Communication method, device and system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method, a communication device and a communication system, which are used for paging UE (User Equipment) in a partial region in a cell by a base station. Furthermore, the paging message in the embodiment of the invention can be used for paging the terminal equipment smaller than the coverage range of the cell, and can be applied to the field of satellite communication, such as a non-ground communication NTN scene. The method comprises: receiving a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one MBS and area information respectively corresponding to the at least one MBS, the area information indicating one or more areas in a first cell associated with a related MBS, the one or more areas being a partial area in the first cell, the partial area being a partial area in the first cell, and the partial area being a partial area in the second cell; the coverage range of any area in the first cell is smaller than that of the first cell; data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first area is received in the first area, where the first area belongs to the first cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to conversational communication methods, apparatus and systems. Background Technology

[0002] A base station can wake up user equipment (UE) within the coverage area of ​​at least one cell via paging. The paging message sent by the base station may include a multicast and broadcast services (MBS) identifier. After receiving the paging message, if the UE is interested in the MBS indicated by the MBS identifier, it can trigger the restoration of radio resource control (RRC) connection to receive the data corresponding to the MBS, thereby enabling the network to provide the MBS to the UE.

[0003] How to perform paging in a reasonable way to reduce the energy consumption of base stations and UEs has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system for a base station to page a UE in a portion of a cell, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied in the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: receiving a paging message indicating at least one multicast broadcast service (MBS), and area information corresponding to the at least one MBS, the area information indicating one or more areas in a first cell associated with the relevant MBS, wherein the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; and receiving data corresponding to an MBS associated with the first area in the first area, wherein the first area belongs to the first cell.

[0007] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the paging message can be used to indicate the area information corresponding to at least one MBS, thereby enabling paging of terminal devices located in one or more areas within the first cell associated with the MBS. Since one or more areas are portions of the first cell, the paging message can be used to paging terminal devices within a coverage area smaller than that of the first cell, making it suitable for NTN scenarios. This is because in NTN scenarios, a cell has a wide coverage area; if terminal devices within one or more cells are paging, the number of paging terminal devices may be too large, and some unnecessary paging devices may also be paging. Furthermore, terminal devices located in the first area can receive only the data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first area, without needing to receive data corresponding to MBS associated with other areas within the first cell besides the first area. This reduces redundant information received by the terminal device, which is beneficial for the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS to the terminal device.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes an MBS identifier for each of the at least one MBS, and area information associated with each MBS. In this scheme, an MBS identifier can be used to identify or indicate an MBS; in other words, an MBS identifier can correspond to an MBS.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the MBS identifier is a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI). Exemplarily, the MBS identifier can also be the IP address or port number of a data server, such as a source-specific IP multicast address. Furthermore, the MBS identifier can also be other MBS session identifiers, or implement a value that identifies an MBS; this application does not limit this.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data reception in a deactivated state is permitted when the area is located in at least one second area. Typically, terminal devices can only receive data in a connected state; that is, only after establishing an RRC connection with the network device can the terminal device receive data corresponding to the MBS from the network device. Since the number of RRC connections a network device can establish is limited, the number of terminal devices that can receive data corresponding to the MBS from that network device is also limited. In this scheme, allowing terminal devices located in the second area to receive data in a deactivated state increases the number of terminal devices that can receive data corresponding to the MBS; in other words, it increases the number of terminal devices receiving the MBS (i.e., the receivers of data in the MBS).

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area. For example, the first field can be an inactiveReceptionAllowed field, and the value of the inactiveReceptionAllowed field can be true. The second field can be an associated area field.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; receiving data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first region in the first region includes: when the at least one second region includes the first region, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, when the at least one second region does not include the first region, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate permission to receive data in a deactivated state within a first time period. This scheme can be applied to scenarios where the distance between the network device and the terminal device changes over time, such as when the network device is deployed on a satellite or is a satellite with communication capabilities. In this scheme, the network device can determine the first time period based on the distance between it and the terminal device. The first time period can satisfy the conditions of a relatively short distance between the network device and the terminal device and a good link budget, thereby ensuring the reliability of data transmission.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field indicates that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, and the third field indicates the first time period. For example, the first field can be an `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field, and the value of the `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field can be `true`. The third field can include a time point, and the first time period is the time period before or after that time point. Alternatively, the third field can include two time points, and the first time period is the time period between the two time points.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region. Receiving data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first region in the first region includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period. In this scheme, during the time period outside the first time period, the distance between the network device and the terminal device is relatively large, and the link budget is poor. To ensure the reliability of data transmission, the terminal device can receive data in a connected state. When the link budget is poor, the initial transmission of data may fail, requiring the network device to retransmit the data. Receiving data in a connected state by the terminal device helps to increase the probability of the terminal device successfully receiving data, that is, to increase the success rate of data retransmission, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data reception in a deactivated state is permitted when the terminal device is located in at least one second area during a first time period. In this scheme, allowing terminal devices located in the second area to receive data in a deactivated state increases the number of terminal devices capable of receiving data corresponding to the MBS, that is, it increases the number of terminal devices receiving the MBS. Furthermore, the network device can determine the first time period based on the distance to the terminal device to ensure the reliability of data transmission.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field indicates permission to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field indicates the at least one second area, and the third field indicates the first time period. For example, the first field can be an `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field, and the value of the `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field can be `true`. The second field can be an `Accosicated_Area` field. The third field can include a time point, and the first time period is the time period before or after that time point. Alternatively, the third field can include two time points, and the first time period is the time period between the two time points.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; receiving data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first region in the first region includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second region includes the first region during the first time period; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during the first time period when the at least one second region does not include the first region, or during a time period outside the first time period.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. In this scheme, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device may stop detecting the channel carrying data corresponding to the first MBS associated with the first region until the first MBS associated with the first region is reactivated.

[0020] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied to the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: acquiring the association relationship between multiple paging occasions (POs) and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send a paging message; and in the first region, receiving the paging message in the PO corresponding to the first region according to the association relationship, wherein the first region belongs to the N regions.

[0021] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, multiple POs can be associated with N areas constituting a first cell. This allows terminal devices in the first area to detect the channel carrying the paging message only in the PO corresponding to the first area to receive the paging message, without needing to detect the channel carrying the paging message in POs corresponding to other areas within the first cell besides the first area. This saves power consumption for the terminal devices. Furthermore, the paging message can be used to page terminal devices within the first area. Since the coverage area of ​​the first area is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell, this implementation is suitable for NTN scenarios, avoiding the problem of an excessively large number of paged terminal devices, where some unnecessary paged terminal devices are also paged.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of POs and one or more regions among the N regions; the association relationship is represented by a bitmap, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a bitmap, the bitmap consists of N bits, each of the N bits corresponds to a region, and each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap; or, the association relationship is represented by a mapping table, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a table entry, the table entry includes information about the corresponding PO, and information about one or more regions associated with the PO corresponding to the table entry.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, before receiving a paging message in the PO corresponding to the first region according to the association, the method further includes: receiving a paging early indication (PEI), which indicates that the PO carries the paging message corresponding to the first region. In this scheme, the transmission of the PEI occurs before the transmission of the paging message. When the PEI indicates that the PO carries the paging message corresponding to the first region, the terminal device can receive the paging message in the PO. When the PEI indicates that the PO does not carry the paging message corresponding to the first region, the terminal device does not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in the PO. Furthermore, the overhead of parsing the PEI is relatively small, thus achieving the technical effect of saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data reception in a deactivated state is permitted when the area is located in at least one second region. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the method further includes: when the at least one second region includes the first region, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, when the at least one second region does not include the first region, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate permission to receive data in a deactivated state during a first time period. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in the deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state when the area is located in at least one second region during a first time period. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: during the first time period, when the at least one second area includes the first area, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, during the first time period, when the at least one second area does not include the first area, or during a time period outside the first time period, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0034] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied to the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: acquiring a first association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; acquiring a second association relationship between the multiple MBS identifiers and multiple paging occasions (POs), wherein the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; and in a first region, when interested in a first MBS associated with that first region, receiving a paging message in the PO associated with that first MBS, wherein the first region belongs to the N regions, and the first MBS identifier belongs to the multiple MBS identifiers.

[0035] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the terminal device and network device can also transmit paging messages based on the association between the MBS identifier and the area, and the association between the MBS identifier and the PO. Thus, when a terminal device in the first area is interested in the first MBS associated with the first area, it can only detect the channel carrying the paging message in the PO associated with the first MBS identifier to receive the paging message, without needing to detect the channel carrying the paging message in POs associated with other MBS besides the first MBS identifier, thereby saving power consumption of the terminal device. Furthermore, the paging message can be used to page terminal devices in the first area. Since the coverage area of ​​the first area is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell, this implementation is suitable for NTN scenarios, avoiding the problem of an excessively large number of paged terminal devices, where some unnecessary paged terminal devices are also paged.

[0036] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, before receiving the paging message in the PO associated with the first MBS, the method further includes: receiving a paging early indication (PEI), which indicates that the PO carries the paging message corresponding to the first MBS. In this scheme, the transmission of the PEI occurs before the transmission of the paging message. When the PEI indicates that the PO carries the paging message corresponding to the first MBS, the terminal device can receive the paging message in the PO. When the PEI indicates that the PO does not carry the paging message corresponding to the first MBS, the terminal device does not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in the PO. Furthermore, the overhead of parsing the PEI is relatively small, thus achieving the technical effect of saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0037] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data reception in a deactivated state is permitted when the area is located in at least one second region. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0038] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in the deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second region includes the first region; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state when the at least one second region does not include the first region.

[0040] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate permission to receive data in the deactivated state during a first time period. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0041] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in the deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state when the area is located in at least one second region during a first time period. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0044] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: during the first time period, when the at least one second region includes the first region, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, during the first time period, when the at least one second region does not include the first region, or during a time period outside the first time period, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0046] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied in the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: receiving a paging early indication (PEI), the PEI indicating whether a paging message corresponding to each of N areas is carried in the next paging occasion (PO), wherein the N areas constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; in the first area, when the PEI indicates that the paging message corresponding to the first area is carried in the PO, receiving the paging message on the PO, wherein the first area belongs to the N areas.

[0048] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the PEI can be used to indicate whether the paging message corresponding to each of the N areas constituting the first cell is carried in the next PO. On the one hand, when the PEI indicates that the paging message corresponding to the first area where the terminal device is located is carried in the next PO, the terminal device can receive the paging message in the next PO. When the PEI indicates that the paging message corresponding to the first area where the terminal device is located is not carried in the next PO, the terminal device does not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in the next PO. In addition, the overhead of parsing the PEI by the terminal device is small, thus achieving the technical effect of saving power consumption of the terminal device. On the other hand, the paging message can be used to page terminal devices in the first area. Since the coverage area of ​​the first area is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell, this implementation is suitable for NTN scenarios and can avoid the problem of an excessive number of paged terminal devices, where some unnecessary paged terminal devices are also paged.

[0049] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data reception in a deactivated state is permitted when the area is located in at least one second region. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second region. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the method further includes: when the at least one second region includes the first region, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, when the at least one second region does not include the first region, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0052] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate permission to receive data in the deactivated state during a first time period. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0053] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in the deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state when the area is located in at least one second region during a first time period. The technical effects of this solution are described in the relevant section of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0056] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: during the first time period, when the at least one second area includes the first area, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, during the first time period, when the at least one second area does not include the first area, or during a time period outside the first time period, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0058] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated. The technical effects of this solution can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] Fifthly, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied in the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: acquiring the association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service control channels (MBS control channels, MCCHs) and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; and in the first region, receiving first configuration information through a first MCCH associated with the first region, wherein the first configuration information is multicast broadcast service (MBS) configuration information associated with the first region, the first region belongs to the N regions, and the first MCCH belongs to the multiple MCCHs.

[0060] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, multiple MCCHs can be associated with N regions. Thus, a terminal device in a first region can receive MBS configuration information associated with that region through the first MCCH associated with the first region, without needing to detect any MCCHs other than the first MCCH. This avoids the terminal device receiving MBS configuration information associated with regions other than the first region. On one hand, the terminal only needs to detect the first MCCH, reducing detection time and saving power. On the other hand, the terminal device receives less redundant information, allowing the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS for the terminal device.

[0061] In conjunction with the fifth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period. For example, the MCCH period can be a modification period.

[0062] In conjunction with the fifth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, which indicates that MBS configuration information carried on one or more region-associated MCCHs is updated in the next MCCH cycle; if the one or more regions include the first region, receiving second configuration information via a second MCCH in the first cycle, the second configuration information being the updated MBS configuration information associated with the first region, the first cycle being the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH being the MCCH associated with the first region in the first cycle. In this scheme, when the MBS configuration information associated with the first region is updated, the terminal device located in the first region can receive the updated MBS configuration information associated with the first region via the second MCCH according to the first indication information, without needing to detect MCCHs associated with other regions besides the first region in the first cycle. This further saves the power consumption of the terminal device and helps the network provide more accurate and targeted MBS to the terminal device.

[0063] In conjunction with the fifth aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third configuration information via a third MCCH, wherein the third configuration information is common MBS configuration information associated with the first region and at least one third region, and the third region is a region other than the first region. In this scheme, when there is a large amount of common MBS configuration information, transmitting this information via the third MCCH can reduce the amount of information carried on the first MCCH and the MCCH associated with the third region. Furthermore, compared to the scheme where the first region-associated MBS configuration information is carried on the first MCCH, the scheme where the third region-associated MBS configuration information is carried on the MCCH associated with the third region can significantly reduce the overall amount of information that needs to be transmitted.

