Communication method and device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method is applied to a first terminal and comprises the step of performing end-to-end transmission with a second terminal for a relay through network equipment. According to the scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention, the network equipment is used as the relay, and the end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal can be realized under the condition that an appropriate relay terminal does not exist.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Direct communication is a method in which adjacent terminals communicate within a short range through a direct communication link. The direct communication link is also called a sidelink (SL) link, so direct communication is also called SL communication.

[0003] In some scenarios, two adjacent terminals cannot perform SL communication. To address this situation, user-to-user relay (U2U relay) has been introduced in related technologies, that is, a relay terminal is used as a relay between the source terminal and the target terminal to achieve end-to-end communication between the source terminal and the target terminal. However, the premise for achieving end-to-end communication between the source terminal and the target terminal based on U2U relay is the existence of a suitable relay terminal. If it is difficult to find a suitable relay terminal, end-to-end communication cannot be achieved between the source terminal and the target terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium, which implement end-to-end communication between a source terminal and a target terminal by using a network device as a relay.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, applied to a first terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] End-to-end transmission is performed between the second terminal and the network device as a relay.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0008] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0009] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0010] Sending an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0011] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0012] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0014] identification information of the first terminal;

[0015] identification information of the second terminal;

[0016] business information;

[0017] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0018] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0019] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0020] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0022] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0024] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal;

[0025] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device;

[0026] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0028] Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling;

[0029] Media Access Control (MAC) signaling;

[0030] Physical layer signaling.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0032] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0033] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0034] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0035] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0036] A source Uu radio link control RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0037] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0038] A list of source Uu logical channel identifiers LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0039] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0040] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay based on the configuration information includes:

[0041] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0042] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

[0044] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0045] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0048] First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0049] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, applied to a second terminal, the method comprising:

[0050] End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the network device as a relay.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0052] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0053] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0054] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0055] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0057] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0058] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0059] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0060] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0061] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0062] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0063] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0064] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0065] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay based on the configuration information includes:

[0066] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0067] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0068] In a possible implementation manner, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

[0069] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0070] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0071] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0073] Second indication information is sent to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0075] Sending identification information of the second terminal to the network device; and / or,

[0076] The identification information of the second terminal is sent to the first terminal.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0078] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are sent to the network device.

[0079] In a possible implementation, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, receiving configuration information sent by the network device includes:

[0080] Receive paging messages sent by network devices;

[0081] Entering the connected state based on the paging message;

[0082] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information sent by the network device is received.

[0083] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, applied to a network device, comprising:

[0084] End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through the network device as a relay.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0086] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0087] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0088] receiving an end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0089] Generate or create configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0090] Configuration information is sent to the first terminal and the second terminal, where the configuration information is used to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0092] identification information of the first terminal;

[0093] identification information of the second terminal;

[0094] business information;

[0095] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0096] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0097] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0098] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0099] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0100] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0101] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0102] RRC signaling;

[0103] MAC signaling;

[0104] Physical layer signaling.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0106] Based on the configuration information, create the entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device.

[0107] In a possible implementation, each layer entity of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0108] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0110] When the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, determining to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset conditions include at least one of the following:

[0111] The first terminal and the second terminal both support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay;

[0112] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same distribution unit DU;

[0113] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same centralized unit CU;

[0114] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device;

[0115] The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other;

[0116] The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection using the network devices as relays.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0118] receiving first indication information sent by a first terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay; and / or,

[0119] Second indication information sent by the second terminal is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0121] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0122] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0123] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0124] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0125] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0126] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0127] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0128] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the network device includes a CU and a DU, and generates or creates configuration information based on an end-to-end connection establishment request, including:

[0130] CU sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to DU;

[0131] DU generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0132] The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

[0133] In a possible implementation, sending configuration information to the second terminal includes:

[0134] Determining the access network device to which the second terminal belongs based on identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; sending configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal;

[0135] or,

[0136] The cell to which the second terminal belongs is determined based on the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; and the configuration information is sent to the second terminal based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0138] Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0139] Receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, which are sent by a core network device;

[0140] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0142] Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0143] Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device;

[0144] Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device;

[0145] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0146] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

[0147] In a possible implementation, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, sending configuration information to the second terminal includes:

[0148] Sending a paging message to the second terminal, where the paging message is used to trigger the second terminal to enter a connected state;

[0149] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information is sent to the second terminal.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0151] Receive a broadcast message indicating at least one of the following:

[0152] Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay;

[0153] Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0154] Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0155] Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

[0156] In one possible implementation, performing end-to-end transmission between a first terminal and a second terminal by using a network device as a relay includes:

[0157] Determine a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of a first terminal and a logical channel of a second terminal; perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship; or,

[0158] Determine a second mapping relationship between an RLC channel of the first terminal and an RLC channel of the second terminal; and perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

[0159] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, applied to a first terminal, the device including:

[0160] The first processing unit is configured to perform end-to-end transmission with the second terminal via the network device as a relay.

[0161] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit is further configured to:

[0162] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit is further configured to:

[0164] Sending an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0165] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0166] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0168] identification information of the first terminal;

[0169] identification information of the second terminal;

[0170] business information;

[0171] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0172] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0173] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0174] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0175] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0176] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the first processing unit is further configured to:

[0178] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal;

[0179] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device;

[0180] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

[0181] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0182] RRC signaling;

[0183] MAC signaling;

[0184] Physical layer signaling.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0186] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0187] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0188] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0189] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0190] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0191] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0192] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0193] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0194] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit is further configured to:

[0195] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0196] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0197] In a possible implementation manner, entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

[0198] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0199] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0200] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit is further configured to:

[0202] First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0203] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, applied to a second terminal, the device including:

[0204] The second processing unit is configured to perform end-to-end transmission with the first terminal via the network device as a relay.

[0205] In a possible implementation manner, the second processing unit is further configured to:

[0206] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0207] In a possible implementation manner, the second processing unit is further configured to:

[0208] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0209] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0211] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0212] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0213] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0214] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0215] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0216] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0217] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0218] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0219] In a possible implementation manner, the second processing unit is further configured to:

[0220] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0221] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0222] In a possible implementation manner, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

[0223] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0224] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0225] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0226] In a possible implementation manner, the second processing unit is further configured to:

[0227] Second indication information is sent to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0228] In a possible implementation manner, the second processing unit is further configured to:

[0229] Sending identification information of the second terminal to the network device; and / or,

[0230] The identification information of the second terminal is sent to the first terminal.

[0231] In a possible implementation manner, the second processing unit is further configured to:

[0232] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are sent to the network device.

[0233] In a possible implementation manner, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the second processing unit is further configured to:

[0234] Receive paging messages sent by network devices;

[0235] Entering the connected state based on the paging message;

[0236] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information sent by the network device is received.

[0237] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, applied to a network device, comprising:

[0238] The third processing unit is configured to perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal by using the network device as a relay.

[0239] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0240] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0241] In a possible implementation manner, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0242] receiving an end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0243] Generate or create configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0244] Configuration information is sent to the first terminal and the second terminal, where the configuration information is used to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0246] identification information of the first terminal;

[0247] identification information of the second terminal;

[0248] business information;

[0249] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0250] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0251] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0252] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0253] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0254] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0256] RRC signaling;

[0257] MAC signaling;

[0258] Physical layer signaling.

[0259] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0260] Based on the configuration information, create the entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device.

[0261] In a possible implementation, each layer entity of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0262] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0264] When the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, determining to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset conditions include at least one of the following:

[0265] The first terminal and the second terminal both support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay;

[0266] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same distribution unit DU;

[0267] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same centralized unit CU;

[0268] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device;

[0269] The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other;

[0270] The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection using the network devices as relays.

[0271] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0272] receiving first indication information sent by a first terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay; and / or,

[0273] Second indication information sent by the second terminal is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0275] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0276] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0277] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0278] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0279] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0280] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0281] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0282] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0283] In a possible implementation, the network device includes a CU and a DU, and the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0284] CU sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to DU;

[0285] DU generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0286] The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

[0287] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0288] Determining the access network device to which the second terminal belongs based on identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; sending configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal;

[0289] or,

[0290] The cell to which the second terminal belongs is determined based on the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; and the configuration information is sent to the second terminal based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal.

[0291] In one possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0292] Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0293] Receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, which are sent by a core network device;

[0294] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0296] Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0297] Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device;

[0298] Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device;

[0299] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0300] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

[0301] In a possible implementation manner, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0302] Sending a paging message to the second terminal, where the paging message is used to trigger the second terminal to enter a connected state;

[0303] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information is sent to the second terminal.

[0304] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit is further configured to:

[0305] Receive a broadcast message indicating at least one of the following:

[0306] Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay;

[0307] Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0308] Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0309] Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

[0310] In a possible implementation manner, the third processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0311] Determine a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of a first terminal and a logical channel of a second terminal; perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship; or,

[0312] Determine a second mapping relationship between an RLC channel of the first terminal and an RLC channel of the second terminal; and perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

[0313] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, applied to a first terminal, the device comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor,

[0314] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of a processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0315] End-to-end transmission is performed between the second terminal and the network device as a relay.

[0316] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0317] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0318] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0319] Sending an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0320] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0321] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0322] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0323] identification information of the first terminal;

[0324] identification information of the second terminal;

[0325] business information;

[0326] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0327] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0328] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0329] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0330] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0331] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0332] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0333] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal;

[0334] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device;

[0335] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

[0336] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0337] RRC signaling;

[0338] MAC signaling;

[0339] Physical layer signaling.

