Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, which can be applied to paging of IoT (Internet of Things) equipment. The method comprises: a first terminal device determining a third time domain resource in a first time unit according to first information, and sending a random access message in the third time domain resource. Wherein the first time unit belongs to N time units, the N time units are time units between two consecutive first messages, the first messages are used for triggering the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The first time unit comprises a first time domain resource and a second time domain resource, and the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource are random access opportunities. The third time domain resource is the first time domain resource or the second time domain resource. In the invention, one time unit has a plurality of random access opportunities, and the terminal device can select one random access opportunity from the plurality of random access opportunities to execute access. Different terminal devices can execute access on the same time unit in a TDMA mode, so that the access efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, Internet of Things (IoT) devices have been applied in various fields, such as healthcare, wearable devices, and smart homes.

[0003] In IoT, IoT devices can first connect to the network and then perform data transmission with network devices. IoT devices attempt to connect in a contention-based manner; if the connection fails, it will try again in the next round. This contention mode may result in longer connection times for some IoT devices, which may not meet the low-power requirements of these IoT devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that helps improve the efficiency of IoT devices accessing networks and saves energy consumption of IoT devices.

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

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a terminal-side device (also called a terminal device). For example, the terminal device can be a terminal equipment or a module or unit for performing some functions of the terminal equipment, such as a circuit, chip / chip system, or other functional module in the terminal equipment. Alternatively, the terminal device can be a logical node, logical module, or software module that implements all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. For ease of description, the following example illustrates the application of this method to a first terminal device. Optionally, the first terminal device is an ambient IoT (AIoT) device, for example, the first terminal device is a tag.

[0007] The method includes: a first terminal device determining a third time-domain resource in a first time unit based on first information, and sending a random access message within the third time-domain resource. The first time unit comprises N time units, which are time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, which represent random access opportunities. The third time-domain resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource.

[0008] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a network-side device (also called a network device). For example, the network device can be a network equipment, a component within the network equipment (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system), or a module or unit used to perform some or all of the functions of the network equipment. Alternatively, the network device can be a logical node, logical module, or software module that implements all or part of the functions of the network equipment. For ease of description, the following example uses the application of this method to a network device. Optionally, the network device is a card reader or a card writer.

[0009] The method includes: a network device determining a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, and receiving a random access message from a first terminal device on a third time-domain resource, wherein the third time-domain resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource. The first and second time-domain resources represent random access message opportunities. The first and second time-domain resources belong to a first time unit, which comprises N time units, where N time units are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer.

[0010] In the solutions provided in the first or second aspect, there are multiple random access opportunities within a time unit (e.g., the first time unit). Any terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device) can select one of the multiple random access opportunities to perform access. Different terminal devices can perform access in the same time unit through time division multiple access (TDMA), thereby enabling them to access the network as early as possible and improving access efficiency.

[0011] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving first information. The first information can be used to indicate the start position of the first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information can be used to indicate a first offset, which is an offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is an offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource.

[0012] Accordingly, in one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending first information. The first information can be used to indicate the start position of the first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information can be used to indicate a first offset, which is an offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is an offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource.

[0013] This scheme provides two methods for a network device to configure multiple time-domain resources included in a first time unit using first information. For example, the first information may indicate the starting position of one or more time-domain resources. Alternatively, the first information may indicate the offset between two time-domain resources, thereby determining another time-domain resource based on one of the time-domain resources and the offset between the two. The specific method used is not limited.

[0014] In one implementation of the first or second aspect, the first information is predefined, or the first information is associated with scheduling parameters of the random access message.

[0015] The multiple time-domain resources included in the first time unit can be predefined, or the multiple time-domain resources included in the first time unit can be associated with the scheduling parameters of the random access message, thereby saving signaling overhead by eliminating the need for network devices to perform additional signaling configuration.

[0016] In one implementation of the first aspect, the first terminal device determining the third time-domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information includes: the first terminal device determining a number n, and determining the third time-domain resource based on the number n. Wherein, n belongs to a first set of values, and the first set of values ​​includes a second set of values ​​and a third set of values. When n belongs to the second set of values, the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource; or, when n belongs to the third set of values, the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource.

[0017] Different time-domain resources correspond to different sets of values, so the first terminal device can select the corresponding time-domain resource from multiple time-domain resources to perform access based on the set of values ​​where the number n is located.

[0018] In one implementation of the first or second aspect, the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource. When the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is spaced apart from the first time-domain resource by a second duration; when the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is spaced apart from the second time-domain resource by a third duration. The fourth time-domain resource is used to begin receiving random access response messages, and this fourth time-domain resource belongs to the first time unit. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third durations is greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource.

[0019] This scheme specifies the relationships that must be satisfied between the fourth time-domain resource, the first time-domain resource, and the second time-domain resource. For example, if the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource, the absolute value of the difference between the second and third durations must be greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource. Thus, when multiple random access opportunities correspond to one fourth time-domain resource, or when multiple terminal devices may correspond to one random access response message, the timing of terminal devices sending random access messages on different time-domain resources waiting to receive the random access response can be coordinated, improving the success rate of the first terminal device receiving the random access response message.

[0020] In one implementation of the first or second aspect, the fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration, which is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message.

[0021] In this scheme, the fourth time domain resource includes a first duration, during which the first terminal device can begin receiving random access response messages. Compared to the first terminal device starting to receive random access response messages after the first duration, this scheme allows for earlier network access, improving access efficiency.

[0022] In one implementation of the first or second aspect, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1], where Q is a positive integer; or, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 Even numbers in [-1], the third set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 The odd numbers in [-1], where Q is a positive integer.

[0023] This scheme provides two ways to divide the first value set, and there are no restrictions on the division method or the number of value sets. For example, the first value set may also include a fourth value set, which corresponds to a fourth time-domain resource. When the number n belongs to the fourth value set, the first terminal device determines to perform access in the fourth time-domain resource.

[0024] In one implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving a first parameter, the first parameter including Q, for indicating N time units.

[0025] Accordingly, in one implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending a first parameter, the first parameter including Q, for indicating N time units.

[0026] This scheme allows for flexible configuration of N time units based on the first parameter, enabling multiple terminal devices to access the network sequentially.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a terminal-side device (also called a terminal device). For details regarding the terminal device, please refer to the description of the terminal device in the first aspect above; it will not be repeated here. For ease of description, the following example uses the method applied to a first terminal device. Optionally, the first terminal device is an AIoT device, for example, a tag.

[0028] The method includes: a first terminal device determining a third time-frequency resource in a first time unit based on first information and second information, and sending a random access message within the third time-frequency resource. The first time unit comprises N time units, which are time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message triggers the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, which represent random access opportunities. The first time unit is associated with the first frequency-domain resource and the second frequency-domain resource. The time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource. The frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first frequency-domain resource or the second frequency-domain resource. The second information can be used to determine the frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource.

[0029] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a network-side device (also called a network device). For details on network devices, please refer to the description of terminal devices in the first aspect above; it will not be repeated here. For ease of description, the following example uses the method applied to a network device. Optionally, the network device is a card reader or a reader / writer.

[0030] The method includes: a network device determining a first time-frequency resource and a second time-frequency resource, and receiving a random access message from a first terminal device on a third time-frequency resource. The time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource, and the first and second time-domain resources represent random access message opportunities. The first and second time-domain resources belong to a first time unit, which comprises N time units, where N time units are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first frequency-domain resource or the second frequency-domain resource, and the first and second frequency-domain resources belong to M frequency-domain resources associated with the first time unit, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0031] Compared to the first or second approach, in the third approach, one time unit (e.g., a first time unit) is associated with multiple (e.g., M) frequency domain resources. For example, the first time unit is associated with a first frequency domain resource and a second frequency domain resource. The first terminal device can also determine the frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource based on the second information. Thus, any terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device) can select one random access opportunity from multiple random access opportunities and / or one frequency domain resource from multiple frequency domain resources to perform access. Through this approach, different terminal devices can simultaneously perform access via TDMA and / or Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) in the same time unit, thereby enabling earlier network access and improving access efficiency.

[0032] In one implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving first information and second information. The first information can be used to indicate the start position of a first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information can be used to indicate a first offset, which is an offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is an offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource. The second information is used to indicate one of M frequency-domain resources, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the second information includes M second parameters, and the M second parameters correspond to the M frequency-domain resources.

