder sends HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information, and the position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is not related to the position of the time domain resource used to send the HARQ-ACK information. In other words, the position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is not limited to the position of the time domain resource used to send the HARQ-ACK information, or in other words, when configuring the position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information, the network device does not need to consider the position of the time domain resource for sending the HARQ-ACK information. For example, after the NCR receives the above-mentioned first control information or the DCI / PDCCH / PDSCH used to carry the first control information, it sends the corresponding HARQ-ACK information, and the first (third) time position related to the first control information is the time domain resource carrying the first control information or the time slot or the last time slot or the last symbol of the physical channel (PDCCH / PDSCH). For example, when the first control information is DCI, the DCI is carried by PDCCH, and the first (third) time position can be the subframe or time slot or the last time slot or the last symbol of the PDCCH carrying DCI. Therefore, there is no order-limiting relationship between the position of the time domain resource for sending the HARQ-ACK information and the position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information in the first control information. That is, the position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information in the first control information is not limited to the position of the time domain resource used to send the HARQ-ACK information, and vice versa.

[0212] The above embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications may be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments may be combined.

[0213] According to an embodiment of the present application, the switch of the repeater can be controlled by the first control information so that the time domain resources corresponding to the on state of the repeater match the time domain resources of the data transmission between the network device and the terminal device, saving the power consumption of the repeater, while reducing interference with other devices in the network and improving network throughput.

[0214] Embodiments of the second aspect

[0215] An embodiment of the present application provides a forwarder, which may be, for example, the aforementioned NCR, or a network device or terminal device with a forwarding function, or one or more parts or components configured in the NCR, network device or terminal device.

[0216] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a repeater according to an embodiment of the present application. Since the principle of solving the problem by the repeater is the same as the method of the embodiment of the first aspect, its specific implementation can refer to the embodiment of the first aspect, and the same contents will not be repeated.

[0217] As shown in FIG5 , the forwarder 500 further includes:

[0218] A receiving unit 501 is configured to receive first control information at a mobile terminal of the repeater, where the first control information at least includes first information indicating a time domain resource;

[0219] The forwarding unit of the forwarder is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information.

[0220] Regarding the implementation of the first state, the second state, and the third state, reference may be made to the embodiment of the first aspect. Regarding the implementation of the first control information, reference may be made to the embodiment of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0221] In addition, for simplicity, FIG5 only illustrates the connection relationship or signal path between various components or modules. However, those skilled in the art should be aware that various related technologies such as bus connection can be used. The above-mentioned components or modules can be implemented by hardware facilities such as processors, memories, transmitters, and receivers; this application is not limited to this.

[0222] The above embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications may be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments may be combined.

[0223] According to an embodiment of the present application, the switch of the repeater can be controlled by the first control information so that the time domain resources corresponding to the on state of the repeater match the time domain resources of the data transmission between the network device and the terminal device, saving the power consumption of the repeater, while reducing interference with other devices in the network and improving network throughput.

[0224] Embodiments of the third aspect

[0225] An embodiment of the present application provides an information indication method, which is explained from the perspective of a network device, and the contents that are the same as those in the embodiment of the first aspect will not be repeated.

[0226] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the method includes:

[0227] 601. The network device sends first control information to a forwarder, where the first control information includes at least first information indicating a time domain resource; and / or sends or does not send second control information, where the second control information instructs the forwarding unit to forward a signal within the time domain resource. For implementations of the first control information and the second control information, refer to the embodiments of the first aspect and are not further described here.

[0228] It is worth noting that FIG6 above is merely a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the execution order of the various operations may be appropriately adjusted, and other operations may be added or some operations may be reduced. Those skilled in the art may make appropriate modifications based on the above description, and are not limited to the description of FIG6 above.

[0229] The above only describes the steps or processes related to the present application, but the present application is not limited thereto. The method of the embodiment of the present application may also include other steps or processes. For the specific content of these steps or processes, reference may be made to the relevant art.