[0340] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0341] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0342] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0343] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0344] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0345] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0346] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0347] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0348] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0349] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay based on the configuration information includes:

[0350] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0351] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0352] In a possible implementation manner, entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

[0353] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0354] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0355] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0356] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0357] First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0358] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, applied to a second terminal, the device comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor,

[0359] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of a processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0360] End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the network device as a relay.

[0361] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0362] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0363] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0364] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0365] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0366] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0367] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0368] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0369] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0370] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0371] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0372] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0373] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0374] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0375] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay based on the configuration information includes:

[0376] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0377] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0378] In a possible implementation manner, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

[0379] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0380] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0381] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0382] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0383] Second indication information is sent to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0384] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0385] Sending identification information of the second terminal to the network device; and / or,

[0386] The identification information of the second terminal is sent to the first terminal.

[0387] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0388] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are sent to the network device.

[0389] In a possible implementation, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, receiving configuration information sent by the network device includes:

[0390] Receive paging messages sent by network devices;

[0391] Entering the connected state based on the paging message;

[0392] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information sent by the network device is received.

[0393] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which is applied to a network device. The device includes: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0394] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of a processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0395] End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through the network device as a relay.

[0396] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0397] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0398] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0399] receiving an end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0400] Generate or create configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0401] Configuration information is sent to the first terminal and the second terminal, where the configuration information is used to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0402] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0403] identification information of the first terminal;

[0404] identification information of the second terminal;

[0405] business information;

[0406] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0407] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0408] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0409] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0410] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0411] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0412] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0413] RRC signaling;

[0414] MAC signaling;

[0415] Physical layer signaling.

[0416] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0417] Based on the configuration information, create the entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device.

[0418] In a possible implementation, each layer entity of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0419] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0420] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0421] When the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, determining to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset conditions include at least one of the following:

[0422] The first terminal and the second terminal both support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay;

[0423] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same DU;

[0424] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same CU;

[0425] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device;

[0426] The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other;

[0427] The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection using the network devices as relays.

[0428] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0429] receiving first indication information sent by a first terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay; and / or,

[0430] Second indication information sent by the second terminal is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0431] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0432] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0433] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0434] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0435] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0436] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0437] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0438] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0439] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0440] In one possible implementation, the network device includes a CU and a DU, and generates or creates configuration information based on an end-to-end connection establishment request, including:

[0441] CU sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to DU;

[0442] DU generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0443] The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

[0444] In a possible implementation, sending configuration information to the second terminal includes:

[0445] Determining the access network device to which the second terminal belongs based on identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; sending configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal;

[0446] or,

[0447] The cell to which the second terminal belongs is determined based on the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; and the configuration information is sent to the second terminal based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal.

[0448] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0449] Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0450] Receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, which are sent by a core network device;

[0451] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

[0452] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0453] Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0454] Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device;

[0455] Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device;

[0456] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0457] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

[0458] In a possible implementation, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, sending configuration information to the second terminal includes:

[0459] Sending a paging message to the second terminal, where the paging message is used to trigger the second terminal to enter a connected state;

[0460] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information is sent to the second terminal.

[0461] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0462] Receive a broadcast message indicating at least one of the following:

[0463] Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay;

[0464] Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0465] Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0466] Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

[0467] In one possible implementation, performing end-to-end transmission between a first terminal and a second terminal by using a network device as a relay includes:

[0468] Determine a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of a first terminal and a logical channel of a second terminal; perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship; or,

[0469] Determine a second mapping relationship between an RLC channel of the first terminal and an RLC channel of the second terminal; and perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

[0470] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute any method of the first aspect, or any method of the second aspect, or any method of the third aspect.

[0471] The communication method, apparatus, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present application enable end-to-end transmission between a first terminal and a second terminal through a network device as a relay. When the first terminal and the second terminal are unable to perform SL communication, the solution of the embodiments of the present application uses the network device as a relay, enabling end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal even when no suitable relay terminal exists. The solution of the embodiments of the present application enables direct communication between terminals over a wider range, reducing processing complexity and transmission latency.

[0472] It should be understood that the contents described in the above summary of the invention are not intended to limit the key or important features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0473] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0474] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of cellular network communication;

[0475] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of direct communication;

[0476] Figure 3 A communication diagram based on U2U relay;

[0477] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0478] Figure 5 A signaling diagram for establishing an end-to-end connection with a network device as a relay provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0479] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack provided in this embodiment of the application Figure 1 ;

[0480] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack provided in this embodiment of the application Figure 2 ;

[0481] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 1 ;

[0482] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 2 ;

[0483] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 3

[0484] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 4 ;

[0485] Figure 12 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0486] Figure 13 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0487] Figure 14 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0488] Figure 15 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 4 ;

[0489] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0490] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0491] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0492] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 190 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0493] Figure 20A schematic structural diagram of a communication device 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0494] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 210 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0495] In embodiments of the present invention, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0496] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "at least one" refers to one or more, and "a plurality" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0497] The terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present application are only used for illustration and distinction of the described objects. There is no order, nor does it indicate any special limitation on the number of objects in the embodiments of the present application, and cannot constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0498] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0499] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium for implementing end-to-end communication between terminals using network devices as relays.

[0500] Among them, the method and the device are based on the same application concept. Since the principles of solving problems by the method and the device are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0501] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems may be global system of mobile communication (GSM) systems, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, long term evolution advanced (LTE-A) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) systems, 5G new radio (NR) systems, etc. These various systems include terminal devices and network devices. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (EPS), a 5G system (5GS), etc. These systems may use NTN technology to provide cellular coverage, which is not limited in this application.

[0502] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called User Equipment (UE). A wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with a radio access network. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other devices. The wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal device, an access terminal device, a user terminal device, a user agent, or a user device, but is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0503] The network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in an access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on an air interface, or may be named otherwise. The network device may be used to interchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device may also coordinate attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or an evolutionary network device (eNB or e-NodeB) in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in the 5G network architecture (next generation system), or a home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a home base station (femto), a pico base station (pico), etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In some network structures, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0504] Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the form and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO. It can also use diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission.

[0505] Currently, there are two main transmission paths between two terminals in a wireless communication network, namely, data transmission through a cellular network communication mode and data transmission through a direct communication interface.

[0506] The cellular network communication mode refers to the transmission of uplink and downlink data / control information between the terminal and the network device through the Uu interface. For details, please refer to Figure 1 Example.

[0507] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of cellular network communication, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first terminal establishes a connection with a network device, the interface between the first terminal and the network device is a Uu interface, and the first terminal and the network device can communicate through the Uu interface. A second terminal establishes a connection with the network device, the interface between the second terminal and the network device is a Uu interface, and the second terminal and the network device can communicate through the Uu interface.

[0508] exist Figure 1 In the example, uplink and downlink data or control information are transmitted between the first terminal and the network device through the Uu interface, and uplink and downlink data or control information are transmitted between the network device and the second terminal through the Uu interface, thereby realizing transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0509] Data transmission between two terminals over a cellular network requires each terminal to connect to network equipment, with the core network routing and forwarding the terminal's data. This process is complex, involves large network elements, and results in high processing complexity and latency. Therefore, direct communication has been introduced to enable data transmission between two terminals.

[0510] Direct communication allows nearby terminals to communicate with each other over short distances. The wireless interface corresponding to the direct communication link is called the direct communication interface (also known as the SL interface or PC5 interface).

[0511] The implementation of direct communication can be found in Figure 2 . Figure 2 A direct communication diagram is shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, in addition to being able to communicate with the second terminal based on the cellular network, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected through a PC5 interface, and direct communication between the first terminal and the second terminal can be achieved based on the PC5 interface.

[0512] In order to expand network coverage and address scenarios where two terminals cannot directly perform SL transmission, U2Urelay was introduced. Figure 3 A communication diagram based on U2U relay is shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 As shown, the first terminal passes through the U2U relay (ie Figure 3 The U2U relay can be a terminal with a relay function. For the U2U relay, the interface between the U2U relay and the first terminal can be a PC5 interface, and the interface between the U2U relay and the second terminal can be a PC5 interface.

[0513] The introduction of U2U relay can solve the communication problem between some terminals that are located in adjacent areas but cannot communicate directly. However, without a relay terminal acting as a U2U relay, end-to-end communication between terminals is impossible.

[0514] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method that uses a network device as a relay to achieve end-to-end communication between terminals. Even in the absence of a suitable relay terminal to serve as a U2U relay, end-to-end communication between terminals can be achieved. The following describes the solution of the embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0515] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0516] S41: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal via a network device as a relay.

[0517] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device acts as a relay between the first terminal and the second terminal to realize end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal. End-to-end transmission refers to the transmission of data between the first terminal and the second terminal through an end-to-end link, that is, an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay is established between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0518] The process of end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal through the network device as a relay can be that the first terminal sends data or information to the second terminal through the network device as a relay, and the second terminal receives the data or information sent by the first terminal through the network device as a relay; or it can be that the second terminal sends data or information to the first terminal through the network device as a relay, and the first terminal receives the data or information sent by the second terminal through the network device as a relay.

[0519] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application enables end-to-end transmission between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay. When the first terminal and the second terminal cannot perform SL communication, the solution of the embodiments of the present application uses the network device as a relay, enabling end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal even when there is no suitable relay terminal. The solution of the embodiments of the present application enables direct communication between terminals over a wider range, reducing processing complexity and transmission latency.

