Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and device, and the method comprises the steps that terminal equipment can receive first information used for indicating a first resource from first network equipment; the first resource can be used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device. Namely, under the condition that the first communication connection exists between the terminal equipment and the first network equipment and the second communication connection exists between the terminal equipment and the second network equipment, the terminal equipment can acquire the first resource for communication between the terminal equipment and the second network equipment by monitoring the signal of the first network equipment; therefore, the terminal equipment does not monitor the signal of the second network equipment. Therefore, the power consumption of the terminal equipment can be reduced, and the energy conservation of the terminal equipment is realized.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In order to improve the rate and reliability of data transmission, a terminal device can be connected to multiple base stations simultaneously. Among the multiple base stations, there is a primary base station and multiple secondary base stations. For example, in a dual connectivity (DC) scenario, a terminal device can be connected to a primary base station and a secondary base station. The primary base station can be, for example, a new radio (NR) base station, and the secondary base station can be, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) base station. This means that the terminal device can be scheduled by the primary base station and the secondary base station, resulting in a relatively high power consumption of the terminal device. Therefore, how to reduce the power consumption of the terminal device has become a technical problem to be solved urgently at the current stage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can reduce the power consumption of a terminal device and achieve energy saving of the terminal device.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device, or by a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) applied to the terminal device, or by a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. In this communication method, a first piece of information can be received from a first network device. The first piece of information is used to indicate a first resource, and the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with a second network device. Among them, there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the first network device, and there is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device.

[0005] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, when there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the first network device, and there is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device, the terminal device can receive the first piece of information for indicating the first resource from the first network device. Among them, the first resource can be used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device. That is to say, the terminal device can obtain the first resource for communicating with the second network device by listening to the signal of the first network device, so that the terminal device does not need to listen to the signal of the second network device. In this way, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced, and energy saving of the terminal device is achieved.

[0006] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a second piece of information from the first network device, where the second piece of information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information for indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device from the first network device.

[0007] As can be seen, in the above embodiments, the terminal device can obtain information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device by listening to the signal of the first network device, ensuring the smooth execution of the solution.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, receiving the first information from the first network device includes: receiving the first information from the first network device on the second resource. The second resource is used to transmit information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0009] As can be seen, in the above embodiments, the terminal device can receive the first information on a resource (such as the second resource) for transmitting information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device, ensuring the reliable transmission of the first information.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving third information from the first network device, where the third information is used to indicate the second resource. Optionally, the third information may be the configuration information of the first network device, located in the configuration information of the first network device, the configuration information of the second network device, or located in the configuration information of the second network device.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the second resource is a downlink resource dedicated to transmitting information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device; or, the second resource is a downlink resource for transmitting information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the first network device.

[0012] As can be seen, in the above embodiments, the terminal device can receive the first information on dedicated resources, ensuring that the transmission of the first information is not interfered by other factors. Or, when the second resource is a downlink resource for transmitting information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the first network device, it is equivalent to that the second resource is part of the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the first network device, which is more flexible.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the third information further includes information for indicating the timing advance of the second network device. For example, the configuration information of the first network device includes information for indicating the timing advance of the second network device. In this way, the terminal device can obtain the information of the timing advance of the second network device by listening to the signal of the first network device, reducing the power consumption of the terminal device and achieving energy saving of the terminal device.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is used to indicate the first resource, including: the first information is used to indicate the first resource and that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0015] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the first information can indicate the first resource and indicate that the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device, so as to help the terminal device correctly understand the first information, avoid information loss caused by inconsistent understanding, and thus there is a risk of unreliable communication.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, the first information further includes information for indicating a third resource, and the third resource is used for the terminal device to send feedback information to the second network device, and the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of the data corresponding to the first resource.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving, from a first network device, fourth information, where the fourth information is used to instruct the terminal device to stop receiving information about resources for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device from the first network device.

[0018] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device, or by a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) applied to the first network device, or can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device. In this communication method, information for indicating a first resource can be received from a second network device, and the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device. Thus, first information can be sent to the terminal device, and the first information is used to indicate the first resource. Among them, there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0019] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, when there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the first network device, the second network device can send information for indicating the first resource to the first network device, so that the first network device can send the first information for indicating the first resource. Among them, the first resource can be used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device. That is to say, the terminal device can obtain the first resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device by listening to the signal of the first network device, so that the terminal device does not need to listen to the signal of the second network device. In this way, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced, and energy saving of the terminal device is achieved.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal device, where the second information is used to instruct the terminal device to receive information about resources for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device from the first network device.

[0021] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the first network device sends the second information to the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to obtain, by listening to the signal of the first network device, information on resources for indicating the communication between the terminal device and the second network device, thus ensuring the smooth execution of the solution.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, sending the first information to the terminal device includes: sending the first information to the terminal device on a second resource. The second resource is used to transmit information on resources for indicating the communication between the terminal device and the second network device.

[0023] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the first network device sends the first information on a resource (such as the second resource) for transmitting information on resources for indicating the communication between the terminal device and the second network device, ensuring the reliable transmission of the first information.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending third information to the terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the second resource.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the second resource is a downlink resource dedicated to transmitting information on resources for indicating the communication between the terminal device and the second network device; or, the second resource is a downlink resource for transmitting information on resources for indicating the communication between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0026] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the first network device can receive the first information on a dedicated resource, ensuring that the transmission of the first information is not interfered by other factors. Or, when the second resource is a downlink resource for transmitting information on resources for indicating the communication between the terminal device and the first network device, it is equivalent to that the second resource is part of the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the first network device, which is more flexible.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving from the second network device information for indicating the timing advance of the second network device. The third information further includes information for indicating the timing advance of the second network device.

[0028] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the first network device can send information for indicating the timing advance of the second network device, enabling the terminal device to obtain the information on the timing advance of the second network device by listening to the signal of the first network device, reducing the power consumption of the terminal device and achieving energy saving of the terminal device.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is used to indicate a first resource, including: the first information is used to indicate the first resource and that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0030] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the first information can indicate the first resource and indicate that the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device, so as to help the terminal device correctly understand the first information, avoid information loss caused by inconsistent understanding, and thus there is a risk of unreliable communication.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the first information further includes information for indicating a third resource, and the third resource is used for the terminal device to send feedback information to the second network device, and the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of the data corresponding to the first resource.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: determining a first moment, where the first moment is the moment when the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device; sending the first information to the terminal device, including: sending the first information to the terminal device based on the first moment.

[0033] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the first network device can send the first information to the terminal device based on the first moment, so that the terminal device can receive the first information at the corresponding time point, and avoid the problem that the first resource becomes unavailable due to the terminal device receiving the first information too late.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information is used to instruct the terminal device to stop receiving information about the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device from the first network device.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving first indication information from the terminal device or the second network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate to send information about the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device through the first network device.

[0036] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending second indication information to the second network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first network device supports sending information about the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device.

[0037] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the second network device can learn about the capabilities of the first network device, such as supporting sending information about the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device, which ensures the smooth execution of the solution.

[0038] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending third indication information to the terminal device or the second network device, where the third indication information is used to indicate that it is allowed to send information about the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device through the first network device.

[0039] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the terminal device or the second network device can be informed that the first network device agrees to send, via the first network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device, which ensures the smooth execution of the solution.

[0040] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving, from the second network device, information for indicating a fourth resource. The fourth resource is used to transmit information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device. The fourth resource includes a second resource.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending, to the second network device, information for indicating a fifth resource, where the fifth resource is used to determine the fourth resource. The fifth resource is used to transmit information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0042] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving, from the second network device, second information for indicating that the terminal device receives, from the first network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0043] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by the second network device, or by a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) applied to the second network device, or can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network device. In this communication method, information for indicating a first resource can be sent to the first network device, where the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device. There is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device.

