Communication method and device, storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, a storage medium and a computer program product, which are used for improving communication efficiency. In the present application, a relay device receives first information from a first non-terrestrial network communication device. The first information includes information indicating at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device establishes synchronization with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device in response to the first information. The relay device receives the first data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device and transmits the first data. And the relay device receives second data from the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and sends the second data. The relay device can provide a forwarding service for the data sent by the plurality of non-ground network communication devices, so that the communication efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the 5th generation (5G) New Radio (NR) technology is evolving from revision (R) 18 to revision (R19). Simultaneously, NR technology has moved from the standardization phase to the commercial deployment phase. The NR standard protocol is a wireless communication technology designed for terrestrial cellular network scenarios, providing users with ultra-low latency, ultra-reliability, ultra-high speed, and massive connectivity wireless communication services. Compared to terrestrial communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication features large coverage areas and flexible networking, achieving seamless global network coverage. NTN communication utilizes equipment such as drones, high-altitude platforms, and satellites to build networks, providing data transmission, voice communication, and other services to user equipment (UE). Improving communication efficiency has become a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and computer program product for enabling a relay device to provide forwarding services for data sent by multiple communication devices, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0004] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be performed by a relay device. The relay device may include a relay equipment or a chip (or chip system, or circuitry) within the relay equipment. The relay equipment may, for example, include an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) or a network-controlled repeater (NCR). The relay equipment may be deployed on the ground or in the air.

[0005] In one possible implementation provided by this application, a relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent by multiple communication devices to improve communication efficiency. These multiple communication devices may include non-terrestrial network communication devices and / or terrestrial network communication devices. The following description uses an example where the multiple communication devices include a first non-terrestrial network communication device and at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0006] For example, the relay device receives first information from a first non-terrestrial network communication device. The first information includes information for instructing at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. In response to the first information, the relay device establishes synchronization with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device receives first data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device and transmits the first data. The relay device receives second data from one of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication devices and transmits the second data.

[0007] Because the relay device can establish synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, it can also forward data from at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. In this scheme, the relay device can also forward data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device. Since the relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent by multiple non-terrestrial network communication devices, communication efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the relay device can establish forwarding path links on demand based on the first information, avoiding the establishment of more forwarding paths than needed, thus avoiding wasted resources, or avoiding the establishment of forwarding path links that cannot meet the demand, affecting communication performance. Moreover, because the relay device establishes synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, it can determine the timing / frame boundaries of signals on each received path, thereby reducing the occurrence of forwarding failures.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the relay device includes, for example, a mobile termination (MT) and a distributed unit (DU). Alternatively, the relay device may include an MT, a central unit (CU), and a DU. Another example is that the relay device includes an MT and access network equipment, which may include, for example, a DU and a CU. Yet another example is that the relay device includes an MT and a forwarding (Fwd) entity. The MT is used to establish links or forwarding links with a first non-terrestrial network communication device and at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, respectively. The DU or forwarding entity is used to establish links or forwarding links with the next-hop device of the relay device in the path corresponding to the first non-terrestrial network communication device and at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, respectively. In this scheme, the relay device can act as a mobile termination, connecting to the first and second non-terrestrial network communication devices respectively, and the subsequent relay device can forward data from the first and second non-terrestrial network communication devices respectively.

[0009] MT is used to establish a link or a forwarding link with the first non-terrestrial network communication device. MT is also used to establish a link or a forwarding link with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. DU is used to establish a link or a forwarding link with the next-hop device of the relay device in the path corresponding to the first non-terrestrial network communication device. DU is also used to establish a link or a forwarding link with the next-hop device of the relay device in the path corresponding to at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. In this scheme, the relay device can act as a mobile terminal, connecting to both the first and second non-terrestrial network communication devices. Subsequently, the relay device can forward data from both the first and second non-terrestrial network communication devices.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the relay device sends a second message. The second message indicates at least one of the following: the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization, the number of paths supported by the relay device, or the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that have already established synchronization with the relay device. By sending the second message, the relay device can report its own capabilities, which in turn allows other devices (e.g., the first non-terrestrial network communication device) to configure the relay device with the non-terrestrial network communication devices that need to provide forwarding services based on the relay device's actual capabilities, thus ensuring that the relay device's configuration does not exceed its capabilities.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the relay device establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the first non-terrestrial network communication device. Thus, the relay device can perform signaling transmissions with the first non-terrestrial network communication device based on the RRC connection; for example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device can configure a second non-terrestrial network communication device for the relay device based on the RRC connection.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the relay device establishes RRC connections with some or all of at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, it does not establish RRC connections with some or all of at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. When the relay device does not establish RRC connections with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, signaling overhead is saved. When the relay device establishes RRC connections with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can transmit some signaling based on the RRC connection. For example, when the second non-terrestrial network communication device needs to send data, it can send information to the relay device indicating that it needs to send data, so that the relay device can know the need of the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on the signaling, thereby reducing the occurrence of data packet loss.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; next-hop information of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; information for assisting in establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, information for assisting in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0014] When the first information includes the identification information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can more easily identify the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on this information. This solution can reduce the complexity of the solution on the relay device side.

[0015] The first information includes the location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device can determine the direction of the beam based on the location information. For example, the relay device can direct the beam toward the second non-terrestrial network communication device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0016] When the first information includes information about the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can determine the next hop more quickly based on this, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0017] When the first information includes information for assisting in establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can establish synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device more quickly based on this, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0018] When the first information includes information for assisting in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can establish a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device more quickly based on this, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the location information of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; coordinates of the location of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device in a coordinate system; or, at least one of the longitude, latitude, or altitude of the location of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device can determine the location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on at least one of this information, and then the relay device can determine the direction of the beam based on the location information, for example, the relay device can direct the beam towards the second non-terrestrial network communication device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the information used to assist in establishing synchronization with at least one of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication devices includes at least one of the following: synchronization sequence information of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; physical cell identity (PCI) information of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; frequency point information of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, the time range for establishing synchronization with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. Based on at least one of the synchronization sequence, PCI, or frequency point of the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can accelerate blind detection speed, thereby increasing the speed of establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device and improving communication efficiency. On the other hand, since the second non-terrestrial network communication device can be in a mobile state, it may be unable to establish synchronization with the relay device for some time. The relay device can better determine which times are suitable for establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on the time range of the synchronization establishment. Then, the relay device can maintain synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device within the time range and stop maintaining (or stop attempting to maintain) synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device outside the time range, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the information used to assist in establishing a connection with at least one of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices includes at least one of the following: information on non-contention access resources associated with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, information on a preamble sequence for non-contention access associated with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device can access the second non-terrestrial network communication device via the non-contention access resources, or it can perform non-contention access based on a preamble sequence. Either of these methods can accelerate the speed at which the relay device accesses the second non-terrestrial network communication device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the relay device acquires a first set. The first set includes at least one non-terrestrial network communication device, and the relay device has the capability to provide forwarding services for data sent by the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set. At least one second non-terrestrial network communication device belongs to the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set. In this implementation, the relay device may receive information indicating the first set from other devices (e.g., the first non-terrestrial network communication device), or the first set may be pre-configured on the relay device side, or the first set may be defined by a protocol, or the first set may be determined by the relay device based on network topology information or other information. The first set may include non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device plans or may potentially need to improve forwarding services for. First information may be used to activate or configure some or all of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set, so that the relay device provides forwarding services for data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication devices indicated by the first information. In this scheme, the first information may include index information of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set. Based on the first information, the relay device can query the second non-terrestrial network communication devices indicated by the first information in the first set, which can save the signaling overhead of the first information.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the relay device can establish a link or a forwarding link with the second non-terrestrial network communication device. When the link is active, the relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device. When the link is inactive, the relay device can stop providing forwarding services for data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first information is further used to instruct the activation of a link between at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and the relay device. The relay device activates the link between the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and the relay device. This implementation can accelerate the activation speed of the link between the relay device and the second non-terrestrial network device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the relay device receives third information. The third information instructs the relay device to forward data sent by one of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication devices. The third information originates from either the first non-terrestrial network communication device or one of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication devices. Based on the third information, the relay device can determine which second non-terrestrial network communication devices need to send data, thereby reducing data packet loss.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the relay device acquires information indicating the validity period of the first information. Upon the expiration of the validity period of the first information, at least one of the following is performed: the relay device stops forwarding information from at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, or the relay device stops maintaining synchronization with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. Since the non-terrestrial network communication devices may move, the non-terrestrial network communication devices to which the relay device establishes connections may change. Because the first information has a validity period, the relay device can stop using the first information outside of that period, thereby avoiding the relay device attempting to establish synchronization with non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot establish synchronization, and also avoiding the relay device attempting to continue providing forwarding services to non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot establish synchronization, thus saving resource overhead.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the relay device receives fourth information, which includes information indicating at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device. In response to the fourth information, the relay device establishes synchronization with at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device receives third data from the third non-terrestrial network communication device among the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device and transmits the third data. Since the non-terrestrial network communication devices may move, the non-terrestrial network communication devices to which the relay device establishes a connection may change. In this scheme, the relay device can establish synchronization with a second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information based on the first information, and after a period of time, it can also establish synchronization with the third non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the fourth information based on the fourth information. It can be seen that the non-terrestrial network communication devices to which the relay device establishes synchronization are updated through the fourth information. This scheme can adapt to scenarios where the non-terrestrial network communication devices are in a mobile state. This scheme allows the relay device to provide services to non-terrestrial network communication devices that it can serve in this scenario, thereby avoiding the relay device attempting to provide services to non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot establish synchronization, thus saving resource overhead.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the relay device sends information requesting an update of the non-terrestrial network communication device. This information can also be replaced with: information requesting an update of the non-terrestrial network communication device that has established a link or forwarding link with the relay device, or information requesting an update of the non-terrestrial network communication device that the relay device provides data forwarding services to. In this way, other devices (e.g., the first non-terrestrial communication device) can update the non-terrestrial network communication device for the relay device based on the received request. This approach allows other devices (e.g., the first non-terrestrial communication device) to more accurately determine whether to update the non-terrestrial network communication device based on the actual needs of the relay device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0029] In one possible implementation, if the relay device cannot maintain synchronization and / or establish a connection with at least one of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices, it sends a message requesting an update of the non-terrestrial network communication device. In this way, other devices (e.g., the first non-terrestrial communication device) can update the non-terrestrial network communication device for the relay device based on the received request. This approach can reduce the number of times the relay device attempts to establish synchronization with second non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot establish synchronization and / or a connection, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the relay device sends identification information of a second non-terrestrial network communication device that cannot maintain synchronization with the relay device and / or cannot establish a connection.