[0033] Accordingly, in one implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending first information and second information. The first information can be used to indicate the start position of the first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information can be used to indicate a first offset, which is an offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is an offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource. The second information is used to indicate one of the M frequency-domain resources, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the second information includes M second parameters, which correspond to the M frequency-domain resources.

[0034] In one implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the first information is predefined, or the first information is associated with the scheduling parameters of the random access message.

[0035] In one implementation of the third aspect, the first terminal device determining the third time-domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information includes: the first terminal device determining a number n, and determining the third time-domain resource based on the number n. Here, n belongs to a first set of values, which includes a second set of values ​​and a third set of values. When n belongs to the second set of values, the time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the first time-domain resource; or, when n belongs to the third set of values, the time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the second time-domain resource.

[0036] In one implementation of the third aspect, when n belongs to the second set of values, the frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the first frequency domain resource; or, when n belongs to the third set of values, the frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the second frequency domain resource.

[0037] In one implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource. When the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is spaced apart from the first time-domain resource by a second duration; when the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is spaced apart from the second time-domain resource by a third duration. The fourth time-domain resource is used to begin receiving random access response messages, and this fourth time-domain resource belongs to the first time unit. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third durations is greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource.

[0038] In one implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration, which is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message.

[0039] In one implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1], where Q is a positive integer; or, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 Even numbers in [-1], the third set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 The odd numbers in [-1], where Q is a positive integer.

[0040] In one implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving a first parameter, the first parameter including Q, for indicating N time units.

[0041] Accordingly, in one implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending a first parameter, the first parameter including Q, for indicating N time units.

[0042] In one implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: a first terminal device selecting one second parameter from M second parameters based on a third parameter, and determining the frequency domain resource corresponding to the selected second parameter as the first frequency domain resource. Wherein, the third parameter is greater than or equal to 0, and the third parameter is less than or equal to 1.

[0043] In one implementation of the third or fourth aspect, the third parameter belongs to a set of candidate values, which includes at least one value, the sum of which equals 1.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the third or fourth aspect and its various implementations can be referred to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and its various implementations mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the functionality to implement the behaviors described in any of the method examples of the first to fourth aspects. The beneficial effects can be found in the relevant descriptions of the first or second aspects and will not be repeated here. For example, the communication device may be a first terminal device as described in the first or third aspect, or it may be a device capable of supporting a terminal device to implement the functions required by the method provided in the first aspect; for example, the communication device may be a chip or chip system in the terminal device. As another example, the communication device may be a network device as described in the second or fourth aspect, or it may be a device capable of supporting a network device to implement the functions required by the method provided in the second aspect; for example, the communication device may be a chip or chip system in the network device.

[0046] In one possible design, the communication device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0047] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding means, modules, or units for performing any of the methods of the first to fourth aspects. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module or processor) and / or a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module or transceiver). The transceiver unit is capable of both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting unit (sometimes also called a transmitting module), and when it performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional unit, referred to as the transceiver unit, which performs both transmitting and receiving functions; or, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit can be different functional units, with "transceiver unit" being a general term for these functional units. These units (modules) can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples of any of the first to fourth aspects described above, as detailed in the method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0048] For example, the communication device is used to implement the corresponding function in the method example of the first aspect. Accordingly, the processing module can be used to determine the third time-domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information. The transceiver module is used to send a random access message within the third time-domain resource. The first time unit belongs to N time units, which are time units between two consecutive first messages used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, where N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, which represent random access opportunities. The third time-domain resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource.

[0049] For example, the communication device is used to implement the corresponding function in the method example of the second aspect. Accordingly, the processing module is used to determine the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource. The transceiver module is used to receive a random access message from the first terminal device in the third time domain resource. The third time domain resource is either the first time domain resource or the second time domain resource. The first time domain resource and the second time domain resource represent random access message opportunities. The first time domain resource and the second time domain resource belong to a first time unit, which belongs to N time units, where N time units are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer.

[0050] For example, the communication device is used to implement the corresponding function in the method example of the third aspect. Accordingly, the processing module can be used to determine the third time-frequency resource in the first time unit based on the first information and the second information. The transceiver module is used to send a random access message within the third time-frequency resource. The first time unit belongs to N time units, which are time units between two consecutive first messages used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, where N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, which are random access opportunities. The first time unit is associated with the first frequency-domain resource and the second frequency-domain resource, and the time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource. The frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first frequency-domain resource or the second frequency-domain resource. The second information can be used to determine the frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource.

[0051] For example, the communication device is used to implement the corresponding function in the method example of the fourth aspect. Accordingly, the processing module is used to determine the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource. The transceiver module is used to receive a random access message from the first terminal device on the third time-frequency resource. The time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource, and the first and second time-domain resources represent random access message opportunities. The first and second time-domain resources belong to a first time unit, which belongs to N time units, where N time units are the time units between two consecutive first messages used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first frequency-domain resource or the second frequency-domain resource, and the first and second frequency-domain resources belong to M frequency-domain resources associated with the first time unit, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0052] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor configured to execute methods from any of the first to fourth aspects and any implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory for storing computer programs (also referred to as code or instructions), data, etc. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program, data, etc., from the memory, methods from any of the first to fourth aspects and any implementation thereof are executed.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including an input / output interface and logic circuitry. The input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information. The input / output interface may be an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuitry, etc. The logic circuitry is used to execute the methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0054] In the sixth and seventh aspects, the communication device may be a first terminal device as described in the first or third aspect. Alternatively, the communication device may be a means capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the functions required by the methods provided in the first or third aspect; for example, the communication device may be a chip or chip system in the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device may be a network device as described in the second or fourth aspect. Alternatively, the communication device may be a means capable of supporting the network device to implement the functions required by the methods provided in the second or fourth aspect; for example, the communication device may be a chip or chip system in the network device. The chip may be a baseband chip and / or a radio frequency chip, and the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0055] In one implementation of the seventh aspect, when the communication device is a terminal device, the interface circuit can be a radio frequency processing chip in the terminal device, and the processing circuit can be a baseband processing chip in the terminal device. When the communication device is a network device, the interface circuit can be a radio frequency processing chip in the network device, and the processing circuit can be a baseband processing chip in the network device.

[0056] In one implementation of the seventh aspect, when the communication device is a chip or chip system, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the logic circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, or various other logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver; 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 both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the input / output interface and the logic circuit.

[0057] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a terminal device and a network device. The terminal device is used to implement the functions described in the first aspect, and the network device is used to implement the functions described in the second aspect. Alternatively, the terminal device is used to implement the functions described in the third aspect, and the network device is used to implement the functions described in the fourth aspect. Optionally, the terminal device includes an AIoT device, and the network device includes a reader / writer.

[0058] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects and any of their implementations to be implemented.

[0059] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects and any of their implementations to be implemented.

[0060] The beneficial effects of the fifth to tenth aspects and their implementation methods mentioned above can be referenced with the beneficial effects of the first aspect and any of its implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figures 1-2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system to which the embodiments of this application apply;

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating how the reader and tag work.

[0063] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of the data transmission structure from the reader to the tag;

[0064] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the data transmission structure from the tag to the reader;

[0065] Figures 5-6 A communication flowchart for tag access to the network;

[0066] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figures 8-9 Several schematic diagrams illustrating FDMA resource allocation provided for embodiments of this application;

[0068] Figures 10-11 Several schematic diagrams illustrating random resource allocation provided for embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 13 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to IoT systems, such as ambient IoT (A-IoT / AIoT), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), wireless fidelity (WIFI), Bluetooth, and StarFlash. IoT technology is widely used in various industries, such as logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, and environmental monitoring. IoT is based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID technology is a contactless communication technology that utilizes radio frequency communication. Its principle is that the reader and the tag do not need to make contact; data communication is achieved through radio waves.

[0072] For example, see Figure 1 This illustrates a communication system to which embodiments of this application are applicable. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes network equipment and AIoT devices. The AIoT device can be a standalone device, or it can be integrated with a terminal device, meaning the AIoT device is part of the terminal device. In this communication system, the network equipment can communicate with the AIoT devices. It should be noted that... Figure 1 Taking a network device as an example, which communicates with AIoT devices. In possible scenarios, the device communicating with AIoT devices can be any device other than a network device, such as a terminal device.