[0044] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, when there is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device, the second network device can send information for indicating the first resource to the first network device, so that the first network device can send first information for indicating the first resource. The first resource can be used for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device, that is to say, the terminal device can obtain the first resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device by listening to the signal of the first network device, so that the terminal device does not need to listen to the signal of the second network device. In this way, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced, and energy saving of the terminal device is achieved.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending information indicating a third resource to a first network device, where the third resource is used for a terminal device to send feedback information to a second network device, and the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of data corresponding to a first resource.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first indication information to a first network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate sending, through the first network device, information indicating a resource for a terminal device to communicate with a second network device to the terminal device.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from a first network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first network device supports sending, to the terminal device, information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0048] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the second network device can learn about the capabilities of the first network device, such as supporting sending, to the terminal device, information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device, which ensures the smooth execution of the solution.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third indication information from a first network device, where the third indication information is used to indicate permission to send, through the first network device, information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device.

[0050] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the second network device can learn that the first network device agrees to send, through the first network device, information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device, which ensures the smooth execution of the solution.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending information indicating a fourth resource to a first network device. Among them, the fourth resource is used to transmit information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device. The fourth resource includes a second resource.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving information indicating a fifth resource from a first network device, where the fifth resource is used to determine the fourth resource. Among them, the fifth resource is used to transmit information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending second information to a first network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives, from the first network device, information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

[0054] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, including units or modules for implementing the method described in any one of the first to third aspects. The communication device may be a terminal device or a network device, or a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) of a terminal device or a network device (such as a first network device or a second network device, etc.), or may also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a terminal device or a network device (such as a first network device or a second network device, etc.).

[0055] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes at least one processor; wherein, the at least one processor is used to execute the method described in any one of the first to third aspects. The communication device may be a terminal device or a network device (such as a first network device or a second network device, etc.), or may also be a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) of a terminal device or a network device (such as a first network device or a second network device, etc.), or may also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a terminal device or a network device (such as a first network device or a second network device, etc.). The at least one processor may execute computer programs or instructions in a memory to cause the above method to be executed. The memory may be included in the communication device or may be located outside the communication device. In addition, the communication device may further include an interface.

[0056] Sixthly, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal device, a first network device, and a second network device. The terminal device is used to execute the method described in any one of the first aspect; the first network device is used to execute the method described in any one of the second aspect; the second network device is used to execute the method described in any one of the third aspect.

[0057] Seventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0058] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes: computer program code, which when run by a computer, causes the computer to execute the method described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0059] Ninthly, a chip is provided. The chip includes at least one processor and an interface. The processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, which when run, cause the chip to execute the method described in any one of the first to third aspects. Description of the Drawings

[0060] Figure 1It is the infrastructure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 2 They are the SFN of the cell of a primary network device and the SFN of the cell of a secondary network device;

[0062] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 5 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0068] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise specified, " / " means that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. And, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more than two. "At least one (item)" or its similar expression below refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, c can be one or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same functions of network elements. Those skilled in the art can understand that the terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit to be different.

[0069] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in the embodiments of the present application mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, statements such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprise", "include", "have" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0070] In the present application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include directly sending through the air interface or indirectly sending by other units or modules through the air interface. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include directly receiving from YY through the air interface or indirectly receiving from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can be carried out between devices, for example, between a network device and a terminal device, or can be carried out within a device, for example, sending or receiving between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device through a bus, trace, or interface. It can be understood that necessary processing may be performed on the information between the source and destination of the information transmission, such as encoding, modulation, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in the present application can be understood similarly and will not be elaborated further.

[0071] The "indication" in this application may include direct indication and indirect indication, and may also include explicit indication and implicit indication. If the information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the indication information described below) is called the information to be indicated, then in the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated. For example, but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated, etc. It is also possible to indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated; it is also possible to only indicate a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or pre-agreed. For example, the arrangement order of each piece of information pre-agreed (such as protocol pre-definition) can be used to implement the indication of specific information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific manner of indication. It can be understood that for the sender of the indication information, the indication information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the indication information, the indication information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0072] The following specific implementation manners further elaborate on the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the following are only specific implementation manners of this application and are not used to limit the protection scope of this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of this application should be included in the protection scope of this application.

[0073] In each embodiment of this application, if there is no special description and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0074] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to long term evolution (LTE) architectures, fifth generation mobile networks (5G), wireless local area networks (WLAN) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, LTE-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle networks, machine type communications (MTC), and so on. The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can also be applied to future other communication systems, such as 6G communication systems, etc. In future communication systems, the functions may remain the same, but the names may change.

[0075] The following introduces the infrastructure of the communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication system provided by the present application may include one or more network devices and one or more terminal devices.

[0076] The following uses Figure 1 the shown system architecture for exemplary explanation. As Figure 1 shown, the communication system includes a first network device 10, a second network device 20, and a terminal device 30. Among them, the first network device 10 can communicate with the second network device 20, the first network device 10 can communicate with the terminal device 30, and the second network device 20 can communicate with the terminal device 30. The present application does not limit the communication methods between various devices. For example, the first network device 10 can communicate with the second network device 20 through the interface between the first network device 10 and the second network device 20. For example, the first network device 10 can communicate through the interface between the first network device 10 and the terminal device 30, and the second network device 20 can communicate through the interface between the second network device 20 and the terminal device 30. The interface between network devices can be called the XN interface. The interface between a network device and a terminal device can be called the air interface, and the present application does not limit the interface name.

[0077] Among them, in the DC technology, the first network device 10 can be called, for example, a master node (MN) or a primary network device, and the second network device 20 can be called, for example, a secondary node (SN) or a secondary network device. The present application does not limit its name. The following description takes the first network device and the second network device as the primary network device and the secondary network device respectively, which should not be regarded as a limitation of the present application.

[0078] In a possible implementation, DC may include evolved universal terrestrial radio access and new radio dual connectivity (EN-DC), next-generation radio access network evolved universal terrestrial radio access and new radio dual connectivity (NGEN-DC), new radio and evolved universal terrestrial radio access dual connectivity (NE-DC), or new radio and new radio dual connectivity (NR-DC), etc. Among them, for EN-DC, that is, LTE-NR DC, the primary network device is an LTE base station connected to a 4G core network, and the secondary network device is an NR base station. For NGEN-DC, the primary network device is an LTE base station connected to a 5G core network, and the secondary network device is an NR base station. For NE-DC, that is, NR-LTE DC, the primary network device is an NR base station connected to a 5G core network, and the secondary network device is an LTE base station. For NR-DC, that is, NR-NR DC, both the primary network device and the secondary network device are NR base stations connected to a 5G core network. These are only some possible examples, and this application does not limit the standards of the primary network device and the secondary network device. For example, at least one of the primary network device and the secondary network device may be a base station of other future communication systems, such as a 6G base station, etc.

[0079] Optionally, the primary network device and the secondary network device may be deployed in a co-located manner or a non-co-located manner. This application does not limit the deployment method of the primary network device and the secondary network device.

[0080] In a possible implementation, one or more cells provided by the primary network device for the terminal device may form a primary cell group, and one or more cells provided by the secondary network device for the terminal device may form a secondary cell group.

[0081] Optionally, the communication system may further include a core network device ( Figure 1 not shown). The primary network device and / or the secondary network device may also communicate with the core network device. Among them, the core network device may provide communication services to the terminal device. The core network device is, for example, a device in a 5G core network (CN). The core network, as a bearer network, provides an interface to the data network, provides communication connections, authentication, management, policy control, and bearer for data services for the terminal.

[0082] It should be noted that Figure 1The quantities of the network devices and terminal devices are only illustrative and should not be construed as specific limitations to this application. The terminal devices and network devices involved in the system architecture will be described in detail below.

[0083] I. Terminal Devices

[0084] A terminal device is an entity on the user side that is used to receive signals, or send signals, or receive and send signals. The terminal device is used to provide one or more of voice services and data connectivity services to users. The terminal device can be a device that includes a wireless transceiver function and can cooperate with a network device to provide communication services to users. Specifically, the terminal device can refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile device, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device, or roadside unit (RSU). The terminal device can also be a drone, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a smart phone, a cordless phone, a wireless data card, a tablet computer, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (which can also be called a wearable intelligent device), a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. The terminal device can also be a terminal in a 5G system or a terminal in a next-generation communication system, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0085] Embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device. The device for implementing the functions of the terminal device may be the terminal device; or it may be a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the functions, such as a chip system. This device may be installed in the terminal device or used in matching with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0086] II. Network Device

[0087] A network device is an entity on the network side for sending signals, or receiving signals, or sending and receiving signals. The network device may be a device deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices.