[0230] The above embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications may be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments may be combined.

[0231] According to an embodiment of the present application, the switch of the repeater can be controlled by the first control information so that the time domain resources corresponding to the on state of the repeater match the time domain resources of the data transmission between the network device and the terminal device, saving the power consumption of the repeater, while reducing interference with other devices in the network and improving network throughput.

[0232] Embodiments of the fourth aspect

[0233] An embodiment of the present application provides a network device.

[0234] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present application. Since the principle of solving the problem by the network device is the same as the method of the embodiment of the third aspect, its specific implementation can refer to the embodiment of the third aspect, and the same contents will not be repeated.

[0235] As shown in FIG7 , a network device 700 according to an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0236] A sending unit 701 sends first control information to a forwarder, the first control information including at least first information indicating a time domain resource; and / or sends or does not send second control information, the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward a signal within the time domain resource. The implementation of the first control information and the second control information may be referred to in the embodiment of the first aspect and will not be further described here.

[0237] It is worth noting that the above only describes the components or modules related to the present application, but the present application is not limited thereto. The network device 700 of the embodiment of the present application may also include other components or modules. For the specific contents of these components or modules, reference may be made to the relevant art.

[0238] In addition, for the sake of simplicity, FIG7 only illustrates the connection relationship or signal direction between various components or modules. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that various related technologies such as bus connection can be used. The above-mentioned components or modules can be implemented by hardware facilities such as processors, memories, transmitters, and receivers; the implementation of this application is not limited to this.

[0239] The above embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications may be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments may be combined.

[0240] According to an embodiment of the present application, the switch of the repeater can be controlled by the first control information so that the time domain resources corresponding to the on state of the repeater match the time domain resources of the data transmission between the network device and the terminal device, saving the power consumption of the repeater, while reducing interference with other devices in the network and improving network throughput.

[0241] Embodiments of the fifth aspect

[0242] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system of the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a network device 101, a repeater 102 and a terminal device 103. For simplicity, Figure 1 only uses one network device, one repeater and two terminal devices as an example for illustration, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0243] In an embodiment of the present application, existing services or future services can be transmitted between the network device 101 and the terminal device 103. For example, these services may include but are not limited to: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, etc. The forwarder 102 is configured to execute the information indication method described in the embodiment of the first aspect, and the network device 101 is configured to execute the information indication method described in the embodiment of the third aspect, the contents of which are incorporated herein and will not be repeated here.

[0244] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, which may be, for example, a repeater or a network device.

[0245] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8 , electronic device 800 may include a processor 810 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) and a memory 820 ; the memory 820 is coupled to the processor 810 . The memory 820 may store various data and may also store an information processing program 830 , which is executed under the control of the processor 810 .

[0246] For example, the processor 810 may be configured to execute a program to implement the information indication method as described in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0247] For another example, the processor 810 may be configured to execute a program to implement the information indication method as described in the embodiment of the third aspect.

[0248] In addition, as shown in FIG8 , electronic device 800 may further include: a transceiver 840 and an antenna 850; wherein the functions of the above components are similar to those in the prior art and are not further described here. It is worth noting that electronic device 800 does not necessarily include all the components shown in FIG8 ; in addition, electronic device 800 may also include components not shown in FIG8 , and reference may be made to the prior art for details.

[0249] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable program, wherein when the program is executed in a repeater, the program causes a computer to execute the information indication method described in the embodiment of the first aspect in the repeater.

[0250] An embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, wherein the computer-readable program enables a computer to execute the information indication method described in the embodiment of the first aspect in a repeater.

[0251] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable program, wherein when the program is executed in a network device, the program causes a computer to execute the information indication method described in the embodiment of the third aspect in the network device.

[0252] An embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium storing a computer-readable program, wherein the computer-readable program enables a computer to execute the information indication method described in the embodiment of the third aspect in a network device.