[0073] For example, please see Figure 2 The diagram illustrates another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the communication system includes network devices, intermediate nodes, and AIoT devices, wherein the intermediate nodes can forward information between the network devices and AIoT devices. Figure 2 Taking a terminal device as an intermediate node as an example, that is, the terminal device acts as an intermediary node between the network device and the AIoT device. The AIoT device transmits information to the terminal device, and the terminal device forwards the information to the network device through the Uu interface; or, the network device transmits information to the terminal device, and the terminal device then forwards the information to the AIoT device; or, based on the resources pre-authorized or pre-configured by the network device, the terminal device conducts bidirectional communication with the AIoT device through the AIoT air interface.

[0074] Intermediate nodes can also be devices other than terminal devices, such as network devices. For example, the network device could be located outdoors, while the terminal device and the AIoT device could be located indoors, meaning the outdoor network device communicates with the indoor AIoT device through an indoor intermediate node. Optionally, the intermediate node can be called an intermediate UE (User Equipment). Another example is an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. An IAB node can act as an intermediary between the network device and the AIoT device; the AIoT device transmits information to the IAB node, and the IAB node forwards this information to the network device via the Uu interface; or, the network device transmits information to the IAB node, and the IAB node then forwards the information to the AIoT device. Based on pre-authorized or pre-configured resources of the network device, the IAB node can also communicate bidirectionally with the AIoT device via the AIoT air interface. Yet another example is a relay node. Relay nodes can act as intermediaries between network devices and AIoT devices. AIoT devices transmit information to the relay node, and the relay node forwards this information to the network device via the Uu interface; alternatively, network devices transmit information to the relay node, and the relay node then forwards the information to the AIoT device. Based on pre-authorized or pre-configured resources on the network device, relay nodes can also conduct bidirectional communication with AIoT devices via the AIoT air interface.

[0075] Optionally, the energy required for the AIoT device to transmit information can be provided by an excitation signal, which can come from an exciter, which can be a network device, a terminal device, or a device other than a network device or a terminal device.

[0076] In potential scenarios, the functionality of devices communicating with AIoT devices (such as readers) can be further separated. A reader can functionally be divided into a receiver and an actuator, which can be deployed on different network devices. For example, the receiver can be deployed on a first network device, and the actuator on a second network device. The first network device performs the reader's receiving function, while the second network device performs its transmitting function. The receiver is also called a receiving end or receiving unit, and the actuator is also called an actuator end or actuator unit.

[0077] The above describes several communication systems applicable to the embodiments of this application. To better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, some terms and concepts related to the embodiments of this application are first introduced.

[0078] (1) Network equipment, also known as network device

[0079] In this embodiment, the network device refers to a radio access network (R)AN device / RAN node. In this embodiment, (R)AN and RAN are interchangeable; for ease of description, RAN is used as an example below. RAN can be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as a long-term evolution (LTE) communication system, a sixth-generation (5G) mobile communication system / new radio (NR) communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system, or other similar communication systems. Other similar communication systems include, for example, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), spark link systems, Bluetooth systems, near-field communication systems, etc. RAN can also refer to open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), cloud radio access network (CRAN), virtualized RAN (vRAN), non-terrestrial network (NTN), etc. RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. RAN equipment can also be called RAN nodes, RAN entities, or access nodes, etc.

[0080] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or a base station in a future mobile communication system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor / host nodes, or radio controllers. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0081] In another possible scenario, the RAN node can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of the base station; or multiple RAN nodes can cooperate to assist terminal equipment in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes performing some of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The function of the CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the function of the CU can be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane can be separated and implemented by different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (i.e., CU-control plane (CP) entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., CU-user plane (UP) entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the function of the RAN node. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). Any of the units among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0082] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open RAN (ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0083] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and / or the Physical (PHY) layer). For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications or the technical specifications of other applicable communication protocols.

[0084] The above division of the processing functions of CU and DU according to protocol layers is merely an example; other division methods are also possible, and this application does not limit this. For example, in one design, CU or DU can be further divided into processing functions with protocol layers. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer are located in the DU.

[0085] In another possible design, the DU and RU collaborate to implement the PHY layer functionality, or, more specifically, a portion of the PHY layer functionality of the DU can be moved to the RU. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, the DU may be configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU may be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Alternatively, the DU may be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU may be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the MAC layer, and lower-level functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the mid-RF side. This application does not limit the specific functions of the DU and RU. The interface between the DU and RU can be called a fronthaul interface. In one design, the CU may not have a PDCP layer; for example, the CU may only include an RRC layer. The CU-CP may not have PDCP-C. The CU-UP may not have PDCP-U, or may not have a CU-UP. In one design, the DU may not have an RLC layer; for example, the DU may only have a MAC and a higher PHY layer.

[0086] When the RAN is O-RAN, it can also have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. For example, O-RAN includes an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / non-RT RIC / NRTRIC) or a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / nRT RIC / nRT RIC). A non-real-time RIC can be used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling workflows including model training and updates, and guiding applications / functions in the nRT RIC based on policies. A near-real-time RIC can be used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0087] In the embodiments of this application, the means for implementing the functions of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a means that supports the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the functions of the network device. This means can be installed in the network device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the network device.

[0088] (2) Terminal equipment

[0089] In this application embodiment, anything capable of data communication with a base station can be considered a terminal device. Terminal devices are also called terminals, terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, or mobile terminals, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios. For example, terminal devices can be: mobile phones, computers, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, stations (STA), robotic arms, cameras, robots, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, or smart home devices (such as televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, set-top boxes), relays, customer premises equipment (CPE), etc.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system, such as a water meter, electricity meter, electronic tag / label, etc. IoT is an important component of future information technology development. Its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0091] When the terminal device is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, an unmanned car, a driverless car, a pilotless car, or an automobile, or a roadside unit (RSU). All the terminal devices described above, if located on a vehicle (e.g., placed / installed inside the vehicle), can be considered in-vehicle terminal devices. In-vehicle terminal devices can be built into a vehicle's in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit. Vehicle-mounted terminal equipment can be vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted modules, vehicles, on-board units (OBU), RSUs, vehicle infotainment systems (or on-board transmitting units) (telematics boxes, T-boxes), chips, or systems on chips (SoCs), etc. The aforementioned chips or SoCs can be installed in vehicles, OBUs, RSUs, or T-boxes.

[0092] In the embodiments of this application, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the functions of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the terminal device.

[0093] (3) Devices in IoT systems

[0094] The Internet of Things (IoT) can encompass a variety of devices, including smart water meters, shared bicycles, and devices for sensing and data collection in areas such as smart cities, environmental monitoring, smart homes, and forest fire prevention. To increase the number of devices that can be accommodated in IoT scenarios, reducing the size of IoT devices is generally a trend. However, due to various factors, the size of IoT devices cannot be minimized; for example, IoT devices require high-capacity batteries. Therefore, for IoT devices with limited size, it is not feasible to incorporate high-capacity batteries, and the goal is to reduce the power consumption of IoT devices to extend their battery life.

[0095] Compared to NR terminal devices (e.g., NR terminal devices of release (R) 15, R16, R17), AIoT devices have at least one of the following characteristics:

[0096] 1) Maximum Bandwidth: The maximum bandwidth of an AIoT device can be less than the maximum bandwidth of R15 and R16 terminal devices (e.g., 100MHz). The maximum bandwidth of an AIoT device can also be less than the maximum bandwidth of the reduced capability (RedCap) in R17 terminal devices (e.g., 20MHz). For example, the maximum bandwidth of an AIoT device can be 1 resource block (RB), 1.44MHz, 1.5MHz, 2.88MHz, 3MHz, etc.

[0097] 2) Number of antennas supported: AIoT devices support one transmit antenna and one receive antenna, or AIoT devices support one transmit antenna and two receive antennas.

[0098] 3) The transmission channels of AIoT devices and readers are not aligned with the start and / or boundaries of NR time slots, frames, symbols, etc.

[0099] 4) The transmission between AIoT devices and readers uses a single-carrier waveform.

[0100] 5) The transmission channel from the reader to the AIoT device is not aligned with the start and / or end boundaries of the NR time slots, frames, etc.; the transmission channel from the reader to the AIoT device is aligned with the start and / or end boundaries of the NR OFDM symbols.