[0520] Before end-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal via the network device as a relay, an end-to-end connection needs to be established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay. This process is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0521] Figure 5 The signaling diagram for establishing an end-to-end connection with a network device as a relay provided in the embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 5 Shown, including:

[0522] S51: A first terminal sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to a network device.

[0523] The first terminal sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device. The end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as a relay. Correspondingly, the network device receives the end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal.

[0524] Optionally, the end-to-end connection establishment request may be carried in any of the following signaling: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Media Access Control (MAC) signaling, and physical layer signaling. That is, the first terminal may send RRC signaling to the network device, the RRC signaling including the end-to-end connection establishment request, and the network device obtains the end-to-end connection establishment request by receiving the RRC signaling; the first terminal may send MAC signaling to the network device, the MAC signaling including the end-to-end connection establishment request, and the network device obtains the end-to-end connection establishment request by receiving the MAC signaling; the first terminal may send physical layer signaling to the network device, the physical layer signaling including the end-to-end connection establishment request, and the network device obtains the end-to-end connection establishment request by receiving the physical layer signaling.

[0525] In one possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following information items 1.1 to 1.7:

[0526] 1.1. Identification information of the first terminal.

[0527] The identification information of the first terminal is used to identify the first terminal. In the embodiment of the present application, any information that can be used to identify the first terminal can be used as the identification information of the first terminal.

[0528] Optionally, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal.

[0529] Optionally, the Uu interface identifier of the first terminal may, for example, include the cell radio network temporary identifier (Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier, C-RNTI) of the first terminal, the globally unique temporary UE identifier (Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity, GUTI) of the first terminal, the temporary mobile user identifier (Serving-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity, S-TMSI) of the first terminal, or the application layer identifier of the first terminal.

[0530] Optionally, the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal may be, for example, an SL layer 2 identifier (layer2 ID) of the first terminal.

[0531] 1.2. Identification information of the second terminal.

[0532] The identification information of the second terminal is used to identify the second terminal. In the embodiment of the present application, any information that can be used to identify the second terminal can be used as the identification information of the second terminal.

[0533] Optionally, the identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0534] Optionally, the Uu interface identifier of the second terminal may include, for example, the C-RNTI of the second terminal, the GUTI of the second terminal, the S-TMSI of the second terminal, or the application layer identifier of the second terminal.

[0535] Optionally, the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal may be, for example, the SL layer 2 ID of the second terminal.

[0536] In one possible implementation, the first terminal may obtain the identification information of the second terminal from the second terminal, a network device, or a server. For example, during a previous historical period, a SL connection was established between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second terminal sent the identification information of the second terminal to the first terminal. Accordingly, the first terminal received the identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal. For example, the network device may send the identification information of the second terminal to the first terminal, and accordingly, the first terminal receives the identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device. For example, a third-party server may send the identification information of the second terminal to the first terminal, and accordingly, the first terminal receives the identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

[0537] 1.3. Business information.

[0538] The service information is used to indicate relevant information of the service to be performed, for example, it may indicate the service type, service content, etc.

[0539] 1.4. Identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs.

[0540] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs is used to indicate the access network device to which the second terminal belongs. Through the identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs, the network device can determine the access network device to which the second terminal belongs, thereby finding the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and communicating with the second terminal.

[0541] 1.5. Identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs.

[0542] The identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs is used to indicate the cell to which the second terminal belongs. Through the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the network device can determine the cell to which the second terminal belongs, thereby finding the second terminal based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and communicating with the second terminal.

[0543] Optionally, the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs may, for example, include the 5G cell global identifier (NR Cell Global Identifier, NCGI) of the cell to which the second terminal belongs, may include the physical cell identifier (Physical Cell Identifier, PCI) of the cell to which the second terminal belongs, and so on.

[0544] In one possible implementation, the second terminal may send identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs to the first terminal, and correspondingly, the first terminal may receive identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs sent by the second terminal. The interaction between the first terminal and the second terminal may be based on an SL link established between the first terminal and the second terminal at a historical time, or may be based on interaction at the application layer, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0545] In one possible implementation, the network device may send identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs to the first terminal. Accordingly, the first terminal may receive identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs sent by the network device.

[0546] In one possible implementation, a third-party server may send identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs to the first terminal. Accordingly, the first terminal receives the identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs sent by the server.

[0547] 1.6. First indication information: The first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay.

[0548] The first indication information indicates that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay. After receiving the first indication information, the network device can establish relevant configuration information of the end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay to achieve an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0549] 1.7. Second indication information: The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay.

[0550] The second indication information indicates that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay. After receiving the second indication information, the network device can establish relevant configuration information of the end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay to realize the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0551] In one possible implementation, the second indication information may be sent by the second terminal to the first terminal, wherein the interaction between the first terminal and the second terminal may be based on the SL link established between the first terminal and the second terminal at a historical time, or may be based on the interaction at the application layer, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0552] In a possible implementation manner, the second indication information may be sent by the network device to the first terminal.

[0553] In a possible implementation, the second indication information may be sent to the first terminal by a third-party server.

[0554] S52: The network device generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request.

[0555] In one possible implementation, the network device first determines whether to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay. If the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, the network device determines to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset conditions include at least one of the following conditions 2.1 to 2.6:

[0556] Condition 2.1: Both the first terminal and the second terminal support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay.

[0557] Optionally, the first terminal sends first indication information to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay. After receiving the first indication information sent by the first terminal, the network device determines that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay.

[0558] Optionally, the first indication information may be carried in a capability reporting message of the first terminal.

[0559] Optionally, the second terminal sends second indication information to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay. After receiving the second indication information sent by the second terminal, the network device determines that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay.

[0560] Optionally, the second indication information may be carried in a capability reporting message of the second terminal.

[0561] When the network device determines that both the first terminal and the second terminal support establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay, the network device may determine to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0562] Condition 2.2: The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same DU.

[0563] When the first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same DU, both the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate with the DU. When the network device determines that the first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same DU, it can determine to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0564] Condition 2.3: The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same CU.

[0565] When the first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same CU, both the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate with the CU. When the network device determines that the first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same CU, it can determine to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0566] Condition 2.4: The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device.

[0567] If the first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device, both the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate with the network device. If the network device determines that the first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device, it can determine to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0568] Condition 2.5: The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other.

[0569] When the DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other, the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate with the DU to which the second terminal belongs through the DU to which the first terminal belongs, and thus can communicate with the second terminal. When the network device determines that the DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other, it can determine to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0570] Condition 2.6: The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay.

[0571] Optionally, the network device may receive a broadcast message, where the broadcast message indicates at least one of the following:

[0572] Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay;

[0573] Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0574] Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0575] Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

[0576] Based on the broadcast message, it can be determined whether the network device, CU, DU, and cell support establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0577] When the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay, the network device determines to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0578] In the above embodiment, the preset conditions are introduced. When the preset conditions are met, the network device can determine to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay. The process is introduced below.

[0579] When the network device determines to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay, the network device generates or creates configuration information for establishing the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0580] Establishing an end-to-end connection with a network device as a relay allows for end-to-end transmission between a first terminal and a second terminal using the network device as a relay. This means that data between the first terminal and the second terminal is communicated via an end-to-end link, but low-layer transmission occurs between the first terminal and the network device, and between the second terminal and the network device, with the network device acting as a relay node between the first and second terminals.

[0581] Take the end-to-end direct connection of PC5 as an example. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Two possible user plane protocol stacks are illustrated.

[0582] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack provided in this embodiment of the application Figure 1 ,like Figure 6As shown, upper-layer transmission is accomplished through the end-to-end protocol layers of the first and second terminals. The end-to-end protocol layers include the end-to-end Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer and the end-to-end Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. The end-to-end SDAP layer is responsible for mapping Quality of Service (QoS) flows to corresponding Data Radio Bearers (DRBs). The end-to-end PDCP layer is primarily responsible for ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient packet data transmission, and is primarily used for data compression, encryption, and integrity protection.

[0583] exist Figure 6 In the example, the low-level transmission is completed through the Uu interface protocol layer, which includes the Uu interface adaptation layer (adaptation layer), Uu interface RLC layer, Uu interface MAC layer and Uu interface physical (PHY) layer. The Uu interface adaptation layer provides the transmission adaptation function between the underlying access technology and the upper layer protocol stack. The Uu interface RLC layer mainly provides reliable data transmission services, ensuring the integrity and sequence of data. The Uu interface MAC layer is mainly responsible for the encapsulation and unpacking of data frames. The Uu interface PHY layer is mainly responsible for converting digital signals into physical signals for transmission.

[0584] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack provided in this embodiment of the application Figure 2 ,like Figure 7 As shown, upper layer transmission is completed through the end-to-end protocol layer of the first terminal and the second terminal, and the end-to-end protocol layer includes an end-to-end SDAP layer, an end-to-end PDCP layer and an end-to-end RLC layer.

[0585] exist Figure 7 In the example, the low-layer transmission is completed through the Uu interface protocol layer, and the Uu interface protocol layer includes a Uu interface adaptation layer (adaptation layer), a Uu interface MAC layer and a Uu interface PHY layer.

[0586] Optionally, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0587] Optionally, the configuration information includes at least one of the following 3.1 to 3.8:

[0588] 3.1. Adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal.

[0589] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal is used to identify the Uu interface adaptation layer of the first terminal.

[0590] 3.2. Adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal.

[0591] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal is used to identify the Uu interface adaptation layer of the second terminal.

[0592] 3.3. The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal.