[0253] The above devices and methods of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software. The present application relates to such a computer-readable program that, when executed by a logic component, enables the logic component to implement the devices or components described above, or enables the logic component to implement the various methods or steps described above. The logic component is, for example, a field programmable logic component, a microprocessor, a processor used in a computer, etc. The present application also relates to a storage medium for storing the above program, such as a hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a DVD, a flash memory, etc.

[0254] The method / device described in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. For example, one or more of the functional block diagrams shown in the figure and / or one or more combinations of functional block diagrams can correspond to various software modules of the computer program flow or to various hardware modules. These software modules can respectively correspond to the various steps shown in the figure. These hardware modules can be implemented by solidifying these software modules, for example, using a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0255] The software module may be located in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storage medium may be coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium; or the storage medium may be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. The software module may be stored in the memory of the mobile terminal or in a memory card that can be inserted into the mobile terminal. For example, if the device (such as a mobile terminal) uses a large-capacity MEGA-SIM card or a large-capacity flash memory device, the software module may be stored in the MEGA-SIM card or the large-capacity flash memory device.

[0256] One or more of the functional blocks and / or one or more combinations of functional blocks described in the accompanying drawings may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or any appropriate combination thereof for performing the functions described in this application. One or more of the functional blocks and / or one or more combinations of functional blocks described in the accompanying drawings may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in communication with a DSP, or any other such configuration.

[0257] The present application has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these descriptions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the present application based on the spirit and principles of the present application, and such modifications and variations are also within the scope of the present application.

[0258] Regarding the above implementation methods disclosed in this embodiment, the following additional notes are also disclosed:

[0259] 1. An information indication method, applied to a forwarder, characterized in that the method comprises:

[0260] The mobile terminal of the repeater receives first control information, where the first control information includes at least first information for indicating time domain resources;

[0261] The forwarding unit of the forwarder is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information.

[0262] 2. The method according to Note 1, wherein the forwarding unit forwarding a signal in the time domain resource indicated by the first information when the time domain resource is in the first state comprises: the forwarding unit forwarding a signal in the time domain resource;

[0263] The forwarding unit being in the second state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information includes: the forwarding unit being in a standby state in the time domain resource, or the forwarding unit stopping forwarding signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit not forwarding signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit being capable of forwarding signals in the time domain resource;

[0264] The forwarding unit is in a third state when the time domain resource indicated by the first information includes: the forwarding unit is in a shutdown state in the time domain resource, or the forwarding unit stops forwarding signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit does not forward signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit is capable of forwarding signals in the time domain resource, or the forwarding unit is not capable of forwarding signals in the time domain resource.

[0265] 3. The method according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the first information indicates that the forwarding unit is in the third state in the time domain resource, and the mobile terminal does not receive part or all of the downlink signal in the time domain resource, and / or does not send part or all of the uplink signal.

[0266] 4. A method according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first information indicates that the forwarding unit is in the third state in the time domain resource, the mobile terminal does not listen to the DCI format used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward the signal in the time domain resource, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal in the time domain resource, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time domain resource.

[0267] 5. A method according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first information indicates that the forwarding unit is in the second state or the third state in the time domain resource, and the mobile terminal listens in the time domain resource to the DCI format used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward the signal, or the mobile terminal receives in the time domain resource the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time domain resource, or the mobile terminal receives the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time domain resource after receiving the first control information.

[0268] 6. The method according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the first information is carried by one or more first information domains.

[0269] 7. The method according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the first information explicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource.

[0270] 8. The method according to Note 7, wherein the first control information does not include second information for indicating one or more access link beams.

[0271] 9. The method according to Note 8, wherein the second information is carried by one or more second information domains.

[0272] 10. According to the method described in any one of Notes 7 to 9, the first information explicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state or the third state in the time domain resource, indicating that the first information is only used to indicate that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state or the third state in the time domain resource.