[0101] 6) The transmission from the reader to the AIoT device uses OFDM waveform.

[0102] 7) AIoT devices support at least one of the following modulation methods: binary on-off keying (OOK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), binary phase shift keying (BPSK), and minimum shift keying (MSK). FSK can also be called binary frequency shift keying (BFSK), 2FSK, or OOK-FSK.

[0103] IoT devices include those requiring batteries (also known as IoT devices with energy storage or active IoT devices), those without batteries (also known as IoT devices without energy storage or passive IoT devices), and those with limited energy storage (also known as semi-passive IoT devices). IoT devices with limited energy storage do not require manual battery replacement or charging. Active IoT devices can independently generate signals and have active radio frequency components for transmission. Passive IoT devices have no energy storage, cannot independently generate signals, and transmit based on backscatter communications. Semi-passive IoT devices have energy storage but cannot independently generate signals and transmit based on backscatter communications. Passive or semi-passive IoT devices can also be called AIoT devices, which can provide services and communicate by harvesting energy from the environment.

[0104] A typical IoT device is a tag. Tags can also be called RFID tags, electronic tags, or IoT tags. In this embodiment, the tag can function as a terminal device to communicate with network devices. The term "tag" is merely an optional designation and may change; for example, "AIoT tag" may be replaced with other names. This embodiment does not limit the name used. For ease of description, the term "tag" will continue to be used as an example below.

[0105] The tag uses a low-precision, low-power mid-to-low frequency ring oscillator or a completely oscillator-less receiver to receive downlink signals. When the tag is operating, the communication energy and / or carrier wave are supplied by the reader, and communication is based on a reflected carrier wave. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the reader can send a carrier signal to the tag, and the tag receives the carrier signal through an antenna. The solid line in the figure represents the carrier signal sent by the reader, and the dashed line represents the reflected signal transmitted by the tag based on the carrier signal reflection. The tag can adjust the information to be transmitted in the reflected signal. Through this method, the tag uses a low-precision, low-power mid-to-low frequency ring oscillator or a completely oscillator-less method to receive downlink signals, which can further reduce the power consumption of the tag's downlink reception. Optionally, the carrier can also be understood as an excitation signal, which can be sent by other devices besides the reader or the devices integrated into the reader (e.g., external nodes).

[0106] like Figure 4AThis illustrates a data transmission format for reader-to-device (R2D) communication. An R2D transmission includes a preamble, a physical channel carrying the data, and a postamble. The specific name of the physical channel carrying the data is not limited; for example, it can be called the physical reader-to-device channel (PRDCH). Optionally, the PRDCH can also be replaced with the ambient physical downlink shared channel (APDSCH).

[0107] like Figure 4B This illustrates a data transmission format for device-to-reader (D2R) communication. A single D2R transmission includes a preamble (e.g., a preamble), a physical channel carrying the data, and a postamble. The specific name of the physical channel carrying the data is not limited; for example, it could be called the Physical Device to Reader Channel (PDRCH). Optionally, PDRCH can be replaced with the Ambient Physical Uplink Shared Channel (APUSCH).

[0108] A tag is a miniature wireless transceiver device, mainly consisting of a built-in tag antenna, coupling element, and chip. The tag's chip contains storage space that enables a reader to read or write tag data. After receiving radio frequency signals transmitted by the reader through the antenna, the tag can couple these signals through the coupling element. This coupling channel allows power to be supplied to the tag's chip, and the data stored in the chip can be fed back to the reader through the antenna. A communication network based on cellular network infrastructure, including readers and tags, can be called AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things).

[0109] There are various types of AIoT devices, and this application does not limit the methods for classifying AIoT device types. Several methods for classifying AIoT device types are illustrated below.

[0110] In classification method 1, AIoT devices can be divided into three categories: Type 1 (also known as device1), Type 2 (also known as device2a), and Type 3 (also known as device2b). Type 1 AIoT devices do not support uplink or downlink amplification, and their uplink transmission relies on an externally provided carrier wave using backscatter, rather than generating its own signal. Type 2 AIoT devices support either uplink or downlink amplification, and their uplink transmission relies on an externally provided carrier wave using backscatter, also without generating its own signal. Type 3 AIoT devices support either uplink or downlink amplification, and their uplink transmission relies on an internally generated carrier wave.

[0111] Optionally, Type 1 AIoT devices have an output power consumption of approximately 1 μW and some energy storage capacity. Type 2 AIoT devices have a peak power of no more than several hundred μW. Type 3 AIoT devices have a peak power of no more than several hundred μW.

[0112] Optionally, the initial sampling frequency offset (SFO) of Type 1 AIoT devices is at most 10. X1 ppm, X1 can be 5, 4, 3, or 2. The maximum initial sampling clock skew for Type 2 AIoT devices is 10. X2 ppm, X2 can be 5, 4, 3, or 2. The maximum initial sampling clock skew for Type 3 AIoT devices is 10. X3 ppm, X3 can be 5, 4, 3 or 2.

[0113] In classification method 2, AIoT devices can be divided into three categories: passive AIoT devices, semi-passive AIoT devices, and active AIoT devices. Among them, passive AIoT devices and semi-passive AIoT devices can use reflection-based communication methods, while active AIoT devices use a communication method that actively generates carrier waves.

[0114] In classification method 3, AIoT devices can also be divided into three categories: device A, device B, and device C. Device A has no energy storage and cannot generate signals independently; it uses backscattering to transmit signals. Device B has energy storage but cannot generate signals independently; it also uses backscattering to transmit signals, and the energy stored in device B can amplify the reflected signal. Device C has energy storage, can generate signals independently, and has active radio frequency components for transmission.

[0115] The AIoT devices in this application embodiment can be classified according to classification method 1, classification method 2, or classification method 3, and this application embodiment is applicable to any category of AIoT devices under classification method 1, classification method 2, or classification method 3. Alternatively, the AIoT tags in this application embodiment may also have other classification methods or may not be classified at all; there are no restrictions on this.

[0116] AIoT can be applied to passive or semi-passive IoT scenarios. For example, in logistics and warehousing scenarios, tags (such as AIoT tags) can be used for inventory and tracking of goods, and can also be used to monitor the status of goods during transportation. In industrial manufacturing scenarios, tags can be used to monitor the status of the environment and equipment.

[0117] In AIoT, tags (such as AIoT tags) and readers can perform at least one of the following operations: inventory operation, read operation, write operation, kill operation, or lock operation.

[0118] Inventory operations, also known as inventory checks, are used to retrieve tag identifiers. For example, a reader can use query and acknowledge (ACK) commands to obtain tag identifiers. To facilitate tag inventory, tags can include four session identifiers (S0-S3), each corresponding to two inventory states, A and B, indicated by a sessionInventory flag. When a reader selects a tag, the select command sent to that tag carries a session identifier, which the tag stores. When the reader performs an inventory operation on the tag, the query command sent to the tag includes the session identifier, at which point the tag can flip its inventory state from A to B. If the reader sends another query command to perform an inventory operation, since the tag's inventory state is B, it will not respond to the reader, thus preventing the same tag from being inventoried multiple times in a single inventory cycle.

[0119] For example, see Figure 5 This is a timing diagram of the tag access network provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The introduction uses the example of a reader / writer performing an inventory check on tags. Accordingly, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 This illustrates the communication process for tag access to the network.

[0120] S601, the reader sends a select message. Correspondingly, the tag receives the select message.

[0121] Select messages can instruct the reader to inventory or take stock of tags. For example, a reader can send a select message to take stock of its tag inventory. Optionally, a select message can be replaced with a paging message. Optionally, this paging message has the functionality of selecting tags.

[0122] S602, the reader sends a query message. Correspondingly, the tag receives the query message.

[0123] A query message can be used by one or more tags to send a random number (RN) based on the query message. The query message can indicate a Q value, which the tag receiving the query message can use to determine the initial value of a counter. Optionally, the query message can also be replaced by a paging message. Optionally, the paging message has the function of sending the Q value.

[0124] S603, the tag sends a random number. The reader then receives this random number.

[0125] The tag can send the random number when certain conditions are met, which may include the tag maintaining a counter that is 0. For example, after receiving a query message, the tag can determine a value based on the query message, which can be used as the initial value of the counter. For example, the value could be (0, 2). Q The tag can send a random number from the initial value of -1.