[0064] In conjunction with the fifth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. In this scheme, after receiving the second indication information, the terminal device can stop detecting the channel carrying data corresponding to the first MBS associated with the first region until the first MBS associated with the first region is reactivated.

[0065] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied in the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: acquiring the association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and multiple MBS control channels (MCCHs); receiving first configuration information through a first MCCH associated with a first MBS identifier; wherein the first MCCH belongs to the multiple MCCHs, the first configuration information is MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, and the first MBS is the MBS of interest.

[0066] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, multiple MCCHs can be associated with multiple MBS identifiers. Thus, a terminal device interested in a first MBS can receive the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier through the first MCCH associated with that first MBS identifier. The terminal only needs to detect the MCCH associated with the MBS identifier corresponding to the MBS it is interested in, without needing to detect the MCCH associated with the MBS identifier corresponding to an uninterested MBS. This helps save power consumption for the terminal device. Furthermore, the terminal device receives less redundant information, which allows the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS information to the terminal device.

[0067] In conjunction with the sixth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first configuration information indicates one or more areas in the first cell associated with the first MBS; the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0068] In conjunction with the sixth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period. For example, the MCCH period can be a change period.

[0069] In conjunction with the sixth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, which indicates that the configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more MBS identifiers is updated in the next MCCH period; if the one or more MBS identifiers include the first MBS identifier, receiving second configuration information through a second MCCH in the first period; the second configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, the first period is the next MCCH period after the MCCH period in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier in the first period. In this scheme, when the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier is updated, the terminal device can receive the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier through the second MCCH according to the first indication information, without needing to detect the MCCHs corresponding to other MBS identifiers besides the first MBS identifier in the first period, thereby further saving the power consumption of the terminal device and enabling the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS to the terminal device.

[0070] In conjunction with the sixth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: in a first region, receiving second indication information, the second indication information indicating that configuration information corresponding to one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle; if the one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions include the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, receiving third configuration information via a third MCCH in a second cycle; the third configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, the second cycle is the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the second indication information is located, and the third MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS in the second cycle.

[0071] In this scheme, when the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first area is updated, the terminal device located in the first area can receive the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first area through the third MCCH according to the second instruction information, without having to detect the MCCH corresponding to other MBS identifiers besides the first MBS identifier in the second period. This can further save the power consumption of the terminal device and help the network provide more accurate and targeted MBS for the terminal device.

[0072] In conjunction with the sixth aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth configuration information via a fourth MCCH, wherein the fourth configuration information is MBS configuration information common to the first MBS and at least one second MBS, and the second MBS is an MBS other than the first MBS. In this scheme, when there is a large amount of common MBS configuration information, transmitting this information via the fourth MCCH can reduce the amount of information carried on the MCCH associated with the first and second MBS identifiers. Furthermore, compared to the scheme where the first MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier carries the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, and the MCCH associated with the second MBS identifier carries the MBS configuration information corresponding to the second MBS identifier, this scheme can significantly reduce the overall amount of information that needs to be transmitted.

[0073] In conjunction with the sixth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. In this scheme, after receiving the third indication information, the terminal device can stop detecting the channel carrying data corresponding to the first MBS associated with the first region until the first MBS associated with the first region is reactivated.

[0074] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied to the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: receiving a paging message; wherein the paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state when the area located in at least one second area is permitted, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers; when the at least one second area includes a first area, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, when the at least one second area does not include the first area, receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state; wherein the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, the first area belongs to a first cell, the first cell consists of N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0075] Typically, terminal devices can only receive data in a connected state; that is, a terminal device can only receive data corresponding to the MBS from a network device after establishing an RRC connection with the network device. Since the number of RRC connections a network device can establish is limited, the number of terminal devices that can receive data corresponding to the MBS from that network device is also limited. In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, terminal devices located in the second area are allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, thereby increasing the number of terminal devices that can receive data corresponding to the MBS. In other words, the number of terminal devices receiving the MBS (i.e., the receivers of data in the MBS) can be increased.

[0076] In conjunction with the seventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area. For example, the first field can be an inactive reception allowed field (inactiveReceptionAllowed), and the value of the inactiveReceptionAllowed field can be true. The second field can be an associated area field (Accosicated_Area).

[0077] In conjunction with the seventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. In this scheme, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device may stop detecting the channel carrying data corresponding to the first MBS associated with the first region until the first MBS associated with the first region is reactivated.

[0078] Eighthly, a communication method is provided, wherein the apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied in the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: receiving a paging message; wherein the paging message is used to allow data reception in a deactivated state during a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast services (MBS) identifier; receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in the deactivated state during the first time period; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period.

[0079] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to scenarios where the distance between a network device and a terminal device changes over time, such as when the network device is deployed on a satellite or is a satellite with communication capabilities. In this scheme, the network device can determine a first time period based on the distance to the terminal device. This first time period satisfies the condition that the distance between the network device and the terminal device is relatively short and the link budget is good, thus ensuring the reliability of data transmission. During time periods outside the first time period, the distance between the network device and the terminal device is relatively long and the link budget is poor. To ensure the reliability of data transmission, the terminal device can receive data in a connected state. When the link budget is poor, the initial data transmission may fail, requiring the network device to retransmit the data. Receiving data in a connected state helps increase the probability of successful data reception by the terminal device, i.e., increases the success rate of data retransmission, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0080] In conjunction with the eighth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that data reception is permitted in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period. For example, the first field can be an `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field, and the value of the `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field can be `true`. The third field can include a time point, and the first time period is the time period before or after that time point. Alternatively, the third field can include two time points, and the first time period is the time period between the two time points.

[0081] In conjunction with the eighth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information in a first area; the first indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated, the first area belongs to a first cell, the first cell consists of N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell. In this scheme, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can stop detecting the channel carrying data corresponding to the first MBS associated with the first area until the first MBS associated with the first area is reactivated.

[0082] A ninth aspect provides a communication method, wherein the apparatus for executing the communication method can be a terminal device, or a module applied to the terminal device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: receiving a paging message; wherein the paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state when the area is located in at least one second area during a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers; receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period when the at least one second area includes the first area; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during the first time period when the at least one second area does not include the first area, or during a time period outside the first time period; wherein the first area is the area where the terminal device is located, the first area belongs to a first cell, the first cell consists of N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0083] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, allowing terminal devices located in the second area to receive data in a deactivated state can increase the number of terminal devices capable of receiving data corresponding to MBS; that is, it can increase the number of terminal devices receiving MBS. Furthermore, the network device can determine a first time period based on the distance to the terminal device to ensure the reliability of data transmission.

[0084] In conjunction with the ninth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field indicates permission to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field indicates the at least one second area, and the third field indicates the first time period. For example, the first field can be an `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field, and the value of the `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field can be `true`. The second field can be an `Accosicated_Area` field. The third field can include a time point, and the first time period is the time period before or after that time point. Alternatively, the third field can include two time points, and the first time period is the time period between the two time points.

[0085] In conjunction with the ninth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. In this scheme, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device may stop detecting the channel carrying data corresponding to the first MBS associated with the first region until the first MBS associated with the first region is reactivated.

[0086] In a tenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: sending a paging message indicating at least one multicast broadcast service (MBS), and area information corresponding to the at least one MBS, the area information indicating one or more areas in a first cell associated with the relevant MBS, wherein the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; and sending data corresponding to the at least one MBS.

[0087] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS; sending the data corresponding to the at least one MBS includes sending the data corresponding to the first MBS to terminal devices in one or more areas associated with the first MBS. In this scheme, the data corresponding to the first MBS can be sent only to terminal devices in one or more areas associated with the first MBS, and not to terminal devices in other areas, which is beneficial for the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS to terminal devices.

[0088] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes the MBS identifier of each MBS in the at least one MBS, and the area information associated with each MBS.

[0089] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the MBS identifier is a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI).

[0090] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0091] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0092] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0093] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0094] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region during a first time period.

[0095] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0096] In conjunction with the tenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0097] The technical effects of any possible implementation of the tenth aspect can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0098] Eleventhly, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied to the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: acquiring the association relationship between multiple paging occasions (POs) and N areas, wherein the N areas constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; and according to the association relationship, sending the paging messages corresponding to the N areas in the multiple POs.

[0099] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of POs and one or more regions among the N regions; the association relationship is represented by a bitmap, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a bitmap, the bitmap consists of N bits, each of the N bits corresponds to a region, and each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap; or, the association relationship is represented by a mapping table, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a table entry, the table entry includes information about the corresponding PO, and information about one or more regions associated with the PO corresponding to the table entry.

[0100] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, sending paging messages corresponding to the N regions in the plurality of POs according to the association relationship includes: sending paging messages corresponding to one or more associated regions in each of the plurality of POs according to the association relationship.

[0101] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region; before sending the paging message corresponding to the N regions in the plurality of POs according to the association, the method further includes: sending a paging early indication (PEI), the PEI indicating that the PO corresponding to the first region carries the paging message corresponding to the first region.

[0102] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0103] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0104] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0105] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0106] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area during a first time period.

[0107] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0108] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier, the first MBS being associated with a first region among the N regions; the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0109] The technical effects of any possible implementation of the eleventh aspect can be found in the second aspect or the technical effects of different implementations of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0110] In a twelfth aspect, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: the network device acquiring a second association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and multiple paging occasions (POs), wherein the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; a first association relationship exists between the multiple MBS identifiers and N areas, the N areas constituting a first cell, and N being an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; and, according to the second association relationship, sending paging messages corresponding to the multiple MBS in the multiple POs.

[0111] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the second association relationship is an association relationship between each of the plurality of POs and one or more MBS identifiers; according to the second association relationship, sending paging messages corresponding to the plurality of MBS in the plurality of POs includes: according to the second association relationship, sending paging messages corresponding to the associated one or more MBS in each of the plurality of POs.

[0112] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier; before sending paging messages corresponding to the plurality of MBS in the plurality of POs according to the second association, the method further includes: sending a paging early indication (PEI), the PEI indicating that the PO corresponding to the first MBS identifier carries the paging message corresponding to the first MBS.

[0113] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0114] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0115] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0116] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0117] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area during a first time period.

[0118] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0119] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier, the first MBS being associated with a first region among the N regions; the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0120] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 12 can be found in the technical effects of aspect 3 or different implementations of aspect 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: sending a paging early indication (PEI), the PEI indicating whether a paging message corresponding to each of N areas is carried in the next paging occasion (PO), wherein the N areas constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; and sending paging messages corresponding to one or more of the N areas in the PO.

[0122] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0123] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0124] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0125] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0126] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region during a first time period.

[0127] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0128] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier, and the N regions include a first region; the method further includes: sending a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0129] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect thirteen can be found in aspect four above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect four, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: acquiring the association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service control channels (MBS control channels, MCCHs) and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; and transmitting MBS configuration information associated with the N regions on the multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0131] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of MCCHs and one or more regions in the N regions; according to the association relationship, MBS configuration information associated with the N regions is sent on the plurality of MCCHs, including: according to the association relationship, sending MBS configuration information associated with one or more regions on each of the plurality of MCCHs.

[0132] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period.

[0133] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region; the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information indicating that MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle; if the one or more regions include the first region, sending second configuration information via a second MCCH in the first cycle, the second configuration information being the updated MBS configuration information associated with the first region, the first cycle being the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH being the MCCH associated with the first region in the first cycle.

[0134] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region; the method further includes: sending third configuration information via a third MCCH, the third configuration information being common MBS configuration information associated with the first region and at least one third region, the third region being a region other than the first region.

[0135] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region associated with a first MBS; the method further includes: sending a second indication message for indicating that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0136] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect fourteen can be found in aspect five above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect five, and will not be repeated here.

[0137] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: acquiring the association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and multiple MBS control channels (MCCHs); and, based on the association relationship, transmitting MBS configuration information corresponding to the multiple MBS identifiers on the multiple MCCHs.

[0138] In conjunction with the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of MCCHs and one or more sessions; according to the association relationship, sending MBS configuration information corresponding to the plurality of MBS identifiers on the plurality of MCCHs includes: according to the association relationship, sending MBS configuration information corresponding to one or more associated MBS identifiers on each of the plurality of MCCHs.

[0139] In conjunction with the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier, the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier is first configuration information, the first configuration information indicates one or more areas in the first cell associated with the first MBS; the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0140] In conjunction with the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs are repeated in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period.

[0141] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more MBS identifiers is updated in the next MCCH period; if the one or more MBS identifiers include the first MBS identifier, sending second configuration information through a second MCCH in the first period; the second configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, the first period is the next MCCH period after the MCCH period in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier in the first period.

[0142] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier associated with a first region; the method further includes: sending second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the configuration information corresponding to one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle; if the one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions include the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, sending third configuration information via a third MCCH in the second cycle; the third configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, the second cycle is the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the second indication information is located, and the third MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS in the second cycle.

[0143] In conjunction with the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: sending fourth configuration information via a fourth MCCH, the fourth configuration information being MBS configuration information common to the first MBS and at least one second MBS, the second MBS being an MBS other than the first MBS.

[0144] In conjunction with the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier associated with a first region; the method further includes: sending third indication information for indicating that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0145] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 15 can be found in aspect 6 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 6, which will not be repeated here.

[0146] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, wherein the apparatus for performing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: sending a paging message; wherein the paging message is used to indicate that a terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; and sending data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0147] In conjunction with the sixteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0148] In conjunction with the sixteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first MBS is associated with a first region, the first region belongs to a first cell, the first cell consists of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0149] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect sixteen can be found in aspect seven above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect seven, and will not be repeated here.