[0088] In a possible scenario, the network device may be a device with base station functions, such as an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a non-terrestrial network device in NTN, i.e., a device that can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite, etc. The network device may be a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station, or various forms of control nodes. For example, a network controller, a radio controller, etc. Specifically, the network device may be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations) in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) scenario, relay stations, access points (APs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB), baseband units (BBUs) and remote radio units (RRUs) in a distributed base station scenario, transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, etc., or may also be an antenna panel of a base station. The control node can be connected to multiple base stations and configure resources for multiple terminals covered by the multiple base stations. In systems using different radio access technologies, the names of the devices with base station functions may be different. For example, it may be a gNB in 5G, or a network-side device in a network after 5G or a network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), or a device with base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The specific name of the network device in this application is not limited.The network device may also be a baseband pool (BBU pool) and RRU under an open radio access network (openRAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), etc.

[0089] All or part of the functions of the network device in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the network device functions.

[0090] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices cooperate to assist the terminal device in achieving wireless access, and different network devices respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the network device may include a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the network device can be a CU node, or a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network RAN, or the CU can be classified as a network device in the core network CN, which is not limited here.

[0091] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be called an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be called an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be called an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be called an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be called an O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are used as examples in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application, the form of the network device is not limited. The device for implementing the functions of the network device may be a network device; it may also be a device capable of supporting the network device to implement such functions, such as a chip system. This device may be installed in the network device or used in matching with the network device.

[0093] For the convenience of understanding the content of this solution, some terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are further explained below, so as to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. This part is only for the convenience of understanding and cannot be regarded as a specific limitation to the present application.

[0094] I. System Frame Number and Frame Timing Difference (SFTD)

[0095] Generally speaking, for different network devices, such as the downlink timings of the primary network device and the secondary network device may be the same or different, but the absolute time points corresponding to the starting points of the same radio frame may be different. For example, when the downlink timings of different network devices are the same, due to the different distances between the terminal device and different network devices, the terminal device may measure different frame boundary offsets, which may lead to differences in the starting points of the radio frames of the cells in different network devices. That is to say, due to the different delays in transmitting information between the terminal device and different network devices, there will be differences in the starting points of the radio frames of the cells received by the terminal device in different network devices. To obtain this difference, the measurement of SFTD is introduced, that is, the terminal device measures the deviation of the system frame number (SFN) and the timing deviation of the frame boundary between two cells. Such as measuring the SFN offset and the frame boundary offset.

[0096] In a possible implementation manner, SFTD may include the SFN offset and the frame boundary offset. For example, in Figure 2 , SFTD may be determined based on the difference between the signal of the cell of the primary network device (such as the signal with SFN = 50) and the signal of the cell of the secondary network device (the signal with SFN = 2).

[0097] In a possible implementation manner, the terminal device may also report SFTD to the primary network device and / or the secondary network device.

[0098] II. Timing Advance (TA)

[0099] TA can be used for the terminal device to synchronize with the network device, such as uplink time synchronization, etc. In a possible implementation manner, TA may be determined based on the round-trip time delay between the terminal device and the network device.

[0100] In a possible implementation, the TAs of different network devices may be the same or different. For example, the TA of the primary network device and the TA of the secondary network device may be the same or different.

[0101] III. Downlink Control Information (DCI)

[0102] Multiple different formats of DCI may be supported in the communication system. The DCI may include multiple indication fields, and each indication field corresponds to its respective indication function. One or more different indication fields may be included between the DCIs corresponding to different DCI formats. In a possible implementation, some DCIs may be used to schedule uplink transmission resources, and some DCIs may be used to schedule downlink transmission resources. The following examples are given in combination with these two cases. Specifically:

[0103] 1. The DCI may be used to schedule the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). Exemplarily, the DCI may be used to indicate the PUSCH resources. For example, the DCI may include at least one of the following indication fields: DCI format identifier, time-frequency domain location of the PUSCH resources (such as at least one of frequency domain resource indication, time domain resource indication, carrier indication, uplink (UL) / supplementary uplink (SUL) indication, bandwidth part (BWP) indication, etc.), data modulation and coding strategy carried on the PUSCH resources, redundancy version, hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ) process number, transmit power command of the PUSCH, precoding information, and number of layers, etc.

[0104] Exemplarily, the secondary network device may receive a resource scheduling request (which may be a BSR or an SR) from the terminal device to trigger the secondary network device to determine the PUSCH resources scheduled for the terminal device based on the scheduling algorithm. In this way, the PUSCH resources may be indicated by the DCI. Among them, the resource scheduling request may be, for example, a buffer status report (BSR) or a scheduling request (SR), etc.

[0105] 2. DCI can be used to schedule the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Exemplarily, DCI can be used to indicate PDSCH resources and can also indicate physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources. For example, DCI can include at least one of the following indication fields: DCI format identifier, time-frequency domain location of PDSCH resources (such as at least one of frequency domain resource indication, time domain resource indication, carrier indication, BWP indication, etc.), modulation and coding strategy of the data carried in the PDSCH resources, indication of whether it is information data, redundancy version, HARQ process number, PUCCH resource indication, transmit power command of the PDSCH, time indication between the PDSCH resources and HARQ feedback information, etc. HARQ feedback information can include acknowledgement (ACK) or negative acknowledgement (NACK). For example, when the terminal device successfully decodes the data on the PDSCH, the HARQ feedback information can include ACK. When the terminal device fails to decode the data on the PDSCH, the HARQ feedback information can include NACK.

[0106] Exemplarily, the secondary network device can receive downlink data from the core network device or the primary network device to trigger the secondary network device to determine the PDSCH resources scheduled for the terminal device based on the scheduling algorithm. In this way, the PDSCH resources can be indicated by DCI. Optionally, the secondary network device can also determine the PUCCH resources, such as the PUCCH resources can also be indicated by DCI.

[0107] In a possible implementation manner, the formats of DCI used by different network devices can be the same or different. For example, the format of DCI used by the primary network device and the format of DCI used by the secondary network device can be the same or different.

[0108] In a possible implementation manner, DCI can be carried in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0109] It should be noted that in this application, PUSCH, PDSCH, PUCCH, and PDCCH are only examples of the uplink data channel, downlink data channel, uplink control channel, and downlink control channel respectively. In different systems and different scenarios, the data channel and the control channel may have different names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0110] Generally, in DC technology, a terminal device is simultaneously connected to a primary network device and a secondary network device. The terminal device needs to simultaneously monitor (the monitoring in this application can be understood as receiving or detecting, etc.) the PDCCH of the primary network device and the PDCCH of the secondary network device, resulting in a relatively high power consumption of the terminal device. Based on this, this application provides Figure 3 the embodiments shown below to solve this problem. It should be noted that in this application, the DC scenario is used as an example for illustration, and the method provided in this application can also be applied to other scenarios where this technology exists.

[0111] The embodiments of this application will be introduced in detail below. Specifically, the terminal in the following text can be Figure 1 the terminal involved, and the network device (such as the primary network device or the secondary network device) in the following text can be Figure 1 the network device involved. It should be noted that the message names between each network element or the parameter names in the message in the following embodiments are only examples, and in specific implementations, they can also be other names. This application does not make specific limitations on this. The processing performed by a single execution entity (terminal or network device (such as the primary network device or the secondary network device)) shown in the embodiments of this application can also be divided and performed by multiple execution entities, and these execution entities can be separated logically and / or physically. For example, the processing performed by the network device (such as the primary network device or the secondary network device) can be divided and performed by at least one of the CU, DU, and RU.