[0031] In this way, other devices (such as the first non-terrestrial communication device) can more accurately identify which data sent by the relay device cannot be forwarded by the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on the actual situation, and can then update the second non-terrestrial network communication device more accurately, thereby improving communication performance.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a first non-terrestrial network communication device. The first non-terrestrial network communication device may include a non-terrestrial network communication equipment or a chip (or chip system, or circuit) within the non-terrestrial network communication equipment. The non-terrestrial network communication equipment may include, for example, at least one of the following: airborne communication equipment, such as a satellite, aircraft, drone, airborne communication equipment, core network equipment, access network equipment, gateway, parent node, or host node (the parent node or host node may include / be an IAB-host or NCR-host, for example).

[0033] In this application, a first non-terrestrial network communication device sends first information to a relay device. The first information includes information for instructing at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. The first information instructs the relay device to establish synchronization with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device is required to provide forwarding services for data sent by at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. The first non-terrestrial network communication device sends first data to the relay device.

[0034] Since the first non-terrestrial network communication device indicates at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device to the relay device, the relay device can establish synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and therefore the relay device can also forward data from at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. In this scheme, the relay device can also forward data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device. Because the relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent by multiple non-terrestrial network communication devices, communication efficiency can be improved.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device receives second information. The second information indicates at least one of the following: the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization, the number of paths supported by the relay device, or the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that have already established synchronization with the relay device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device establishes an RRC connection with the relay device.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; next-hop information of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; information for assisting in establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, information for assisting in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device in at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0038] In one possible implementation, a first non-terrestrial network communication device transmits information indicating a first set. The first set includes at least one non-terrestrial network communication device, a relay device has the capability to provide forwarding services for data transmitted by the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set, and at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device belongs to the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends a third message. The third message instructs a relay device to forward data sent by at least one of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends information indicating the validity period of the first information.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends a fourth message. The fourth message includes information for instructing at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device to establish synchronization with the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device, and the relay device is required to provide forwarding services for data sent by the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device receives information for requesting an update to the non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends fifth information to the second non-terrestrial network communication device among at least one of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices. The fifth information indicates at least one relay device that provides forwarding services for data transmitted by the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and the relay device belongs to at least one relay device. Thus, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can identify the relay devices serving it and then transmit data through these relay devices. Furthermore, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can identify the relay device based on the fifth information and then reserve resources for that relay device to enable the link between the relay device and the second non-terrestrial network communication device more quickly in the future. Alternatively, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can use the fifth information to authenticate the relay device in subsequent processes, thereby preventing incorrect relay devices from accessing the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: location information, identification information, or radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) of the relay device. When the fifth information includes the location information of the relay device, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can determine the beam direction based on the location information of the relay device, thereby improving communication performance with the relay device. When the fifth information includes the identification information and / or RNTI of the relay device, the second non-terrestrial network device can more easily identify the relay device based on the identification information and / or RNTI, which reduces the complexity of the solution on the second non-terrestrial network device side.

[0045] The relevant content and beneficial effects of the second aspect and its possible implementation methods can be found in the foregoing description of the first aspect and its possible implementation methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0046] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a second non-terrestrial network communication device. The second non-terrestrial network communication device may include a non-terrestrial network communication equipment or a chip (or chip system, or circuit) within the non-terrestrial network communication equipment. The non-terrestrial network communication equipment may include, for example, at least one of the following: airborne communication equipment, such as satellites, aircraft, drones, airborne communication equipment, core network equipment, access network equipment, gateways, parent nodes, or host nodes (parent nodes or host nodes may include, for example, IAB-hosts or NCR-hosts).

[0047] In this application, a second non-terrestrial network communication device receives fifth information. The fifth information is used to instruct at least one relay device to provide forwarding services for data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device. The second non-terrestrial network communication device sends second data to one of the at least one relay devices. Thus, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can identify the relay devices serving it and then transmit data through these relay devices. Furthermore, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can identify the relay devices based on the fifth information and then reserve resources for those relay devices to enable the relay devices to more quickly establish a link with the second non-terrestrial network communication device. Alternatively, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can use the fifth information to authenticate the relay devices in subsequent processes, thereby preventing incorrect relay devices from accessing the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: location information, identification information, or temporary wireless network identifier (RNTI) of the relay device in at least one relay device.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the second non-terrestrial network communication device sends a third message, which instructs the relay device to forward the data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0050] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the aforementioned relay device, a first non-terrestrial network communication device, or a second non-terrestrial network communication device. The communication device may include a communication unit and a processing unit to perform any one of the first to third aspects, or any possible implementation of the first to third aspects. The communication unit is used to perform functions related to transmission and reception. The communication unit may be referred to as a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit may be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit may be the input / output circuit, input / output interface, or antenna port of the communication chip.

[0051] In another design, the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0052] Optionally, the communication device may also include modules that can be used to perform any one of the first to third aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0053] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned relay device, a first non-terrestrial network communication device, or a second non-terrestrial network communication device. The communication device may include a processor and a memory to execute any one of the first to third aspects, or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, it may also include a transceiver; the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is used to retrieve and execute the computer programs or instructions from the memory. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions in the memory, the communication device executes any one of the first to third aspects, or any possible implementation thereof.

[0054] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0055] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0056] Optionally, the transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0057] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned relay device, a first non-terrestrial network communication device, or a second non-terrestrial network communication device. The communication device may include a processor to execute any one of the first to third aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to third aspects. The processor is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0058] In one implementation, when the communication device is a relay device, a first non-terrestrial network communication device, or a second non-terrestrial network communication 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.

[0059] In another implementation, when the communication device is a chip or 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 manifested as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, a system is provided, which includes the aforementioned relay device.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the system may further include a first non-terrestrial network communication device and a second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0062] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed, causes a computer to perform any one of the first to third aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0063] Ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage 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 to third aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0064] A tenth aspect provides a processing apparatus, comprising: an interface circuit and a processing circuit. The interface circuit may include an input circuit and an output circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, thereby enabling any one of the first to third aspects, or any possible implementation thereof, to be implemented.

[0065] In specific implementation, the aforementioned processing 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, etc. 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. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation method of the processor and various circuits.

[0066] In one implementation, the communication device is a relay device, a first non-terrestrial network communication device, or a second non-terrestrial network communication device. The interface circuit can be an RF processing chip in the relay device, the first non-terrestrial network communication device, or the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and the processing circuit can be a baseband processing chip in the relay device, the first non-terrestrial network communication device, or the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0067] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a relay device, a first non-terrestrial network communication device, or a second non-terrestrial network communication device, such as an integrated circuit product like a system-on-a-chip or a communication chip. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processing circuit can be the logic circuit on the chip. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1AThis is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for a communication system to which this application applies;

[0069] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0070] Figure 1C This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0071] Figure 1D This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0072] Figure 1E This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0073] Figure 1F This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0074] Figure 1G This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0075] Figure 1H This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0076] Figure 1I This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0077] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for a communication system to which this application applies;

[0078] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0079] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0080] Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0081] Figure 2E This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0082] Figure 2F This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0083] Figure 2G This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0084] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for another communication system to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0085] Figure 4 A possible flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0088] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as terrestrial communication systems, NTN communication systems, and satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with mobile communication systems. For example, mobile communication systems can be 4th Generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., New Radio (NR) systems), and future mobile communication systems. Mobile communication systems can also be vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

[0090] Figure 1A An exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 to which this application embodiment applies is shown. For example... Figure 1A As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one wireless access network device (such as...). Figure 1A 110a and 110b in the above), may also include at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1A(Referring to 120a-120j in the original text). Terminal devices connect wirelessly to wireless access network (WLAN) devices, which in turn connect wirelessly or via wired connections to the core network. The core network devices and WLAN devices can be independent physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of the core network devices and the logical functions of the WLAN devices onto a single physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some core network device functions and some WLAN device functions. Terminal devices and WLAN devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections. Figure 1A This is just an illustration; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1A It is not shown in the middle.

[0091] The network devices involved in the embodiments of this application include, for example, radio access network (RAN) devices. RAN devices can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs), base stations in 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems; they can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station, for example, they can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs). The CU (Radio Control Unit) performs the functions of the Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU (Radio Link Control Unit) performs the functions of the Radio Link Control (RLC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). The RU (Radio Receiver Unit) can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in the remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), or remote radio head (RRH). The CU, DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, a CU can also be called an open CU (open-CU, O-CU), a DU can also be called an open DU (open-DU, O-DU), and a RU can also be called an open RU (open-RU, O-RU).In this application, any of the following units—CU (or CU control plane (CU-CP), CU user plane (CU-UP), DU, and RU)—can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. CU-CP can also be called open-CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and CU-UP can also be called open-CU-UP (O-CU-UP).

[0092] Figure 1B An exemplary diagram illustrates an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. The O-RAN system in the embodiments provided in this application may include... Figure 1B Other components besides those shown. For example... Figure 1B As shown, the access network equipment (RAN, such as an eNB, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or access network equipment in a future mobile communication system) communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with the user equipment (UE) via an air interface. For example, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the radio unit (RU) in the access network equipment communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may be co-located or not. The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link. In the embodiments of this application, the first network device can send signaling to the terminal device (e.g., UE) for scheduling the first network device and / or auxiliary communication devices. The transmission of this signaling can be sent from the CU and / or DU in the first network device to the terminal device.