[0150] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication method is provided. The apparatus for executing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: sending a paging message; wherein the paging message is used to allow a terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; and sending data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0151] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0152] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first MBS is associated with a first region, the first region belongs to a first cell, the first cell consists of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0153] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect seventeen can be found in aspect eight above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect eight, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] Eighteenthly, a communication method is provided, wherein the apparatus for performing the communication method can be a network device, or a module applied in the network device to implement its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. The communication method includes: sending a paging message; wherein the paging message is used to indicate that a terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area during a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; and sending data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0155] In conjunction with the eighteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0156] In conjunction with the eighteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the first MBS is associated with a first region, the first region belongs to a first cell, the first cell is composed of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0157] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect eighteen can be found in aspect nine above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect nine, and will not be repeated here.

[0158] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0159] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a paging message indicating at least one multicast broadcast service (MBS) and area information corresponding to the at least one MBS, the area information indicating one or more areas in a first cell associated with the relevant MBS, wherein the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is further configured to receive data corresponding to an MBS associated with the first area in the first area, wherein the first area belongs to the first cell.

[0160] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes the MBS identifier of each MBS in the at least one MBS, and the area information associated with each MBS.

[0161] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the MBS identifier is a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI).

[0162] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the communication device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0163] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0164] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; the transceiver module is configured to receive data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first region in the first region, including: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second region includes the first region; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state when the at least one second region does not include the first region.

[0165] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0166] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0167] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; receiving data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first region in the first region includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period.

[0168] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one area of ​​a second region during a first time period.

[0169] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0170] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; receiving data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first region in the first region includes: receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period when the at least one second region includes the first region; or receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during the first time period when the at least one second region does not include the first region, or during a time period outside the first time period.

[0171] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0172] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 19 can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0173] In a twentieth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0174] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is used to acquire the association relationship between multiple paging occasions (POs) and N areas, wherein the N areas constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; the transceiver module is used to receive paging messages in the PO corresponding to the first area according to the association relationship in the first area, wherein the first area belongs to the N areas.

[0175] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of POs and one or more regions among the N regions; the association relationship is represented by a bitmap, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a bitmap, the bitmap consists of N bits, each of the N bits corresponds to a region, and each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap; or, the association relationship is represented by a mapping table, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a table entry, the table entry includes information about the corresponding PO, and information about one or more regions associated with the PO corresponding to the table entry.

[0176] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a paging advance indication (PEI), which indicates that the PO carries the paging message corresponding to the first area.

[0177] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the communication device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0178] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0179] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second region includes the first region; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state when the at least one second region does not include the first region.

[0180] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0181] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0182] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period.

[0183] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second region during a first time period.

[0184] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0185] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period when the at least one second area includes the first area; or, during the first time period when the at least one second area does not include the first area, or during a time period outside the first time period, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0186] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated.

[0187] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 20 can be found in the technical effects of aspect 2 or different implementations of aspect 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] In a twenty-first aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0189] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is configured to acquire a first association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the acquisition module is further configured to acquire a second association relationship between the multiple MBS identifiers and multiple paging occasions (POs), wherein the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; the transceiver module is configured to receive a paging message in a PO associated with the first MBS when interested in the first MBS associated with the first region in the first region, wherein the first region belongs to the N regions, and the first MBS identifier belongs to the multiple MBS identifiers.

[0190] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a paging advance indication (PEI), which indicates that the PO carries the paging message corresponding to the first MBS.

[0191] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the communication device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0192] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0193] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second region includes the first region; or receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state when the at least one second region does not include the first region.

[0194] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is permitted to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0195] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0196] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period.

[0197] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one area of ​​a second region during a first time period.

[0198] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0199] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second region includes the first region during the first time period; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during the first time period when the at least one second region does not include the first region, or during a time period outside the first time period.

[0200] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 21, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0201] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 21 can be found in the technical effects of aspect 3 or different implementations of aspect 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0202] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0203] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect twenty-second, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive a paging advance indication (PEI), the PEI indicating whether a paging message corresponding to each of N areas is carried in the next paging occasion (PO), wherein the N areas constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is further configured to receive the paging message on the PO in the first area when the PEI indicates that the paging message corresponding to the first area is carried in the PO, wherein the first area belongs to the N areas.

[0204] In conjunction with the twenty-second aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the communication device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0205] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0206] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second region includes the first region; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state when the at least one second region does not include the first region.

[0207] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0208] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0209] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period.

[0210] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one area of ​​a second region during a first time period.

[0211] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0212] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period when the at least one second area includes the first area; or, during the first time period when the at least one second area does not include the first area, or during a time period outside the first time period, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0213] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 22, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated.

[0214] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 22 can be found in aspect 4 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0215] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0216] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect twenty-third, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is configured to acquire the association relationships between multiple multicast broadcast service control channels (MBS control channels, MCCHs) and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is configured to receive first configuration information in the first region through a first MCCH associated with the first region, wherein the first configuration information is multicast broadcast service (MBS) configuration information associated with the first region, the first region belongs to the N regions, and the first MCCH belongs to the multiple MCCHs.

[0217] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 23, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period.

[0218] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 23, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that the MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle; the transceiver module is further configured to, in the case that the one or more regions include the first region, receive second configuration information via a second MCCH in the first cycle, which is the updated MBS configuration information associated with the first region, the first cycle being the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH being the MCCH associated with the first region in the first cycle.

[0219] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 23, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive third configuration information via a third MCCH, the third configuration information being common MBS configuration information associated with the first region and at least one third region, the third region being a region other than the first region.

[0220] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 23, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive second indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0221] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 23 can be found in aspect 5 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0222] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0223] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 24, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is used to acquire the association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and multiple MBS control channels (MCCHs); the transceiver module is used to receive first configuration information through a first MCCH associated with a first MBS identifier; wherein, the first MCCH belongs to the multiple MCCHs, the first configuration information is the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, and the first MBS is the MBS of interest.

[0224] In conjunction with the aforementioned 24th aspect, in one possible implementation, the first configuration information indicates one or more areas in the first cell associated with the first MBS; the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0225] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 24, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period.

[0226] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 24, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more MBS identifiers is updated in the next MCCH cycle; the transceiver module is further configured to receive second configuration information via a second MCCH in the first cycle when the one or more MBS identifiers include the first MBS identifier; the second configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, the first cycle is the next MCCH cycle of the MCCH cycle in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier in the first cycle.

[0227] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 24, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive second indication information in a first region, the second indication information indicating that configuration information corresponding to one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle; the transceiver module is further configured to receive third configuration information via a third MCCH in a second cycle if the one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions include the first MBS identifier associated with the first region; the third configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, the second cycle is the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the second indication information is located, and the third MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS in the second cycle.

[0228] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 24, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive fourth configuration information via a fourth MCCH, the fourth configuration information being MBS configuration information common to the first MBS and at least one second MBS, wherein the second MBS is an MBS other than the first MBS.

[0229] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 24, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive third indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0230] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 24 can be found in aspect 6 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0231] In a twenty-fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0232] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 25, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a paging message; wherein the paging message is configured to indicate that the communication device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second area includes the first area; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state when the at least one second area does not include the first area; wherein the first area is the area where the communication device is located, the first area belongs to a first cell, the first cell consists of N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0233] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 25, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0234] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 25, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0235] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 25 can be found in aspect 7 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0236] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0237] In conjunction with the aforementioned twenty-sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a paging message; wherein the paging message is configured to allow the transceiver module to receive data in a deactivated state during a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast services (MBS) identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during the first time period; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period.

[0238] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 26, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0239] In conjunction with the aforementioned twenty-sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information in a first area; the first indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated, the first area belongs to a first cell, the first cell is composed of N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0240] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 26 can be found in aspect 8 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] In a twenty-seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0242] In conjunction with the aforementioned twenty-seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to receive a paging message; wherein the paging message is configured to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area within a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers; the transceiver module is further configured to: receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state when the at least one second area includes the first area within the first time period; or, receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state when the at least one second area does not include the first area within the first time period, or during a time period outside the first time period; wherein the first area is the area where the communication device is located, the first area belongs to a first cell, the first cell consists of N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0243] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 27, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the transceiver module is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0244] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 27, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, which indicates that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0245] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 27 can be found in aspect 9 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 9, and will not be repeated here.

[0246] In a twenty-eighth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0247] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect twenty-eight, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to send a paging message indicating at least one multicast broadcast service (MBS) and area information corresponding to the at least one MBS, the area information indicating one or more areas in a first cell associated with the relevant MBS, wherein the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is further configured to send data corresponding to the at least one MBS.

[0248] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS; the transceiver module is configured to send data corresponding to the at least one MBS, including: sending the data corresponding to the first MBS to terminal devices within one or more areas associated with the first MBS.

[0249] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes the MBS identifier of each MBS in the at least one MBS, and the area information associated with each MBS.

[0250] In conjunction with aspect 28 above, in one possible implementation, the MBS identifier is a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI).

[0251] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0252] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0253] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0254] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0255] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one area in a second region during a first time period.

[0256] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0257] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and the first MBS is associated with the first region; the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0258] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 28 can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0259] In a twenty-ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0260] In conjunction with the aforementioned twenty-ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is configured to acquire the association relationship between multiple paging occasions (POs) and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; the transceiver module is configured to send the paging messages corresponding to the N regions in the multiple POs according to the association relationship.

[0261] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect twenty-ninth, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of POs and one or more regions among the N regions; the association relationship is represented by a bitmap, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a bitmap, the bitmap consists of N bits, each of the N bits corresponds to a region, and each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap; or, the association relationship is represented by a mapping table, each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a table entry, the table entry includes information about the corresponding PO, and information about one or more regions associated with the PO corresponding to the table entry.

[0262] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 29, in one possible implementation, the transceiver module is specifically used to send paging messages corresponding to one or more associated areas in each of the plurality of POs, based on the association relationship.

[0263] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 29, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region; the transceiver module is further configured to send a paging advance indication (PEI), the PEI indicating that the PO corresponding to the first region carries the paging message corresponding to the first region.

[0264] In conjunction with the twenty-ninth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0265] In conjunction with the aforementioned 29th aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0266] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 29, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0267] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 29, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0268] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 29, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region during a first time period.

[0269] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 29, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0270] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 29, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier, which is associated with a first region among the N regions; the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information, which is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0271] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 29 can be found in the technical effects of aspect 2 or different implementations of aspect 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0272] In a thirtieth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0273] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is configured to acquire a second association relationship between the plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and a plurality of paging occasions (POs), wherein the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages, the plurality of MBS identifiers have a first association relationship with N regions, the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is configured to send the paging messages corresponding to the plurality of MBS in the plurality of POs according to the second association relationship.

[0274] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second association relationship is the association relationship between each of the multiple POs and one or more MBS identifiers; the transceiver module is specifically used to send paging messages corresponding to the associated one or more MBS in each of the multiple POs according to the second association relationship.

[0275] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to send a paging advance indication (PEI), the PEI indicating that the PO corresponding to the first MBS identifier carries a paging message corresponding to the first MBS.

[0276] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0277] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0278] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0279] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0280] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region during a first time period.

[0281] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0282] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirtieth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier, the first MBS being associated with a first region among the N regions; the transceiver module is further configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0283] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 30 can be found in the above-mentioned aspect 3 or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0284] In a thirty-first aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0285] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-first, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to transmit a paging early indication (PEI), the PEI indicating whether a paging message corresponding to each of the N areas is carried in the next paging occasion (PO), wherein the N areas constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is further configured to transmit paging messages corresponding to one or more of the N areas in the PO.

[0286] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 31, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

[0287] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 31, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0288] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 31, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

[0289] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-first, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0290] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 31, in one possible implementation, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region during a first time period.

[0291] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 31, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0292] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 31, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier, and the N regions include a first region; the method further includes: sending a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0293] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 31 can be found in aspect 4 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0294] In a thirty-second aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0295] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-second, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is used to acquire the association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service control channels (MBS control channels, MCCHs) and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is used to transmit MBS configuration information associated with the N regions on the multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0296] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 32, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of MCCHs and one or more regions in the N regions; the transceiver module is specifically used to send MBS configuration information associated with one or more regions on each of the plurality of MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0297] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 32, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period.

[0298] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-two, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region; the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information, which indicates that the MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle; the transceiver module is further configured to, when the one or more regions include the first region, send second configuration information via a second MCCH in the first cycle, which is the updated MBS configuration information associated with the first region, the first cycle being the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH being the MCCH associated with the first region in the first cycle.

[0299] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-two, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region; the transceiver module is further configured to send third configuration information via a third MCCH, the third configuration information being common MBS configuration information associated with the first region and at least one third region, the third region being a region other than the first region.

[0300] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-two, in one possible implementation, the N regions include a first region associated with a first MBS; the transceiver module is further configured to send second indication information, which is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0301] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 32 can be found in aspect 5 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0302] In a thirty-third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0303] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-third, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: an acquisition module and a transceiver module; the acquisition module is used to acquire the association relationship between multiple multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifiers and multiple MBS control channels (MCCHs); the transceiver module is used to transmit MBS configuration information corresponding to the multiple MBS identifiers on the multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0304] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 33, in one possible implementation, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of MCCHs and one or more sessions; the transceiver module is specifically used to send MBS configuration information corresponding to one or more associated MBS identifiers on each of the plurality of MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0305] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 33, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier, the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier is first configuration information, the first configuration information indicates one or more areas in the first cell associated with the first MBS; the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0306] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect 33, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the plurality of MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, the first length being the duration of the MCCH period.