[0593] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal is used to identify the end-to-end connection interface of the first terminal. The end-to-end connection interface of the first terminal may include, for example, the SL layer 2 of the first terminal. Accordingly, the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal may include, for example, the SL layer 2 ID of the first terminal.

[0594] 3.4. The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0595] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal is used to identify the end-to-end connection interface of the second terminal. The end-to-end connection interface of the second terminal may include, for example, the SL layer 2 of the second terminal. Accordingly, the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal may include, for example, the SL layer 2 ID of the second terminal.

[0596] 3.5. A source Uu Radio Link Control (RLC) channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0597] If the transmission scenario is that the first terminal transmits data to the second terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, the source Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device, and the source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end wireless bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal includes the RLC channel between the first terminal and the network device.

[0598] If the transmission scenario involves a second terminal transmitting data to a first terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal, and the target terminal is the first terminal. The source Uu field indicates the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device. The source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal includes the RLC channels between the second terminal and the network device.

[0599] 3.6. Target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0600] If the transmission scenario is that the first terminal transmits data to the second terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, the target Uu represents the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device, and the target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end wireless bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal includes the RLC channel between the second terminal and the network device.

[0601] If the transmission scenario involves a second terminal transmitting data to a first terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal, and the target terminal is the first terminal. The target Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device. The target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal includes the RLC channels between the first terminal and the network device.

[0602] The network device configures a second mapping relationship between the RLC channel of the first terminal and the RLC channel of the second terminal by configuring a source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal and a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0603] 3.7. A list of source Uu logical channel identifiers (LCIDs) corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0604] The source LCID list includes source Uu logical channels corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0605] If the transmission scenario is that the first terminal transmits data to the second terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, the source Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device, and the source Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal includes the logical channel between the first terminal and the network device.

[0606] If the transmission scenario is a second terminal transmitting data to a first terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal and the destination terminal is the first terminal. The source Uu represents the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device. The source Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first and second terminals includes the logical channels between the second terminal and the network device.

[0607] 3.8. Target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0608] The target LCID list includes target Uu logical channels corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0609] If the transmission scenario is that the first terminal transmits data to the second terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, the target Uu represents the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device, and the target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal includes the logical channel between the second terminal and the network device.

[0610] If the transmission scenario is a second terminal transmitting data to a first terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal and the target terminal is the first terminal. The target Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device. The target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first and second terminals includes the logical channels between the first terminal and the network device.

[0611] The network device configures a first mapping relationship between the logical channel of the first terminal and the logical channel of the second terminal by configuring a source Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal and a target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0612] In one possible implementation, the network device includes a CU and a DU. The network device generates or creates configuration information based on an end-to-end connection establishment request. After receiving the end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, the CU sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to the DU. The DU generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request and sends it to the CU. The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

[0613] The network device creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device based on the configuration information. Optionally, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device include at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0614] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 6 In the form of an example, the end-to-end connection layer corresponding to the network device includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer, the Uu interface RLC layer, the Uu interface MAC layer, and the Uu interface PHY layer. Accordingly, the end-to-end connection layer entities corresponding to the network device include at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer entity, the Uu interface RLC layer entity, the Uu interface MAC layer entity, and the Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0615] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 7In the form of an example, the end-to-end connection layer corresponding to the network device includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer, the Uu interface MAC layer, and the Uu interface PHY layer. Accordingly, the end-to-end connection layer entities corresponding to the network device include at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer entity, the Uu interface MAC layer entity, and the Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0616] Optionally, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used to map or route logical channels or RLC channels between the first terminal and the second terminal. The Uu interface adaptation layer supports the following functions: data transmission; adding and / or removing adaptation layer subheaders; determining the source terminal identifier, destination terminal identifier, bearer identifier, logical channel identifier, or RLC channel identifier corresponding to the data packet; determining the egress link; and determining the egress RLC channel or egress logical channel.

[0617] S53: The network device sends configuration information to the first terminal.

[0618] After generating or creating the configuration information, the network device sends the configuration information to the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0619] S54: The first terminal establishes an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the configuration information, using the network device as a relay.

[0620] Specifically, the first terminal may perform the following operations: based on the configuration information, create entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal; and / or, based on the configuration information, initiate an end-to-end connection establishment process.

[0621] In some embodiments, the first terminal may only perform operations to create entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information. In some embodiments, the first terminal may only perform operations to initiate the process of establishing the end-to-end connection based on the configuration information. For example, if the first terminal has previously created entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection, then for this scenario, the first terminal may only perform operations to initiate the process of establishing the end-to-end connection based on the configuration information, without having to perform operations to create entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information. In some embodiments, the first terminal may also create entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information, and initiate the process of establishing the end-to-end connection based on the configuration information.

[0622] Optionally, the layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal includes the end-to-end protocol layer of the first terminal and the Uu interface protocol layer of the first terminal. Accordingly, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

[0623] Optionally, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity.

[0624] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 6 In an example form, the end-to-end protocol layer of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer and an end-to-end PDCP layer. Accordingly, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity and an end-to-end PDCP layer entity.

[0625] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 7 In the form of an example, the end-to-end protocol layer of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer, an end-to-end PDCP layer, and an end-to-end RLC layer. Accordingly, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity.

[0626] Optionally, the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0627] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 6 In the form of an example, the Uu interface protocol layer of the first terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer, the Uu interface RLC layer, the Uu interface MAC layer, and the Uu interface PHY layer. Accordingly, the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer entity, the Uu interface RLC layer entity, the Uu interface MAC layer entity, and the Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0628] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 7 In the form of an example, the Uu interface protocol layer of the first terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer, the Uu interface MAC layer, and the Uu interface PHY layer. Accordingly, the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer entity, the Uu interface MAC layer entity, and the Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0629] Optionally, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used to map or route logical channels or RLC channels between the first terminal and the second terminal. The Uu interface adaptation layer supports the following functions: data transmission; adding and / or removing adaptation layer subheaders; determining the source terminal identifier, destination terminal identifier, bearer identifier, logical channel identifier, or RLC channel identifier corresponding to the data packet; determining the egress link; and determining the egress RLC channel or egress logical channel.

[0630] S55: The network device sends configuration information to the second terminal.

[0631] After generating or creating the configuration information, the network device sends the configuration information to the second terminal to instruct the second terminal to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay. It should be noted that the configuration information sent by the network device to the first terminal and the configuration information sent by the second terminal may be the same, may not be completely the same, or may be completely different. That is, the information included in the configuration information sent by the network device to the first terminal may be the same as or different from the information included in the configuration information sent by the network device to the second terminal.

[0632] In one possible implementation, if the second terminal is initially in an idle state or an inactive state, the network device may send a paging message to the second terminal, and the second terminal receives the paging message sent by the network device and enters a connected state based on the paging message. Then, when the second terminal is in the connected state, the network device sends configuration information to the second terminal, and the second terminal receives the configuration information sent by the network device.

[0633] In one possible implementation, the network device can determine the access network device to which the second terminal belongs based on the identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs, and thereby send configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal.

[0634] In a possible implementation, the network device may determine the cell to which the second terminal belongs based on identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs, and thereby send configuration information to the second terminal based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal.

[0635] Optionally, the network device may obtain the identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs based on at least one of the following methods:

[0636] Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0637] Receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, which are sent by a core network device;

[0638] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

[0639] Optionally, the network device may obtain the identification information of the second terminal based on at least one of the following methods:

[0640] Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0641] Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device;

[0642] Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device;

[0643] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0644] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

[0645] S56: The second terminal establishes an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the configuration information, using the network device as a relay.

[0646] Specifically, the second terminal may perform the following operations: based on the configuration information, create entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal; and / or, based on the configuration information, initiate an end-to-end connection establishment process.

[0647] In some embodiments, the second terminal may only perform operations to create entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information. In some embodiments, the second terminal may only perform operations to initiate the process of establishing the end-to-end connection based on the configuration information. For example, if the second terminal has previously created entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection, then for this scenario, the second terminal may only perform operations to initiate the process of establishing the end-to-end connection based on the configuration information, without having to perform operations to create entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information. In some embodiments, the second terminal may also create entities at various layers of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information, and initiate the process of establishing the end-to-end connection based on the configuration information.

[0648] Optionally, the layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal includes the end-to-end protocol layer of the second terminal and the Uu interface protocol layer of the second terminal. Accordingly, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

[0649] Optionally, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity.

[0650] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 6 In the form of an example, the end-to-end protocol layer of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer and an end-to-end PDCP layer. Accordingly, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity and an end-to-end PDCP layer entity.

[0651] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 7 In the form of an example, the end-to-end protocol layer of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer, an end-to-end PDCP layer, and an end-to-end RLC layer. Accordingly, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity.

[0652] Optionally, the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0653] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 6 In the form of an example, the Uu interface protocol layer of the second terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer, the Uu interface RLC layer, the Uu interface MAC layer, and the Uu interface PHY layer. Accordingly, the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer entity, the Uu interface RLC layer entity, the Uu interface MAC layer entity, and the Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0654] For example, if the user plane protocol stack corresponding to the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay is Figure 7 In the form of an example, the Uu interface protocol layer of the second terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer, the Uu interface MAC layer, and the Uu interface PHY layer. Accordingly, the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of the Uu interface adaptation layer entity, the Uu interface MAC layer entity, and the Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0655] Optionally, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used to map or route logical channels or RLC channels between the first terminal and the second terminal. The Uu interface adaptation layer supports the following functions: data transmission; adding and / or removing adaptation layer subheaders; determining the source terminal identifier, destination terminal identifier, bearer identifier, logical channel identifier, or RLC channel identifier corresponding to the data packet; determining the egress link; and determining the egress RLC channel or egress logical channel.