[0093] Figure 1C An exemplary diagram of an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1CAs shown, O-RAN can include O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU. The system architecture can also include an open cloud (O-cloud), a service management and orchestration framework, an open eNB (O-eNB), a near-real-time (RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), and a non-real-time RIC. The non-RT RIC can monitor, configure, manage, and control radio resources of at least one of multiple O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, DU, or O-eNB. Figure 1C As shown, the interfaces defined by 3GPP include, for example, E1, F1 (e.g., F1-c, F1-u), NG (e.g., NG-c, NG-u), Xn (e.g., Xn-c, Xn-u), and X2 (e.g., X2-c, X2-u). For example, O-RAN communication systems also include interfaces such as O1, O2, E2, A1, and Open Fronthaul (FH) interfaces (e.g., Open-FH Control (M)-plane, and Open-FH Control, User and Synchronization (CUS)-plane). Figure 1C The names of the interfaces and the connection methods of the units shown are examples. In actual applications, the O-RAN system may include more or fewer interfaces, or more or fewer units.

[0094] Wireless access network equipment can be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1A 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1A 110b) in the text can also be a relay device, relay node, or donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the wireless access network equipment. For ease of description, the following description uses a base station as an example of a wireless access network device.

[0095] Terminal devices can also be referred to as terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, sensors, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0096] The aforementioned terminal devices can establish connections with the operator's network through interfaces provided by the operator's network (such as N1), and use data and / or voice services provided by the operator's network. The terminal devices can also access the Domain Name System (DNS) through the operator's network, and use operator services deployed on the DNS, and / or services provided by third parties. These third parties can be service providers outside of the operator's network and the terminal devices, and can provide other data and / or voice services to the terminal devices. The specific form of these third parties can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0097] Base stations and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminal equipment.

[0098] The roles of base stations and terminal devices can be relative, for example, Figure 1A The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1AThe 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1A The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0099] Communication between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, and between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0100] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal device can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal device functions.

[0101] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal device, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal device sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal device needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal device has established a radio connection is called the serving cell of the terminal device. When the terminal device communicates with this serving cell, it is also subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0102] The core network involved in this application embodiment may include network devices that process and forward user signaling and data. For example, it includes core network devices such as access and mobility management functions (AMF), session management functions (SMF), user plane gateways, and location management devices. The user plane gateway can be a server with functions such as mobility management, routing, and forwarding of user plane data, generally located on the network side, such as a serving gateway (SGW), packet data network gateway (PGW), or user plane function (UPF). AMF and SMF are equivalent to the mobility management entity (MME) in a long-term evolution (LTE) system. AMF is mainly responsible for admission aspects, and SMF is mainly responsible for session management. Of course, the core network may also include other network elements, which are not listed here.

[0103] based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C The content shown, Figure 1D A schematic diagram of a system architecture applicable to yet another embodiment of this application is also illustrated, such as... Figure 1D As shown, the communication system includes terminal equipment (e.g., UE), network equipment (e.g., base station), and relay equipment. Figure 1D The UE shown can be replaced with the one described above. Figure 1A , Figure 1B or Figure 1C Any terminal device shown. Figure 1D The base station shown can be replaced with the one described above. Figure 1A , Figure 1B or Figure 1C The network device shown (e.g., access network device). Figure 1D The relay device shown can be the one described above. Figure 1A , Figure 1B or Figure 1C The network device shown is a relay device capable of forwarding data. Data can be sent and received in the form of signals; therefore, in this embodiment, signals can be replaced with data, and data can also be replaced with signals.

[0104] Figure 1DThe following example illustrates a network-controlled repeater (NCR). The NCR can act as a UE access base station (parent node) to receive control signaling from the base station (the control signaling controls the NCR's data forwarding behavior). The NCR can also amplify and forward signals between the UE and the base station.

[0105] based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 1D The content shown, Figure 1E A schematic diagram of a system architecture to which yet another embodiment of this application applies is also illustrated. For example... Figure 1E As shown, the communication system includes terminal equipment (e.g., UE), network equipment (e.g., base station), and relay equipment. Figure 1E The UE shown can be replaced with the one described above. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C or Figure 1D Any terminal device shown. Figure 1D The base station shown can be replaced with the one described above. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C or Figure 1D The network device shown (e.g., access network device). Figure 1E The relay device shown can be the one described above. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C or Figure 1D The network device shown is a relay device with the ability to forward data.

[0106] like Figure 1E As shown. A relay device (such as an NCR, satellite or other relay device) includes two functional entities: a mobile termination (MT) entity (the relay device is an NCR, and the MT entity can also be called an NCR MT (or NCR-MT) entity) and a forwarding (Fwd) entity (the relay device is an NCR, and the forwarding entity can also be called an NCRFwd (or NCR-Fwd) entity).

[0107] A relay unit (MT) can be defined as a functional entity that communicates with the base station via a control link (C-link) to exchange control information. The C-link can be based on the NR Uu interface, meaning the NCR-MT entity and the gNB are connected via the Uu interface. The base station uses the C-link to control the relay device. For example, the relay device can receive control information from the base station (e.g., side information for controlling the forwarding entity), beam control information (e.g., beam control information for the control link, backhaul link, or access link), relay device on / off status (the NCR's on and off state), or NCR signal transmit power control, etc. The relay device amplifies and forwards data between the base station and the UE, without needing to perform data processing such as decoding on the forwarded data.

[0108] A forwarding entity is defined as a functional entity that performs amplification and forwarding of uplink (UL) / downlink (DL) radio frequency (RF) signals between the base station and the UE via the backhaul link and access link. The behavior of the forwarding entity can be controlled based on control information received from the base station.

[0109] Figure 1F An exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1F The following is an example of a communication system architecture that integrates access and backhaul (IAB).

[0110] The purpose of IAB is to support wireless backhaul and relay links, enabling flexible and very dense deployment of NR cells without proportionally encrypting the wired transmission network. Typical deployment scenarios include supporting outdoor small cell deployment, indoor small cell deployment, and even mobile relay (e.g., on buses or trains).

[0111] like Figure 1F As shown, the communication system includes a UE and a network device. Figure 1FThe UE in this context can be a terminal device or a chip (or chip system, processor, circuit, or functional module) within the terminal device. For example, a network device can include an IAB-host and an IAB-node. The IAB-donor supports the gNodeB with IAB additional functions, connects to the core network via a non-IAB connection, and can provide access to the UE or IAB-node (e.g., through a backhaul link or an access link). The IAB-node can support access via NR (e.g., through an access link) and backhaul (e.g., through a backhaul link). In this application embodiment, the host can be written as "donor," and the node can be written as "node." Correspondingly, the IAB-host can be written as "IAB-donor," and the IAB-node can also be written as "IAB-node." The substitution methods for other terms are similar, and will not be repeated in other locations. Figure 1F Either the IAB-donor or IAB-node shown can be a satellite device or a chip (or chip system, processor, circuit, or functional module) inside a satellite device, or a ground-deployed network device (such as a ground base station) or a chip (or chip system, processor, circuit, or functional module) inside a network device (such as a ground base station).

[0112] Figure 1G An exemplary schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1G The network architecture shown can be Figure 1F The network architecture involved in IAB-donor and IAB-node can also be found in the aforementioned articles. Figure 1F The description in the text.

[0113] like Figure 1G As shown, this communication system includes a UE and a 5G Core Network (5GC). 5GC / base station / parent node / gNB can be network devices. For example... Figure 1G As shown, the communication system also includes a base station (such as gNobeB) and a host (the host is located in...). Figure 1G The example below uses the IAB-host (which can also be written as IAB-donor) and nodes (nodes are located in...). Figure 1G The example shown is an IAB-node (which can also be written as IAB-node).

[0114] like Figure 1GAs shown, the IAB-node supports NR access and backhaul functions and can include an IAB-node-mobile termination (MT) (IAB-node-MT can also be called IAB-node-MT) and an IAB-node-DU (IAB-node-DU can also be called IAB-node-DU). The IAB-node-MT can connect as a regular terminal device to its parent node or host CU or DU, acting as a control link. The IAB-node-MT sends or receives beam direction information for control backhaul / control link / access link, switches forwarded transmission information, routing-related information, etc. The IAB-node-DU can provide blind spot coverage for access-side pole cells under the IAB-node, providing access for regular UEs or lower-level IAB-node-MTs to establish lower-level control links.

[0115] The IAB-donor can support gNodeBs (also known as gNodeB-donors) with IAB-node additional functions and can connect to the core network (e.g., via non-IAB connections), such as fiber optic cables. The IAB-donor can include IAB-host-CU (also known as IAB-donor-CU) and IAB-host-DU (also known as IAB-donor-DU). The IAB-donor-CU provides connectivity for the IAB-donor-DU and IAB-node-DU. The IAB-donor-CU can act as a base station connecting to other base stations (e.g., via the Xn-C interface), allowing the base station to access the 5GC, or the IAB-donor-CU can directly access the 5GC (e.g., via the NG interface). The IAB-donor-DU can provide coverage for access-side pole-mounted cells under the IAB-donor, providing access for ordinary UEs or IAB-nodes to establish lower-level control links.

[0116] The F1 interface is used for connection between IAB-node-DU and IAB-donor-CU, and is fully inherited from the F1 interface of DU and CU. The Uu port (e.g., NR Uu port) is used for connection between IAB-donor-DU and IAB-node-MT. It can also be used for connection between IAB-node and UE. Figure 1G As shown, the IAB-node connects to the IAB-donor as a terminal device and establishes a Uu port connection. The UE can connect to the IAB-node and then access the IAB-donor-DU.

[0117] Figure 1H and Figure 1I The diagram illustrates network architectures for several communication systems applicable to embodiments of this application. These communication systems may include satellites, network devices, and terminal devices. They may also include gateways and core network devices. Figure 1H and Figure 1I An exemplary network architecture combining NTN and terrestrial networks is illustrated below. This will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0118] The satellite can be a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, a geosynchronous orbit (GSO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, or a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite. This application does not limit the satellite's operating mode; for example, the satellite can operate in transparent mode or regenerative mode. Figure 1H This illustration uses the satellite's transparent transmission mode as an example. Figure 1I This illustration uses the satellite's operating mode as the regeneration mode as an example.