[0307] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-third, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more MBS identifiers is updated in the next MCCH period; the transceiver module is further configured to, when the one or more MBS identifiers include the first MBS identifier, send second configuration information through a second MCCH in the first period; the second configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, the first period is the next MCCH period after the MCCH period in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier in the first period.

[0308] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-third, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier associated with a first region; the transceiver module is further configured to send second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the configuration information corresponding to one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle; the transceiver module is further configured to, in the case that the one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions include the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, send third configuration information via a third MCCH in a second cycle; the third configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, the second cycle is the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the second indication information is located, and the third MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS in the second cycle.

[0309] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-third, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to send fourth configuration information via a fourth MCCH, the fourth configuration information being MBS configuration information common to the first MBS and at least one second MBS, the second MBS being an MBS other than the first MBS.

[0310] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-third, in one possible implementation, the plurality of MBS identifiers includes a first MBS identifier associated with a first region; the transceiver module is further configured to send third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0311] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 33 can be found in aspect 6 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0312] In a thirty-fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0313] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-four, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to send a paging message; wherein the paging message is configured to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second area, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to send data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0314] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-four, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area.

[0315] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-four, in one possible implementation, the first MBS is associated with a first region, the first region belongs to a first cell, the first cell is composed of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0316] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 34 can be found in aspect 7 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0317] In a thirty-fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0318] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-five, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to send a paging message; wherein the paging message is configured to allow a terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state within a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast services (MBS) identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to send data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0319] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-fif, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0320] In conjunction with the aforementioned aspect thirty-five, in one possible implementation, the first MBS is associated with a first region, the first region belongs to a first cell, the first cell is composed of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0321] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 35 can be found in aspect 8 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0322] In a thirty-sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the above-described method. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above-described method. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0323] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirty-sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device includes: a transceiver module; the transceiver module is configured to send a paging message; wherein the paging message is configured to indicate that a terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area during a first time period, and the paging message includes a first plurality of multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the transceiver module is further configured to send data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0324] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirty-sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

[0325] In conjunction with the aforementioned thirty-sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first MBS is associated with a first region, the first region belongs to a first cell, the first cell is composed of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the transceiver module is further configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0326] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspect 36 can be found in aspect 9 above or the technical effects of different implementations of aspect 9, and will not be repeated here.

[0327] In a thirty-seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor coupled to a memory, which can be used to execute the methods of any one of aspects eleven to eighteen and their possible implementations. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0328] In one implementation, the communication device is a satellite. When the communication device is a satellite, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0329] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device.

[0330] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0331] In a thirty-eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods of any one of the first to tenth aspects and their possible implementations. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0332] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device. When the communication device is a terminal device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0333] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0334] In a thirty-ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, such that any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, and any possible implementation thereof, is implemented.

[0335] In specific implementation, the aforementioned communication device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit can be different circuits or the same circuit, in which case the circuit is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0336] In a fortieth aspect, a processing apparatus is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, as well as the methods in any possible implementation of the foregoing aspects.

[0337] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0338] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0339] In specific implementation, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0340] It should be understood that related data interaction processes, such as sending a paging message, can be seen as the process of the processor outputting a paging message, and receiving a paging message can be seen as the process of the processor receiving an input paging message. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. The transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0341] The processor mentioned in aspect 40 above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0342] In the forty-first aspect, a processing device is provided, including a communication interface and a processing circuit.

[0343] Wherein, the communication interface is configured to receive a paging message according to any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects, and the processing circuit is configured to determine the PO receiving the paging message according to any of the possible implementations of the second to fourth aspects; or,

[0344] The communication interface is configured to receive MBS configuration information according to any possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect, and the processing circuit is configured to determine the MCCH for receiving the MBS configuration information according to any possible implementation of the fifth to sixth aspects; or...

[0345] The communication interface is used to receive data corresponding to MBS according to any of the possible implementations of the seventh to ninth aspects, and the processing circuit is used to determine whether the processing device is in an active state or a deactivated state when receiving data corresponding to MBS according to any of the possible implementations of the seventh to ninth aspects.

[0346] In a forty-second aspect, a processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a communication interface and a processing circuit, the communication interface being configured to transmit a paging message according to a method in any of the possible implementations of the tenth to eighteenth aspects, and the processing circuit being configured to generate the paging message.

[0347] In a forty-third aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, and the method in any possible implementation of the foregoing aspects.

[0348] In a forty-fourth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the first, second, fifth, or sixth aspects described above, as well as the methods in any possible implementation of the above aspects.

[0349] In aspect forty-five, a communication system is provided, including the aforementioned satellite and terminal equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0350] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the state transitions of an MBS session as defined by the 3GPP protocol;

[0351] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a satellite communication network system architecture provided in this application embodiment;

[0352] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0353] Figure 4 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0354] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the first cell and area provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0355] Figure 6 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0356] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the area managed by the network device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0357] Figure 8 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ;

[0358] Figure 9 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 4 ;

[0359] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of paging messages transmitted in PE I and PO as provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0360] Figure 11 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 5 ;

[0361] Figure 12Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 6 ;

[0362] Figure 13 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 7 ;

[0363] Figure 14 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 8 ;

[0364] Figure 15 A schematic diagram illustrating the association between multiple MCCHs and N regions provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0365] Figure 16 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 9 ;

[0366] Figure 17 A schematic diagram illustrating the association between multiple MBS identifiers and multiple MCCHs provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0367] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0368] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0369] 1. Multicast and broadcast services (MBS)

[0370] MBS stands for Point-to-Multipoint Service, meaning that the data sender is a single device, and the data receivers are multiple terminal devices. MBS can include multicast (or broadcast) services and broadcast services. In other words, the data receivers can be multiple terminal devices within a broadcast area, or multiple terminal devices joined to a multicast group.

[0371] It is understood that the services mentioned in this document may also be referred to as services, such as weather forecast services, live broadcast services, emergency broadcast services, or public safety services. This application is merely an example of collectively referring to services that can be divided into multicast services and broadcast services as MBS. This application does not specifically limit the name of MBS. With the evolution of wireless communication technology, MBS may also have other names, such as multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS).

[0372] When the network provides MBS, radio access network (RAN) nodes can simultaneously distribute or transmit the same data to multiple terminals through a common channel, thereby improving resource utilization and saving air interface bandwidth.

[0373] 2. MBS Session

[0374] When the network provides MBS (Mobile Broadcast Service), the data transmission path can be: Data Server (or MBS Server) → Core Network → RAN Node → Multiple Terminals. The relevant descriptions of the core network, RAN nodes, and terminals are provided below. Data sent from the core network to the RAN nodes can be transmitted through MBS sessions.

[0375] For example, Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the state transitions of an MBS session as defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) protocol. Starting from a null value, the core network can create a configured MBS session by configuring parameters. When certain conditions are met, the core network can use the establishment process to put the configuration parameters into use, thereby converting the configured MBS session into an active or deactivated MBS session. Alternatively, starting from a null value, the core network can directly use the establishment process to put the configuration parameters into use, thus creating an active MBS session. The core network can activate a deactivated MBS session to obtain an active MBS session. The core network can also deactivate an active MBS session to obtain a deactivated MBS session. The core network can also use a release process to convert an active or deactivated MBS session back to a configured MBS session. Finally, the core network can use a delete process to convert an active, deactivated, or configured MBS session back to a null value and end the state transition.

[0376] In this embodiment of the application, the identifier of the MBS session can also be referred to as the MBS identifier. The MBS identifier can be, for example, a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI). For example, the MBS corresponding to TMGI 1 can be a weather forecast service; the MBS corresponding to TMGI 2 can be a live broadcast service; the MBS corresponding to TMGI 3 can be an emergency broadcast service; and the MBS corresponding to TMGI 4 can be a public safety service.

[0377] TMGI can be carried in paging messages. After receiving a paging message, if the terminal device is interested in the MBS corresponding to the TMGI, it will trigger an RRC establishment or re-establishment process to receive the data corresponding to the MBS in the connected state.

[0378] 3. Non-terrestrial network (NTN)

[0379] NTN refers to a communication network that achieves signal coverage through non-terrestrial devices such as drones or satellites. NTN can cover areas without terrestrial base station coverage, such as the ocean, deserts, or even in the air. The following section uses satellites as an example of non-terrestrial devices in an NTN network to introduce related technologies. In NTN, one or more beams transmitted by a satellite are equivalent to a cell of a base station.

[0380] NTN can compensate for the shortcomings of terrestrial networks (TN) and meet the communication needs of terminal devices in locations such as oceans and deserts. However, communication between base stations and terminal devices also encounters new problems in NTN. For example, in TN, a base station can initiate paging for UEs within one or more cells, meaning the base station initiates paging at the cell level. But in NTN, the cell coverage area of ​​a base station is much larger, with a diameter of tens or hundreds of kilometers, far exceeding the coverage area of ​​a TN cell. If the base station still initiates paging at the cell level, there will be a problem of an excessive number of paged terminal devices, and some unnecessary terminal devices will also be paged.

[0381] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first" and "second" are not necessarily different. Meanwhile, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0382] The communication system provided in this application embodiment may include a terminal device, or a network device, or both a terminal device and a network device.

[0383] The terminal device in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as an access terminal device, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal device, mobile device, user terminal device, terminal device, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The UE in the embodiments of this application can be a mobile phone, smartwatch, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical care, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, wireless terminal device in smart home, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios.

[0384] The network device in this application embodiment can also be called an access network device, which can be any device with wireless transceiver function. This device includes, but is not limited to, a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), etc., and can also be one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of an antenna panel of a base station in a 5G system or future communication system, or it can be a satellite, etc.

[0385] The technical solution of this application will be described in detail below, taking a satellite communication system as an example.

[0386] In satellite communication systems, network equipment may include satellites.

[0387] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) system, 5th Generation (5G) system or New Radio (NR), Device-to-Device (D2D) communication system, Machine-to-Machine Communication System, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication system, Satellite Communication System, or future communication systems, etc.

[0388] The terminal device in this application embodiment can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device can also be a satellite phone, cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network, or terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0389] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device for communicating with terminal devices. The network device can be a base station (BTS) in a global system of mobile communication (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a base station (NodeB, NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, terminal that performs base station functions in D2D communication or machine communication, network device in a 5G network, or network device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0390] The 3GPP standards organization has released 5G technology standards and is researching space-ground integrated communication technologies, primarily combining existing 5G standards and satellite communication technologies to achieve full global coverage. Simultaneously, 3GPP is proposing... Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a satellite communication network system architecture. Ground-based terminal equipment can access the access network equipment via an air interface, and the access network equipment can connect to the ground-based core network equipment via a wireless link. The access network equipment can be deployed on a satellite, or it can be a satellite with communication capabilities. For example, the core network equipment may include a control plane processing unit and a user plane processing unit, which will be described in detail in the following network element description. Optionally, because the access network equipment is deployed on a satellite, or the access network equipment is a satellite with communication capabilities, signaling interaction between access network equipment and data transmission between users can be completed between satellites.

[0391] for Figure 2 The application scenarios provided may include the following network elements or interfaces:

[0392] Ground-based terminal equipment can be mobile devices that support the new air interface. Typically, these can be mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, which can access the satellite network via the air interface and initiate services such as making calls and accessing the internet.

[0393] Access network equipment, radio access network (RAN) nodes, or network equipment can serve as 5G base stations, primarily providing wireless access services, allocating wireless resources to ground-based terminal equipment, and providing reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc.

[0394] Core network equipment, specifically 5G core network equipment, is primarily used for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The user plane processing unit within the core network equipment can be, for example, a user plane network element used to manage user plane data transmission and traffic statistics. This user plane network element can be, for example, a user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system. The control plane processing unit within the core network equipment can include, for example, mobility management network elements and session management network elements. The mobility management network element is used for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management; this can be, for example, the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. The session management network element is used for managing terminal device sessions (such as session establishment, modification, and release), allocating and managing internet protocol (IP) addresses, and selecting and controlling user plane network elements. This session management network element can be, for example, a session management function (SMF) in a 5G system.

[0395] The ground station is responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between access network equipment and core network equipment.

[0396] The air interface is the wireless link between ground terminal equipment and access network equipment.

[0397] The Xn interface is an interface between access network devices used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0398] The next generation (NG) interface is the interface between access network equipment and core network equipment, used for exchanging non-access stratum (NAS) signaling and service data between the core network equipment.

[0399] In this application, the access network equipment deployed on a satellite can be alternatively described as a 5G base station deployed on a satellite, a satellite with communication functions, a satellite base station, a satellite access network equipment, a satellite access network device, or a satellite communication device, etc., without limitation. Figure 2Taking a 5G system as an example, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems or future-oriented evolution systems, without limitation.

[0400] It should be noted that if Figure 2 The provided application scenarios are applied to 4G communication systems, where Xn can be replaced with X2 and NG can be replaced with S1.

[0401] The functions of the terminal equipment or network equipment involved in this application can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices, or by one or more functional modules within one device, or by one or more chips, or by a system on a chip (SOC) or chip system. A chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0402] It is understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0403] For example, the relevant functions of the terminal device or network device in the embodiments of this application can be achieved through... Figure 3 This is achieved through the communication device 110.