[0656] In the above embodiment, how to establish an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay is described. After the end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal is established using the network device as a relay, end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal can be performed using the network device as a relay.

[0657] In a possible implementation, the network device determines a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of the first terminal and a logical channel of the second terminal, thereby performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship.

[0658] The logical channel is the channel between the RLC layer and the MAC layer. Figure 7 Taking the user plane protocol stack as an example, the network device can implement the mapping or routing of the adaptation layer data packet to the logical channel between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship, thereby achieving end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal. The end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal can be the transmission of data from the first terminal to the second terminal, or the transmission of data from the second terminal to the first terminal, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0659] In a possible implementation, the network device determines a second mapping relationship between the RLC channel of the first terminal and the RLC channel of the second terminal, thereby performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

[0660] The RLC channel is a channel between the RLC layer and the PDCP layer. Figure 6 Taking the user plane protocol stack as an example, the network device can implement the mapping or routing of the adaptation layer data packet to the RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship, thereby achieving end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal. The end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal can be data transmission from the first terminal to the second terminal, or data transmission from the second terminal to the first terminal, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0661] Figures 8 to 11 Several possible formats of adaptation layer packets are illustrated. Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 1, Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 2 , Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 3 , Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the adaptation layer data packet format provided in the embodiment of this application Figure 4 .exist Figures 8 to 11 In the example adaptation layer data packet format, D / C is used to indicate whether the adaptation layer data packet belongs to data or signaling, and R indicates a reserved bit.

[0662] like Figure 8 As shown, the adaptation layer data packet includes a bearer identifier, a source terminal identifier, a target terminal identifier, and data. The bearer identifier is used to identify the DRB. The source terminal identifier indicates the source of the adaptation layer data packet, and the target terminal identifier indicates the terminal to which the adaptation layer data packet is to be sent. If the transmission scenario is data transmission from a first terminal to a second terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal and the target terminal is the second terminal. If the transmission scenario is data transmission from a second terminal to a first terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal and the target terminal is the first terminal. The data represents the valid data portion of the transmission.

[0663] like Figure 9 As shown, the adaptation layer data packet includes a source LCID, a target LCID, a source terminal identifier, a target terminal identifier and data.

[0664] The source LCID is used to indicate the source Uu logical channel corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the target LCID is used to indicate the target Uu logical channel corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0665] If the transmission scenario is that the first terminal transmits data to the second terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, the source Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device, the source Uu logical channel represents the logical channel between the first terminal and the network device, the target Uu represents the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device, and the target Uu logical channel represents the logical channel between the second terminal and the network device.

[0666] If the transmission scenario is a second terminal transmitting data to a first terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal, and the target terminal is the first terminal. Source Uu represents the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device, source Uu logical channel represents the logical channel between the second terminal and the network device, target Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device, and target Uu logical channel represents the logical channel between the first terminal and the network device.

[0667] The meanings of source terminal identification, target terminal identification and data representation can be found in Figure 8 The relevant introduction of the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0668] like Figure 10 As shown, the adaptation layer data packet includes a source RLC channel identifier, a target RLC channel identifier, a source terminal identifier, a target terminal identifier and data.

[0669] The source RLC channel identifier is used to indicate the source Uu RLC channel corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal, and the target LCID is used to indicate the target Uu RLC channel corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0670] If the transmission scenario is that the first terminal transmits data to the second terminal, the source terminal is the first terminal, the target terminal is the second terminal, the source Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device, the source Uu RLC channel represents the RLC channel between the first terminal and the network device, the target Uu represents the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device, and the target Uu RLC channel represents the RLC channel between the second terminal and the network device.

[0671] If the transmission scenario is a second terminal transmitting data to a first terminal, the source terminal is the second terminal, and the target terminal is the first terminal. Source Uu represents the Uu connection between the second terminal and the network device, source Uu RLC channel represents the RLC channel between the second terminal and the network device, target Uu represents the Uu connection between the first terminal and the network device, and target Uu RLC channel represents the RLC channel between the first terminal and the network device.

[0672] The meanings of source terminal identification, target terminal identification and data representation can be found in Figure 8 The relevant introduction of the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0673] like Figure 11 As shown, the adaptation layer data packet includes an end-to-end RLC channel identifier, a source terminal identifier, a target terminal identifier, and data.

[0674] The end-to-end RLC channel identifier is used to indicate the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal. The meanings of the source terminal identifier, the target terminal identifier and the data representation can be found in Figure 8 The relevant introduction of the embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0675] In the above embodiment, combined with Figures 4 to 11 The solutions of the embodiments of the present application have been introduced. The solutions of the embodiments of the present application are introduced with examples below.

[0676] Figure 12 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ,exist Figure 12 In the example scenario, the first terminal knows the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the first terminal and the second terminal are both in a connected state, and the CU and DU of the network device are not separated. Figure 12 As shown, the method includes:

[0677] S1201: A first terminal sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to a network device.

[0678] The end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0679] Optionally, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following information:

[0680] SL layer 2 ID of the first terminal;

[0681] C-RNTI of the second terminal;

[0682] GUTI, S-TMSI or application layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0683] SL layer2 ID of the second terminal;

[0684] The PCI or NCGI of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0685] End-to-end QoS profile.

[0686] S1202: The network device determines to establish an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0687] Optionally, when the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, it is determined to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay. The content of the preset conditions can be found in the relevant introduction of the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0688] S1203: The network device generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request.

[0689] Optionally, the configuration information includes at least one of the following information:

[0690] Adaptation layer ID of the first terminal;

[0691] Adaptation layer ID of the second terminal;

[0692] SL layer 2 ID of the first terminal;

[0693] SL layer2 ID of the second terminal;

[0694] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to each end-to-end control plane bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0695] a list of target Uu RLC channels corresponding to each end-to-end control plane bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0696] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to each end-to-end user plane bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0697] A list of target Uu RLC channels corresponding to each end-to-end user plane bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0698] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0699] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0700] Among them, each end-to-end control plane bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal may include a signaling radio bearer (SRB), for example, SL-SRB0, SL-SRB1, SL-SRB2, SL-SRB3, etc. Each end-to-end user plane bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal may include, for example, an SL-DRB.

[0701] S1204: The network device creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device based on the configuration information.

[0702] The end-to-end connection layer entities corresponding to the network device include at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0703] S1205: The network device sends configuration information to the first terminal.

[0704] S1206: The first terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information.

[0705] The entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

[0706] The end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity; the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0707] S1207: The first terminal sends a configuration completion message to the network device.

[0708] The first terminal indicates, through the configuration completion message, that the first terminal has completed the process of creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal.

[0709] S1208: The network device sends configuration information to the second terminal.

[0710] S1209: The second terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information.

[0711] Entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

[0712] The end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity; the Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0713] S1210: The second terminal sends a configuration completion message to the network device.

[0714] The second terminal indicates to the first terminal through the configuration completion message that the process of creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal has been completed.

[0715] S1211: An end-to-end connection is established between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay.

[0716] The first terminal and the second terminal initiate an end-to-end connection establishment process based on the configuration information, thereby establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0717] S1212: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through a network device as a relay.

[0718] After an end-to-end connection is established between a first terminal and a second terminal with a network device as a relay, end-to-end transmission can be performed between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as a relay. The network device configures the mapping relationship of the link from the first terminal to the second terminal through configuration information. In one implementation, the network device determines a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of the first terminal and a logical channel of the second terminal, and based on the first mapping relationship, performs end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal. In one implementation, the network device determines a second mapping relationship between an RLC channel of the first terminal and an RLC channel of the second terminal, and based on the second mapping relationship, performs end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0719] When the first terminal knows the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the first terminal and the second terminal are both in a connected state, and the CU and DU of the network device are not separated, the first terminal can request to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay through an end-to-end connection establishment request. The network device generates or creates configuration information, and based on the configuration information, it can generate various layer entities of the end-to-end connection, thereby establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay, and based on the end-to-end connection, end-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay.

[0720] Figure 13 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ,exist Figure 13 In the example scenario, the first terminal does not know the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs. The first terminal and the second terminal are both in a connected state, and the CU and DU of the network device are not separated. Figure 13 As shown, the method includes:

[0721] S1301: A first terminal sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to a network device.

[0722] The implementation process of S1301 is similar to Figure 12 The implementation process of S1201 in the embodiment is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0723] S1302: The network device sends a terminal information acquisition request to the core network device.

[0724] The terminal information acquisition request is used to request information about the second terminal, which may include identification information of the second terminal, end-to-end connection interface identification of the second terminal, identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs, identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs, authorization information of the second terminal, etc.

[0725] S1303: The core network device sends a terminal information acquisition response to the network device.

[0726] The core network device obtains a response through the terminal information and sends the information of the second terminal requested by the network device to the network device.

[0727] S1304: The network device determines to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0728] S1305: The network device generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request.

[0729] S1306: The network device creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device based on the configuration information.

[0730] S1307: The network device sends configuration information to the first terminal.

[0731] S1308: The first terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information.

[0732] S1309: The first terminal sends a configuration completion message to the network device.

[0733] S1310: The network device sends configuration information to the second terminal.

[0734] S1311: The second terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information.

[0735] S1312: The second terminal sends a configuration completion message to the network device.

[0736] S1313: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0737] S1314: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through a network device as a relay.