[0112] As Figure 3 shown, a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application includes but is not limited to the following steps. It should be noted that each embodiment of this application is only described by taking all the steps it includes as an example, and should not be regarded as a specific limitation of this application. That is to say, the steps included in the embodiments of this application (i.e., Figures 3 to 6 any one of the embodiments) can be partially or fully executed without logical conflicts.

[0113] 301. The secondary network device sends information indicating a first resource to the primary network device, and the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0114] Correspondingly, the primary network device receives the information indicating the first resource from the secondary network device.

[0115] In a possible implementation, the first resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device includes: the first resource is used for the terminal device to perform uplink communication and / or downlink communication with the secondary network device. In this application, the terminal device performing uplink communication with the secondary network device can be understood as the terminal device sending uplink data and / or uplink signaling to the secondary network device. The terminal device performing downlink communication with the secondary network device can be understood as the secondary network device sending downlink data and / or downlink signaling to the terminal device.

[0116] Exemplarily, the uplink data can be carried on the PUSCH. In this case, the first resource can be referred to as the PUSCH resource, and this application does not limit its name. Further, in a possible implementation, the information for indicating the first resource can be located in a message, for example. This message can be DCI, XN message or other messages, etc. When the information for indicating the first resource is located in DCI, it can also be described as the information for indicating the first resource being DCI or at least one indication field in DCI. This application does not limit its description method.

[0117] Another exemplarily, the downlink data can be carried on the PDSCH. In this case, the first resource can be referred to as the PDSCH resource, and this application does not limit its name. Optionally, the secondary network device can also send information for indicating a third resource to the primary network device. The third resource is used for the terminal device to send feedback information to the secondary network device. Among them, the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of the data corresponding to the first resource. For example, the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of the downlink data transmitted on the first resource. Optionally, the feedback information can be ACK or NACK. In a possible implementation, the feedback information can be carried on the PUCCH. In this case, the third resource can be referred to as the PUCCH resource, etc., and this application does not limit its name.

[0118] In a possible implementation, the information for indicating the first resource and the information for indicating the third resource can be located in different messages, or different indication fields of different messages, or the same message, or the same indication field of the same message, etc. The message here can be DCI, XN message or other messages, etc.

[0119] It should be noted that the resources mentioned in this application can refer to time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, etc.

[0120] Time-domain resources may include, for example, at least one of the following: frame, sub-frame, time slot, symbol, etc. In NR, the duration of a frame is 10 milliseconds (ms), each frame is divided into 10 sub-frames, and each sub-frame is 1 ms long. Each sub-frame is divided into several time slots: when the cyclic prefix (CP) is the normal cyclic prefix (NCP), each time slot consists of 14 symbols; when the cyclic prefix is the extended cyclic prefix (ECP), each time slot consists of 12 symbols. Of course, with the evolution of communication technologies, the number of symbols included in a time slot may also be other values, which are not limited in this application. The symbols involved in this application may be orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

[0121] Frequency-domain resources may include, for example, at least one of the following: sub-carrier, resource block (RB), resource block group (RBG), sub-channel, bandwidth part (BWP), carrier. A resource block is a plurality of consecutive sub-carriers in the frequency domain. For example, a resource block may include 12 sub-carriers. Multiple resource blocks may form a resource block group. A carrier is a continuous frequency range that conforms to the system specifications, and this frequency range can be determined by the center frequency of the carrier (denoted as the carrier frequency) and the bandwidth of the carrier. A carrier may include one or more bandwidth parts. A bandwidth part may include one or more sub-channels, and a sub-channel includes multiple resource blocks. A sub-channel may also be referred to as a sub-band.

[0122] 302. The primary network device sends first information to the terminal device, and the first information is used to indicate the first resource.

[0123] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the primary network device. Among them, there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the primary network device, and there is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the secondary network device. It should be noted that a certain communication connection mentioned in this application (such as the first communication connection or the second communication connection, etc.) may be a data connection and / or a radio resource control (RRC) connection. The data connection is used for the terminal device and the network device to transmit data, including uplink data and / or downlink data. The RRC connection is used for the terminal device and the network device to transmit data and / or signaling. For example, the terminal device may perform random access with the primary network device so that there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the primary network device. For example, the terminal device may perform random access with the secondary network device so that there is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0124] The following provides a detailed introduction to the first piece of information.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the first piece of information may be, for example, DCI or at least one indication field in DCI. Optionally, the information used to indicate the first resource may trigger the master network device to send the first piece of information. The following describes two cases for illustration, specifically:

[0126] 1. The master network device can parse the information used to indicate the first resource. For example, the master network device can forward the information used to indicate the first resource, that is, the first piece of information and the information used to indicate the first resource are the same piece of information. Or, the master network device can generate the first piece of information based on the information used to indicate the first resource.

[0127] For ease of understanding, the following uses the DCI used to indicate the first resource as an example to illustrate these two methods. For ease of distinction, this DCI is referred to as the DCI of the secondary network device, and the name of this application is not limited thereto. It should be understood that when the master network device receives the DCI of the secondary network device, it can, for example, forward the DCI of the secondary network device. In this case, it can be said that the first piece of information is the DCI of the secondary network device or at least one indication field in this DCI. Or, when the master network device receives the DCI of the secondary network device, the master network device can parse the DCI of the secondary network device to understand the physical meaning of each field in the DCI of the secondary network device, and then can generate the first piece of information based on the physical meaning of each field in the DCI of the secondary network device. In this case, the first piece of information may be the DCI (for ease of distinction, referred to as the DCI of the master network device) or at least one indication field in this DCI.

[0128] 2. The master network device cannot parse the information used to indicate the first resource. For example, the master network device can forward the information used to indicate the first resource, that is, the first piece of information and the information used to indicate the first resource are the same piece of information.

[0129] In a possible implementation manner, the first information is used to indicate a first resource, including: the first information is used to indicate the first resource and is used to indicate that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. Taking the first information being DCI as an example to introduce that "the first information is used to indicate the first resource and is used to indicate that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device", specifically: at least one indication field in the DCI can be used to indicate the first resource and is used to indicate that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. For example, the time-frequency domain position of the PUSCH resource or the time-frequency domain position of the PDSCH resource in the DCI can determine the first resource. For example, the DCI format identifier in the DCI can be used to indicate that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. For example, 1 bit in the DCI can be used to indicate that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. For example, the value of the 1 bit is 0 or 1, indicating that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. For example, the format of the DCI is the format used by the secondary network device. That is, the format of the DCI used by the primary network device is different from the format of the DCI used by the secondary network device. In this way, the terminal device can know that the first resource indicated by the DCI is for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device through the format of the DCI.

[0130] In a possible implementation manner, the first information may further include information for indicating a third resource. For example, when the first resource is for the terminal device to perform downlink communication with the secondary network device, the first information may further include information for indicating a third resource.

[0131] In a possible implementation manner, the primary network device may further send second information to the terminal device. For example, before step 302, the primary network device sends second information to the terminal device. The second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information about a resource for indicating that the terminal device communicates with the secondary network device from the primary network device. In a possible implementation manner, the primary network device may generate the second information or forward the second information from the secondary network device. The following introduces these two methods respectively with examples, specifically:

[0132] 1. The primary network device generates (which can also be understood as determines or obtains) the second information. Exemplarily, when the terminal device establishes a first communication connection with the primary network device and the terminal device establishes a second communication connection with the secondary network device, the primary network device generates the second information and sends a message carrying the second information to the terminal device. The message can be an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), DCI, or a medium access control layer control element (MAC CE), etc.

[0133] In a possible implementation, the second information may be partial information or all information of the configuration information of the master network device.

[0134] It should be noted that, in this application, the configuration information of the master network device may include configuration parameters of a radio bearer (RB) between the terminal device and the master network device, such as configuration parameters of a signalling radio bearer (SRB) for transmitting signalling data and / or a data radio bearer (DRB) for transmitting service data, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0135] 2. The master network device forwards the second information from the secondary network device. That is to say, the secondary network device may send the second information to the terminal device through the master network device, and the second information may be generated, determined or obtained by the master network device. For example, the secondary network device sends a first message (such as a secondary station addition response message or other message) carrying the second information to the master network device, and the master network device generates a second message (such as an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), DCI or MAC CE, etc.) carrying the second information based on the first message, and sends the second message to the terminal device.