[0404] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a possible communication device 110 is shown. It will be understood that the communication device 110 includes means of the necessary form, such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, to be appropriately configured together to perform this solution. The communication device 110 may be... Figure 2 The network device or terminal device in the communication device 110, or a component (e.g., a chip) within such device, is used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 110 includes one or more processors 111. The processor 111 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device 110, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0405] Optionally, in one design, the processor 111 may include a program 113 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on the processor 111 to cause the communication device 110 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, the communication device 110 includes circuitry (…). Figure 3(Not shown).

[0406] Optionally, the communication device 110 may include one or more memories 112 storing a program 114 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 111 to cause the communication device 110 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0407] Optionally, the processor 111 and / or memory 112 may include AI modules 117 and 118, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RAN intelligence controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0408] Optionally, the processor 111 and / or memory 112 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0409] Optionally, the communication device 110 may further include a transceiver 115 and / or an antenna 116. The processor 111, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 110. The transceiver 115, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 116.

[0410] also, Figure 3 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 3 In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0411] The following will combine Figures 1 to 3 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0412] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" and "one or more" can be used interchangeably, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0413] It should be understood that the terminal device can execute the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The terminal device can be a terminal equipment, or a module applied in the terminal equipment to realize its communication function, such as a chip, chip system, module, or component. In the subsequent description of the communication method and corresponding technical effects, the terminal device is used as an example of the executing subject, but this does not constitute any limitation on the executing subject.

[0414] It should be understood that a network device can execute the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The network device can be a network equipment, or a module applied in a network equipment to realize its communication function, such as a chip, a chip system, a module, or a component. In the subsequent description of the communication method and its corresponding technical effects, the network device is used as an example of the executing entity, but this does not constitute any limitation on the executing entity.

[0415] Figure 4 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 1 It includes the following steps:

[0416] Step S401: The network device sends a paging message. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the paging message from the network device.

[0417] The paging message indicates at least one MBS and the area information corresponding to each MBS, wherein the area information indicates one or more areas in the first cell associated with the relevant MBS.

[0418] As described above, for example, an MBS can be: a weather forecast service, a live broadcast service, an emergency broadcast service, or a public safety service. At least one MBS can be, for example, one or more of a weather forecast service, a live broadcast service, an emergency broadcast service, or a public safety service.

[0419] In this context, one or more areas are portions of the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any one area in the first cell is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell. In other words, the first cell consists of N areas, and one or more areas are portions of the N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N areas is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0420] It should be noted that the first cell consists of N areas. This can be understood as the first cell being divided into N areas, and the coverage areas of the N areas may or may not overlap, without any restrictions.

[0421] For example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the first cell and areas is shown. The cell managed by the network device includes the first cell, which can consist of 13 areas. The network device is deployed on a satellite, or the network device is a satellite with communication capabilities.

[0422] Optionally, the paging message includes at least one MBS identifier for each MBS and area information associated with each MBS. In this scheme, an MBS identifier can be used to identify or indicate an MBS; in other words, an MBS identifier can correspond to an MBS.

[0423] For example, the MBS corresponding to MBS identifier 1 can be a weather forecast service; the MBS corresponding to MBS identifier 2 can be a live broadcast service; the MBS corresponding to MBS identifier 3 can be an emergency broadcast service; and the MBS corresponding to MBS identifier 4 can be a public safety service.

[0424] Optionally, the MBS identifier is TMGI. Exemplarily, the MBS identifier can also be the IP address or port number of the data server, such as a source-specific IP multicast address. Furthermore, the MBS identifier can also be other MBS session identifiers, or implement a value that identifies an MBS; this application does not limit this.

[0425] Optionally, if the area is circular or approximately circular, the area information may include the location information of the center of the circle and the radius of the circle. Alternatively, the area information may include the area's number (or index) among the N areas constituting the first cell. Alternatively, the area information may include the location information of the area's boundary points. The location information may include longitude and latitude.

[0426] Optionally, step S401 can be performed when at least one MBS-corresponding session changes from a deactivated state to an activated state.

[0427] For example, suppose the first cell is divided into 17 areas (i.e., N=17), namely areas 1 to 17, and at least one MBS is a weather forecast service. When the session corresponding to the weather forecast service changes from a deactivated state to an active state, the network device can page terminal devices located in one or more areas of the first cell. For example, the network device can page terminal devices located in areas 1, 2, and 3. In this case, the paging message may include the TMGI corresponding to the weather forecast service, as well as the identification information of areas 1, 2, and 3.

[0428] For example, an example of an information element (IE) in a paging message is as follows:

[0429]

[0430] In the example of the paging message above, the paging message can be a group paging message, which includes multiple paging messages, namely the target MBS. Each paging message includes the MBS_Identity and the MBS_Area. The MBS_Identity is the TMGI or MBS identifier, and the MBS_Area is the associated area, or area information related to the MBS.

[0431] Step S402: The network device sends data corresponding to at least one MBS.

[0432] In this embodiment of the application, the network device sends data corresponding to at least one MBS in a multicast or broadcast manner.

[0433] In one possible implementation, the network device can send at least one MBS corresponding data to a terminal device within the coverage area.

[0434] In another possible implementation, at least one MBS includes a first MBS, and step S402 includes: the network device sending data corresponding to the MBS to terminal devices in one or more areas associated with the first MBS. In the following text, when the network device sends data corresponding to the first MBS, it may send the data to terminal devices within the network device's coverage area, or it may send the data only to terminal devices in one or more areas associated with the first MBS. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be elaborated further below.

[0435] Step S403: The terminal device receives data from the network device in the first area, corresponding to the MBS associated with the first area, wherein the first area belongs to the first cell.

[0436] In other words, the terminal device can be located in the first region, or the region where the terminal device is located (or belongs to) can be the first region.

[0437] Optionally, the terminal device receives data corresponding to an MBS associated with the first region and of interest to the terminal device in the first region.

[0438] Taking a paging message that includes the TMGI corresponding to a weather forecast service, along with identification information for Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3, with Region 3 being the first region where the terminal device is located, as an example, if the terminal device is interested in the weather forecast service, it can receive data corresponding to the weather forecast service associated with Region 3. The data associated with different regions is different. For example, the weather forecast service associated with Region 1 might say "Tomorrow will be cloudy"; the weather forecast service associated with Region 2 might say "Tomorrow will be light rain"; and the weather forecast service associated with Region 3 might say "Tomorrow will be sunny". The weather forecast service data that the terminal device expects to receive is likely the data corresponding to the weather forecast service associated with the region where the terminal device is located.

[0439] If existing technology is used, a terminal device located in the first cell receives data corresponding to the weather forecast service associated with the first cell after being paged. That is, a terminal device located in area 3 needs to receive data corresponding to the weather forecast services associated with areas 1 to 17. This results in the terminal device receiving a large amount of redundant information; the data corresponding to the weather forecast services in areas 1, 2, and 4 to 17 are all redundant. If the communication method provided in this application is used, the terminal device located in area 3 can receive only the data corresponding to the weather forecast service associated with area 3, thereby providing the terminal device with a more accurate and targeted weather forecast service.

[0440] In the communication method provided in this application embodiment, the paging message can be used to indicate the area information corresponding to at least one MBS, thereby enabling paging of terminal devices located in one or more areas within a first cell associated with the MBS. Since one or more areas are part of the first cell, the paging message can be used to paging terminal devices within a coverage area smaller than that of the first cell, making it suitable for NTN scenarios. This is because in NTN scenarios, a cell has a wide coverage area; if terminal devices within one or more cells are paging, the number of paging terminal devices may be too large, and some unnecessary paging devices may also be paging. Furthermore, terminal devices located in the first area can only receive data corresponding to the MBS associated with the first area, without needing to receive data corresponding to MBS associated with other areas within the first cell besides the first area. This reduces redundant information received by the terminal device, which is beneficial for the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS to the terminal device.

[0441] Optionally, the MBS associated with the first region includes the first MBS, meaning that the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS in the first region. Whether the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS in the deactivated state can be indicated by a paging message, an RRC release message, or other messages. For a description of how the terminal device determines its state when receiving data based on the paging message, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated.

[0442] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: a network device sending first indication information to a terminal device, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first MBS associated with a first region is deactivated. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. In this scheme, after receiving the first indication information, the terminal device can stop detecting the channel carrying data corresponding to the first MBS associated with the first region until the first MBS associated with the first region is reactivated.

[0443] For example, the first indication information may be carried in the stopMonitoringRNTI field. The stopMonitoringRNTI field may be included in the MBS-SessionInfoListMulticast field; the MBS-SessionInfoListMulticast field may be included in the MBSMulticastConfiguration field; and the MBSMulticastConfiguration field may be included in the MulticastMCCH-Message field.

[0444] For example, the stopMonitoringRNTI field can correspond to the first MBS, and the stopMonitoringRNTI field can be represented by a bitmap. The number of bits constituting the bitmap can be the same as the number of regions associated with the first MBS. The first indication information can be the bit in the bitmap corresponding to the first region. The value of this bit being 1 (or 0) can indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

[0445] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal device can receive a paging message on each of the multiple paging occasions (POs). In another possible implementation, the multiple POs can be associated with N areas constituting the first cell, allowing a terminal device in the first area to receive the paging message only by detecting the channel carrying the paging message in the PO corresponding to that first area, without needing to detect the channel carrying the paging message in POs corresponding to other areas within the first cell, thus saving power consumption. Furthermore, the paging message can be used to page terminal devices within the first area. Since the coverage area of ​​the first area is smaller than that of the first cell, this implementation is suitable for NTN scenarios, avoiding the problem of an excessively large number of paged terminal devices, where some unnecessary paged terminal devices are also paged. Figure 6 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 2 It includes the following steps:

[0446] Step S601: The terminal device and the network device obtain the association relationship between multiple POs and N regions.

[0447] The first cell consists of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the paging timing is the time-frequency resource used to send paging messages.

[0448] In one possible implementation, the network device can generate associations between multiple POs and N regions, and send these associations to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device can receive the associations from the network device.

[0449] In another possible implementation, the protocol can define the association relationships between multiple POs and N regions. Terminal devices and network devices can obtain these association relationships according to the protocol.

[0450] The relevant descriptions of the region and the first cell can be found in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0451] Optionally, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the multiple POs and one or more regions in the N regions.

[0452] In one possible implementation, the association is represented by a bitmap, where each of the multiple POs corresponds to a bitmap, which consists of N bits. Each of the N bits corresponds to a region, and each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap.

[0453] For example, bit "0" is used to indicate that the corresponding area is not associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap, and bit "1" is used to indicate that the corresponding area is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap; or, bit "1" is used to indicate that the corresponding area is not associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap, and bit "0" is used to indicate that the corresponding area is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap, without limitation.

[0454] In another possible implementation, the association is represented by a mapping table, where each of the multiple POs corresponds to a table entry. The table entry includes information about the corresponding PO and information about one or more regions associated with the PO corresponding to the table entry.

[0455] For example, the information of the PO corresponding to the table entry can be the number (or index) of the PO among multiple POs, and the information of one or more regions can be the number of one or more regions among the N regions constituting the first cell.

[0456] Assume there are multiple POs, PO 1 and PO 2, N=5, PO 1 is associated with region 1, region 3 and region 5, and PO 2 is associated with region 2 and region 4.

[0457] When the association is represented by a bitmap, PO1 and PO2 can each correspond to a bitmap consisting of 5 bits. When bit "0" is used to indicate that the corresponding area is not associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap, and bit "1" is used to indicate that the corresponding area is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap, the bitmap corresponding to PO1 can be 10101, and the bitmap corresponding to PO2 can be 01010.

[0458] When the association is represented by a mapping table, PO 1 and PO 2 can each correspond to a table entry. The table entry corresponding to PO 1 can include PO number 1, and region numbers 1, 3 and 5; the table entry corresponding to PO 2 can include PO number 2, and region numbers 2 and 4.

[0459] Step S602: The network device sends paging messages corresponding to N areas to multiple POs according to the association relationship.

[0460] In this embodiment of the application, the network device sends paging messages corresponding to N areas in multiple POs in the form of multicast or broadcast.

[0461] Optionally, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the multiple POs and one or more of the N regions; the network device sends paging messages corresponding to the N regions in the multiple POs according to the association relationship, including: the network device sends paging messages corresponding to one or more associated regions in each of the multiple POs according to the association relationship.

[0462] Assume there are multiple Pagers (POs) named PO1 and PO2, with N = 5. PO1 is associated with regions 1, 3, and 5, and PO2 is associated with regions 2 and 4. A network device can send paging messages corresponding to regions 1, 3, and 5 from PO1; a network device can send paging messages corresponding to regions 2 and 4 from PO2.

[0463] Step S603: In the first area, the terminal device receives a paging message from the network device in the corresponding PO of the first area according to the association relationship, wherein the first area belongs to N areas.

[0464] Assume there are multiple Page Points (POs) named PO1 and PO2, with N=5. PO1 is associated with regions 1, 3, and 5, and PO2 is associated with regions 2 and 4. The first region where the terminal device is located is region 3. Therefore, based on the association relationships, the terminal device receives paging messages from the network device in the PO corresponding to region 3, i.e., PO1, without needing to detect the channel carrying the paging message in PO2, thus saving power consumption for the terminal device.

[0465] Optionally, before steps S602 and S603, the communication method provided in this embodiment further includes: the network device sending a paging early indication (PEI) to the terminal device, wherein the PEI indicates that the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first area. In this scheme, the transmission of the PEI occurs before the transmission of the paging message. When the PEI indicates that the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first area, the terminal device can receive the paging message in the PO. When the PEI indicates that the PO does not carry a paging message corresponding to the first area, the terminal device does not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in the PO. In addition, the overhead of parsing the PEI is small, thus achieving the technical effect of saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0466] For example, the PEI may include a bit, where bit "0" (or bit "1") indicates that the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first area, and bit "1" (or bit "0") indicates that the PO does not carry a paging message corresponding to the first area.