[0119] When a satellite operates in transparent mode, it provides transparent relay forwarding functionality. A gateway possesses the functions of a network device (such as a base station) or some of the functions of a network device (such as a base station); in this case, the gateway can be considered a network device (such as a base station). Alternatively, the network device (such as a base station) can be deployed separately from the gateway. In this case, the feeder link latency includes both the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the gNB. The transparent mode discussed later assumes that the gateway and gNB are located together or close to each other. For cases where the gateway and gNB are far apart, the feeder link latency is simply the sum of the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the gNB.

[0120] When a satellite is operating in regenerative mode, it has data processing capabilities and functions as a network device (such as a base station) or partially functions as a network device (such as a base station). In this case, the satellite can be regarded as a network device (such as a base station).

[0121] Satellites can communicate wirelessly with terminal devices via broadcast communication signals and navigation signals. Optionally, each satellite can provide communication, navigation, and positioning services to terminal devices through multiple beams. For example, each satellite uses multiple beams to cover the service area, and the relationship between different beams can be one or more of time-division, frequency-division, and space-division.

[0122] A gateway (also known as a ground station, earth station, or gateway) is a network device used to connect satellites and ground-based network equipment (such as ground base stations). One or more satellites can connect to one or more ground-based network devices (such as ground base stations) through one or more gateways; this is not a limitation. The link between the satellite and the terminal device is called a service link, and the link between the satellite and the gateway is called a feeder link. Network equipment can be deployed separately from the gateway; therefore, the latency of the feeder link can include both the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the network equipment.

[0123] The network devices in this application embodiment may include network devices deployed on satellites (such as satellite base stations), network devices deployed on gateways, or network devices deployed on the ground (such as ground base stations). For example, the network devices may be... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 1H or Figure 1I This includes radio access network (RAN) nodes and RAN nodes in the O-RAN system. Please refer to the foregoing description for relevant details, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] The core network (CN) device in this embodiment is a device located on the ground that can communicate with NTN devices in the NTN system. For example, the CN could be... Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 1H or Figure 1I The relevant CNs are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0125] The terminal device in the embodiments of this application may be Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 1H or Figure 1I The terminals, terminal equipment, or terminal devices involved are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0126] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication system architectures, such as air-to-ground (ATG) communication systems, which include at least one network device and at least one high-altitude terminal device. High-altitude terminal devices include, for example, high-altitude aircraft and onboard terminal devices. Figure 1H and Figure 1I The satellites in the relay system can also be replaced with other relay equipment, such as high altitude platform stations (HAPS) and other NTN equipment. Figure 1H or Figure 1I The communication system shown is an example and does not constitute a limitation on the communication systems to which the methods provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0127] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can also be applied to air-to-ground (ATG) communication systems, which include at least one network device and at least one high-altitude terminal device. Data forwarding between the network device and the high-altitude terminal device can also be achieved through relay devices. High-altitude terminal devices include, for example, high-altitude aircraft and onboard terminal devices.

[0128] This application proposes to replace or supplement existing inter-satellite links (ISLs) with on-demand deployable ground relay equipment and satellite-to-ground forwarding links, thereby reducing the cost of satellite payloads and improving the economics of deploying low-Earth orbit satellite networks.

[0129] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided in this application embodiment. After the UE's information arrives at the satellite serving the UE, it is transmitted via ground relay equipment and satellite-to-ground links through multiple hops to a satellite near the target node. Then, the information is transmitted to the target node through a gateway station near the target node, and vice versa. The ground relay transfers the signal from one satellite (e.g., the first satellite) to one or more satellites (e.g., the second satellite), using "UE-satellite-ground relay equipment-satellite-ground relay equipment-…-satellite-gateway (GW) & base station (BS)-target node" instead of the traditional "UE-satellite-satellite-…-satellite-GW-target node" signal transmission. Figure 2A As shown, there is aggregation pressure on the links near the ground relay, and strong relays can be deployed as needed.

[0130] The above Figure 2A The deployment method shown has the following advantages:

[0131] 1. Ground-based equipment is easier to upgrade than on-board equipment. For example, ground relay equipment can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the satellite-to-ground link by increasing the receiving gain or increasing the transmitting power, without changing the satellite communication payload. Ground relay equipment around the GW can be designed according to the aggregation capacity, deployed and upgraded as needed, avoiding capacity waste and shortening the upgrade cycle.

[0132] 2. Ground equipment is easier to control costs than satellite equipment. Therefore, ground relay equipment in satellite-ground links can be designed asymmetrically (strong ground, weak satellite) to reduce the requirements for satellite communication payload capacity.

[0133] 3. Ground relay equipment in satellite-to-ground links can simply perform signal forwarding between satellites without directly connecting to the core network or the Internet (no need to connect to fiber optic or microwave backhaul), and its deployment location is less restricted than that of traditional GW.

[0134] This application is applicable to scenarios where ISL capacity is limited in hotspot areas and deploying ground equipment for connecting networks in uninhabited areas is difficult in future high-throughput satellite networks. For example, the technical solution in this application can also be applied to the following potential scenarios:

[0135] Scenario 1: Using existing base stations as relays for inter-satellite relays. For example... Figure 2B As shown, in some remote areas, existing base stations deploy transceiver equipment that supports relaying satellite signals, forwarding signals from one satellite to another. This scenario is applicable to existing terrestrial base station (BS) deployments. Terrestrial relay equipment can serve as a relay for inter-satellite data transmission, or as a UE (User Equipment) surrounding the BS service, to complete signal transmission between the UE, GW (Gateway), and CN (Network Controller).

[0136] Scenario 2: Ground relay equipment used solely for inter-satellite signal transmission, such as... Figure 2A As shown, this is suitable for deploying ground relay equipment in uninhabited land areas or oceans where there are no users nearby.

[0137] Ground relay equipment and satellites can be categorized into transparent transmission mode and regenerative mode based on their operating modes. In transparent transmission mode, the equipment amplifies and forwards radio frequency signals and performs frequency shifting. In regenerative mode, the equipment has data processing capabilities (encoding, decoding, reassembly, and retransmission functions), functioning as a base station or partially as a base station (e.g., an IAB node, gNB DU, or UE relay).

[0138] It should also be understood that, based on the processing capabilities of satellite and ground relay equipment, the technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to the following potential network architectures:

[0139] Architecture 1: Fully Transparent Transmission Architecture. Both satellite and ground relay equipment are transparent transmission devices, meaning both have transparent transmission capabilities. The satellite and ground relay equipment do not perform encoding / decoding, reassembly, or retransmission processing on the transmitted data. The BS node perceived by the UE is the ground-based BS. For example... Figure 2C As shown in (1) of the table. Figure 2C In the communication system architecture shown, devices marked as "transparent" can be understood as devices with transparent transmission capabilities, and devices marked as "regenerative" can be understood as devices with regenerative capabilities. For example... Figure 2C As shown, the signal transmission path between the UE and the CN may include multiple nodes, such as at least one of satellite, base station, and GW. The BS and CN can transmit signals through the NG interface.

[0140] Architecture 2: Full Regenerative Architecture. Both satellite and ground relay equipment are regenerative devices, meaning both possess regenerative capabilities. Both satellite and ground relay equipment can perform encoding / decoding, reassembly, and retransmission of transmitted data. The node perceived by the UE is the satellite serving that UE. For example... Figure 2C As shown in (2) of the text.

[0141] Architecture 3: Partial Regeneration and Partial Transparent Transmission Architecture. In satellite and terrestrial relay equipment, some devices are transparent transmission nodes, and some are regeneration nodes. Typically, satellites are transparent transmission nodes, and terrestrial relay equipment is regeneration nodes, thereby minimizing payload costs while maintaining similar performance. The node perceived by the UE is the BS node closest to the UE in the multi-hop link. For example... Figure 2C As shown in (3) of the text.

[0142] The following provides an exemplary description of the communication scenarios and architectures to which the method provided in this application is applicable.

[0143] Scenario 1: For ground relay equipment (or ground-based repeater equipment), a signal from one satellite can be forwarded to one or more satellites. Further, based on the number of satellite signals received and forwarded by the satellite and the ground relay equipment, it can be divided into the following four potential forms:

[0144] Form 1: such as Figure 2D As shown in (1), a ground relay device can transfer a satellite signal to another satellite.

[0145] Form 2: such as Figure 2D As shown in (2), ground relay equipment can relay a satellite signal to multiple satellites.

[0146] Form 3: such as Figure 2D As shown in (3), ground relay equipment can transfer signals from multiple satellites to one satellite.

[0147] Form 4: such as Figure 2D As shown in (4), ground relay equipment can transfer signals from multiple satellites to multiple satellites.

[0148] based on Figure 2D As shown, a ground relay device can be a single ground unit or a group of multiple ground relay devices to perform the function of satellite signal relay. Similarly, a satellite can be a single device or a group of multiple satellite devices.

[0149] Ground relay equipment can operate in transparent transmission mode, only changing the frequency and amplifying the radio frequency of the transmitted signal; or it can operate in regenerative mode, decoding, reassembling, encoding the transmitted data signal, and making necessary adjustments to some control information.

[0150] It should also be understood that, in this application, the ground relay equipment operating in regeneration mode can independently decode, reassemble, and encode signals from multiple satellite nodes before forwarding, or it can jointly decode, reassemble, and encode signals from multiple satellite nodes before forwarding. The ground relay equipment can transparently forward data from some satellite nodes and regenerate and forward data from the remaining satellites. This provides a low-cost alternative and capacity expansion solution for inter-satellite links.

[0151] Scenario 2: This scenario illustrates different operating modes of ground relay equipment and the different network configurations corresponding to different types of incident and forwarded signals.

[0152] For transparent transmission nodes, ground relay equipment can be traditional application function (AF) devices, network-controlled repeaters (NCR) devices, etc. Figure 2E Four illustrative examples of the receiving and transmitting signal formats for transparent ground relays are provided.

[0153] like Figure 2E As shown in (1), the transparent ground relay device transfers the signal from one transparent node to another; as... Figure 2E As shown in (2), the transparent ground repeater transfers the signal from the previous regenerator node to a transparent node; as Figure 2E As shown in (3), the transparent ground relay device transfers the signal from the previous transparent node to a regenerator node; as Figure 2E As shown in (4), the transparent ground relay device transfers the signal from the previous regenerator node to a regenerator node. Figure 2E In the system architecture shown, uU indicates that information can be transmitted between two devices via the uU port. Figure 2E In this context, the BS can transmit information with the CN via the NG interface.