[0126] If the initial value is 0, the tag can send the random number. Alternatively, if the initial value is not 0, the tag can decrement the counter value sequentially. For example, the tag can receive a QueryRep message from the reader; each time a QueryRep message is received, the tag can decrement the counter value by 1 until the counter value is 0. Optionally, the QueryRep message can also be replaced with a paging message. Optionally, the paging message has the functionality of a QueryRep message.

[0127] As mentioned above, when the selection message is a paging message, it has the function of selecting a tag. When the query message is a paging message, it has the function of sending a Q value. When the query duplicate message is a paging message, it has the function of querying duplicate messages. When the above selection message, query message, and query duplicate message are replaced by a paging message, the function of the paging message can be distinguished by specific identifiers. For example, the first value of the MAC header indicates that the current paging message has the function of selecting a tag. Another example is that the second value of the MAC header indicates that the current paging message has the function of sending a Q value. Yet another example is that the third value of the MAC header indicates that the current paging message has the function of querying duplicate messages.

[0128] During a single inventory check (or other business processes), one or more access rounds may occur. For example, if all tags to be inventoried fail to access the system in one round, a second round can be performed. Each access round may include one or more time units. Furthermore, the lengths of the different time units within a single access round can be the same or different; for example, the length of a time unit can be controlled by the reader. In a single access opportunity, one or more tags may be able to send random numbers (e.g., their counters are 0); while some tags may not be able to send random numbers (e.g., their counters are not 0). The aforementioned query duplicate message is sent only once by the reader within a time unit; the aforementioned query message is also sent only once by the reader within a time unit. Query messages and query duplicate messages do not exist within the same time unit. For example, in a single access round, the reader sends a query message in the first time unit and sends query duplicate messages in subsequent time units. (See reference [link to reference] for more details.) Figure 6 .

[0129] For a tag, if its counter value is 0 in the first time unit of an access round (i.e., the initial value of the counter is 0), the tag can send a random number in the first time unit without having to receive duplicate query messages in subsequent time units. Alternatively, if the tag's counter value is not 0 in the first time unit (time unit 0), the tag does not send a random number in the first time unit, but waits until the second time unit (time unit 1) of the access round to receive duplicate query messages; in the second time unit, if the tag's counter value decrements to 0, the tag sends a random number in the second time unit; otherwise, the tag continues to receive duplicate query messages in the third time unit (time unit 2) of the access round, and so on.

[0130] Optionally, the method may also include steps S604 to S605 as follows.

[0131] S604. The reader sends an acknowledgment message. The tag receives this acknowledgment message accordingly. This acknowledgment message is, for example, an acknowledgment response (ACK).

[0132] The confirmation message may include the random number received by the reader. For a tag, if the received confirmation message includes the random number sent by the tag, it means that the tag has successfully connected to the reader, or the random number was successfully sent; if the confirmation message does not include the random number sent by the tag, it means that the tag failed to connect to the reader, or the random number transmission failed.

[0133] S605. The tag sends its identifier. The reader receives the tag's identifier.

[0134] For example, if a tag successfully connects to a reader or a random number is successfully sent, the tag can send its identifier so that the reader can obtain the tag's identifier. For instance, the tag's identifier may include part or all of the tag's electronic product code (EPC). When the tag's identifier includes a portion of the tag's EPC, the identifier can be a truncated EPC.

[0135] Optionally, the communication process may also include S706, where the tag and reader transmit data.

[0136] In S606, for example, the reader can send commands (e.g., downlink commands, DL commands) between the reader and the tag. The DL command can indicate the corresponding operation, such as a read operation or a write operation. For example, if the DL command is a read operation, it can indicate the characteristics of the data to be read; if the DL command is a write operation, it can include the data to be written to the tag. Optionally, the DL command can also include the tag's identifier, making it clear to the tag whether to execute the DL command.

[0137] After receiving the DL command, the tag can perform corresponding operations. For example, if the DL command is a read operation, the tag can read data that meets the characteristics of the data indicated by the read operation from its storage area and send the data so that the reader / writer can receive the data. Alternatively, if the DL command is a write operation, the tag can write the data carried by the DL command into its storage area.

[0138] (4) Time unit

[0139] A time unit refers to a period of time. In this embodiment, there are N time units between two consecutive query messages, where N is a positive integer. Alternatively, a round of access includes one or more time units. For a more detailed explanation of the concept of a time unit, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment. For example, there are time units 0 to 3 between two query messages. A time unit can be the duration between a query message and a repeating query message, or it can be the duration between two consecutive repeating query messages. The different time units included in a single access process can have the same or different lengths. For example, time unit 0 and time unit 1 have different sizes.

[0140] A time unit can be a radio frame, subframe, slot, mini-slot, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, millisecond (ms), or fractional milliseconds (e.g., 1 / 32 ms). Alternatively, a time unit can be multiple slots, multiple subframes, multiple mini-slots, multiple OFDM symbols, or several milliseconds (ms) or fractional milliseconds. A radio frame may include multiple subframes, a subframe may include one or more slots, and a slot may include at least one symbol. Alternatively, a radio frame may include multiple slots, and a slot may include at least one OFDM symbol.

[0141] (5) In the embodiments of this application, "transmission" includes "sending" and / or "receiving". "Sending" and "receiving" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between access network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0142] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "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 mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A / B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and / or c means the following combinations: a exists alone, b exists alone, c exists alone, a and b exist simultaneously, a and c exist simultaneously, b and c exist simultaneously, or a, b, and c exist simultaneously, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0143] In the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" can be substituted, and "when" and "in the case of" can be substituted. "When" and "if" / "if" can be substituted.

[0144] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0145] In this application, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first parameter and the second parameter refer to two different parameters, and do not indicate a difference in the priority or importance of these two parameters.

[0146] In the embodiments of this application, the solutions in each embodiment can be used in a reasonable combination, and the explanations or descriptions of various terms, similar operations, or steps appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained to each other in the embodiments, without limitation.

[0147] According to the foregoing Figure 5 or Figure 6 As the process shows, tags attempt to access the system based on a competition mechanism; if access fails, it tries again in the next round. For example, ... Figure 5 As shown, tags 2 and 3 may both send random numbers (RN16) in time unit 2, which could lead to a conflict and access failure. Tags 2 and 3 can then attempt access again in the next round. Currently, the reader only sends a duplicate query message once per time unit, and also only sends a query message once per time unit. The query message and the duplicate query message do not exist in the same time unit. Figure 5 As shown, there is a one-time-unit interval between a query message and a duplicate query message, and a one-time-unit interval between two consecutive duplicate query messages. This contention mode may result in longer access times for some tags. However, some tags require rapid access, and the current contention mechanism cannot meet their low-power consumption requirements.

[0148] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a solution based on its embodiments. In this embodiment, a time unit can be divided into multiple access opportunities; for example, a time unit may include at least two access opportunities. The network side can configure the access opportunities in each time unit. The terminal side selects a suitable access opportunity to perform access based on the network side's configuration. Thus, different terminal devices can perform access via TDMA in the same time unit, thereby improving access efficiency and minimizing terminal power consumption.

[0149] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below.

[0150] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The network architecture is shown. The communication method provided in this application embodiment takes the access of a first terminal device to the network as an example. It should be understood that other terminal devices besides the first terminal device can also use the method provided in this application embodiment to access the network, and the behavior of other terminal devices is the same as that of the first terminal device. The following is an example of the method provided in this application embodiment being executed by a first terminal device and a network device. The steps executed by the first terminal device can be implemented by the first terminal device itself, or by a device including the first terminal device (e.g., a terminal device). For example, the first terminal device can be a hardware component (such as a baseband chip, or other processing unit or processor module) in the terminal device, or a logical node, logical module, or software module that implements some or all of the functions of the first terminal device. The steps executed by the network device can be implemented by the RAN device itself, or by a component in the RAN device (such as a baseband chip, or other processing unit or processor module), or by a component that completes some or all of the functions of the RAN device (such as a CU, DU, or RU). In possible scenarios, the first terminal device can be Figure 1 The AIoT device shown or the chip (system) within the AIoT device; the network device may be... Figure 1 Network devices in, or could be Figure 1 The chip (system) in the network device. This network device has some or all of the functions of a reader / writer.