[0467] In this embodiment, the paging message may include at least one MBS identifier. A description of the MBS identifier can be found in the relevant description in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here. After receiving the paging message, the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS of interest from at least one MBS. For example, the terminal device receives a paging message from a network device in PO 1, which includes a weather forecast service identifier and a live broadcast service identifier. If the terminal device is interested in the weather forecast service, it can receive data corresponding to the weather forecast service associated with region 3. Whether the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state can be indicated by the paging message, an RRC release message, or other messages. Taking the paging message as an example, the following describes in detail how the terminal device determines its state when receiving data based on the paging message.

[0468] Optionally, the paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area. Normally, a terminal device can only receive data in a connected state; that is, it can only receive data corresponding to the MBS from the network device after establishing an RRC connection with the network device. Since the number of RRC connections a network device can establish is limited, the number of terminal devices that can receive data corresponding to the MBS from that network device is also limited. In this scheme, allowing terminal devices located in the second area to receive data in a deactivated state increases the number of terminal devices that can receive data corresponding to the MBS; in other words, it increases the number of terminal devices receiving the MBS (i.e., the receivers of data in the MBS).

[0469] In this embodiment, a second area may be located in the first cell or in other cells besides the first cell. That is, a second area may be an area included in the first cell or an area included in other cells besides the first cell. Multiple second areas may all be located in the first cell, or they may all be located in other cells besides the first cell, or some second areas may be located in the first cell and other second areas may be located in other cells besides the first cell, without limitation.

[0470] Alternatively, a portion of a second area may be located within a first cell, while another portion may be located within other cells besides the first cell.

[0471] Figure 7This diagram illustrates the area managed by the network device. The network device is deployed on a satellite, or is a satellite with communication capabilities. The area managed by the network device can be divided into areas where terminal devices are allowed to receive data in an inactive state (inactive reception allowed) and areas where terminal devices are not allowed to receive data in an inactive state (inactive reception not allowed). The area where terminal devices are allowed to receive data in an inactive state is the second area.

[0472] Optionally, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate at least one second area. For example, an example of an IE for a paging message is given below. In the following example, the first field can be an inactiveReceptionAllowed field, and the value of the inactiveReceptionAllowed field can be true. The second field can be an associated area field. The second area can be determined by geolocation, the center of the circle can be determined by AreaReferenceLocation-r18, and the radius can be determined by AreaDistanceRadius-r18.

[0473]

[0474] Optionally, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending data corresponding to the first MBS; when at least one second area includes the first area, the terminal device receiving the data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state; or, when at least one second area does not include the first area, the terminal device receiving the data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state.

[0475] Optionally, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period. This scheme can be applied to scenarios where the distance between the network device and the terminal device changes over time, such as when the network device is deployed on a satellite or is a satellite with communication capabilities. In this scheme, the network device can determine the first time period based on the distance between it and the terminal device. The first time period can satisfy the conditions of a relatively short distance between the network device and the terminal device and a good link budget, thereby ensuring the reliability of data transmission. In time periods outside the first time period, the distance between the network device and the terminal device is relatively large and the link budget is poor. To ensure the reliability of data transmission, the terminal device can receive data in a connected state. When the link budget is poor, the initial transmission of data may fail, requiring the network device to retransmit the data. Receiving data in a connected state helps increase the probability of the terminal device successfully receiving data, that is, increasing the success rate of data retransmission, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0476] Optionally, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate a first time period. For example, the first field can be an `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field, and the value of the `inactiveReceptionAllowed` field can be `true`. The third field can include a time point, and the first time period is the time period before or after that time point. Alternatively, the third field can include two time points, and the first time period is the time period between the two time points.

[0477] In this embodiment of the application, when the third field includes a time point, the start or end time of the first time period can be that time point. For example, the third field can include 4 PM on a certain day. The first time period can be the time ending at 4 PM on that day, or the first time period can be the time starting from 4 PM on that day.

[0478] Optionally, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending data corresponding to the first MBS; the terminal device receiving the data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during a first time period; or, the terminal device receiving the data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a time period outside the first time period.

[0479] Optionally, the paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one area of ​​the second region during the first time period. In this scheme, allowing terminal devices located in the second region to receive data in a deactivated state increases the number of terminal devices capable of receiving data corresponding to the MBS, that is, it increases the number of terminal devices receiving the MBS. Furthermore, the network device can determine the first time period based on the distance to the terminal device to ensure the reliability of data transmission.

[0480] Optionally, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate a first time period. The relevant descriptions of the first, second, and third fields are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0481] Optionally, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending data corresponding to the first MBS; the terminal device receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state during a first time period when at least one second area is not included in the first area; or, the terminal device receiving data corresponding to the first MBS in a connected state during a first time period when at least one second area does not include the first area, or during a time period outside the first time period.

[0482] Optionally, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. A description of the first indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0483] The above Figure 6The illustrated embodiment describes how a terminal device and a network device transmit paging messages based on the association between a point of sale (PO) and a region. In another possible implementation, the terminal device and network device can also transmit paging messages based on the association between an MBS identifier and a region, and the association between an MBS identifier and a PO. Thus, when a terminal device in the first region is interested in a first MBS associated with the first region, it can detect the channel carrying the paging message only in the PO associated with the first MBS identifier to receive the paging message, without needing to detect the channel carrying the paging message in POs associated with other MBS identifiers besides the first MBS identifier, thereby saving power consumption of the terminal device. Furthermore, the paging message can be used to page terminal devices within the first region. Since the coverage area of ​​the first region is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell, this implementation is suitable for NTN scenarios, avoiding the problem of an excessive number of paged terminal devices, where some unnecessary paged terminal devices are also paged. Figure 8 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is as follows Figure 3 It includes the following steps:

[0484] Step S801: The terminal device obtains the first association relationship between multiple MBS identifiers and N regions, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0485] The relevant descriptions of the region and the first cell can be found in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0486] In one possible implementation, the network device may generate a first association and send the first association to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device may receive the first association from the network device.

[0487] In another possible implementation, the protocol may define a first association. The terminal device and the network device can obtain the first association according to the protocol.

[0488] For example, the first association can be carried in the MBS configuration information corresponding to the MBS identifier of each MBS among multiple MBS identifiers.

[0489] Optionally, the first association relationship is the association relationship between each MBS identifier among multiple MBS identifiers and one or more regions in N regions.

[0490] In one possible implementation, the first association is represented by a bitmap. Each MBS identifier among multiple MBS identifiers corresponds to a bitmap, which consists of N bits. Each of the N bits corresponds to a region, and each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the MBS identifier corresponding to the bitmap. For a detailed description of the bitmap, please refer to the relevant description in step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0491] In another possible implementation, the association is represented by a mapping table, where each MBS identifier corresponds to one table entry. Each entry includes the corresponding MBS identifier and information about one or more regions associated with that MBS identifier. For a detailed description of the mapping table, please refer to the relevant description in step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0492] Step S802: The terminal device and the network device obtain a second association relationship between multiple MBS identifiers and multiple POs, wherein the paging timing is the time-frequency resource used to send paging messages.

[0493] The relevant description of the MBS identifier can be found in step S401, and will not be repeated here.

[0494] In one possible implementation, the network device can generate a second association and send the second association to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device can receive the second association from the network device.

[0495] In another possible implementation, the protocol may specify a second association. The terminal device and the network device can obtain the second association according to the protocol.

[0496] Step S803: The network device sends paging messages corresponding to multiple MBS in multiple POs according to the second association relationship.

[0497] In this embodiment of the application, the network device sends paging messages corresponding to multiple MBS in multiple POs in the form of multicast or broadcast.

[0498] Optionally, the second association relationship is the association relationship between each of the multiple POs and one or more MBS identifiers; the network device sends paging messages corresponding to multiple MBS in the multiple POs according to the second association relationship, including: the network device sends paging messages corresponding to one or more associated MBS in each of the multiple POs according to the second association relationship.

[0499] Assuming multiple Pagers (POs) are PO 1 and PO 2, the second association is as follows: PO 1 is associated with TMGI 1 and TMGI 2; PO 2 is associated with TMGI 3. A network device can send paging messages including TMGI 1 and TMGI 2 in PO 1; a network device can send paging messages including TMGI 3 in PO 2.

[0500] Step S804: In the first area, when the terminal device is interested in the first MBS associated with the first area, it receives a paging message in the PO associated with the first MBS, wherein the first area belongs to N areas and the first MBS identifier belongs to multiple MBS identifiers.

[0501] Assuming N=5, the first association is as follows: TMGI 1 is associated with region 1, region 3, and region 5; TMGI 2 is associated with region 3 and region 4; and TMGI 3 is associated with region 2. Furthermore, there are multiple POs, PO 1 and PO 2, and the second association is as follows: PO 1 is associated with TMGI 1 and TMGI 2, and PO 2 is associated with TMGI 3. If the first region where the terminal device is located is region 3, then the terminal device can select the MBS of interest from the MBS corresponding to TMGI 1 and TMGI 2 associated with region 3. For example, the terminal device is interested in the MBS corresponding to TMGI 2. Then, the terminal device can receive paging messages in PO 1 associated with TMGI 2. The terminal device does not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in PO 2, thus saving power consumption.

[0502] Optionally, before steps S803 and S804, the communication method provided in this embodiment further includes: the network device sending a PEI to the terminal device, wherein the PEI indicates that the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first MBS. In this scheme, the transmission of the PEI occurs before the transmission of the paging message. When the PEI indicates that the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first MBS, the terminal device can receive the paging message in the PO. When the PEI indicates that the PO does not carry a paging message corresponding to the first MBS, the terminal device does not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in the PO. In addition, the overhead of parsing the PEI is small, thus achieving the technical effect of saving power consumption of the terminal device.

[0503] For example, PE I may include a bit, where bit "0" (or bit "1") indicates that the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first MBS, and bit "1" (or bit "0") indicates that the PO does not carry a paging message corresponding to the first MBS.

[0504] In this embodiment, the paging message may include a first MBS identifier. A description of the MBS identifier can be found in the relevant description in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here. After receiving the paging message, the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS. Whether the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state can be indicated by the paging message, the RRC release message, or other messages. A description of how the terminal device determines its state when receiving data based on the paging message can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated.

[0505] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. A description of the first indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0506] The above Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, PE I is used to indicate whether the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first area. (The above...) Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, PE I is used to indicate whether the PO carries a paging message corresponding to the first MBS. In another possible implementation, PE I can be used to indicate whether the paging message corresponding to each of the N areas constituting the first cell is carried in the next PO. On the one hand, when PE I indicates that the paging message corresponding to the first area where the terminal device is located is carried in the next PO, the terminal device can receive the paging message in the next PO. When PE I indicates that the paging message corresponding to the first area where the terminal device is located is not carried in the next PO, the terminal device does not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in the next PO. In addition, the overhead of parsing PE I by the terminal device is small, thus achieving the technical effect of saving power consumption of the terminal device. On the other hand, the paging message can be used to page terminal devices in the first area. Since the coverage area of ​​the first area is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell, this implementation is suitable for NTN scenarios and can avoid the problem of an excessive number of paged terminal devices, where some unnecessary paged terminal devices are also paged. Figure 9 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 4 It includes the following steps:

[0507] Step S901: The network device sends PE I to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives PE I from the network device.

[0508] PE I indicates whether the paging message corresponding to each of the N regions is carried in the next PO, where the N regions constitute the first cell and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0509] The relevant descriptions of the region and the first cell can be found in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0510] In this embodiment of the application, the next PO after PE I can also be referred to as the PO corresponding to PE I.

[0511] Optionally, PE I is represented by a bitmap, which consists of N bits. Each of the N bits is associated with a region, and each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the paging message corresponding to the associated region is carried in the next PO.

[0512] For example, bit "0" (or bit "1") is used to indicate that the paging message corresponding to the associated area is carried in the next PO, and bit "1" (or bit "0") is used to indicate that the paging message corresponding to the associated area is not carried in the next PO.

[0513] Step S902: The network device sends paging messages corresponding to one or more of the N regions in the PO.

[0514] Step S903: In the first area, when PE I indicates that the paging message corresponding to the first area is carried in PO, the terminal device receives the paging message in PO.

[0515] The first region belongs to N regions.

[0516] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the transmission of paging messages in PE I and PO. Assuming N=6, PE I is represented as 101011. A "1" bit indicates that the paging message corresponding to the associated area is carried in the next PO, and a "0" bit indicates that the paging message corresponding to the associated area is not carried in the next PO. Therefore, in the PO, the network device can send paging messages corresponding to areas 1, 3, 5, and 6. Terminal devices in areas 1, 3, 5, or 6 can receive paging messages in the PO. Terminal devices in areas 2 or 4 do not need to detect the channel carrying the paging message in the PO, thus achieving the technical effect of saving power consumption of the terminal devices. Furthermore, it is possible to only page terminal devices in areas 1, 3, 5, or 6. The coverage area of ​​these four areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell, making it suitable for NTN scenarios and avoiding the problem of an excessive number of paged terminal devices, where some unnecessary terminal devices are also paged.