[0273] 11. The method according to Note 7, wherein the first control information further includes third information for indicating the first state or the second state or the third state.

[0274] 12. According to the method described in Note 10, the operating frequency band of the repeater is FR1.

[0275] 13. The method according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the first information implicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource.

[0276] 14. The method according to Note 13, wherein the first control information also includes second information for indicating one or more access link beams.

[0277] 15. The method according to Note 14, wherein the second information is carried by one or more second information fields.

[0278] 16. The method according to Note 13, wherein the first information is also used to indicate the time domain resources corresponding to one or more access link beams indicated by the second information.

[0279] 17. The method according to Note 13, wherein the operating frequency band of the repeater is FR2.

[0280] 18. A method according to any one of Notes 1 to 17, wherein whether the first control information includes second information for indicating an access link beam is related to the working frequency band and / or capability and / or high-level parameter configuration of the forwarding unit.

[0281] 19. The method according to any one of Notes 1 to 18, wherein the first control information includes DCI and / or RRC signaling and / or MAC CE.

[0282] 20. A method according to any one of Notes 1 to 19, wherein the first interval between the first time position related to the first control information and the second time position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is greater than or not less than a first predetermined value or a second predetermined value.

[0283] 21. The method according to Note 20, wherein the first predetermined value is greater than the second predetermined value.

[0284] 22. The method according to Note 20 or 21, wherein the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state or the first state, or the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required to switch from the second state to the first state, or the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required for beam switching.

[0285] 23. The method according to Note 20 or 21, wherein the second predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the second state to the first state, or the second predetermined value includes the time required for beam switching.

[0286] 24. The method according to Note 22, wherein the time required to switch from the third state to the first state includes or does not include the time required for beam switching.

[0287] 25. The method according to Note 22 or 23, wherein the time required to switch from the second state to the first state includes or does not include the time required for beam switching.

[0288] 26. The method according to any one of Notes 20 to 25, wherein the first predetermined value and / or the second predetermined value includes or does not include the time required for the mobile terminal to receive the first control information.

[0289] 27. A method according to any one of Notes 20 to 26, wherein the forwarding unit is in the third state when the mobile terminal receives the first control information, or the forwarding unit is in the third state before the time domain resources indicated by the first information, and is in the first state when the time domain resources indicated by the first information, and the first interval is greater than or not less than the first predetermined value.

[0290] 28. The method according to Note 27, wherein the forwarding unit is in the second state when receiving the first control information or the forwarding unit is in the second state before the time domain resources indicated by the first information, and is in the first state when the indicated time domain resources are in the first state, and the first interval is greater than or not less than a second predetermined value.

[0291] 29. A method according to any one of Notes 1 to 19, wherein the second interval between the third time position related to the first control information and the fourth time position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is greater than or not less than a third predetermined value or a fourth predetermined value.

[0292] 30. The method according to Note 29, wherein the third predetermined value is greater than the fourth predetermined value.

[0293] 31. According to the method described in Note 29 or 30, the first control information includes second information for indicating one or more access link beams, and the second interval is greater than or not less than the third predetermined value.

[0294] 32. A method according to Note 29 or 30, wherein the first control information does not include second information for indicating one or more access link beams, and the second interval is greater than or not less than the fourth predetermined value.

[0295] 33. The method according to any one of Notes 1 to 32, wherein the method further comprises:

[0296] The mobile terminal of the forwarder sends HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information, and the starting position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is after, before, or the same as the ending position of the time domain resource used to send the HARQ-ACK information.

[0297] 34. A method according to any one of Notes 1 to 33, wherein the forwarder sends HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information, and the position of the time domain resources indicated by the first information is unrelated to the position of the time domain resources used to send the HARQ-ACK information.

[0298] 35. An information indication method, applied to a network device, characterized in that the method comprises:

[0299] The network device sends first control information to the forwarder, wherein the first control information includes at least first information for indicating time domain resources; and / or sends or does not send second control information, wherein the second control information is used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward signals within the time domain resources.