[0136] In a possible implementation, the second information may be partial information or all information of the configuration information of the secondary network device.

[0137] It should be noted that, in this application, the configuration information of the secondary network device may include configuration parameters of the RB between the terminal device and the secondary network device, such as configuration parameters of the SRB for transmitting signalling data and / or the DRB for transmitting service data, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0138] Optionally, the above "information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device" may be described as DCI of the secondary network device or at least one indication field in the DCI. Optionally, the DCI may be located in the PDCCH. In this case, the second information for indicating that the terminal device receives information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the master network device may be understood as at least one of the following: the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device listens for the DCI of the secondary network device from the master network device, the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device listens for the PDCCH of the master network device to obtain the DCI of the secondary network device, the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device does not listen for the DCI of the secondary network device at the secondary network device, and the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device does not listen for the PDCCH at the secondary network device.

[0139] In a possible implementation, step 302 may include: The primary network device sends first information to the terminal device on a second resource. The second resource is used to transmit information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device, and there may be at least one of the following implementation manners. Specifically:

[0140] 1. The second resource may be a downlink resource dedicated to transmitting information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device, such as some or all of the resources in the downlink resources.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the downlink resources may include downlink control resources and / or downlink data resources. Optionally, the downlink control resources may be PDCCH resources. The downlink data resources may be PDSCH resources.

[0142] In a possible implementation, when the second resource is some of the downlink resources dedicated to transmitting information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device, the primary network device may schedule the remaining resources for downlink transmission.

[0143] 2. The second resource may be a downlink resource for transmitting information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the primary network device, such as some or all of the resources in the downlink resources.

[0144] In a possible implementation, when the second resource is some of the downlink resources for transmitting information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the primary network device, the primary network device may schedule the remaining resources for downlink transmission.

[0145] In a possible implementation, the primary network device may also send third information to the terminal device, and the third information is used to indicate the second resource. The primary network device may generate the third information or forward the third information from the secondary network device. The following introduces these two methods in combination with examples. Specifically:

[0146] 1. The primary network device generates the third information.

[0147] Exemplarily, when the primary network device allocates the second resource to the terminal device, the primary network device generates the third information and sends a message carrying the third information to the terminal device. The message may be an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), DCI, or a medium access control - control element (MAC CE), etc.

[0148] In a possible implementation manner, the master network device may further send information for indicating a sixth resource to the secondary network device. The sixth resource may be used to transmit information about a resource for indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device. Optionally, the sixth resource may be part or all of the second resource. Optionally, the information for indicating the sixth resource may be located in a confirmation resource sharing message or other messages.

[0149] Exemplarily again, the master network device may receive information for indicating a fourth resource from the secondary network device and determine and generate third information based on the fourth resource. The fourth resource may include the second resource. For example, the second resource may be part or all of the fourth resource. The fourth resource may be a downlink resource dedicated to transmitting information about a resource for indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device, such as part or all of the downlink resources. Or, the fourth resource may be a downlink resource for transmitting information about a resource for indicating communication between the terminal device and the master network device, such as part or all of the downlink resources. Optionally, the information for indicating the fourth resource may be located in a secondary station addition response message or other messages.

[0150] In a possible implementation manner, the master network device may further send information for indicating a fifth resource to the secondary network device, and the fifth resource is used to determine the fourth resource. For example, the fourth resource may be part or all of the fifth resource. For example, the fourth resource is different from the fifth resource. For example, the fourth resource is located after the fifth resource in the time domain, etc. This application does not limit the relationship between the fourth resource and the fifth resource. The fifth resource may be a downlink resource dedicated to transmitting information about a resource for indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device, such as part or all of the downlink resources. Or, the fifth resource may be a downlink resource for transmitting information about a resource for indicating communication between the terminal device and the master network device, such as part or all of the downlink resources. Optionally, the information for indicating the fifth resource may be located in a secondary station addition request message, a confirmation resource sharing message, a response message, or other messages.

[0151] In a possible implementation manner, the third information may be part or all of the configuration information of the master network device. Optionally, the third information may be located in different messages from the second information in the implementation manner of "the master network device generates the second information", or in the same indication field or different indication fields of different messages, or in the same message, or in the same indication field of the same message, etc.

[0152] Among them, when the third information and the second information are in different messages or different indication fields of different messages. For example, when the third information is in an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), and the second information is in a DCI or a MAC CE, it can be considered that the third information further includes information for indicating that the terminal device does not receive from the primary network device the information indicating the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. This is equivalent to the operation of the terminal device receiving from the primary network device the information indicating the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device not being activated. In this way, the network device can also send the second information to the terminal device to activate this operation.

[0153] When the third information and the second information are in the same message or the same indication field of the same message. For example, when both the third information and the second information are in an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), it can be considered that this RRC message activates the process of the terminal device receiving from the primary network device the information indicating the resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0154] 2. The primary network device forwards the third information from the secondary network device. That is, the secondary network device sends the third information to the terminal device through the primary network device, and the third information can be generated, determined, or obtained by the primary network device. For example, the secondary network device sends a third message (such as a secondary station addition response message or other messages) carrying the third information to the primary network device, and the primary network device generates a fourth message (such as an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), a DCI, or a MAC CE, etc.) carrying the third information based on the third message, and sends the fourth message to the terminal device. Optionally, the first message and the third message can be the same message or different messages. The second message and the fourth message can be the same message or different messages. In a possible implementation manner, the third information can be partial information or all information of the configuration information of the secondary network device.

[0155] Optionally, the primary network device can also receive from the terminal device the information for indicating that the terminal device has successfully received the third information. Correspondingly, the terminal device can send this information to the network device. For example, when the terminal device receives the third information, it can send the information for indicating that the terminal device has successfully received the third information to the network device. Optionally, this information can be in an RRC message (such as an RRC reconfiguration complete message or an RRC configuration complete message).

[0156] In a possible implementation, the master network device may also receive information for indicating the timing advance of the secondary network device from the secondary network device. In this way, the third information may also include information for indicating the timing advance of the secondary network device. It should be understood that when the terminal device receives the information for indicating the timing advance of the secondary network device, the terminal device may also synchronize with the secondary network device based on the timing advance of the secondary network device, such as uplink time synchronization, etc.

[0157] In a possible implementation, the master network device may also determine a first moment, where the first moment is the moment when the master network device sends the first information to the terminal device. In this case, the master network device may send the first information to the terminal device based on the first moment. For example, the master network device sends the first information to the terminal device before the first moment arrives or when the first moment arrives. Among them, the master network device may determine the first moment in at least one of the following ways, specifically:

[0158] 1. The master network device receives information for indicating a first resource, and the master network device may parse the information for indicating the first resource. Therefore, the master network device may determine the first moment based on the first resource and the time information between the master network device and the secondary network device. For example, the master network device may determine the first moment based on the position of the first resource in the time domain and the time information. In a possible implementation, the first moment is, for example, at least one of the SFN, time slot number, symbol number, etc. of the cell of the master network device.

[0159] Among them, the time information between the master network device and the secondary network device may be, for example, SFTD, and the present application does not limit the specific implementation manner of this time information.

[0160] 2. The master network device receives information for indicating a first resource, and the master network device cannot parse the information for indicating the first resource. In this case, the master network device may also receive auxiliary information from the secondary network device.

[0161] For example, the auxiliary information is used to indicate the first moment or includes the first moment, which is equivalent to the secondary network device being able to determine the first moment based on the position of the first resource in the time domain and the time information, so as to indicate the first moment through the auxiliary information.

[0162] For example, the auxiliary information is used to indicate a reference time or includes a reference time. For example, the reference time is the time when the secondary network device expects the master network device to send the first information to the terminal device. The reference time may be at least one of the SFN, time slot number, symbol number, etc. of the cell of the secondary network device. In this case, the master network device may determine the first moment based on the reference time and the time information between the master network device and the secondary network device.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the master network device may also receive first indication information from the terminal device or the secondary network device, or the master network device may also receive fourth indication information from the secondary network device.