[0151] Both AIoT devices and readers can be implemented based on cellular network infrastructure, or they can be devices within a cellular network. For example, the functionality of a reader can be implemented by a network device or a terminal device, and an AIoT device can be implemented by a terminal device within a cellular network. For instance, an AIoT device can be an extremely low-power, extremely low-complexity IoT terminal. When a terminal device has the functionality of an AIoT device, then that terminal device can perform contactless data communication with a network device or another terminal device.

[0152] Random access messages include access-related messages or information. For example, in a 3-step random access process, random access messages include random access messages 1 through 3. Random access message 1 is the random access preamble, which can be simply referred to as message 1 (Msg1). Random access message 2 is the response message to random access message 1, which can be simply referred to as message 2 (Msg2). Random access message 3 is used to report the identification information of the AIoT device. Random access message 3 is also called Msg3. As another example, in a 2-step random access process, random access messages include random access messages A through B. MsgA is equivalent to random access messages 1 and 3 in the 3-step random access process; MsgB is equivalent to random access message 2 in the 3-step random access process. Furthermore, random access messages can also include random numbers, terminal identifiers, etc.

[0153] A time unit is divided into multiple time-domain resources, and each time-domain resource can be regarded as a random access opportunity, or simply an access opportunity. That is to say, in the embodiments of this application, a time unit includes multiple access opportunities.

[0154] Please see Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This method is described from the perspective of the interaction between the first terminal device and the network device. It should be understood that the communication method can also be implemented by other devices, such as a chip or communication device with communication capabilities. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single execution entity can be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device can be divided into execution by at least one of CU, DU, RU, etc. Figure 7 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps.

[0155] S701, The first terminal device determines the third time domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information.

[0156] The first time unit is one of N time units, where N is a positive integer. These N time units comprise the time units included in one round of access by the terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device). For example, the first time unit is one of the N time units between two consecutive first messages. This first message can be used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, or it can be used to trigger the first terminal device to perform access. The specific name of the first message is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the first message can be called a query message or a paging message. The N time units can be configured by the network device. For example, the network device sends a first parameter, which can be used to indicate the N time units, or the first parameter can be used to indicate the N time units between two consecutive first messages. For example, if the first parameter includes (or is) a Q value, then N = 2. Q The first parameter can be carried in the R2D message.

[0157] The first time unit can be any one of N time units, and this application does not limit which specific time unit it is. For example, the first time unit can be the time unit between two consecutive second messages in the N time units. This second message can be used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network again. For example, the second message can be a query for duplicate messages or a paging message. Figure 5 For example, N time units are designated as time unit 0 to time unit 2, and the first time unit can be either time unit 1 or time unit 2. Alternatively, the first time unit can also be the time unit between the first and second consecutive messages within the N time units. (Continuing...) Figure 5 For example, N time units are time units 0 to 2, and the first time unit can be time unit 0. In particular, when N=1, the first time unit is the time unit between two consecutive first messages.

[0158] In this embodiment, the first time unit includes multiple time-domain resources, each of which can be considered a random access opportunity. In other words, the first time unit includes multiple random access opportunities. When the first terminal device performs access, it can select a suitable time-domain resource from these multiple time-domain resources for access. Thus, multiple terminal devices can perform access within the first time unit, which is equivalent to multiple terminal devices performing access in the first time unit using TDMA, allowing some terminal devices to access the network as quickly as possible. Compared to Figure 5 The process shown can only be used for one terminal device to access the network in one time unit. The method provided by the embodiments of this application can improve the efficiency of terminal devices accessing the network.

[0159] For ease of description, the following text uses the example of a first time unit including a first time domain resource and a second time domain resource. It should be understood that a first time unit may also include more time domain resources. The first and second time domain resources are random access resources / random access opportunities. Taking the example of a first terminal device determining from the first time unit that the time domain resource for performing access is a third time domain resource, the third time domain resource can be either a first time domain resource or a second time domain resource.

[0160] Optionally, the durations occupied by the multiple time-domain resources included in the first time unit can be the same or different. For example, the duration occupied by the first time-domain resource can be the same as the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource. The duration occupied by each time-domain resource included in the first time unit can be predefined or configured by the network device. Alternatively, the starting position of one or more time-domain resources included in the first time unit can be predefined or configured by the network device.

[0161] In implementation method 1, the network device can configure the start or end position of the first time-domain resource. In this case, if the duration occupied by the first time-domain resource is predefined or configured, the position of the first time-domain resource can be determined based on its start or end position. Furthermore, the network device can configure the relationship between the positions of other time-domain resources and the position of the first time-domain resource, thereby determining the positions of other time-domain resources based on this relationship and the position of the first time-domain resource. For example, the network device can configure a first offset between the position of the second time-domain resource and the position of the first time-domain resource, then the position of the second time-domain resource can be determined based on the first offset and the position of the first time-domain resource. The first offset can be an offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or an offset between the start position within the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource.

[0162] For easier understanding, please refer to Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of TDMA resource allocation provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The first time-domain resource in the middle can be a time window [T] R2D1_min T R2D1_max The second time-domain resource can be [T]. R2D2_min T R2D2_max ], X is the first offset. The network device can be configured [T R2D1_min T R2D1_max The starting position and X. The first terminal device can determine [T] based on the network device configuration. R2D1_min T R2D1_max ], and [T R2D2_min T R2D2max ]. Among them, T R2D_minThis can be the minimum time interval between the end position of an R2D message and the start position of a D2R message, which corresponds to the R2D message. R2D_max This can be the maximum time interval between the end position of an R2D message and the start position of a D2R message, which corresponds to the R2D message. Optionally, the end position of an R2D message can be the position of its last falling edge or rising edge, or the end position of a postamble of the R2D message. Optionally, the start position of a D2R message can be the position of its first falling edge or rising edge.

[0163] It should be noted that if the first time unit includes other time-domain resources (such as a fifth time-domain resource) used as access opportunities in addition to the first and second time-domain resources, the first information may include multiple offsets. For example, the first information may also include a second offset for configuring the position of the fifth time-domain resource. For example, the second offset may be the offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the fifth time-domain resource, or it may be the offset between the start position within the first time-domain resource and the start position of the fifth time-domain resource.

[0164] In possible implementations, the network device can configure the start or end position of the first time-domain resource using first information. For example, the network device sends first information that can be used to indicate the start or end position of the first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the network device can configure a first offset using first information. For example, the network device sends first information that can be used to indicate the first offset. Alternatively, the first message can indicate the start or end position of the first time-domain resource, as well as the first offset. The first information can be carried in an R2D message. The first information and the first parameter can be carried in a single R2D message, or the first information and the first parameter can be carried in different R2D messages. Furthermore, the network device can send the first message via multicast or broadcast.

[0165] There are several ways to implement the first information indicating the first offset. For example, the first information can include the first offset, directly indicating the first offset, which is relatively simple. Alternatively, the first information can be associated with the scheduling parameters of the random access message, and the scheduling parameters of the random access message can indicate the first offset. In other words, the first offset is associated with the scheduling parameters of the random access message. The scheduling parameters of the random access message include parameters indicating the length of the random access message, the transmission interval of the random access message, etc. For example, the scheduling parameters of the random access message include (or indicate) one or more of the following: chip length, transport block size (TBS), repetition count, transmission interval of the random access message, etc. Wherein, chip length is the smallest time unit for transmitting the random access message. For example, chip length can correspond to the length of a modulation unit. The repetition count can be the number of repetitions of the transport block corresponding to the random access message, or the number of repetitions can be the number of repetitions of the bits obtained by adding cyclic redundancy code to the transport block corresponding to the random access message, or the number of repetitions can be the number of repetitions of the encoded bits obtained by adding cyclic redundancy code to the transport block corresponding to the random access message, or the number of repetitions can be the number of repetitions of the encoded code block obtained by adding cyclic redundancy code to the transport block corresponding to the random access message. The first terminal device can calculate the transmission duration of the random access message based on the scheduling parameters.

[0166] Optionally, one or more scheduling parameters of multiple random access messages may be the same. For example, if multiple random access messages have the same scheduling parameters, a set of scheduling parameters can be sent through a single signaling message, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0167] Optionally, the start or end position of the first time-domain resource can be predefined. For example, the start position of the first time-domain resource can be the start position of the first time unit. Alternatively, the position of the first time-domain resource can be predefined. In this case, the network device does not need to configure the start or end position of the first time-domain resource via signaling; configuring the first offset is sufficient to determine the position of the second time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first offset can also be predefined. In this case, the network device does not need to configure the first offset via signaling. Alternatively, both the first time-domain resource and the first offset can be predefined. In this case, the network device does not need to configure the first time-domain resource and the first offset via signaling. From this perspective, the first information can be predefined.