[0738] The implementation process from S1304 to S1314 is the same as Figure 12 The implementation process of S1202 to S1212 in the embodiment is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0739] When the first terminal does not know the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the first terminal and the second terminal are both in a connected state, and the CU and DU of the network device are not separated, the first terminal can request to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay through an end-to-end connection establishment request. The network device requests the information of the second terminal from the core network device and generates or creates configuration information. Based on the configuration information, it can generate various layer entities of the end-to-end connection, thereby establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay, and performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay based on the end-to-end connection.

[0740] Figure 14 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ,exist Figure 14 In the example scenario, the first terminal knows the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the first terminal and the second terminal are both in a connected state, and the CU and DU of the network device are separated. Figure 14 As shown, the method includes:

[0741] S1401: The first terminal sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to the CU.

[0742] The implementation process of S1401 is similar to Figure 12 The implementation process of S1201 in the embodiment is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0743] S1402: The CU determines to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0744] Optionally, when the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, the CU determines to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay. The content of the preset conditions can be found in the relevant introduction of the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0745] S1403: The CU sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to the DU.

[0746] The CU sends at least one of the RNTI of the first terminal, the RNTI of the second terminal, the SLlayer2 ID of the first terminal, the SL layer2 ID of the second terminal, and the service information to the DU through an end-to-end connection establishment request.

[0747] S1404: The DU generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request.

[0748] S1405: The DU sends an end-to-end connection establishment response to the CU.

[0749] The DU establishes a response through an end-to-end connection and sends the configuration information to the CU.

[0750] S1406: The CU creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device based on the configuration information.

[0751] S1407. The CU sends configuration information to the first terminal.

[0752] S1408: The first terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information.

[0753] S1409: The first terminal sends a configuration completion message to the CU.

[0754] S1410. The CU sends configuration information to the second terminal.

[0755] S1411: The second terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information.

[0756] S1412: The second terminal sends a configuration completion message to the CU.

[0757] S1413: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0758] S1414: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through a network device as a relay.

[0759] The implementation process from S1406 to S1414 is the same as Figure 12 The implementation process of S1204 to S1212 in the embodiment is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0760] When the first terminal knows the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the first terminal and the second terminal are both in a connected state, and the CU and DU of the network device are separated, the first terminal can request to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay through an end-to-end connection establishment request. The CU sends the end-to-end connection establishment request to the DU. The DU generates or creates configuration information and sends the configuration information to the CU. The CU sends the configuration information to the first terminal and the second terminal respectively. Based on the configuration information, the various layer entities of the end-to-end connection can be generated, thereby establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay, and performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as the relay based on the end-to-end connection.

[0761] Figure 15 Signaling of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 4 ,exist Figure 15In the example scenario, the first terminal knows the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the first terminal is in a connected state, the second terminal is in an inactive state, and the CU and DU of the network device are not separated. Figure 15 As shown, the method includes:

[0762] S1501: A first terminal sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to a network device.

[0763] The implementation process of S1501 is similar to Figure 12 The implementation process of S1201 in the embodiment is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0764] S1502: The network device sends a paging message to the second terminal.

[0765] The network device pages the second terminal through a paging message, triggering the second terminal to enter a connected state.

[0766] S1503, RRC connection recovery process.

[0767] The second terminal enters the connected state through the RRC connection recovery process.

[0768] S1504: The network device determines to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0769] S1505: The network device generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request.

[0770] S1506: The network device creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device based on the configuration information.

[0771] S1507: The network device sends configuration information to the first terminal.

[0772] S1508: The first terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information.

[0773] S1509: The first terminal sends a configuration completion message to the network device.

[0774] S1510: The network device sends configuration information to the second terminal.

[0775] S1511: The second terminal creates entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information.

[0776] S1512: The second terminal sends a configuration completion message to the network device.

[0777] S1513: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0778] S1514: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through a network device as a relay.

[0779] The implementation process from S1504 to S1514 is the same as Figure 12 The implementation process of S1202 to S1212 in the embodiment is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0780] When the first terminal knows the end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal and the cell to which the second terminal belongs, the first terminal is in a connected state, the second terminal is in an inactivated state, and the CU and DU of the network device are not separated, the first terminal can request to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as a relay through an end-to-end connection establishment request. The network device triggers the second terminal to enter the connection state through a paging message, and then the network device generates or creates configuration information. Based on the configuration information, various layer entities of the end-to-end connection can be generated, thereby establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as a relay, and performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal with the network device as a relay based on the end-to-end connection.

[0781] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ,like Figure 16 As shown, the device includes: a memory 1620 , a transceiver 1600 , and a processor 1610 .

[0782] The memory 1620 is used to store computer programs. The transceiver 1600 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1610. The processor 1610 is used to read the computer program stored in the memory 1620 and perform the following operations:

[0783] End-to-end transmission is performed between the second terminal and the network device as a relay.

[0784] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0785] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0786] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0787] Sending an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0788] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0789] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0790] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0791] identification information of the first terminal;

[0792] identification information of the second terminal;

[0793] business information;

[0794] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0795] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0796] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0797] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0798] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0799] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0800] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0801] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal;

[0802] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device;

[0803] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

[0804] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0805] RRC signaling;

[0806] MAC signaling;

[0807] Physical layer signaling.

[0808] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0809] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0810] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0811] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0812] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0813] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0814] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0815] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0816] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0817] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay based on the configuration information includes:

[0818] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0819] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0820] In a possible implementation manner, entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

[0821] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0822] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0823] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0824] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0825] First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0826] Among them, Figure 16 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1610 and memory represented by memory 1620. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are all well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1600 may be a plurality of components, i.e., a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and the like. For different user devices, the user interface 1630 may also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices as required, and the connected devices include but are not limited to a keypad, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a joystick, and the like.

[0827] The processor 1610 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1620 can store data used by the processor 1610 when performing operations.

[0828] Optionally, the processor 1610 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0829] The processor calls the computer program stored in the memory to execute any method provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and the memory can also be arranged physically separately.

[0830] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment in which the execution subject is the first terminal, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0831] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ,like Figure 17As shown, the device includes: a memory 1720 , a transceiver 1700 , and a processor 1710 .

[0832] The memory 1720 is used to store computer programs. The transceiver 1700 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1710. The processor 1710 is used to read the computer program stored in the memory 1720 and perform the following operations:

[0833] End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the network device as a relay.

[0834] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0835] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0836] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0837] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0838] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0839] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0840] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0841] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0842] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0843] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0844] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0845] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0846] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0847] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0848] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay based on the configuration information includes:

[0849] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0850] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0851] In a possible implementation manner, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

[0852] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0853] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0854] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0855] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0856] Second indication information is sent to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0857] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0858] Sending identification information of the second terminal to the network device; and / or,

[0859] The identification information of the second terminal is sent to the first terminal.

[0860] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0861] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are sent to the network device.

[0862] In a possible implementation, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, receiving configuration information sent by the network device includes:

[0863] Receive paging messages sent by network devices;

[0864] Entering the connected state based on the paging message;

[0865] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information sent by the network device is received.

[0866] Among them, Figure 17 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1710 and memory represented by memory 1720. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are all well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1700 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and the like. For different user devices, the user interface 1730 may also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices as required, and the connected devices include but are not limited to a keypad, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a joystick, and the like.

[0867] The processor 1710 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1720 can store data used by the processor 1710 when performing operations.

[0868] Optionally, the processor 1710 may be a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a CPLD, and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0869] The processor calls the computer program stored in the memory to execute any method provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and the memory can also be arranged physically separately.

[0870] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment in which the execution subject is the second terminal, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0871] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ,like Figure 18 As shown, the network device includes a memory 1820, a transceiver 1800, and a processor 1810, wherein:

[0872] The memory 1820 is used to store computer programs. The transceiver 1800 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1810. The processor 1810 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1820 and perform the following operations:

[0873] End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through the network device as a relay.

[0874] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0875] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0876] In one possible implementation, establishing an end-to-end connection between a first terminal and a second terminal using a network device as a relay includes:

[0877] receiving an end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0878] Generate or create configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0879] Configuration information is sent to the first terminal and the second terminal, where the configuration information is used to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0880] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0881] identification information of the first terminal;

[0882] identification information of the second terminal;

[0883] business information;

[0884] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0885] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0886] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0887] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0888] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0889] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0890] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0891] RRC signaling;

[0892] MAC signaling;

[0893] Physical layer signaling.

[0894] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0895] Based on the configuration information, create the entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device.

[0896] In a possible implementation, each layer entity of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0897] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0898] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0899] When the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, determining to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset conditions include at least one of the following:

[0900] The first terminal and the second terminal both support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay;

[0901] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same DU;

[0902] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same CU;

[0903] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device;

[0904] The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other;

[0905] The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection using the network devices as relays.

[0906] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0907] receiving first indication information sent by a first terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay; and / or,

[0908] Second indication information sent by the second terminal is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0909] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0910] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0911] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0912] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0913] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0914] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0915] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0916] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0917] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0918] In one possible implementation, the network device includes a CU and a DU, and generates or creates configuration information based on an end-to-end connection establishment request, including:

[0919] CU sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to DU;

[0920] DU generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0921] The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

[0922] In a possible implementation, sending configuration information to the second terminal includes:

[0923] Determining the access network device to which the second terminal belongs based on identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; sending configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal;

[0924] or,

[0925] The cell to which the second terminal belongs is determined based on the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; and the configuration information is sent to the second terminal based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal.