[0164] The first indication information is used to indicate or request to send, via the master network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device. Optionally, the first indication information is located in a message, and the message may be a UCI, a secondary station addition response message, or other messages, etc.

[0165] For example, the master network device receives the first indication information from the terminal device, and the first indication information may be located in a UCI or other messages.

[0166] For example, the master network device receives the first indication information from the secondary network device, and the first indication information is located in a secondary station addition response message or other messages. In this case, the first indication information is used to indicate or request to send, via the master network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device, and it can also be described as: the first indication information is used to indicate that the secondary network device sends, via the master network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device. Optionally, the first indication information may, for example, be located in different messages from at least one of the second information, the third information, etc., or in different indication fields of different messages, or in the same message, or in the same indication field of the same message, etc.

[0167] The fourth indication information is used to indicate not to send, via the master network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device. For example, it can be understood as follows: the fourth indication information is used to indicate not to send the DCI of the secondary network device to the terminal device via the master network device. In this case, the terminal device can directly obtain information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the secondary network device. Optionally, the fourth indication information may be located in a secondary station addition response message or other messages.

[0168] As an example, the master network device may also send second indication information to the secondary network device. For example, the master network device may send the second indication information to the secondary network device based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the power saving requirements of the terminal device. Among them, the capabilities of the terminal device may include whether the terminal device supports receiving information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the master network device, etc. The second indication information is used to indicate that the master network device supports sending information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device. Optionally, the second indication information may be located in a secondary station addition request message or other messages. Optionally, the second indication information may be located in different messages from the information for indicating the fifth resource, or in different indication fields of different messages, or in the same message, or in the same indication field of the same message, etc.

[0169] In a possible implementation manner, the master network device sending the second indication information to the secondary network device may enable the secondary network device to receive the second indication information, and then the secondary network device may send the first indication information or the fourth indication information to the master network device to notify the master network device whether to send information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device through the master network device.

[0170] As another example, the master network device may also send third indication information to the terminal device or the secondary network device. Or, the master network device may also send fifth indication information to the secondary network device.

[0171] Among them, the third indication information is used to indicate that it is allowed to send information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device through the master network device. Optionally, the third indication information is located in a message, and the message may be a DCI, an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), a MAC CE, a confirmation resource sharing message, a response message, or other messages, etc.

[0172] For example, when the master network device sends the third indication information to the terminal device, the third indication information may be located in a DCI, an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), or a MAC CE.

[0173] For example, when the master network device sends the third indication information to the secondary network device, the third indication information may be located in a confirmation resource sharing message, a response message, or other messages. In this case, the third indication information may be located in different messages from the information for indicating the fifth resource, or in different indication fields of different messages, or in the same message, or in the same indication field of the same message, etc. Or, the third indication information may be located in different messages from the information for indicating the sixth resource, or in different indication fields of different messages, or in the same message, or in the same indication field of the same message, etc.

[0174] Among them, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that it is not allowed to send, through the master network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device. For example, it can be understood as follows: The fifth indication information is used to indicate that it is not allowed to send, through the master network device, DCI of the secondary network device, etc. to the terminal device. In this case, the terminal device can directly obtain, from the secondary network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. Optionally, the fifth indication information may be located in a secondary station addition response message or other messages.

[0175] In a possible implementation manner, after receiving the first indication information from the secondary network device, the master network device may send the third indication information or the fifth indication information to the secondary network device to notify the secondary network device whether it is possible to send, through the master network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device.

[0176] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, when there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the master network device and a second communication connection between the terminal device and the secondary network device, the secondary network device may send information for indicating a first resource to the master network device, so that the master network device may send first information for indicating the first resource. Among them, the first resource may be used for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. That is to say, the terminal device may obtain, by listening to the signal of the master network device, the first resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device, so that the terminal device does not need to listen to the signal of the secondary network device. In this way, the power consumption of the terminal device can be reduced, and energy saving of the terminal device is achieved.

[0177] In a possible implementation manner, the master network device may also send a fourth piece of information to the terminal device. For example, due to resource tension of the master network device itself or an indication received by the master network device from the secondary network device, the master network device sends the fourth piece of information to the terminal device. Among them, the fourth piece of information is used to indicate that the terminal device stops receiving, from the master network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. Optionally, the fourth piece of information may be located in a message, and the message may be a DCI, an RRC message (such as an RRC configuration message or an RRC reconfiguration message, etc.), a MAC CE, or other messages, etc.

[0178] The above Figure 3 The method embodiments shown above include many possible implementation solutions. The following combines Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 to give examples of some of the implementation solutions. It should be noted that Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6For related concepts, operations, or logical relationships that are not explained, reference can be made to Figure 3 the corresponding descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 the embodiments shown in Figure 3 can be executed before step 301.

[0179] Refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 which is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0180] 401. The primary network device sends a secondary station addition request message to the secondary network device.

[0181] Correspondingly, the secondary network device receives the secondary station addition request message from the primary network device. Optionally, the secondary station addition request message can be used to request the secondary network device to provide uplink resources and / or downlink resources for the terminal device to communicate.

[0182] In a possible implementation manner, the secondary station addition request message may include at least one of the following: second indication information and information for indicating a fifth resource. The second indication information is used to indicate that the primary network device supports sending information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device, or the second indication information is used to indicate that the secondary network device sends information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device through the primary network device. The fifth resource is used to determine a fourth resource. For example, the fourth resource may be part or all of the fifth resource. For example, the fourth resource is different from the fifth resource, such as, the fourth resource is located after the fifth resource in the time domain, etc. The present application does not limit the relationship between the fourth resource and the fifth resource.

[0183] Among them, the fourth resource may include a second resource.

[0184] 402. The secondary network device sends a secondary station addition response message to the primary network device.

[0185] Correspondingly, the primary network device receives the secondary station addition response message from the secondary network device.

[0186] In a possible implementation, the secondary station addition response message may include at least one of the following: first indication information, information for indicating a fourth resource, and second information. The first indication information is used to indicate that information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device is sent to the terminal device through the primary network device. The second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the primary network device. Optionally, the secondary station addition response message may further include configuration information of the secondary network device. As an example, at least one of the information for indicating the fourth resource and the second information may be located within the configuration information of the secondary network device.

[0187] In yet another possible implementation, the secondary station addition response message may include fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device is not sent to the terminal device through the primary network device. For example, it can be understood as follows: the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the DCI of the secondary network device is not sent to the terminal device through the primary network device. In this case, the terminal device may directly obtain information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the secondary network device.

[0188] 403. The primary network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0189] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the primary network device.

[0190] Wherein, the RRC reconfiguration message may be used for the terminal device to receive information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the primary network device.

[0191] In a possible implementation, the RRC reconfiguration message may include third information, and the third information is used to indicate a second resource.

[0192] In a possible implementation, the RRC reconfiguration message may further include configuration information of the secondary network device and / or configuration information of the primary network device. As an example, the third information may be located within the configuration information of the primary network device.

[0193] Optionally, the RRC reconfiguration message may further include the second information. For example, in the case where the RRC reconfiguration message includes configuration information of the primary network device, the RRC reconfiguration message may further include the second information. Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the primary network device. As an example, the second information may be located within the configuration information of the primary network device.

[0194] Optionally, after step 403, step 404 may further be performed.

[0195] 404. The terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the primary network device. The RRC reconfiguration complete message is used to indicate that the terminal device has successfully received the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0196] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the primary network device, the secondary network device, and the terminal device interact with each other for various information, so that the understanding of "receiving information from the primary network device for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device" is consistent among these devices, ensuring the smooth execution of the solution.

[0197] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 which is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0198] 501. The primary network device sends a secondary station addition request message to the secondary network device. The secondary station addition request message is used to request the secondary network device to provide uplink resources and / or downlink resources for the terminal device to communicate.

[0199] Correspondingly, the secondary network device receives the secondary station addition request message from the primary network device.

[0200] 502. The secondary network device sends a secondary station addition response message to the primary network device. The secondary station addition response message includes first indication information. The first indication information is used to request to send, through the primary network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0201] Correspondingly, the primary network device receives the secondary station addition response message from the secondary network device.