[0154] For regenerated nodes, ground relay equipment can be traditional base stations, traditional gNB-DU, IAB node, UE-relay, etc. Figure 2F Four illustrative examples of the receiving and transmitting signal formats for transparent ground relays are provided.

[0155] like Figure 2F As shown in (1), the regeneration ground relay equipment transfers the signal from the previous regeneration node to another regeneration node; as Figure 2F As shown in (2), the regenerating ground relay equipment transfers the signal from the previous regenerating node to a transparent transmission node; as Figure 2F As shown in (3), the regenerating ground relay equipment transfers the signal from the previous transparent node to a regenerating node; as Figure 2F As shown in (4), the regenerated ground relay device transfers the signal from the previous transparent node to a transparent node. Figure 2F Other information can be found in the foregoing. Figure 2E The description in the text will not be repeated here.

[0156] Scenario 3: This scenario exemplifies how ground relay equipment receives maintenance instructions. Maintenance instructions are sent along the route from the previous regeneration node or from the previous transparent transmission node. For transparent ground relays, a mobile terminal (MT) can be bound to receive maintenance instructions; for regeneration ground relays, the relay itself can act as an MT node to obtain maintenance instructions. Maintenance instructions include information such as the node's routing configuration, transmit / receive beam frequencies, bandwidth, beamwidth, pointing, scan pattern, and effective time.

[0157] like Figure 2G As shown in (1), the regenerated ground relay equipment receives operation and maintenance instructions; such as Figure 2G As shown in (2), the transparent ground relay equipment obtains operation and maintenance instructions by binding MT.

[0158] It should be understood that ground relay equipment receives maintenance instructions via the in-line method, which has a large bandwidth and high capacity, enabling it to quickly transmit maintenance information.

[0159] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another communication system architecture to which embodiments of this application apply is illustrated. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the communication system includes three paths: "Ground Station 1 - First Non-Ground Network Communication Device - Relay Device - Satellite #10 - UE", "Ground Station 2 - Second Non-Ground Network Communication Device #1 - Relay Device - Satellite #21 - UE", and "Ground Station 3 - Second Non-Ground Network Communication Device #2 - Relay Device - Satellite #22 - UE".

[0160] Figure 3The example shown illustrates the establishment of a link or forwarding link between the relay device and a first non-terrestrial network communication device, and also illustrates the establishment of links or forwarding links between the relay device and two second non-terrestrial network communication devices. In practical applications, the relay device can establish links or forwarding links with a number of other second non-terrestrial network communication devices, and this embodiment does not limit this. The relay device provides forwarding services for data sent by the first and second non-terrestrial network communication devices through these links.

[0161] For example, the relay device sends the data received from the first non-terrestrial network communication device to the next hop of the path corresponding to the first non-terrestrial network communication device, namely satellite #10. Similarly, the relay device sends the data received from the second non-terrestrial network communication device #1 to the next hop of the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device #1, namely satellite #21. The relay device sends the data received from the second non-terrestrial network communication device #2 to the next hop of the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device #2, namely satellite #22.

[0162] The relay device can also transmit data with other devices. For example, the relay device can send data to UEs deployed in the air or on the ground, such as to aircraft or satellites. Data can be transmitted between the UE and the nearest node (e.g., between satellite #10, satellite #21, and satellite #22 and the UE) via an access link.

[0163] like Figure 3 As shown, the relay device may include, for example, an NCR or an IAB. For example, the relay device may include an MT and a DU. For example, the relay device may include an MT and a DU. For example, the relay device may include an MT, a CU, and a DU. For example, the relay device may include an MT and an access network device, the access network device including, for example, a DU and a CU. For example, the relay device may include an MT and a forwarding entity. The MT is used to establish links or establish forwarding links with the first non-terrestrial network communication device and at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, respectively. The DU or forwarding entity is used to establish links or establish forwarding links with the next-hop device of the path corresponding to the first non-terrestrial network communication device and at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, respectively. In this scheme, the relay device can act as a mobile terminal, connecting to the first non-terrestrial network communication device and the second non-terrestrial network communication device respectively, and subsequently, the relay device can forward data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device and the second non-terrestrial network communication device, respectively.

[0164] based on Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 1H , Figure 1I , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E , Figure 2F , Figure 2G and Figure 3 At least one of the contents shown in the above, as well as the other contents mentioned above, Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. For ease of understanding, Figure 4 The interaction between the relay device, the first non-terrestrial network communication device, the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and the third non-terrestrial network communication device will be introduced as an example.

[0165] Figure 4 The relay device in the middle can be Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 1H , Figure 1I , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E , Figure 2F , Figure 2G and Figure 3 This involves relay equipment or the chip system within the relay equipment. The relay equipment can be located on the ground or in the high atmosphere (e.g., a relay equipment on a satellite, aircraft, drone, or aerial platform). The relay equipment can be a device with data forwarding capabilities. For example, it can be a network device. For example, it can be an NCR or IAB. Or, for example, it can be a satellite. For instance, it can operate in transparent or regenerative mode.

[0166] In this embodiment, the relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent by multiple communication devices to improve communication efficiency. Specifically, the relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent from a communication device to a terminal, and vice versa. This embodiment uses the example of a relay device forwarding data sent from a communication device to a terminal device. The content of data forwarded by the relay device from a terminal device to a communication device is similar and can be referred to accordingly, without further elaboration. The multiple communication devices for which the relay device provides data forwarding services can include non-terrestrial network communication devices and / or terrestrial network communication devices. These multiple communication devices may include, for example, network devices or chips (or chip systems, or circuits) within network devices, such as base stations deployed in the air or on the ground.

[0167] Figure 4 This description uses an example of multiple communication devices including a first non-terrestrial network communication device, at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, and at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device. The non-terrestrial network communication devices among the first, at least one second, and at least one third devices may, for example, include airborne network equipment or chips (or chip systems, or circuits) within airborne network equipment. Airborne network equipment may, for example, include satellites, aircraft, drones, equipment deployed on airborne platforms, or other airborne equipment. For a related description of relay devices and non-terrestrial network communication devices, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 3 The descriptions of etc. will not be repeated here.

[0168] The following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying diagram.

[0169] Step 401: The relay device sends the second information to the first non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0170] Correspondingly, the first non-terrestrial network communication device receives the second information.

[0171] For example, the relay device can establish an RRC connection with the first non-terrestrial network communication device. In this way, the relay device can perform some signaling transmissions with the first non-terrestrial network communication device based on the RRC connection; for example, the relay device can send second information to the first non-terrestrial network communication device based on the RRC connection.

[0172] The second information can be understood as capability information reported by the relay device. For example, the second information can be used to indicate the number of nodes (e.g., host nodes) that the relay device supports accessing, and / or the number of nodes (e.g., host nodes) that the relay device has already accessed. The relay device can access each node (e.g., host node) through the MT inside the relay device. In the embodiments of this application, the node (e.g., host node) can be a terrestrial network communication device (e.g., a communication device deployed on the ground) or a non-terrestrial network communication device (e.g., a satellite).

[0173] Taking a node (e.g., a host node) as a non-terrestrial network communication device as an example, in one possible implementation, the second information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization, the number of paths supported by the relay device, or the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that have already established synchronization with the relay device. The number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization can be the same value as the number of paths supported by the relay device. The non-terrestrial communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization can include / are: nodes (e.g., host nodes). The number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization can also be replaced by: the number of non-terrestrial communication devices that the relay device supports for access, or the number of non-terrestrial communication devices that the relay device can provide data forwarding services.

[0174] The relay device can report its own capabilities by sending a second message, which allows other devices (such as the first non-terrestrial network communication device) to configure the relay device with non-terrestrial network communication devices that need to provide forwarding services based on the relay device's actual capabilities. This ensures that the relay device's configuration does not exceed its capabilities. For example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device can configure the relay device with non-terrestrial network communication devices that need to establish synchronization based on the relay device's capabilities, thereby avoiding the number of hosts configured for the relay device exceeding its capacity.

[0175] Step 401 can be skipped. Figure 4 Step 401 is represented by a dashed line, which can be understood as an optional step.

[0176] Step 402: The first non-terrestrial network communication device sends the first information to the relay device.

[0177] Correspondingly, the relay device receives the first information.

[0178] The first information can be used to indicate at least one communication device. The communication device indicated by the first information is the communication device that the relay device needs to access. In this embodiment, the communication device can be a terrestrial network communication device (e.g., a communication device deployed on the ground) or a non-terrestrial network communication device (e.g., a satellite). This embodiment is described using the example of the communication device indicated by the first information including a non-terrestrial network communication device. For example, the first information includes information for indicating at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. In this embodiment, for distinction, the non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information is referred to as a second non-terrestrial network communication device, and the first information may include information about one or more second non-terrestrial network communication devices. The second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated in the first information can be determined by the first non-terrestrial network communication device based on the network's backhaul requirements and / or the relay device's capabilities (e.g., the capabilities of the relay device indicated by the second information). In this way, the number of second non-terrestrial network communication devices configured for the relay device can be avoided from exceeding the relay device's capabilities.

[0179] The first information may include at least one of information A1, information A2, information A3, information A4, or information A5. Information A1 includes information indicating the second non-terrestrial network communication device. Thus, the relay device can more easily identify the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on this information. At least one of information A2 (location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device), information A3 (next hop information of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device), information A4 (information to assist in establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device), or information A5 (information to assist in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device) can also be used to assist the relay device in identifying the second non-terrestrial network communication device, to assist the relay device in establishing synchronization and / or a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device more quickly, or to assist the relay device in communicating better with the second non-terrestrial network device. The first information may include information about one or more second non-terrestrial network communication devices. Information A2, information A3, information A4, and information A5 are introduced as examples of information about one second non-terrestrial network communication device. Information A2, information A3, information A4, and information A5 can be regarded as information about one second non-terrestrial network communication device. If the first information also includes information about another second non-terrestrial network communication device, then the information of the other second non-terrestrial network communication device may also include at least one of information A2, information A3, information A4, or information A5 corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relevant content is similar and will not be elaborated further.