[0517] In this embodiment, the paging message may include at least one MBS identifier. A description of the MBS identifier can be found in the description of step S401 above, and will not be repeated here. After receiving the paging message, the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS of interest from at least one MBS. For example, in area 3, the terminal device receives a paging message from a network device in PO, which includes a weather forecast service identifier and a live broadcast service identifier. If the terminal device is interested in the weather forecast service, it can receive data corresponding to the weather forecast service associated with area 3. Whether the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS in a deactivated state can be indicated by the paging message, RRC release, or other messages. A description of how the terminal device determines its state when receiving data based on the paging message can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated.

[0518] Optionally, the paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. A description of the first indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0519] The above Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 In all the embodiments shown, a paging message is mentioned as being used to indicate whether the terminal device can receive data corresponding to the first MBS in the deactivated state. It should be noted that a paging message with this function can also be implemented independently, such as... Figures 11 to 13 As shown. Figures 11 to 13 For related descriptions, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated.

[0520] Figure 11 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 5 It includes the following steps:

[0521] Step S1101: The network device sends a paging message. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the paging message from the network device.

[0522] The paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second area, and the paging message includes a first MBS identifier.

[0523] Optionally, the paging message includes a first field and a second field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate at least one second area.

[0524] Step S1102: The network device sends the data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0525] After performing step S1102, step S1103a or step S1103b can be performed.

[0526] Step S1103a: When at least one second region includes the first region, the terminal device receives data corresponding to the first MBS in the deactivated state.

[0527] Here, the first region is the region where the terminal device is located. The first region belongs to the first cell, which consists of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell. The relevant descriptions of the regions and the first cell can be found in step S401 above and will not be repeated here.

[0528] Step S1103b: When at least one second region does not include the first region, the terminal device receives data corresponding to the first MBS in the connected state.

[0529] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. A description of the first indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0530] Figure 12 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 6 It includes the following steps:

[0531] Step S1201: The network device sends a paging message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the paging message from the network device.

[0532] The paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period, and the paging message includes a first MBS identifier.

[0533] Optionally, the paging message includes a first field and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate a first time period.

[0534] Step S1202: The network device sends the data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0535] After performing step S1202, step S1203a or step S1203b can be performed.

[0536] Step S1203a: During the first time period, the terminal device receives the data corresponding to the first MBS in the deactivated state.

[0537] Step S1203b: During a time period outside the first time period, the terminal device receives data corresponding to the first MBS while in a connected state.

[0538] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: receiving first indication information in a first area; the first indication information is used to indicate that a first MBS associated with the first area is deactivated, the first area belongs to a first cell, the first cell is composed of N areas, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and the coverage area of ​​any of the N areas is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell. The relevant descriptions of the areas and the first cell can be found in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here. The relevant descriptions of the first indication information can be found in... Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0539] Combination Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 13 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 7 It includes the following steps:

[0540] Step S1301: The network device sends a paging message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the paging message from the network device.

[0541] The paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one second area during a first time period. The paging message includes a first MBS identifier.

[0542] Optionally, the paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; wherein the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate at least one second area, and the third field is used to indicate a first time period.

[0543] Step S1302: The network device sends the data corresponding to the first MBS.

[0544] After performing step S1302, step S1303a or step S1303b can be performed.

[0545] Step S1303a: During the first time period, when at least one second region includes the first region, the terminal device receives data corresponding to the first MBS in the deactivated state.

[0546] The first region is the region where the terminal device is located. The first region belongs to the first cell. The first cell consists of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The coverage area of ​​any of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0547] Step S1303b: During the first time period, when at least one second area does not include the first area, or during a time period outside the first time period, the terminal device receives data corresponding to the first MBS in the connected state.

[0548] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. A description of the first indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0549] In this embodiment, multiple MCCHs can be associated with N regions. Thus, a terminal device in a first region can receive MBS configuration information associated with that region through the first MCCH associated with it, without needing to detect any MCCHs other than the first MCCH. This avoids the terminal device receiving MBS configuration information associated with regions other than the first region. On one hand, the terminal only needs to detect the first MCCH, reducing detection time and saving power. On the other hand, the terminal receives less redundant information, allowing the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS for the terminal device. Figure 14 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 8 It includes the following steps:

[0550] Step S1401: The network device and the terminal device obtain the association relationship between multiple MCCHs and N regions.

[0551] The first cell consists of N regions, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is less than the coverage area of ​​the first cell.

[0552] The relevant descriptions of the region and the first cell can be found in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0553] Optionally, multiple MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the multiple MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, which is the duration of the MCCH period. For example, the MCCH period can be a modification period per iod. Figure 15 As shown, N=4, and the lengths of change period 1 and change period 2 are the same. Each change period can include the temporal resources occupied by 4 MCCHs, namely the MCCH associated with region 1, the MCCH associated with region 2, the MCCH associated with region 3, and the MCCH associated with region 4.

[0554] In one possible implementation, the network device can generate associations between multiple MCCHs and N regions, and send these associations to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device can receive the associations from the network device.

[0555] In another possible implementation, the protocol can specify the association relationships between multiple MCCHs and N regions. Terminal devices and network devices can obtain these association relationships according to the protocol.

[0556] Optionally, the association relationship is the association relationship between each MCCH in multiple MCCHs and one or more regions in N regions.

[0557] In one possible implementation, the association is represented by a bitmap. Each of the multiple MCCHs corresponds to a bitmap, which consists of N bits. Each of the N bits corresponds to a region, and each bit is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the MCCH corresponding to the bitmap. For a detailed description of the bitmap, please refer to the relevant description in step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0558] In another possible implementation, the association is represented by a mapping table, where each MCCH in the multiple MCCHs corresponds to a table entry. The table entry includes information about the corresponding MCCH and information about one or more regions associated with the MCCH corresponding to the table entry. For a detailed description of the mapping table, please refer to the relevant description in step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0559] Step S1402: The network device sends MBS configuration information for N regions on multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0560] Optionally, the association relationship is the association relationship between each of the multiple MCCHs and one or more of the N regions; the network device sends MBS configuration information associated with the N regions on the multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship, including: the network device sends MBS configuration information associated with one or more regions on each of the multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0561] Combination Figure 15 Taking the MCCH associated with region 1 within change period 1 in the time domain as an example, the network device can send MBS configuration information associated with region 1 on this MCCH. When the MBS configuration information associated with region 1 involves multiple MBS, the configuration information corresponding to different MBS can be distinguished by the carried MBS identifier.

[0562] Step S1403: The terminal device receives first configuration information in the first region through the first MCCH associated with the first region.

[0563] The first configuration information is the MBS configuration information associated with the first region. The first region belongs to N regions, and the first MCCH belongs to multiple MCCHs.

[0564] Combination Figure 15 Assuming the terminal device is located in region 3, the first MCCH can be the MCCH associated with region 3 within change period 1 in the time domain. The terminal device does not need to detect MCCHs associated with regions 1, 2, and 4 within change period 1 in the time domain, thus reducing detection time and saving power. Furthermore, the terminal device does not receive MBS configuration information associated with regions 1, 2, and 4, resulting in less redundant information and enabling the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS for the terminal device.

[0565] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: a network device sending first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more regions is updated in the next MCCH cycle. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. When one or more regions include the first region, the terminal device receives second configuration information via the second MCCH in the first cycle. The second configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information associated with the first region. The first cycle is the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first region in the first cycle. In this scheme, when the MBS configuration information associated with the first region is updated, the terminal device located in the first region can receive the updated MBS configuration information associated with the first region via the second MCCH according to the first indication information, without needing to detect MCCHs associated with other regions besides the first region in the first cycle. This further saves the power consumption of the terminal device and allows the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS to the terminal device.

[0566] For example, the first indication information can be carried in the downlink control information (DCI).

[0567] Optionally, the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of the DCI can be scrambled by a dedicated RNTI, such as MCCH-RNTI or multicast MCCH-RNTI.

[0568] In one possible implementation, the first indication information is represented by a bitmap consisting of N bits, each of which corresponds to a region. Each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with the corresponding region has been updated in the next MCCH cycle.

[0569] In another possible implementation, the first indication information may include information about one or more areas. For example, the information about one or more areas may be the numbers of the one or more areas within the N areas constituting the first cell.

[0570] Combination Figure 15The MCCH period containing the first indication information can be change period 1, and the first period can be change period 2. The first indication information indicates that the MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with area 3 and area 4 has been updated within change period 2. Therefore, the terminal device located in area 3 can receive the updated MBS configuration information associated with area 3 through the second MCCH, that is, the MCCH associated with area 3 within change period 2.

[0571] The first indication information can be 0011, where bit "0" indicates that the MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with the corresponding area within change cycle 2 has not been updated, and bit "1" indicates that the MBS configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with the corresponding area within change cycle 2 has been updated. Alternatively, the first information can include the numbers of area 3 and area 4, i.e., 3 and 4.

[0572] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending third configuration information through a third MCCH. The third configuration information is common MBS configuration information associated with a first region and at least one third region, where the third region is a region other than the first region. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third configuration information from the network device through the third MCCH. In this scheme, when there is a large amount of common MBS configuration information, transmitting the common MBS configuration information through the third MCCH can reduce the amount of information carried on the first MCCH and the MCCH associated with the third region. Furthermore, compared to the scheme where the first MCCH associated with the first region carries the MBS configuration information associated with the first region, the scheme where the MCCH associated with the third region carries the MBS configuration information associated with the third region can significantly reduce the overall amount of information that needs to be transmitted.

[0573] For example, assuming there is one third region, the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first region contains 100 parameters, and the MBS configuration information corresponding to the third region contains 101 parameters, of which 95 parameters are identical. Then, the common 95 parameters can be carried on the third MCCH, the first MCCH associated with the first region can carry only 5 parameters, and the MCCH associated with the third region can carry only 6 parameters, obviously reducing the amount of information carried on the first MCCH and the MCCH associated with the third region. This scheme transmits a total of (95+5+6) = 106 parameters. If the first MCCH carries 100 parameters and the MCCH associated with the third region carries 101 parameters, then a total of (100+101) = 201 parameters are transmitted. Therefore, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can significantly reduce the amount of information that needs to be transmitted overall.

[0574] Combination Figure 15The first region is region 3, and at least one third region is region 1, region 2, and region 4. If there is a large amount of common MBS configuration information associated with regions 1 to 4, this common MBS configuration information can be carried on the third MCCH. The third MCCH is located within change cycle 1 in the time domain. Figure 15 Not shown in the diagram. Among the MBS configuration information associated with regions 1 to 4, the MBS configuration information other than the third configuration information can be carried on the MCCH associated with regions 1 to 4 respectively.

[0575] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending second indication information to the terminal device. The second indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second indication information from the network device. A description of the second indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The description of the first indication information in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0576] In this embodiment, multiple MCCHs can be associated with multiple MBS identifiers. Thus, a terminal device interested in a first MBS can receive the MBS configuration information corresponding to that first MBS identifier through the first MCCH associated with that first MBS identifier. The terminal only needs to detect the MCCH associated with the MBS identifier corresponding to the MBS it is interested in, without needing to detect the MCCH associated with the MBS identifier corresponding to an uninterested MBS. This helps save power consumption for the terminal device. Furthermore, the terminal device receives less redundant information, which allows the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS information to the terminal device. Figure 16 The flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 9 It includes the following steps:

[0577] Step S1601: The terminal device and the network device obtain the association relationship between multiple MBS identifiers and multiple MCCHs.

[0578] Optionally, multiple MCCHs are located within one MCCH period in the time domain, and the multiple MCCHs repeat in the time domain with a first length, which is the duration of the MCCH period. For example, the MCCH period can be a change period. Figure 17 As shown, the length of change period 1 and change period 2 is the same. Each change period can include the time domain resources occupied by 4 MCCHs, namely the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 1, the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 2, the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 3, and the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 4.

[0579] In one possible implementation, the network device can generate associations between multiple MBS identifiers and multiple MCCHs, and send these associations to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device can receive the associations from the network device.

[0580] In another possible implementation, the protocol can specify the association between multiple MBS identifiers and multiple MCCHs. Terminal devices and network devices can obtain the association according to the protocol.

[0581] Optionally, the association relationship is the association relationship between each MCCH in multiple MCCHs and one or more sessions.

[0582] Step S1602: The network device sends MBS configuration information corresponding to multiple MBS identifiers on multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0583] Optionally, the association relationship is the association relationship between each MCCH in the multiple MCCHs and one or more sessions; the network device sends MBS configuration information corresponding to multiple MBS identifiers on the multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship, including: the network device sends MBS configuration information corresponding to one or more associated MBS identifiers on each MCCH in the multiple MCCHs according to the association relationship.

[0584] Combination Figure 17 Taking the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 1, which is located within change period 1 in the time domain, as an example, the network device can send MBS configuration information associated with MBS identifier 1 on this MCCH. When the MBS configuration information associated with MBS identifier 1 involves multiple areas, the configuration information corresponding to different areas can be distinguished by the logical channel identity (LCID) carried.

[0585] Step S1603: The terminal device receives the first configuration information through the first MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier.

[0586] Among them, the first MCCH belongs to multiple MCCHs, the first configuration information is the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, and the first MBS is the MBS of interest.

[0587] Combination Figure 17 Assuming the terminal device is only interested in the MBS corresponding to MBS identifier 2, that is, the first MBS identifier is MBS identifier 2, then the first MCCH can be the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 2 within the change cycle 1.