[0202] In a possible implementation manner, the secondary station addition response message may further include configuration information of the secondary network device.

[0203] 503. The primary network device sends a confirmation resource sharing message to the secondary network device.

[0204] Correspondingly, the secondary network device receives the confirmation resource sharing message from the primary network device.

[0205] In a possible implementation manner, the confirmation resource sharing message may include at least one of the following: third indication information and information for indicating a sixth resource. The third indication information is used to indicate permission to send, through the primary network device, information for indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. The sixth resource is part or all of the second resource.

[0206] Among them, the sixth resource can be used to transmit information about the resources indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device. It should be understood that in the case where the primary network device allocates the second resource to the terminal device, the primary network device can send information indicating the sixth resource to the secondary network device, that is, it indicates which resources can be used to transmit information about the resources indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0207] In another possible implementation, the confirmation resource sharing message may include fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate that it is not allowed to send, through the primary network device, information about the resources indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device to the terminal device. For example, it can be understood as follows: The fifth indication information is used to indicate that it is not allowed to send, through the primary network device, the DCI of the secondary network device to the terminal device. In this case, the terminal device can directly obtain, from the secondary network device, information about the resources indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0208] Among them, step 503 may or may not be executed.

[0209] 504. The primary network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0210] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the primary network device.

[0211] Among them, step 504 is similar to Figure 4 step 403 and will not be elaborated here.

[0212] Optionally, after step 504, step 505 may also be executed.

[0213] 505. The terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the primary network device, and the RRC reconfiguration complete message is used to indicate that the terminal device has successfully received the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0214] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the primary network device, the secondary network device, and the terminal device perform the interaction of various information, so that the understanding of "receiving, from the primary network device, information about the resources indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device" among these devices is consistent, ensuring the smooth execution of the solution.

[0215] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0216] 601. The primary network device sends a secondary station addition request message to the secondary network device, and the secondary station addition request message is used to request the secondary network device to provide uplink resources and / or downlink resources for the terminal device to communicate.

[0217] Correspondingly, the secondary network device receives a secondary station addition request message from the primary network device.

[0218] 602. The secondary network device sends a request message to the primary network device. The request message includes first indication information for requesting to send, through the primary network device, information about resources for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device.

[0219] Correspondingly, the primary network device receives the request message from the secondary network device.

[0220] Among them, step 602 may or may not be executed.

[0221] 603. The primary network device sends a response message to the secondary network device.

[0222] Correspondingly, the secondary network device receives the response message from the primary network device.

[0223] In a possible implementation manner, the response message may include at least one of the following: third indication information, information about a fifth resource. The third indication information is used to indicate that it is allowed to send, through the primary network device, information about resources for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device. The fifth resource is used to determine a fourth resource. For example, the fourth resource may be part or all of the fifth resource. For example, the fourth resource is different from the fifth resource. For example, the fourth resource is located after the fifth resource in the time domain, etc. The present application does not limit the relationship between the fourth resource and the fifth resource. Among them, the fourth resource may include a second resource.

[0224] In another possible implementation manner, the response message may include fifth indication information. The fifth indication information is used to indicate that it is not allowed to send, through the primary network device, information about resources for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device. For example, it can be understood as follows: The fifth indication information is used to indicate that it is not allowed to send the DCI of the secondary network device to the terminal device through the primary network device. In this case, the terminal device can directly obtain the information about resources for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the secondary network device.

[0225] Among them, step 603 may or may not be executed. For example, when step 602 is executed, step 603 may or may not be executed. When step 602 is not executed, step 603 is not executed either.

[0226] 604. The secondary network device sends a secondary station addition response message to the primary network device.

[0227] Correspondingly, the primary network device receives the secondary station addition response message from the secondary network device.

[0228] In a possible implementation, the secondary station addition response message may include at least one of the following: first indication information, information for indicating a fourth resource, and second information. The first indication information is used to indicate information for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device sent by the primary network device. The second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the primary network device. Optionally, the secondary station addition response message may further include configuration information of the secondary network device. As an example, at least one of the information for indicating the fourth resource and the second information may be located within the configuration information of the secondary network device.

[0229] 605. The primary network device sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0230] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the RRC reconfiguration message from the primary network device.

[0231] Among them, step 605 is similar to Figure 4 step 403 and will not be elaborated here.

[0232] Optionally, after step 605, step 606 may further be executed.

[0233] 606. The terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the primary network device, and the RRC reconfiguration complete message is used to indicate that the terminal device has successfully received the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0234] Optionally, step 606 may or may not be executed, and no limitation is imposed here.

[0235] It can be seen that in the above embodiments, the primary network device, the secondary network device, and the terminal device perform the interaction of various information, so that the understanding of "receiving information for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the primary network device" among these devices is consistent, ensuring the smooth execution of the solution.

[0236] It can be understood that in order to implement the above functions, the above devices include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this article, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the way of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0237] Embodiments of the present application can divide functional modules for a terminal device or a network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.) according to the above method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0238] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 FIG. Figures 3 to 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 700 can be applied to the method shown in any of the above Figure 7 embodiments. As shown in

[0239] FIG. Figures 3 to 6 , the communication device 700 includes: a processing module 701 and a transceiver module 702. The processing module 701 can be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 702 can be a transceiver or a communication interface. The communication device can be used to implement a terminal device or a network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.) involved in any of the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions of a network element involved in any of the above method embodiments. The network element or network function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a storage module 703 for storing program codes and data of the communication device 700.

[0240] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 702 is configured to receive first information from a primary network device, where the first information is used to indicate a first resource, and the first resource is used for a terminal device to communicate with a secondary network device. There is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the primary network device, and a second communication connection between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0241] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive second information from the primary network device, where the second information is used to instruct the terminal device to receive from the primary network device information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0242] In a possible implementation, when receiving first information from the primary network device, the transceiver module 702 is configured to receive the first information from the primary network device on a second resource. The second resource is used to transmit information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0243] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive third information from the primary network device, where the third information is used to indicate the second resource.

[0244] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive fourth information from the primary network device, where the fourth information is used to instruct the terminal device to stop receiving from the primary network device information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0245] An example is when the communication device acts as a network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.) or is a chip applied to a network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.), and executes the steps performed by the network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.) in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 702 is specifically configured to execute Figures 3 to 6 the sending and / or receiving actions performed by the network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.) in any of the embodiments, for example, supporting other processes of the network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.) to execute the technologies described herein. The processing module 701 can be used to support the communication device 700 to execute the processing actions in the above method embodiments, for example, supporting other processes of the network device (such as a primary network device or a secondary network device, etc.) to execute the technologies described herein.

[0246] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 702 is configured to: receive from the secondary network device information indicating a first resource, where the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device; send first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate the first resource. There is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the primary network device.

[0247] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send second information to the terminal device, where the second information is used to instruct the terminal device to receive from the primary network device information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0248] In a possible implementation manner, when sending the first information to the terminal device, the transceiver module 702 is configured to send the first information to the terminal device on a second resource. The second resource is used to transmit information about the resource for indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0249] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send third information to the terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the second resource.

[0250] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive from the secondary network device information for indicating the timing advance of the secondary network device. The third information further includes information for indicating the timing advance of the secondary network device.

[0251] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module 701 is further configured to determine a first moment, where the first moment is the moment when the primary network device sends the first information to the terminal device; when sending the first information to the terminal device, the transceiver module 702 is configured to send the first information to the terminal device based on the first moment.

[0252] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information is used to indicate that the terminal device stops receiving from the primary network device information for indicating the resource for communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0253] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive first indication information from the terminal device or the secondary network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate sending, through the primary network device, information for indicating the resource for communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0254] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send second indication information to the secondary network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the primary network device supports sending to the terminal device information for indicating the resource for communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0255] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send third indication information to the terminal device or the secondary network device, where the third indication information is used to indicate permission to send, through the primary network device, information for indicating the resource for communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0256] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive from the secondary network device information for indicating a fourth resource. Among them, the fourth resource is used to transmit information about the resource for indicating communication between the terminal device and the secondary network device. The fourth resource includes the second resource.