[0180] Information A1 is used to indicate information about the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the first information may include information indicating a second non-terrestrial network communication device. For example, the first information may include identification information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device among the at least one such device. Thus, the relay device can more easily identify the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on this information. This approach can reduce the complexity of the solution on the relay device side.

[0182] In another possible implementation, the relay device can acquire a first set. The first set includes at least one non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device has the capability to provide forwarding services for data sent by the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set. Alternatively, the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set are those that the relay device plans or may need to access. At least one second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by first information belongs to the first set. The first non-terrestrial network communication device can indicate to the relay device which non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set need to be accessed this time. For example, the first information may include index information of at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device in the first set, and the relay device queries the first set to find the second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information. It can be seen that in this scheme, the relay device can obtain a list of non-terrestrial network communication devices planned to be accessed in advance, and then the first non-terrestrial network communication device can individually indicate to the relay device the non-terrestrial network communication devices that need to be accessed each time. This scheme can save the signaling overhead sent by the first non-terrestrial network communication device to the relay device each time, thereby reducing resource consumption.

[0183] In the above examples, there are several ways for the relay device to obtain the first set. For example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device or other communication device sends information indicating the first set to the relay device. For instance, the information indicating the first set can be sent in tabular form. Alternatively, the information indicating the first set can be carried in RRC signaling, and the first information can be carried in MAC CE. The relay device obtains the first set through RRC signaling and determines the non-terrestrial network communication device that needs to be accessed through MAC CE. Or, the first set may be pre-configured on the relay device side. Or, the first set may be defined by a protocol.

[0184] Information A2, location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0185] The first information includes the location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device can determine the direction of the beam based on the location information. For example, the relay device can direct the beam toward the second non-terrestrial network communication device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0186] For example, the location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device includes at least one of the following: the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device; the coordinates of the location of the second non-terrestrial network communication device in a coordinate system; or, at least one of the longitude, latitude, or altitude of the location of the second non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device can determine the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on at least one of these pieces of information. Furthermore, the relay device can determine the location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on the aforementioned information, and then determine the direction of the beam based on this location information. For example, the relay device can direct the beam towards the second non-terrestrial network communication device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0187] Information A3: Information about the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0188] The path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device includes multiple communication devices. For example, the path includes: second non-terrestrial network communication device - relay device - communication device #1. In this example, the second non-terrestrial network communication device connects to the relay device. The second non-terrestrial network communication device can be referred to as the previous hop or host node of the relay device, and communication device #1 can be referred to as the next hop information of the relay device in this path. The second non-terrestrial network communication device needs to send data to the relay device. After receiving the data from the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device needs to forward the data to communication device #1. Communication device #1 can be the last device in this path, or there can be other devices after communication device #1. Communication device #1 can be a non-terrestrial network communication device or a terrestrial network communication device.

[0189] Information about the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device may include, for example, at least one of the following: identification information, index information, or location information of the next hop communication device.

[0190] The relay device can identify the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on information A3. Furthermore, the relay device can determine the next hop more quickly based on information A3, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0191] Information A4 is used to assist in establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0192] When the first information includes information for assisting in establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can establish synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device more quickly based on this, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0193] Information used to assist in establishing synchronization with a second non-terrestrial network communication device includes at least one of the following:

[0194] Synchronization sequence information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device;

[0195] PCI information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device;

[0196] Frequency information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device; or,

[0197] The time range for establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0198] On the one hand, the relay device can identify the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on information A4. On the other hand, the synchronization sequence information, PCI information, or frequency point information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device can accelerate the blind detection speed of the relay device, thereby accelerating the speed at which the relay device establishes synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device and improving communication efficiency.

[0199] Since the second non-terrestrial network communication device can be mobile, in one possible implementation, after the relay device obtains the time range for establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, it can establish synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device within that time range. This time range may be the time during which the relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device. Outside of this time range, due to the movement of the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device may no longer be able to serve the second non-terrestrial network communication device, or the relay device may not be able to maintain synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device outside of this time range. Therefore, in one possible implementation, the relay device can stop maintaining synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device outside of this time range, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0200] Information A5 is used to assist in establishing a connection with a second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0201] On the one hand, the relay device can identify the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on information A4. On the other hand, if the first information includes information to assist in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can establish a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device more quickly based on this, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0202] For example, the information used to assist in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device includes information on the non-contentionable access resources associated with the second non-terrestrial network communication device and / or information on the non-contentionable access preamble sequence. Based on the information on the non-contentionable access resources and / or the preamble sequence, the relay device can establish a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device more quickly, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0203] The first information may include information about one or more second non-terrestrial network communication devices. The above description uses one second non-terrestrial network communication device as an example. When the first information includes information about multiple second non-terrestrial network communication devices, the information for each device can be found in the foregoing description and will not be repeated here. The content types of the information for two second non-terrestrial network communication devices included in the first information may be the same or different. For example, the first information may include the location information of second non-terrestrial network communication device #1 and the next-hop information of second non-terrestrial network communication device #2. Another example is that the first information may include the location information (e.g., ephemeris), PCI, and frequency of the second non-terrestrial network communication device. Yet another example is that the first information may include the index number, location information (e.g., ephemeris), frequency, PCI, and time range of the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0204] This time range refers to the time range during which synchronization is established (or maintained) with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, or the time range during which a connection is established (or maintained) between the relay device and the second non-terrestrial network communication device, or the time range during which the relay device provides forwarding services for data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device, or the time range during which the link between the relay device and the second non-terrestrial network communication device is activated. For a given second non-terrestrial network communication device, outside of the time range corresponding to that second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device may cease maintaining synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, cease providing services to the second non-terrestrial network communication device, or deactivate the link between the relay device and the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0205] Information used to indicate a time range may include information indicating the start and end times of the time range. For example, the information indicating the time range may be [t0, t1], where t0 is the start time and t1 is the end time. Alternatively, the information indicating the time range may include a start time and a preset duration, with the end time being the time reached after the preset duration elapsed from the start time. Another example is that the information indicating the time range may include a preset duration and an end time, with the start time being the end time minus the preset duration.

[0206] In another possible implementation, the information used to indicate the time range may include information indicating the end time of the time range. The information used to indicate the time range may not indicate the start time of the time range. For example, the information used to indicate the time range may indicate the end time t1 of the time range. The relay device may use the time of receiving the first information as the start time of the time range.

[0207] The following example uses Table 1. For instance, in Table 1, the index number of the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0 includes: the index number of the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0, the location information ephemeris #1 of the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0, the frequency F0 of the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0, the PCI8 of the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0, and the time range [t0, t1] corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0. The relay device can maintain synchronization or connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0 within the time range [t0, t1]. The relay device can stop maintaining synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0 or stop forwarding data from the second non-terrestrial network communication device #0 at or after time t1. The location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device can include ephemeris, coordinates, etc. For example, the location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device #2 in Table 1 is represented as (x1, y1, z1). In this embodiment, the coordinates used to indicate the location information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device can be coordinates in a specified coordinate system, such as the geodetic coordinate system. Other contents in Table 1 are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0208] Examples of content included in the first information in Table 1

[0209]

[0210] Step 403: The first non-terrestrial network communication device sends the fifth message to the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0211] Correspondingly, the second non-terrestrial network communication device receives the fifth information.

[0212] In step 403, for example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends the fifth information to some or all of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices indicated by the first information.

[0213] The following example uses a second non-terrestrial network communication device. A fifth message sent by the first non-terrestrial network communication device to the second non-terrestrial network communication device indicates at least one relay device providing forwarding services for data transmitted by the second non-terrestrial network communication device. For example, the fifth message includes at least one of the relay device's location information, identification information, or Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI). For example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends the fifth message to the second non-terrestrial network communication device via the Xn interface. In this way, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can also identify at least one relay device providing services to itself, and then transmit data through these relay devices. Furthermore,

[0214] The above description uses a single fifth message as an example. In practical applications, a first non-terrestrial network communication device can send multiple fifth messages. The relay devices indicated by the multiple fifth messages can be the same or different. For example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends fifth message #1 to a second non-terrestrial network communication device #1, and the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends fifth message #2 to a second non-terrestrial network communication device #2. Fifth message #1 includes a list #1 of relay devices that provide forwarding services for the data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device #1. Fifth message #2 includes a list #2 of relay devices that provide forwarding services for the data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device #2. Relay device list #1 includes at least one relay device, and relay device list #2 includes at least one relay device. Relay device list #1 and relay device list #2 can be the same or different. Relay device list #1 and relay device list #2 differ in that at least one relay device in relay device list #1 is different from at least one relay device in relay device list #2.

[0215] Step 403 can be skipped. Figure 4 Step 403 is represented by a dashed line, indicating that it is an optional step. If step 403 is not executed, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can determine the relay device serving it based on subsequent communication with the relay device. Alternatively, the second non-terrestrial network communication device can determine the relay device serving it based on the network topology.

[0216] Step 404: The relay device establishes synchronization with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0217] In step 404, the relay device may, for example, establish synchronization with at least one or each of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices indicated by the first information, in response to the first information. The process of establishing synchronization between the relay device and the second non-terrestrial network communication device may include: the relay device receiving a synchronization signal from the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and establishing synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on the synchronization signal. Since the relay device can establish synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device, it can also forward data from at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device. In this scheme, the relay device can also forward data from a first non-terrestrial network communication device. Because the relay device can provide forwarding services for data sent by multiple non-terrestrial network communication devices, communication efficiency can be improved.

[0218] The relay device establishes RRC connections with some or all of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices indicated by the first information. Alternatively, the relay device may not establish RRC connections with some or all of at least one of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices. This saves resource overhead.

[0219] When the relay device does not establish an RRC connection with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, signaling overhead is saved. When the relay device establishes an RRC connection with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device can transmit some signaling based on the RRC connection. For example, when the second non-terrestrial network communication device needs to send data, it can send information to the relay device indicating that it has data to send, so that the relay device can know the need of the second non-terrestrial network communication device based on the signaling, thereby reducing the occurrence of data packet loss.

[0220] In another possible implementation, the relay device may have a link established with a second non-terrestrial network communication device that is in a deactivated state. The first information is also used to instruct the activation of the link between at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and the relay device. The relay device can activate the link between at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and the relay device in response to the first information. This scheme can quickly establish links or establish forwarding links, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0221] Step 405: The second non-terrestrial network communication device sends the third information to the relay device.