[0588] Optionally, the first configuration information indicates one or more areas in the first cell associated with the first MBS; the one or more areas are partial areas in the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell. The relevant descriptions of the areas and the first cell can be found in step S401 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0589] In one possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application further includes: a network device sending first indication information to a terminal device. The first indication information indicates that the configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with one or more MBS identifiers is updated in the next MCCH cycle. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first indication information from the network device. If one or more MBS identifiers include a first MBS identifier, the terminal device receives second configuration information via a second MCCH in the first cycle; the second configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, the first cycle is the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the first indication information is located, and the second MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier in the first cycle. In this scheme, when the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier is updated, the terminal device can receive the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier via the second MCCH according to the first indication information, without needing to detect the MCCHs corresponding to other MBS identifiers besides the first MBS identifier in the first cycle. This further saves the power consumption of the terminal device and allows the network to provide more accurate and targeted MBS to the terminal device.

[0590] The first indication information in the embodiments of this application may include one or more MBS identifiers.

[0591] For example, the first instruction information can be carried in the DCI.

[0592] Alternatively, the CRC of the DCI can be scrambled by a dedicated RNTI, such as MCCH-RNTI or multicast MCCH-RNTI.

[0593] Combination Figure 17 The MCCH period containing the first indication information can be change period 1, and the first period can be change period 2. The first indication information indicates that the configuration information carried on the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 2 has been updated within change period 2. Therefore, if the terminal device is interested in the MBS corresponding to MBS identifier 2, it can receive the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to MBS identifier 2 through the second MCCH, that is, the MCCH associated with MBS identifier 2 within change period 2.

[0594] In another possible implementation, the communication method provided in this application further includes: a network device sending second indication information to a terminal device. The second indication information indicates that configuration information corresponding to one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions has been updated in the next MCCH cycle. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the second indication information from the network device in a first region. If the one or more MBS identifiers associated with one or more regions include a first MBS identifier associated with the first region, the terminal device receives third configuration information via a third MCCH in a second cycle; the third configuration information is the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first region, the second cycle is the next MCCH cycle after the MCCH cycle in which the second indication information is located, and the third MCCH is the MCCH associated with the first MBS in the second cycle. In this scheme, when the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first area is updated, the terminal device located in the first area can receive the updated MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier associated with the first area through the third MCCH according to the second instruction information, without having to detect the MCCH corresponding to other MBS identifiers besides the first MBS identifier in the second period. This can further save the power consumption of the terminal device and help the network provide more accurate and targeted MBS for the terminal device.

[0595] The above implementation can be based on the association between one or more MBS identifiers and one or more regions. For example, TMGI 1 is associated with region 1, region 3, and region 5. The second indication information can indicate that the configuration information corresponding to TMGI 1 associated with region 1 has been updated in the next MCCH cycle.

[0596] The second indication information in this application embodiment may include one or more MBS identifiers, and one or more regions associated with each MBS in the one or more MBS identifiers.

[0597] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: a network device sending fourth configuration information through a fourth MCCH, wherein the fourth configuration information is MBS configuration information common to a first MBS and at least one second MBS, and the second MBS is an MBS other than the first MBS. Correspondingly, a terminal device receiving the fourth configuration information through the fourth MCCH. In this scheme, when there is a large amount of common MBS configuration information, transmitting the common MBS configuration information through the fourth MCCH can reduce the amount of information carried on the MCCH associated with the first MCCH and the second MBS identifier. Furthermore, compared to the scheme where the first MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier carries the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier, and the MCCH associated with the second MBS identifier carries the MBS configuration information corresponding to the second MBS identifier, this scheme can significantly reduce the amount of information that needs to be transmitted overall.

[0598] For example, assuming there is one second MBS identifier, the MBS configuration information corresponding to the first MBS identifier contains 100 parameters, and the MBS configuration information corresponding to the second MBS identifier contains 101 parameters, of which 95 parameters are identical. Then, the common 95 parameters can be carried on the fourth MCCH, the first MCCH associated with the first MBS identifier can carry only 5 parameters, and the MCCH associated with the second MBS identifier can carry only 6 parameters, obviously reducing the amount of information carried on the first MCCH and the MCCH associated with the second MBS identifier. This scheme transmits a total of (95+5+6) = 106 parameters. If the first MCCH carries 100 parameters and the MCCH associated with the second MBS identifier carries 101 parameters, then a total of (100+101) = 201 parameters are transmitted. Therefore, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can significantly reduce the amount of information that needs to be transmitted overall.

[0599] Combination Figure 17 The first MBS is the MBS corresponding to MBS identifier 1, and at least one second MBS is the MBS corresponding to MBS identifiers 2, 3, and 4. If there is a large amount of common MBS configuration information among the MBS corresponding to MBS identifiers 1 to 4, this common MBS configuration information can be carried on the fourth MCCH. The fourth MCCH can be located within change cycle 1 in the time domain. Figure 17 Not shown in the diagram. Among the MBS configuration information corresponding to MBS identifiers 1 to 4, the MBS configuration information other than the third configuration information can be carried on the MCCH associated with MBS identifiers 1 to 4 respectively.

[0600] Optionally, the communication method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the network device sending third indication information to the terminal device. The third indication information is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third indication information from the network device. A description of the third indication information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The description of the first indication information in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0601] It is understood that in the above embodiments, the terminal device can be a terminal equipment, or a module applied in the terminal equipment to realize its communication function, such as a chip, chip system, module, or component. Similarly, the network device can be a network equipment, or a module applied in the network equipment to realize its communication function, such as a chip, chip system, module, or component.

[0602] It is understood that, in order to achieve the above-mentioned functions, terminal devices or network devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0603] This application embodiment can divide the terminal device or network device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0604] For example, the terminal device or network device in the embodiments of this application may adopt Figure 18 This is implemented in the form of a communication device 180. The communication device 180 may include a transceiver module 1801. Optionally, the communication device 180 may further include an acquisition module 1802. The communication device 180 is used to implement the above... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figures 11 to 14 , Figure 16 The methods illustrated in this embodiment demonstrate the functions of the terminal device or network device.

[0605] For example, when the communication device 180 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, the terminal device functions as follows: transceiver module 1801 is used to receive paging messages; transceiver module 1801 is also used to receive data corresponding to MBS associated with the first area in the first area.

[0606] For example, when the communication device 180 is used to implement Figure 6 When the terminal device functions as shown in the method embodiment, the communication device 180 includes an acquisition module 1802; the acquisition module 1802 is used to acquire the association relationship between multiple POs and N regions; the transceiver module 1801 is used to receive paging messages in the POs corresponding to the first region according to the association relationship in the first region.

[0607] For example, when the communication device 180 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, the network device functions as follows: transceiver module 1801 is used to send paging messages; transceiver module 1801 is also used to send data corresponding to at least one MBS.

[0608] For example, when the communication device 180 is used to implement Figure 6 When the network device functions as shown in the method embodiment, the communication device 180 includes an acquisition module 1802; the acquisition module 1802 is used to acquire the association relationship between multiple POs and N regions; the transceiver module 1801 is used to send paging messages corresponding to the N regions in the multiple POs according to the association relationship.

[0609] For a more detailed description of the transceiver module 1801 and the acquisition module 1802, please refer to the above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figures 11 to 14 , Figure 16 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0610] In this embodiment, the communication device 180 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above-mentioned functions.

[0611] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 180 can employ... Figure 3 The communication device 110 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0612] for example, Figure 3 The processor 111 in the communication device 110 shown can call the program stored in the memory 112, causing the communication device 180 to execute the communication method in the above method embodiment. Specifically, Figure 18 Some of the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1801 can be implemented through the transceiver 115. Figure 18 The partial functionality / implementation process of the acquisition module 1802 can be obtained through Figure 3 The processor 111 in the communication device 110 shown calls the program stored in the memory 112 to implement it; or, Figure 18 Some of the functions / implementation processes of the acquisition module 1802 can be implemented through the transceiver 115.

[0613] Since the communication device 180 provided in this embodiment can execute the above communication method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0614] It should be noted that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0615] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0616] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0617] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs), etc.

[0618] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0619] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one multicast broadcast service (MBS) and area information corresponding to the at least one MBS, the area information indicating one or more areas in a first cell associated with the relevant MBS, wherein the one or more areas are part of the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell. Data corresponding to an MBS associated with the first region is received in the first region, wherein the first region belongs to the first cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paging message includes the MBS identifier of each MBS in the at least one MBS, and the area information associated with each MBS.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The MBS identifier is the Temporary Mobile Group Identity (TMGI).

4. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The association between multiple paging occasions (POs) and N regions is obtained, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; In the first region, a paging message is received in the PO corresponding to the first region according to the association relationship, wherein the first region belongs to the N regions.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of POs and one or more regions in the N regions; The association is represented by a bitmap. Each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a bitmap. The bitmap consists of N bits. Each of the N bits corresponds to a region. Each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap. or, The association is represented by a mapping table, where each of the multiple POs corresponds to a table entry. The table entry includes information about the corresponding PO and information about one or more regions associated with the PO.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Before receiving a paging message in the PO corresponding to the first region according to the association relationship in the first region, the method further includes: Receive a paging early indication (PEI), the PEI indicating that the PO carries the paging message corresponding to the first area.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state when the area is located in at least one second region.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first field and a second field; The first field is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second region.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier; the method further includes: When the at least one second region includes the first region, data corresponding to the first MBS is received in the deactivated state; or... When the at least one second region does not include the first region, data corresponding to the first MBS is received in the connected state.

10. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in the deactivated state during a first time period.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first field and a third field; The first field is used to indicate that data can be received in the deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: During the first time period, data corresponding to the first MBS is received in the deactivated state; or, During periods outside the first time period, data corresponding to the first MBS is received while in a connected state.

13. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The paging message is used to indicate that data can be received in a deactivated state when the area is located in at least one second region during a first time period.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; Wherein, the first field is used to indicate that data reception is allowed in the deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second region, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: During the first time period, when the at least one second region includes the first region, data corresponding to the first MBS is received in the deactivated state; or, During the first time period, when the at least one second region does not include the first region, or during a time period outside the first time period, data corresponding to the first MBS is received in the connected state.

16. The method according to any one of claims 4-15, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first MBS identifier; the method further includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a paging message, the paging message indicating at least one multicast broadcast service (MBS) and area information corresponding to the at least one MBS, the area information indicating one or more areas in a first cell associated with the relevant MBS, wherein the one or more areas are part of the first cell, and the coverage area of ​​any area in the first cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell. Send the data corresponding to the at least one MBS.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The at least one MBS includes a first MBS; sending the data corresponding to the at least one MBS includes: Send the data corresponding to the first MBS to terminal devices in one or more areas associated with the first MBS.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The paging message includes the MBS identifier of each MBS in the at least one MBS, and the area information associated with each MBS.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The MBS identifier is the Temporary Mobile Group Identity (TMGI).

21. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The association between multiple paging occasions (POs) and N regions is obtained, wherein the N regions constitute a first cell, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; the coverage area of ​​any one of the N regions is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the first cell; the paging occasion is a time-frequency resource used to send paging messages; Based on the aforementioned association, paging messages corresponding to the N regions are sent to the plurality of POs.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The association relationship is the association relationship between each of the plurality of POs and one or more regions in the N regions; The association is represented by a bitmap. Each of the plurality of POs corresponds to a bitmap. The bitmap consists of N bits. Each of the N bits corresponds to a region. Each of the N bits is used to indicate whether the corresponding region is associated with the PO corresponding to the bitmap. or, The association is represented by a mapping table, where each of the multiple POs corresponds to a table entry. The table entry includes information about the corresponding PO and information about one or more regions associated with the PO.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The step of sending paging messages corresponding to the N regions in the plurality of POs according to the association relationship includes: Based on the association, a paging message corresponding to one or more associated areas is sent to each of the plurality of POs.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21-23, characterized in that, The N regions include a first region; before sending paging messages corresponding to the N regions in the plurality of POs according to the association relationship, the method further includes: Send a paging early indication (PEI), the PEI indicating that the PO corresponding to the first area carries the paging message corresponding to the first area, the first area belonging to the N areas.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21-24, characterized in that, The paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in an area of ​​at least one second region.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first field and a second field; The first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the second field is used to indicate the at least one second region.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21-24, characterized in that, The paging message is used to instruct the terminal device to receive data in a deactivated state for a first time period.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first field and a third field; The first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

29. The method according to any one of claims 21-24, characterized in that, The paging message is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state when it is located in at least one area of ​​a second region during a first time period.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first field, a second field, and a third field; Wherein, the first field is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to receive data in a deactivated state, the second field is used to indicate the at least one second region, and the third field is used to indicate the first time period.

31. The method according to any one of claims 21-30, characterized in that, The paging message includes a first multicast broadcast service (MBS) identifier, which is associated with a first region among the N regions; The method further includes: Send a first indication message, which is used to indicate that the first MBS associated with the first region is deactivated.

32. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-3; or, a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 4-16; or, a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 17-20; or, a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 21-31.

33. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the memory for storing a program, the processor for executing the program stored in the memory; when the communication device is running, the processor executes the program, causing the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-3; or, causing the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 4-16; or, causing the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 17-20; or, causing the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 21-31.

34. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes terminal equipment and / or network equipment; wherein... The terminal device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-3, and the network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 17-20; or... The terminal device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 4-16, and the network device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 21-31.

35. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-3; or, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 4-16; or, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 17-20; or, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 21-31.

36. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-3, or cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 4-16; or cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 17-20; or cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 21-31.

37. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes: a processor and a memory, the memory for storing instructions, and the processor for executing the instructions such that a device including the chip performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-3; or, the processor for executing the instructions such that a device including the chip performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 4-16; or, the processor for executing the instructions such that a device including the chip performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 17-20; or, the processor for executing the instructions such that a device including the chip performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 21-31.

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