[0257] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send information indicating a fifth resource to the secondary network device, where the fifth resource is used to determine a fourth resource. The fifth resource is used to transmit information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0258] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive second information from the secondary network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device from the primary network device.

[0259] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 702 is configured to send information indicating a first resource to the primary network device, where the first resource is used for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. There is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the secondary network device.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send information indicating a third resource to the primary network device, where the third resource is used for the terminal device to send feedback information to the secondary network device, and the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of the data corresponding to the first resource.

[0261] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send first indication information to the primary network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the primary network device is used to send information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device.

[0262] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive second indication information from the primary network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the primary network device supports sending information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive third indication information from the primary network device, where the third indication information is used to indicate that it is allowed to send information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device to the terminal device through the primary network device.

[0264] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send information indicating a fourth resource to the primary network device. The fourth resource is used to transmit information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device. The fourth resource includes a second resource.

[0265] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to receive information indicating a fifth resource from the primary network device, where the fifth resource is used to determine a fourth resource. The fifth resource is used to transmit information about the resource for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0266] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further configured to send second information to the primary network device, where the second information is used to instruct the terminal device to receive from the primary network device information indicating resources for the terminal device to communicate with the secondary network device.

[0267] In a possible implementation, when the terminal device or the network device (such as the primary network device or the secondary network device, etc.) is a chip, the transceiver module 702 may be a communication interface, a pin, a circuit, etc. The communication interface can be used to input data to be processed to the processor and output the processing result of the processor outward. In a specific implementation, the communication interface can be a general purpose input output (GPIO) interface, which can be connected to multiple peripheral devices (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a camera, a radio frequency (RF) module, an antenna, etc.). The communication interface is connected to the processor through a bus.

[0268] The processing module 701 may be a processor, and the processor can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the storage module to enable the chip to execute Figures 3 to 6 the methods involved in any of the embodiments shown. Further, the processor may include a controller, an arithmetic unit, and registers. Exemplarily, the controller is mainly responsible for instruction decoding and sending control signals for operations corresponding to the instructions. The arithmetic unit is mainly responsible for performing fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations, shift operations, logical operations, etc., and can also perform address operations and conversions. The registers are mainly responsible for storing register operands and intermediate operation results temporarily stored during the execution of instructions. In a specific implementation, the hardware architecture of the processor can be an ASIC architecture, a microprocessor without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS) architecture, an advanced RISC machines (ARM) architecture, or a network processor (NP) architecture, etc. The processor can be single-core or multi-core. The storage module can be a storage module inside the chip, such as registers, caches, etc. The storage module can also be a storage module outside the chip, such as a ROM or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a RAM, etc.

[0269] It should be noted that the functions corresponding to the processor and the interface can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of software and hardware, and there is no limitation here.

[0270] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the communication device 810 includes means in the form of, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the present solution. The communication device 810 can be the above-mentioned terminal device or network device (such as a main network device or a secondary network device, etc.), or a component (such as a chip) in these devices, to implement the method described in the above method embodiments. The communication device 810 includes one or more processors 811. The processor 811 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a terminal device, a network device (such as a main network device or a secondary network device, etc.), or a chip), execute software programs, and process data of software programs.

[0271] Optionally, in one design, the processor 811 can include a program 813 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), and the program 813 can be run on the processor 811, so that the communication device 810 executes the method described in the above embodiments. In another possible design, the communication device 810 includes a circuit ( Figure 8 not shown), and the circuit is used to implement the functions of the terminal device, network device (such as a main network device or a secondary network device, etc.) in the above embodiments. Optionally, the communication device 810 can include one or more memories 812, on which there is a program 814 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), and the program 814 can be run on the processor 811, so that the communication device 810 executes the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0272] Optionally, data can also be stored in the processor 811 and / or the memory 812. The processor and the memory can be provided separately or integrated together.

[0273] Optionally, the communication device 810 can further include a transceiver 815 and / or an antenna 816. The processor 811 is sometimes also referred to as a processing unit, which controls the communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device (such as a main network device or a secondary network device, etc.)). The transceiver 815 is sometimes also referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, etc., and is used to implement the transceiver function of the communication device through the antenna 816.

[0274] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor; wherein, the at least one processor is configured to execute Figures 3 to 6 any method described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0275] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed, cause a computer to execute the method described in any one of the items of any embodiment as Figures 3 to 6 described.

[0276] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product, which includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method described in any one of the items of any embodiment as Figures 3 to 6 described.

[0277] The embodiments of the present application further provide a chip, which includes at least one processor and an interface. The processor is configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, and when the instructions are run, cause the chip to execute the method described in any one of the items of any embodiment as Figures 3 to 6 described.

[0278] The units described as separate components above may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the network element units in the various embodiments of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software network element unit.

[0279] If the above integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software network element unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a terminal device, a cloud server, or a network device (such as a main network device or an auxiliary network device, etc.)) to execute all or part of the steps of the above method in various embodiments of this application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memories (RAM, Random Access Memory), magnetic disks, or optical discs. The above is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements, and these modifications or replacements should all be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving first information from a first network device, where the first information is used to indicate a first resource for a terminal device to communicate with a second network device; Wherein, there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the first network device, and there is a second communication connection between the terminal device and the second network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: Receiving second information from the first network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information from the first network device for indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving the first information from the first network device includes: Receiving the first information from the first network device on a second resource, where the second resource is used to transmit information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: Receiving third information from the first network device, where the third information is used to indicate the second resource.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The second resource is a downlink resource dedicated to transmitting information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device; or, The second resource is a downlink resource for transmitting information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the first network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that The first information being used to indicate a first resource includes: The first information is used to indicate the first resource and is used to indicate that the first resource is for a terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first information further includes information for indicating a third resource, where the third resource is for the terminal device to send feedback information to the second network device, and the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of data corresponding to the first resource.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving fourth information from the first network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate that the terminal device stops receiving information from the first network device for indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving information for indicating a first resource from a second network device, where the first resource is for a terminal device to communicate with the second network device; Sending first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate the first resource; Wherein, there is a first communication connection between the terminal device and the first network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The method further includes: Sending second information to the terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information from the first network device for indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The sending the first information to the terminal device includes: Sending the first information to the terminal device on a second resource; the second resource is used to transmit information indicating a resource for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The method further includes: Sending third information to the terminal device, where the third information is used to indicate the second resource.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The second resource is a downlink resource dedicated to transmitting information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device; or, The second resource is a downlink resource for transmitting information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the first network device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a first resource, including: The first information is used to indicate the first resource and is used to indicate that the first resource is for the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, The first information further includes information for indicating a third resource, where the third resource is used for the terminal device to send feedback information to the second network device, and the feedback information is used to feedback the reception situation of data corresponding to the first resource.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determining a first moment, where the first moment is the moment when the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device; The sending the first information to the terminal device includes: Sending the first information to the terminal device based on the first moment.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending fourth information to the terminal device, where the fourth information is used to instruct the terminal device to stop receiving information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device from the first network device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving first indication information from the terminal device or the second network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate sending, through the first network device, information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 9-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending second indication information to the second network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first network device supports sending information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 9-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending third indication information to the terminal device or the second network device, where the third indication information is used to indicate allowing sending, through the first network device, information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device to the terminal device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 9-20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving information about a fourth resource from the second network device; where the fourth resource is used to transmit information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device; the fourth resource includes the second resource.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending information about a fifth resource to the second network device, where the fifth resource is used to determine the fourth resource; where the fifth resource is used to transmit information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 9-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving second information from the second network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device receives information about a resource for instructing the terminal device to communicate with the second network device from the first network device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, including a unit or module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes at least one processor; wherein, the at least one processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which when executed cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a terminal device and a network device; The terminal device is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The first network device is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 23.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: computer program code, which when run by a computer causes the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

29. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor and an interface, the processor is configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, which when run cause the chip to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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