[0222] Correspondingly, the relay device receives the third information.

[0223] The third information instructs the relay device to forward data sent by at least one of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices. Each piece of information in this embodiment can have other names; for example, the third information can be called a forwarding control instruction. After receiving the third information, the relay device can determine which second non-terrestrial network communication devices' data needs to be forwarded, or the relay device can determine which second non-terrestrial network communication devices have data that needs to be forwarded based on the third information.

[0224] In this embodiment of the application, the third information may also be sent by the first non-terrestrial network communication device. Figure 4 The following is an example of a second non-terrestrial network communication device sending third information.

[0225] When the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends third information, the third information can instruct one or more second non-terrestrial network communication devices. When each second non-terrestrial network communication device sends third information, each third information can instruct the sending end. For example, if second non-terrestrial network communication device #1 sends third information #1, third information #1 can instruct the relay device to forward the data sent by second non-terrestrial network communication device #1. After receiving third information #1, the relay device determines that it needs to forward the data from second non-terrestrial network communication device #1. If second non-terrestrial network communication device #2 sends third information #2, third information #2 can instruct the relay device to forward the data sent by second non-terrestrial network communication device #2. After receiving third information #2, the relay device determines that it needs to forward the data from second non-terrestrial network communication device #2. In this example, each second non-terrestrial network communication device can send third information only when it needs the relay device to send data, thus allowing the relay device to know the task requirements of each second non-terrestrial network communication device based on the received third information. In this scheme, each second non-terrestrial network communication device can send data on demand, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0226] Step 405 can be skipped. Figure 4 Step 405 is represented by a dashed line, which can be understood as an optional step. If step 405 is not executed, the relay device can determine after receiving the first information that it needs to forward data from the second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information.

[0227] Step 406: The first non-terrestrial network communication device sends the first data to the relay device.

[0228] Correspondingly, the relay device receives the first data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0229] Step 407: The relay device sends the first data.

[0230] The relay device can transmit data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device. For example, the relay device can forward the first data to the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the first non-terrestrial network communication device. The first data may include, for example, service data or some signaling from the first non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0231] In another possible implementation, the relay device can receive data sent by the next hop (which can be a terminal device or other relay device) of the relay device in the path corresponding to the first non-terrestrial network communication device, and forward the data to the first non-terrestrial network communication device. Figure 4 Not shown in the image.

[0232] Step 408: The second non-terrestrial network communication device sends the second data to the relay device.

[0233] Correspondingly, the relay device receives second data from at least one of the second non-terrestrial network communication devices.

[0234] Step 409: The relay device sends the second data.

[0235] The relay device can transmit data from a second non-terrestrial network communication device. For example, the relay device can forward the second data to the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device. The second data may include, for example, service data or some signaling from the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0236] In another possible implementation, the relay device can receive data sent by the next hop (which can be a terminal device or other relay device) of the relay device in the path corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and forward the data to the second non-terrestrial network communication device. Figure 4 Not shown in the image.

[0237] In another possible implementation, since the second non-terrestrial network communication device can be mobile, the non-terrestrial network communication device accessed by the relay device at different times may be different. Based on this, in one possible implementation, the relay device can acquire information indicating the validity period of the first information. The relay device can use the first information to access the second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information within the validity period of the first information. For example, the relay device can stop accessing the second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information outside the validity period of the first information (e.g., at the end or end of the validity period, and / or before the start of the validity period). For example, in the case of the end of the validity period of the first information: the relay device stops forwarding information from the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and / or, the relay device stops maintaining synchronization with the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0238] In another possible implementation, the relay device may have an active link established with a second non-terrestrial network communication device. The first information also instructs the activation of the link between at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and the relay device. Upon the expiration of the validity period of the first information, for example, at the end of or after the expiration of the validity period of the first information, the relay device deactivates the link between the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and the relay device.

[0239] In this application's embodiments, "valid time" can be replaced with, for example, valid duration, effective duration, or effective time. The English term for valid time can be "validity duration". The valid time of the first information can be understood as the maximum time the relay device can use or apply the first information. The unit of valid time can be, for example, seconds.

[0240] In this application embodiment, there are various ways for the relay device to obtain information indicating the validity period of the first information. For example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device or other device may send information indicating the validity period of the first information to the relay device. Alternatively, the information indicating the validity period of the first information may be pre-configured on the relay device side, or the information indicating the validity period of the first information may be defined by a protocol.

[0241] Information used to indicate the validity period of the first information may include information indicating the start and end times of the validity period. For example, information used to indicate the validity period of the first information may include the start time and a preset duration, where the end time is the time reached after the preset duration elapses from the start time. Alternatively, information used to indicate the validity period of the first information may include a preset duration and an end time, where the start time is the time obtained by subtracting the preset duration from the end time.

[0242] In another possible implementation, the information used to indicate the validity period of the first information may include an end time of the validity period. The information used to indicate the validity period of the first information may not indicate the start time of the time range. The relay device may use the time of receiving the first information as the start time of the validity period of the first information.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the first information may have a validity period. The second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information may also correspond to a time range (see Table 1 above). When the validity period of the first information ends, the relay device may stop providing services to all second non-terrestrial network communication devices indicated by the first information. If the validity period of the first information has not ended, and the time range corresponding to a second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated in the first information ends or expires, the relay device may stop providing services to that second non-terrestrial network communication device in the first information. The time range corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication devices included in the first information can also be understood as the validity period corresponding to the second non-terrestrial network communication devices. The validity period of the first information may include the validity periods of all second non-terrestrial network communication devices indicated by the first information.

[0244] Because non-terrestrial network communication devices may move, the non-terrestrial network communication devices for which relay devices establish connections may also change. Since the first information has a validity period, the relay device can stop using the first information outside of that period. This avoids the relay device attempting to establish synchronization with non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot establish synchronization, and also avoids the relay device attempting to continue providing forwarding services to non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot establish synchronization, thus saving resource overhead.

[0245] Since the second non-terrestrial network communication device can be mobile, the non-terrestrial network communication devices accessed by the relay device at different times may be different. Based on this, this application embodiment provides another possible implementation in which the relay device can update the non-terrestrial network communication devices that need to be accessed. Figure 4 The following steps 410, 411, 412 and 413 are illustrated by example.

[0246] Step 410: The first non-terrestrial network communication device sends the fourth information to the relay device.

[0247] Correspondingly, the relay device receives the fourth information.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the fourth information can be used to indicate the non-terrestrial network device to which the updated relay device is to connect. The fourth information can be sent by the first non-terrestrial network communication device or by other devices. Figure 4 The example given is the transmission from the first non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0249] For distinction, the non-terrestrial network device indicated by the fourth information is referred to as a third non-terrestrial network communication device. For example, the fourth information includes information for indicating at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device. The third non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the fourth information may or may not overlap with the second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information. For example, a third non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the fourth information may be the same as or different from a second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information.

[0250] Step 411: The relay device establishes synchronization with at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0251] Since non-terrestrial network communication devices may move, the non-terrestrial network communication devices for which the relay device establishes a connection may also change. In this scheme, the relay device can establish synchronization with a second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information based on the first information, and after a period of time, it can also establish synchronization with a third non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the fourth information based on the fourth information.

[0252] It can be seen that, through the fourth piece of information, the non-terrestrial network communication device that the relay device established synchronization with was updated. This scheme can adapt to scenarios where the non-terrestrial network communication device is in a mobile state. In this scenario, the relay device can provide services to non-terrestrial network communication devices that it can serve, thereby avoiding the relay device attempting to provide services to non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot establish synchronization, thus saving resource consumption.

[0253] The content of step 411 can be found in the relevant description of step 404 above, and is similar, so it will not be repeated here.

[0254] Step 412: The third non-terrestrial network communication device sends third data to the relay device.

[0255] Correspondingly, the relay device receives third data from a third non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0256] Before step 412, the relay device may also receive signaling from the third non-terrestrial network communication device or the first non-terrestrial network communication device. This signaling can be used to instruct the third non-terrestrial network communication device to forward data from the relay device. This signaling may also have other names, such as forwarding control signaling, which is not shown in the figure.

[0257] The content of step 412 can be found in the descriptions of steps 406 and / or 408 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0258] Step 413: The relay device sends the third data.

[0259] The content of step 413 can be found in the descriptions of steps 407 and / or 409 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0260] The actions performed by the relay device after receiving the fourth information are similar to those performed after receiving the first information. For example, in response to the fourth information, the relay device establishes synchronization with at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device. The relay device can then forward data sent by the third non-terrestrial network communication device. For instance, if the relay device receives third data from the third non-terrestrial network communication device, it can send the third data to the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the third non-terrestrial network communication device. Related details can be found in the relevant schemes for the relay device after receiving the first information, and will not be elaborated further.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the first non-terrestrial network communication device can actively send fourth information to the relay device. For example, the first non-terrestrial network communication device can periodically or non-periodically update the non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device needs to connect to. Another example is that the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends fourth information to the relay device when it determines that the relay device and at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first information cannot maintain synchronization and / or cannot establish a connection.

[0262] In another possible implementation, the relay device sends information requesting an update for a non-terrestrial network communication device. This information can be replaced with: information requesting an update for a non-terrestrial network communication device that has established a link or forwarding link with the relay device, or information requesting an update for a non-terrestrial network communication device for which the relay device provides data forwarding services. In response to this information requesting an update, the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends a fourth message. In one possible implementation, the relay device may send the information requesting an update for a non-terrestrial network communication device periodically or aperiodically. In another possible implementation, the information requesting an update for a non-terrestrial network communication device is sent when the relay device cannot maintain synchronization and / or cannot establish a connection with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device indicated by the first message. In yet another possible implementation, the relay device may also send identification information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device that cannot maintain synchronization and / or cannot establish a connection with the relay device. This allows the first non-terrestrial network communication device to avoid configuring second non-terrestrial network communication devices that cannot maintain synchronization with relay devices and / or establish connections in the updated non-terrestrial network communication device, thereby avoiding communication failures and improving communication performance.