[0168] In implementation method 2, the network device can configure the start or end position of the first time-domain resource. In this case, if the duration occupied by the first time-domain resource is predefined or configured, the position of the first time-domain resource can be determined based on its start or end position. Similarly, the network device can also configure the start or end position of the second time-domain resource.

[0169] For easier understanding, please refer to Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of TDMA resource allocation provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 9 The starting position of the first time-domain resource is T. R2D1 The starting position of the second time-domain resource is T. R2D2 The first terminal device transmits a random access message on the third time domain resource. The transmission of the random access message by the first terminal device on the third time domain resource includes the first terminal device transmitting the message according to T... R2D1 Or T R2D2 Send a random access message.

[0170] Optionally, the first terminal device does not need to determine the size of the first or second time-domain resource, but only needs to determine the starting position of the first or second time-domain resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the random access message sent by the first terminal device within a time-domain range including the starting position of the third time-domain resource. Optionally, the time-domain range including the starting position of the third time-domain resource is related to the SFO of the first terminal device. For example, when the SFO of the first terminal device is 10%, the time-domain range including the starting position of the third time-domain resource can be [T]. R2D ×(1-10%)T R2D ×(1+10%)]. Where, T R2D equal to T R2D1 or T R2D2 .

[0171] In a possible implementation, the network device can configure the start or end position of the first time-domain resource using first information. For example, the network device sends first information that can be used to indicate the start or end position of the first time-domain resource.

[0172] The first terminal device can determine the third time-domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information. If the first information is predefined, the first terminal device can acquire the first information. If the first information is associated with the scheduling parameters of a random access message, the first terminal device can determine the first information based on the scheduling parameters of the random access message. Alternatively, the first terminal device can receive the first information sent by the network device.

[0173] The first terminal device can determine the third time-domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information. This includes the first terminal device determining multiple time-domain resources included in the first time unit based on the first information, and then determining the third time-domain resource from among the multiple time-domain resources. For example, different time-domain resources can be associated with / correspond to different sets of values, and the first terminal device can determine the third time-domain resource from among the multiple time-domain resources based on the set of values ​​to which the number n belongs. The number n can be generated based on the first parameter received by the first terminal device. For example, the first parameter is a Q value, and the number n is a value randomly generated based on the Q value.

[0174] For example, a number n belongs to a first set of values, which includes a second set of values ​​and a third set of values. The second set of values ​​corresponds to a first time-domain resource, and the third set of values ​​corresponds to a second time-domain resource. When a number n belongs to the second set of values, the third time-domain resource is a first time-domain resource. When a number n belongs to the third set of values, the third time-domain resource is a second time-domain resource.

[0175] There can be multiple ways to implement the second and third value sets, or the second and third value sets can satisfy multiple different relationships, as illustrated in the following examples.

[0176] For example, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1]. Among them, for "0" and "2" Q The second set of values ​​includes the two endpoint values ​​"-1". For "2",... Q "and "2 Q+1 The third set of values ​​includes the two endpoint values, "-1". For example, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 Even numbers in [-1], the third set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 Odd numbers in [-1].

[0177] Optionally, the correspondence between each set of values ​​and the time-domain resources can be predefined or (pre)configured. The first terminal device can store the correspondence between each set of values ​​and the time-domain resources. For example, the first terminal device can store the correspondence between a second set of values ​​and a first time-domain resource, and store the correspondence between a third set of values ​​and a second time-domain resource.

[0178] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource as an example. Correspondingly, the first value set includes a second value set and a third value set. In possible scenarios, the first time unit may also include other time-domain resources besides the first and second time-domain resources (e.g., a fifth time-domain resource). In this case, the first value set may include a fourth value set in addition to the second and third value sets, which corresponds to the fifth time-domain resource. When the number n belongs to the fourth value set, the first terminal device can determine that the third time-domain resource is the fifth time-domain resource.

[0179] It should be understood that when the first terminal device sends a random access message, the network device responds to the random access message by sending a random access response message to the first terminal device. In this embodiment, the first terminal device may begin receiving the random access response message (or Msg2) within a fourth time domain resource, which belongs to a first time unit.

[0180] Considering that multiple terminal devices may simultaneously use the same preamble to perform access, the network device cannot distinguish between these multiple terminal devices, and the Msg2 sent by the network device may be received by multiple terminal devices. In other words, multiple terminal devices may correspond to one Msg2. Or, multiple access opportunities (e.g., the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource) correspond to one fourth time domain resource. When the first time unit includes the first time domain resource and the second time domain resource, if the interval between the fourth time domain resource and the first or second time domain resource is short, it may cause the random access response message to fail to be received. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the fourth time domain resource satisfies a certain relationship with the positions of the first and second time domain resources to coordinate the time positions of terminal devices sending random access messages on different time domain resources waiting to receive random access responses, thereby improving the success rate of the first terminal device receiving the random access response message.

[0181] For example, consider a scenario where the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource. Assume that when the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, there is a second time interval between the fourth time-domain resource and the first time-domain resource. Or, when the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource, there is a third time interval between the fourth time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource. The second time interval can be the time interval between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the fourth time-domain resource. The third time interval can be the time interval between the end position of the second time-domain resource and the start position of the fourth time-domain resource. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third time intervals must be greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource.

[0182] For easier understanding, please continue reading. Figure 8 , Figure 8 In the context, when the first time-domain resource is [T] R2D1_min T R2D1_max The fourth time-domain resource is [T]. D2R_min ,T D2R_max ], where T D2R_min With T R2D1_min The interval Y (i.e., the second duration) is between. When the second time-domain resource is [T] R2D2_min T R2D2_max The fourth time-domain resource is [T]. D2R_min ,T D2R_max ], where T D2R_min With T R2D2_min The interval Z (i.e., the third duration) is such that the absolute value of the difference between Y and Z is greater than the duration of resource occupation in the second time domain. From Figure 8 It can be seen that if the first terminal device sends Msg1 on the first time domain resource and the second terminal device sends Msg1 on the second time domain resource, both the first terminal device and the second terminal device are in the fourth time domain resource [T D2R_min ,T D2R_max [The system] begins receiving Msg2. Among them, T D2R_min This can be the minimum time interval between the end position of a D2R message and the start position of an R2D message, which corresponds to the D2R message. D2R_max This can be the maximum time interval between the end position of a D2R message and the start position of an R2D message, which corresponds to the D2R message. Optionally, the end position of a D2R message can be the position of its last falling edge or rising edge, or the end position of a postamble of the D2R message. Optionally, the start position of an R2D message can be the position of its first falling edge or rising edge.

[0183] Additionally, the fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration. This first duration is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start indicator of the random access response message. In other words, the first duration is the length of the high level of the start indicator in Msg2. This allows the first terminal device to begin receiving Msg2 as early as possible, thereby completing the access process sooner. For easier understanding, please refer to [link to previous document]. Figure 8 For example, if the first terminal device starts receiving Msg2 from the beginning position of the fourth time domain resource, compared to the first terminal device starting to receive Msg2 from the dotted line position in the fourth time domain resource, it can start receiving Msg2 earlier and thus complete the access earlier.

[0184] S702, The first terminal device sends a random access message on the third time domain resource.

[0185] After determining the third time-domain resource, the first terminal device can send a random access message within that resource. In this embodiment, different terminal devices utilize different access opportunities within the same time unit, thereby improving access efficiency.

[0186] For example, please continue to see Figure 8 The first terminal device determines the third time-domain resource as [T] R2D1_min T R2D1_max ], in [T R2D1_min T R2D1_max The first terminal device sends Msg1. After sending Msg1, it can receive a response message (i.e., Msg2) to Msg1. The first terminal device determines the time-frequency resource for sending Msg3 (i.e., the position indicated by Msg3#1) and sends Msg3 on that time-frequency resource. Similarly, the second terminal device determines the third time-domain resource as [T]. R2D2_min T R2D1_max ], in [T R2D2_min T R2D1_max The first terminal device sends Msg1 within the specified time and frequency resource. The second terminal device determines the time and frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg3#2) for sending Msg3, and sends Msg3 on that time and frequency resource.