[0300] 36. A repeater comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program to implement the information indication method as described in any one of Notes 1 to 34.

[0301] 37. A network device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program to implement the information indication method as described in Note 35.

Claims

1. A transponder, characterized in that: The repeater comprises: A receiving unit, configured to receive first control information at a mobile terminal of the repeater, where the first control information at least includes first information indicating a time domain resource; The forwarding unit of the forwarder is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information.

2. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein: The forwarding unit forwarding a signal in the time domain resource indicated by the first information when the time domain resource is in the first state includes: the forwarding unit forwarding a signal in the time domain resource; The forwarding unit being in the second state in the time domain resource indicated by the first information includes: the forwarding unit being in a standby state in the time domain resource, or the forwarding unit stopping forwarding signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit not forwarding signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit being capable of forwarding signals in the time domain resource; The forwarding unit is in a third state when the time domain resource indicated by the first information includes: the forwarding unit is in a shutdown state in the time domain resource, or the forwarding unit stops forwarding signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit does not forward signals in the time domain resource; or the forwarding unit is capable of forwarding signals in the time domain resource, or the forwarding unit is not capable of forwarding signals in the time domain resource.

3. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein: The first information indicates that the forwarding unit is in the third state in the time domain resource, the mobile terminal does not listen to the DCI format used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward the signal in the time domain resource, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal in the time domain resource, or the mobile terminal does not expect to receive the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time domain resource.

4. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein: The first information indicates that the forwarding unit is in the second state or the third state in the time domain resource, and the mobile terminal listens in the time domain resource to the DCI format used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward the signal, or the mobile terminal receives in the time domain resource the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time domain resource, or the mobile terminal receives the second control information instructing the forwarding unit to forward the signal within the time domain resource after receiving the first control information.

5. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein The first information explicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource. The repeater according to claim 5 , wherein: The first control information does not include second information for indicating one or more access link beams.

7. The forwarder according to claim 5, wherein the first information explicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource, indicating that the first information is only used to indicate that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource. The repeater according to claim 6 , wherein the operating frequency band of the repeater is FR1.

9. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein: The first information implicitly indicates that the forwarding unit is in the first state, the second state, or the third state in the time domain resource.

10. The repeater according to claim 9, wherein: The first control information further includes second information for indicating one or more access link beams.

11. The repeater according to claim 9, wherein: The first information is also used to indicate the time domain resources corresponding to one or more access link beams indicated by the second information.

12. The repeater according to claim 9, wherein: The operating frequency band of the repeater is FR2.

13. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein: A first interval between a first time position related to the first control information and a second time position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is greater than or not less than a first predetermined value or a second predetermined value.

14. The repeater according to claim 13, wherein: The first predetermined value is greater than the second predetermined value.

15. The repeater according to claim 13, wherein: The first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state or the first state, or the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required to switch from the second state to the first state, or the first predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the third state to the second state and the time required for beam switching.

16. The repeater according to claim 13, wherein: The second predetermined value includes the time required for the forwarding unit to switch from the second state to the first state, or the second predetermined value includes the time required for beam switching.

17. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein: The repeater further comprises: A feedback unit, which sends HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information to the mobile terminal of the forwarder, wherein the starting position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is after or before or the same as the ending position of the time domain resource used to send the HARQ-ACK information.

18. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein The forwarder sends HARQ-ACK information corresponding to the first control information, and the position of the time domain resource indicated by the first information is unrelated to the position of the time domain resource used to send the HARQ-ACK information.

19. A network device, characterized in that: The network equipment includes: A sending unit sends first control information to a forwarder, wherein the first control information includes at least first information for indicating time domain resources; and / or sends or does not send second control information, wherein the second control information is used to instruct the forwarding unit to forward a signal within the time domain resources.

20. A communication system comprising: The repeater according to claim 1 and / or the network device according to claim 19.

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