[0263] The above Figure 4 The steps in the process do not have a strict order. Figure 4 The order of the steps given is one possible example. For example, steps 403 and 405 could be after step 406 or after step 407.

[0264] In this embodiment, the information that the first non-terrestrial network communication device needs to send (such as first information, information indicating the validity period of the first information, or fourth information) can be carried in at least one of the broadcast information of system information block (SIB) 1, other system information (OSI), and main system information block (MIB), and broadcast or multicast by the first non-terrestrial network communication device to the relay device. This avoids scheduling different resources for different relay devices to send the above signaling, thereby saving the signaling overhead of resource scheduling and reducing the complexity of system scheduling.

[0265] In another possible implementation, if the first non-terrestrial network communication device sends information (such as first information, information indicating the validity period of the first information, or fourth information, etc.) during the radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment phase and subsequent communication, then this information can be carried in at least one of the following: RRC signaling (e.g., RRC setup message, RRC reconfiguration, RRC resume, etc.), downlink control information (DCI), group DCI, media access control (MAC) control element (CE), and timing advance command (TAC). This information can be indicated by signaling or by a table.

[0266] Alternatively, the information that the first non-terrestrial network communication device needs to send (such as first information, information indicating the validity period of the first information, or fourth information) can be transmitted with data transmission or carried in a separately allocated physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The information that the first non-terrestrial network communication device needs to indicate (such as first information, information indicating the validity period of the first information, or fourth information) can be sent via unicast or multicast. In this way, these information corresponding to each / group of relay devices can be flexibly controlled, and different parameter values ​​can be configured for relay devices according to their different locations or regions to optimize system parameters and communication performance between the UE and gNB / system communication performance. For example, the set of non-terrestrial network communication devices that need to be accessed / synchronized can be configured for relay devices according to their location, thereby fully utilizing the efficiency of relay devices and improving the backhaul performance of the system.

[0267] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the first non-terrestrial network communication device, the second non-terrestrial network communication device, and the relay device may 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 method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, 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 scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0268] Based on the same concept Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The communication devices shown can be used to implement the functions of the relay device, the first non-terrestrial network communication device, or the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G , Figure 1H , Figure 1I , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E , Figure 2F , Figure 2G and Figure 3 The relay equipment involved, the chips (or chip systems, or circuits) inside the relay equipment, and the chips (or chip systems, or circuits) inside the non-terrestrial network communication equipment.

[0269] like Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 The method embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the relay device, the first non-terrestrial network communication device, or the second non-terrestrial network communication device. The transceiver unit 1320 can also be referred to as a communication unit. The transceiver unit 1320 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

[0270] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to receive first information from a first non-terrestrial network communication device through the transceiver unit 1320, and in response to the first information, establish synchronization with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, receive first data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device through the transceiver unit 1320, send the first data through the transceiver unit 1320, receive second data from the second non-terrestrial network communication device among the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device through the transceiver unit 1320, and send the second data through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0271] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send second information.

[0272] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to establish an RRC connection with the first non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0273] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to establish RRC connections with some or all of at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, not to establish RRC connections with some or all of at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0274] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to acquire the first set.

[0275] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to activate the link between at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device and the relay device.

[0276] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive third information.

[0277] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain information indicating the validity period of the first information, and when the validity period of the first information ends, performs at least one of the following: stops forwarding information from at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, or stops maintaining synchronization with at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0278] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to receive fourth information through the transceiver unit 1320, and in response to the fourth information, establish synchronization with at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device, receive third data from the third non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device through the transceiver unit 1320, and send the third data through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0279] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send information for requesting an update of the non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0280] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the relay device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send identification information of a second non-terrestrial network communication device that cannot maintain synchronization with the relay device and / or cannot establish a connection.

[0281] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send first information to the relay device and send first data to the relay device.

[0282] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive second information.

[0283] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to establish an RRC connection with the relay device.

[0284] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send information for indicating the first set.

[0285] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send third information.

[0286] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send information indicating the validity period of the first information.

[0287] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send fourth information.

[0288] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive information for requesting an update of the non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0289] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send fifth information to the second non-terrestrial network communication device.

[0290] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the second non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive fifth information and send second data to at least one relay device.

[0291] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method embodiment shown, when the first non-terrestrial network communication device functions, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send third information.

[0292] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1310 and the transceiver unit 1320, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0293] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1420 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information; output can be understood as sending, and input can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1430 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410, or storing input data required by the processor 1410 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1410 executes instructions.

[0294] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 4 In the method shown, the processor 1410 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0295] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 The communication device shown can also be a schematic diagram of a possible baseband architecture. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the communication device may include a processing system, which may include one or more processors, which may be used to execute processes, such as... Figure 7 The process shown is #1...process #N.

[0296] Processing systems can be implemented using a bus architecture, typically represented by a bus. A bus can include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system. The bus communicatively couples various circuits together, including one or more processors (typically represented by a processor), memory, and computer-readable media (typically represented by a computer-readable medium, such as…). Figure 7 The computer-readable media #1...computer-readable media #N shown are illustrated. The bus can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. The bus interface provides the interface between the bus and the transceiver, as well as between the bus and the interface.

[0297] The communication device may also include a transceiver ( Figure 7 (Not shown in the image), the transceiver can also be replaced by interface circuitry or a communication interface, etc. The transceiver provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together for communication with the corresponding network type. At least one interface (e.g., a network interface and / or a user interface) provides a communication interface or means for communication via an internal bus or via an external transmission medium.

[0298] The processor is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, including executing software stored on a computer-readable medium. When the processor executes the software, it causes the processing system to perform the various functions described below for any particular device. Functions that can be implemented by the processor, memory, and computer-readable medium may include: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate dematching, scrambling, descrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE demapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding CP, removing CP, and one or more of the following.

[0299] The signaling involved in the embodiments of this application (such as first information or first data) can be implemented by a processor, memory, and computer-readable medium. For example, the aforementioned signaling sent by the first non-terrestrial network communication device (e.g., a satellite device) to the relay device is implemented by... Figure 7 The processor, memory, and computer-readable medium in the relay device process the above parameters and then send them to the relay device.

[0300] when Figure 7 The communication device shown is used to achieve Figure 4 In the method shown, the processor 1410 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0301] When the above-mentioned communication device (e.g.) Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7When the communication device shown is a chip used in a relay device, the relay device chip implements the functions of the relay device in the above method embodiments. The relay device chip receives information from a non-terrestrial network communication device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the relay device, and then sent to the relay device chip by these modules. The relay device chip sends information to a non-terrestrial network communication device, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the relay device, and then sent to the non-terrestrial network communication device by these modules.

[0302] When the above-mentioned communication device (e.g.) Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 When the communication device shown is a chip applied to a non-terrestrial network communication device, the non-terrestrial network communication device chip implements the functions of the first, second, or third non-terrestrial network communication device in the above method embodiments. The non-terrestrial network communication device chip receives information from a relay device, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the non-terrestrial network communication device, and then sent to the non-terrestrial network communication device chip by these modules. The non-terrestrial network communication device chip sends information to the relay device, which can be understood as the information being sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the non-terrestrial network communication device, and then sent to the relay device by these modules.

[0303] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0304] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application (e.g.) Figure 6 The processor 1410 and / or Figure 7The processor in the processing system can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0305] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0306] 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, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When a computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions of the embodiments of this application are performed. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0307] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0308] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes 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, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, or C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0309] It is understood that the various numbers involved in the embodiments of this application (such as the numerical numbers "first" and "second", and the letter numbers "A1" and "A2") are only for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the above-mentioned process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applicable to relay devices, and the method includes: Receive first information from a first non-terrestrial network communication device, the first information including information for instructing at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; In response to the first information, synchronization is established with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Receive first data from the first non-terrestrial network communication device, and send the first data; Receive second data from the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, and send the second data.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message being used to indicate at least one of the following: the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization, the number of paths supported by the relay device, or the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that have already established synchronization with the relay device.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Establish a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with the first non-terrestrial network communication device; and / or, Establish RRC connections with some or all of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, do not establish RRC connections with some or all of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Location information of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Information on the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Information used to assist in establishing synchronization with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device in the second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, Information used to assist in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first set is obtained, the first set including at least one non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device having the ability to provide forwarding services for data sent by the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set, and the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device belonging to the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The relay device receives a third message instructing it to forward data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain information indicating the validity period of the first information; If the validity period of the first information expires, perform at least one of the following: Stop forwarding information from the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, or stop maintaining synchronization with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information, the fourth information including information for instructing at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device; In response to the fourth information, synchronization is established with the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device; Receive third data from the third non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device, and transmit the third data.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Before receiving the fourth information, the process also includes: Send information to request updates to non-terrestrial network communication devices.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applicable to a first non-terrestrial network communication device, and the method includes: Send a first message to the relay device, the first message including information for instructing at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, the first message instructing the relay device to establish synchronization with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device needing to provide forwarding services for data sent by the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Send the first data to the relay device.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that the relay device supports for establishing synchronization, the number of paths supported by the relay device, or the number of non-terrestrial network communication devices that have already established synchronization with the relay device.

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Location information of the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Information on the next hop of the relay device in the path corresponding to the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device; Information used to assist in establishing synchronization with the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device in the second non-terrestrial network communication device; or, Information used to assist in establishing a connection with the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send information to indicate a first set, the first set including at least one non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device having the capability to provide forwarding services for data sent by the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set, the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device belonging to the non-terrestrial network communication devices in the first set.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send information indicating the validity period of the first information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message, the fourth message including information for instructing at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device, the fourth message instructing the relay device to establish synchronization with the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device being required to provide forwarding services for data sent by the at least one third non-terrestrial network communication device.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, Before sending the fourth message, the method further includes: Receive information used to request updates to non-terrestrial network communication devices.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: For the second non-terrestrial network communication device in the at least one second non-terrestrial network communication device: A fifth message is sent to the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the fifth message being used to instruct at least one relay device to provide forwarding services for data sent by the second non-terrestrial network communication device, the relay device being one of the at least one relay devices.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the at least one processor or to send signals from the at least one processor to other communication devices, the processor being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 17, through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 17.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product stores a computer program, which includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 17, to be implemented.

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