[0926] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0927] Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0928] Receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, which are sent by a core network device;

[0929] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

[0930] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0931] Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[0932] Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device;

[0933] Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device;

[0934] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0935] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

[0936] In a possible implementation, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, sending configuration information to the second terminal includes:

[0937] Sending a paging message to the second terminal, where the paging message is used to trigger the second terminal to enter a connected state;

[0938] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information is sent to the second terminal.

[0939] In one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0940] Receive a broadcast message indicating at least one of the following:

[0941] Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay;

[0942] Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0943] Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[0944] Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

[0945] In one possible implementation, performing end-to-end transmission between a first terminal and a second terminal by using a network device as a relay includes:

[0946] Determine a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of a first terminal and a logical channel of a second terminal; perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship; or,

[0947] Determine a second mapping relationship between an RLC channel of the first terminal and an RLC channel of the second terminal; and perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

[0948] Among them, Figure 18 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1810 and memory represented by memory 1820. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are all well known in the art and, therefore, will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1800 may be a plurality of components, i.e., a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and the like. The processor 1810 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1820 may store data used by the processor 1810 when performing operations.

[0949] The processor 1810 may be a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a CPLD, and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0950] The processor calls the computer program stored in the memory to execute any method provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and the memory can also be arranged physically separately.

[0951] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiment in which the execution subject is a network device, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0952] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 190 provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 19 As shown, the communication device 190 includes:

[0953] The first processing unit 191 is configured to perform end-to-end transmission with the second terminal via the network device as a relay.

[0954] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit 191 is further configured to:

[0955] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0956] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit 191 is further configured to:

[0957] Sending an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[0958] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[0959] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[0960] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[0961] identification information of the first terminal;

[0962] identification information of the second terminal;

[0963] business information;

[0964] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[0965] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[0966] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[0967] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[0968] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0969] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[0970] In one possible implementation, the first processing unit 191 is further configured to:

[0971] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal;

[0972] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device;

[0973] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

[0974] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[0975] RRC signaling;

[0976] MAC signaling;

[0977] Physical layer signaling.

[0978] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0979] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[0980] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[0981] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[0982] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[0983] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0984] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0985] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0986] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0987] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit 191 is further configured to:

[0988] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[0989] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[0990] In a possible implementation manner, entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

[0991] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[0992] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[0993] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0994] In a possible implementation, the first processing unit 191 is further configured to:

[0995] First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[0996] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned communication device 190 provided in this application can implement all the method steps implemented by the first terminal in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0997] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 200 provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 20 As shown, the communication device 200 includes:

[0998] The second processing unit 201 is configured to perform end-to-end transmission with the first terminal via a network device as a relay.

[0999] In a possible implementation, the second processing unit 201 is further configured to:

[1000] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[1001] In a possible implementation, the second processing unit 201 is further configured to:

[1002] Receive configuration information sent by network devices;

[1003] Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[1004] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[1005] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[1006] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[1007] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[1008] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[1009] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[1010] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[1011] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[1012] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[1013] In a possible implementation, the second processing unit 201 is further configured to:

[1014] Creating entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal based on the configuration information; and / or,

[1015] Based on the configuration information, the process of establishing an end-to-end connection is initiated.

[1016] In a possible implementation manner, the entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

[1017] In a possible implementation manner, the end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity;

[1018] The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[1019] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[1020] In a possible implementation, the second processing unit 201 is further configured to:

[1021] Second indication information is sent to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[1022] In a possible implementation, the second processing unit 201 is further configured to:

[1023] Sending identification information of the second terminal to the network device; and / or,

[1024] The identification information of the second terminal is sent to the first terminal.

[1025] In a possible implementation, the second processing unit 201 is further configured to:

[1026] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are sent to the network device.

[1027] In a possible implementation manner, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the second processing unit 201 is further configured to:

[1028] Receive paging messages sent by network devices;

[1029] Entering the connected state based on the paging message;

[1030] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information sent by the network device is received.

[1031] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned communication device 200 provided in this application can implement all the method steps implemented by the second terminal in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[1032] Figure 21 Schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 210 provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 21 As shown, the communication device 210 includes:

[1033] The third processing unit 211 is configured to perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal by using the network device as a relay.

[1034] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1035] An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[1036] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1037] receiving an end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay;

[1038] Generate or create configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[1039] Configuration information is sent to the first terminal and the second terminal, where the configuration information is used to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

[1040] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following:

[1041] identification information of the first terminal;

[1042] identification information of the second terminal;

[1043] business information;

[1044] identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[1045] identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs;

[1046] First indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay;

[1047] The second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

[1048] In a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[1049] The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

[1050] In a possible implementation, the end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any one of the following signalings:

[1051] RRC signaling;

[1052] MAC signaling;

[1053] Physical layer signaling.

[1054] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1055] Based on the configuration information, create the entities at each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device.

[1056] In a possible implementation, each layer entity of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

[1057] In a possible implementation manner, the Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[1058] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1059] When the first terminal and the second terminal meet preset conditions, determining to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset conditions include at least one of the following:

[1060] The first terminal and the second terminal both support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay;

[1061] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same distribution unit DU;

[1062] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same centralized unit CU;

[1063] The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device;

[1064] The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other;

[1065] The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection using the network devices as relays.

[1066] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1067] receiving first indication information sent by a first terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay; and / or,

[1068] Second indication information sent by the second terminal is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

[1069] In one possible implementation, the configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[1070] The adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal;

[1071] The adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal;

[1072] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal;

[1073] The end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal;

[1074] A list of source Uu RLC channels corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[1075] a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[1076] a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[1077] A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[1078] In a possible implementation, the network device includes a CU and a DU, and the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1079] CU sends an end-to-end connection establishment request to DU;

[1080] DU generates or creates configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[1081] The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

[1082] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1083] Determining the access network device to which the second terminal belongs based on identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; sending configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal;

[1084] or,

[1085] The cell to which the second terminal belongs is determined based on the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; and the configuration information is sent to the second terminal based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal.

[1086] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1087] Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[1088] Receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, which are sent by a core network device;

[1089] The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

[1090] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1091] Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request;

[1092] Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device;

[1093] Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device;

[1094] receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs;

[1095] Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

[1096] In a possible implementation, when the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1097] Sending a paging message to the second terminal, where the paging message is used to trigger the second terminal to enter a connected state;

[1098] When the second terminal is in a connected state, configuration information is sent to the second terminal.

[1099] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is further configured to:

[1100] Receive a broadcast message indicating at least one of the following:

[1101] Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection using the network device as a relay;

[1102] Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[1103] Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays;

[1104] Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

[1105] In a possible implementation, the third processing unit 211 is specifically configured to:

[1106] Determine a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of a first terminal and a logical channel of a second terminal; perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship; or,

[1107] Determine a second mapping relationship between an RLC channel of the first terminal and an RLC channel of the second terminal; and perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

[1108] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned communication device 210 provided in this application can implement all the method steps implemented by the network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[1109] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[1110] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[1111] An embodiment of the present application further provides a non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. The computer program is used to enable a processor to execute all the method steps of the first terminal in the above method embodiment.

[1112] An embodiment of the present application further provides a non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. The computer program is used to enable a processor to execute all the method steps of the second terminal in the above method embodiment.

[1113] An embodiment of the present application further provides a non-transient readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. The computer program is used to enable a processor to execute all the method steps of the network device in the above method embodiment.

[1114] The non-transitory readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO)), optical storage (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memories (NAND FLASH), solid-state drives (SSDs)), etc.

[1115] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements any of the above method embodiments when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[1116] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage and optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[1117] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the steps in the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[1118] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device that implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[1119] These processor-executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for executing on the computer or other programmable device to implement the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[1120] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first terminal, the method includes: End-to-end transmission is performed between the second terminal and the network device as a relay.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: Sending an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; receiving configuration information sent by the network device; Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first terminal; identification information of the second terminal; business information; identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device is used as a relay; Second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of the following: receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal; receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device; Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any of the following signaling: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Access Control (MAC) signaling; Physical layer signaling.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The configuration information includes at least one of the following: an adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal; an adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal; A source Uu radio link control RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; A list of source Uu logical channel identifiers (LCIDs) corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal; A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The establishing, based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: Based on the configuration information, create entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal; and / or, Based on the configuration information, a process of establishing the end-to-end connection is initiated.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer entity, an end-to-end Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity; The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface physical PHY layer entity.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

13. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the second terminal, the method includes: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the network device as a relay.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: receiving configuration information sent by the network device; Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The configuration information includes at least one of the following: an adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal; an adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal; A source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal; A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The establishing, based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: Based on the configuration information, create entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal; and / or, Based on the configuration information, a process of establishing the end-to-end connection is initiated.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity; The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

22. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second indication information is sent to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

23. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending identification information of the second terminal to the network device; and / or, Send identification information of the second terminal to the first terminal.

24. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs to the network device.

25. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that When the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the receiving configuration information sent by the network device includes: receiving a paging message sent by the network device; Entering a connected state based on the paging message; When the second terminal is in a connected state, the configuration information sent by the network device is received.

26. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a network device, the method includes: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through the network device as a relay.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The method further comprises: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: receiving an end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; Generate or create configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request; The configuration information is sent to the first terminal and the second terminal, where the configuration information is used to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that The end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first terminal; identification information of the second terminal; business information; identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device is used as a relay; Second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein The end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any of the following signaling: RRC signaling; MAC signaling; Physical layer signaling.

32. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that The method further comprises: Based on the configuration information, entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device are created.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The end-to-end connection layer entities corresponding to the network device include at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein The Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

35. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that The method further comprises: If the first terminal and the second terminal meet a preset condition, determining to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset condition includes at least one of the following: The first terminal and the second terminal both support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay; The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same distributed unit DU; The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same centralized unit CU; The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device; The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other; The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first indication information sent by the first terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device is used as a relay; and / or, Second indication information sent by the second terminal is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

37. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that The configuration information includes at least one of the following: an adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal; an adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal; A source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal; A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

38. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that The network device includes a CU and a DU, and the generating or creating configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request includes: The CU sends the end-to-end connection establishment request to the DU; The DU generates or creates the configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request; The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

39. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that Sending the configuration information to the second terminal includes: Determining, based on the identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs, the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; and sending the configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal; or, Based on the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs, determining the cell to which the second terminal belongs; and based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal, sending the configuration information to the second terminal.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein The method further comprises at least one of the following: Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request; receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, sent by a core network device; The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

41. The method according to claim 39, wherein The method further comprises at least one of the following: Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request; Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device; Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device; receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs; Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

42. The method according to claim 39, wherein When the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the sending the configuration information to the second terminal includes: Sending a paging message to the second terminal, where the paging message is used to trigger the second terminal to enter a connected state; When the second terminal is in a connected state, the configuration information is sent to the second terminal.

43. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a broadcast message, where the broadcast message indicates at least one of the following: Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device acts as a relay; Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays; Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays; Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

44. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein: The performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal by using the network device as a relay includes: determining a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of the first terminal and a logical channel of the second terminal; performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship; or Determine a second mapping relationship between the RLC channel of the first terminal and the RLC channel of the second terminal; and perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

45. A communication device, characterized in that Applied to a first terminal, the apparatus includes: The first processing unit is configured to perform end-to-end transmission with the second terminal via the network device as a relay.

46. ​​A communication device, characterized in that Applied to a second terminal, the apparatus includes: The second processing unit is configured to perform end-to-end transmission with the first terminal via the network device as a relay.

47. A communication device, characterized in that Applied to network equipment, the device includes: The third processing unit is configured to perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal by using the network device as a relay.

48. A communication device, characterized in that Applied to a first terminal, the device includes: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor. The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: End-to-end transmission is performed between the second terminal and the network device as a relay.

49. The device according to claim 48, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

50. The device according to claim 49, characterized in that The establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: Sending an end-to-end connection establishment request to the network device, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; receiving configuration information sent by the network device; Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

51. The device according to claim 50, characterized in that The end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first terminal; identification information of the second terminal; business information; identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device is used as a relay; Second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay.

52. The device according to claim 51, characterized in that The identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

53. The device according to claim 49, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal; receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the network device; Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the server.

54. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 53, characterized in that The end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any of the following signaling: RRC signaling; MAC signaling; Physical layer signaling.

55. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, characterized in that The configuration information includes at least one of the following: an adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal; an adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal; A source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal; A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

56. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, characterized in that The establishing, based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: Based on the configuration information, create entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal; and / or, Based on the configuration information, a process of establishing the end-to-end connection is initiated.

57. The device according to claim 56, characterized in that The entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the first terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal.

58. The device according to claim 57, characterized in that The end-to-end protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity; The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the first terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

59. The device according to claim 58, characterized in that The Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

60. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 53, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: First indication information is sent to the network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

61. A communication device, characterized in that Applied to a second terminal, the device includes: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor. The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the network device as a relay.

62. The device according to claim 61, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

63. The device according to claim 62, characterized in that The establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: receiving configuration information sent by the network device; Based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

64. The device according to claim 63, characterized in that The configuration information includes at least one of the following: an adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal; an adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal; A source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal; A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

65. The device according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that The establishing, based on the configuration information, an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: Based on the configuration information, create entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal; and / or, Based on the configuration information, a process of establishing the end-to-end connection is initiated.

66. The device according to claim 65, characterized in that The entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the second terminal include an end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal and a Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal.

67. The device according to claim 66, characterized in that The end-to-end protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of an end-to-end SDAP layer entity, an end-to-end PDCP layer entity, and an end-to-end RLC layer entity; The Uu interface protocol layer entity of the second terminal includes at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

68. The device according to claim 67, characterized in that The Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

69. The device according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Second indication information is sent to the network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

70. The device according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: sending identification information of the second terminal to the network device; and / or, Send identification information of the second terminal to the first terminal.

71. The device according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Send identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs to the network device.

72. The device according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that When the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the receiving configuration information sent by the network device includes: receiving a paging message sent by the network device; Entering a connected state based on the paging message; When the second terminal is in a connected state, the configuration information sent by the network device is received.

73. A communication device, characterized in that Applied to network equipment, the device includes: a memory, a transceiver and a processor, The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: End-to-end transmission is performed between the first terminal and the second terminal through the network device as a relay.

74. The device according to claim 73, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: An end-to-end connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

75. The device according to claim 74, characterized in that The establishing an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay includes: receiving an end-to-end connection establishment request sent by the first terminal, where the end-to-end connection establishment request is used to request establishment of an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; Generate or create configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request; The configuration information is sent to the first terminal and the second terminal, where the configuration information is used to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay.

76. The device according to claim 75, characterized in that The end-to-end connection establishment request includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first terminal; identification information of the second terminal; business information; identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs; first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device is used as a relay; Second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay.

77. The device according to claim 76, characterized in that The identification information of the first terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the first terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; The identification information of the second terminal includes a Uu interface identifier of the second terminal and / or an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal.

78. The device according to claim 75, characterized in that The end-to-end connection establishment request is carried in any of the following signaling: RRC signaling; MAC signaling; Physical layer signaling.

79. The device according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Based on the configuration information, entities of each layer of the end-to-end connection corresponding to the network device are created.

80. The device according to claim 79, characterized in that The end-to-end connection layer entities corresponding to the network device include at least one of a Uu interface adaptation layer entity, a Uu interface RLC layer entity, a Uu interface MAC layer entity, and a Uu interface PHY layer entity.

81. The device according to claim 80, characterized in that The Uu interface adaptation layer is used for mapping or routing of a logical channel or an RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

82. The device according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: If the first terminal and the second terminal meet a preset condition, determining to establish an end-to-end connection between the first terminal and the second terminal using the network device as a relay; wherein the preset condition includes at least one of the following: The first terminal and the second terminal both support establishing an end-to-end connection using a network device as a relay; The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same DU; The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same CU; The first terminal and the second terminal belong to the same network device; The DU to which the first terminal belongs and the DU to which the second terminal belongs are connected to each other; The network devices to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong both support establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner of using the network device as a relay.

83. The device according to claim 82, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receiving first indication information sent by the first terminal, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device is used as a relay; and / or, Second indication information sent by the second terminal is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second terminal supports establishing an end-to-end connection with the network device as a relay.

84. The device according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that The configuration information includes at least one of the following: an adaptation layer identifier of the first terminal; an adaptation layer identifier of the second terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the first terminal; an end-to-end connection interface identifier of the second terminal; A source Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a target Uu RLC channel list corresponding to the end-to-end radio bearer between the first terminal and the second terminal; a list of source Uu LCIDs corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal; A target Uu LCID list corresponding to the end-to-end RLC channel between the first terminal and the second terminal.

85. The device according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that The network device includes a CU and a DU, and the generating or creating configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request includes: The CU sends the end-to-end connection establishment request to the DU; The DU generates or creates the configuration information based on the end-to-end connection establishment request; The CU receives the configuration information sent by the DU.

86. The device according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that Sending the configuration information to the second terminal includes: Determining, based on the identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs, the access network device to which the second terminal belongs; and sending the configuration information to the second terminal based on the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal; or, Based on the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs, determining the cell to which the second terminal belongs; and based on the cell to which the second terminal belongs and the identification information of the second terminal, sending the configuration information to the second terminal.

87. The device according to claim 86, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: Reading identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs from the end-to-end connection establishment request; receiving identification information of an access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or identification information of a cell to which the second terminal belongs, sent by a core network device; The identification information of the access network device to which the second terminal belongs and / or the identification information of the cell to which the second terminal belongs are obtained from the terminal context stored in the network device.

88. The device according to claim 86, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following operations: Reading identification information of the second terminal from the end-to-end connection establishment request; Receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by the core network device; Acquire identification information of the second terminal from the terminal context stored in the network device; receiving identification information of the second terminal sent by an access network device to which the second terminal belongs; Receive identification information of the second terminal sent by the second terminal.

89. The device according to claim 86, characterized in that When the second terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, the sending the configuration information to the second terminal includes: Sending a paging message to the second terminal, where the paging message is used to trigger the second terminal to enter a connected state; When the second terminal is in a connected state, the configuration information is sent to the second terminal.

90. The device according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Receive a broadcast message, where the broadcast message indicates at least one of the following: Whether the network device supports establishing an end-to-end connection in a manner where the network device acts as a relay; Whether the CU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays; Whether the DU supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays; Whether the cell supports establishing end-to-end connections using network devices as relays.

91. The device according to any one of claims 73 to 78, characterized in that The performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal by using the network device as a relay includes: determining a first mapping relationship between a logical channel of the first terminal and a logical channel of the second terminal; performing end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the first mapping relationship; or Determine a second mapping relationship between the RLC channel of the first terminal and the RLC channel of the second terminal; and perform end-to-end transmission between the first terminal and the second terminal based on the second mapping relationship.

92. A non-transitory readable storage medium, characterized in that The non-transitory readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, or the method according to any one of claims 26 to 44.

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