[0187] Where the second set of values ​​is [0, 2] Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1], each time the first terminal device receives the second message, it increments the counter value by 2. Q After taking the modulo, decrement by one until the counter value reaches 0, then send Msg1. When the second value set is [0, 2...] Q+1 Even numbers in [-1], the third set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 For odd numbers in [-1], each time the first terminal device receives the second message, it increments the counter value by 2. Q After taking the modulo, subtract 2 until the counter value is 0, then send Msg1.

[0188] The solution provided in this application allows multiple AIoT devices to access the network in the same time unit using TDMA, thereby improving access efficiency.

[0189] In some scenarios, frequency domain resources within a single time unit can be divided into multiple parts, or in other words, a single time unit can be associated with multiple frequency domain resources. For example, a single time unit can be associated with M frequency domain resources, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first terminal device can select a suitable frequency domain resource from the M resources to perform access. In this case, different terminal devices can perform access in the same time unit using TDMA and / or FDMA, thereby improving access efficiency.

[0190] In a possible implementation, the first terminal device can determine the third time-frequency resource based on the first information and the second information, wherein the time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource (which may be referred to as the third time-domain resource) is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource. The frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource (which may be referred to as the third frequency-domain resource) is either the first frequency-domain resource or the second frequency-domain resource. The first frequency-domain resource and the second frequency-domain resource belong to the M frequency-domain resources associated with the first time unit.

[0191] Regarding the determination of the third time-domain resource by the first terminal device based on the first information, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 7 The relevant content of the illustrated embodiment will not be described here. The following describes how the first terminal device determines the third frequency domain resource. It should be noted that the first terminal device does not determine the third time domain resource and the third frequency domain resource in any particular order; it can determine the third time domain resource first and then the third frequency domain resource; or it can determine the third frequency domain resource first and then the third time domain resource; or it can determine the third time domain resource and the third frequency domain resource simultaneously.

[0192] Optionally, the second information includes M second parameters, each corresponding one-to-one with one of the M frequency domain resources. A second parameter can be used to indicate one of the M frequency domain resources; for example, the second parameter can be a frequency offset or an index of the frequency domain resource. Optionally, the index of the frequency domain resource can be a channel number, the number of line code repetitions, or the number of square wave repetitions. The first terminal device can select one second parameter from the M second parameters and use the frequency domain resource corresponding to that second parameter as the third frequency domain resource. The first information and the second information can be one R2D message or multiple R2D messages. For example, both the first information and the second information are contained in a first message, which can be carried in (or be) an R2D message, and the first information and the second information can be carried in the PRDCH of that R2D message.

[0193] It should be understood, as mentioned above Figure 6 In the illustrated process, if the counter value of the first terminal device is 0 in the first time unit of an access round (i.e., the initial value of the counter is 0), the first terminal device can send a random number in the first time unit without needing to receive duplicate query messages in subsequent time units. Alternatively, if the counter value of the first terminal device is not 0 in the first time unit, the first terminal device does not send a random number in the first time unit, but waits until the second time unit of the access round to receive a duplicate query message. In this case, the first terminal device performs access based on the duplicate query message. Based on this, the network device can send a first message in a certain time unit and a second message in a subsequent time unit.

[0194] In this scenario, after receiving the second message, the first terminal device can perform access. The second message may carry parameters for determining random access resources, for example, L second parameters, where L is less than or equal to M. For the first terminal device, receiving the second message allows it to obtain M second parameters. Receiving the second message allows it to obtain L second parameters. Finally, the first terminal device selects one second parameter from the L second parameters to determine the third frequency domain resource.

[0195] In implementation method 1, the first terminal device may randomly select one second parameter from M or L second parameters, and determine the frequency domain resource corresponding to the second parameter as the third frequency domain resource.

[0196] In implementation method 2, the first terminal device selects one second parameter from M or L second parameters based on the third parameter. For example, one frequency domain resource can correspond to one third parameter, so M frequency domain resources can be matched one-to-one with M third parameters. For a given third parameter, the third parameter can indicate the weight (or probability) of selecting the corresponding frequency domain resource. Accordingly, the third parameter can also be understood as a weighting factor or probability. If the weight (probability) factor corresponding to a frequency domain resource is large, then the access load of that frequency domain resource can be considered to be small or large. From this perspective, the third parameter can also be used to determine / indicate the access load of the frequency domain resource corresponding to the third parameter. The first terminal device selects one second parameter from M second parameters based on the third parameter, and finally selects a frequency domain resource with a suitable access load, thereby adjusting the access load on different frequency domain resources and maximizing the access success rate. For example, when the network device indicates a high-load frequency domain resource through the third parameter, the terminal device accesses the high-load frequency domain resource; when the network device indicates a low-load frequency domain resource through the third parameter, the terminal device accesses the low-load frequency domain resource.

[0197] The third parameter belongs to the candidate value set, which includes at least one value whose sum equals 1. For example, the candidate value set includes M values, and each value can be considered a third parameter, which is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. That is, the value range of the third parameter is [0, 1], and for the two endpoint values ​​"0" and "1", the value range of the third parameter can include either one.

[0198] Optionally, the candidate value set is (pre)configured. For example, the candidate value set may be included in the first message. The network device can flexibly configure the candidate value set through the first message, thereby flexibly adjusting the access load on different frequency domain resources. Alternatively, the candidate value set may also be carried by other signaling besides the first message. In this case, the correspondence between the M values ​​included in the candidate value set and the M frequency domain resources can be predefined. For example, according to frequency from low to high or from high to low, the M values ​​sequentially correspond one-to-one with the M frequency domain resources.

[0199] Optionally, the network device can also acquire channel state measurement information on multiple frequency domain resources before configuring the third parameter. The network device can adjust the candidate value of the third parameter according to the channel conditions on different frequency domain resources, and allocate the third parameter with a smaller access load to frequency domain resources with poor channel conditions, thereby reducing the access failure rate.

[0200] The embodiments of this application do not impose limitations on how the first terminal device selects a second parameter from M second parameters based on the third parameter. For example, the first terminal device can determine the third parameter based on its identifier (ID), and select a second parameter from M second parameters based on the third parameter. For example, if the third parameter is a fraction, and the result of taking the first terminal device's ID modulo the denominator of the third parameter is odd, then a certain second parameter (e.g., second parameter #1) is selected; if the result of taking the first terminal device's ID modulo the denominator of the third parameter is even, then another second parameter (e.g., second parameter #2) is selected. Alternatively, if the third parameter is a fraction, and the result of taking the first terminal device's ID modulo the denominator of the third parameter is less than or equal to a first value, then a second parameter (e.g., second parameter #1) is selected; if the result of taking the first terminal device's ID modulo the denominator of the third parameter is greater than the first value, then another second parameter (e.g., second parameter #2) is selected.

[0201] For example, M=2, and the M frequency domain resources are frequency domain resource #1 and frequency domain resource #2. Frequency domain resource #1 corresponds to the second parameter #1, and frequency domain resource #2 corresponds to the second parameter #2. The third parameter associated with frequency domain resource #1 is 2 / 5, and the third parameter associated with frequency domain resource #2 is 3 / 5. When the ID of the first terminal device modulo 5 is 0 or 1, the second parameter #1 is selected; when the ID of the first terminal device modulo 5 is 2, 3, or 4, the second parameter #2 is selected.

[0202] The first terminal device can determine the third frequency domain resource for random access according to either implementation method 1 or implementation method 2. Similarly, other terminal devices besides the first terminal device can also determine the frequency domain resource for random access according to implementation method 1 or implementation method 2. For example, the second terminal device can also determine the fourth frequency domain resource for random access according to implementation method 1 or implementation method 2. The third and fourth frequency domain resources can be frequency domain resources associated with the first time unit. In this way, different terminal devices can use different frequency domain resources to perform access in the same time unit, thereby improving access efficiency.

[0203] For easier understanding, please refer to Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of random access resource allocation provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 and Figure 8 The difference is that two frequency domain resources (f1 and f2) are associated on the first time unit. Figure 10 The location of each message indicates the time-frequency resources for sending or receiving that message. It should be understood that the two frequency domain resources f1 and f2 correspond one-to-one with the two second parameters {second parameter #1, second parameter #2}. Figure 10 Taking the second parameter #1 corresponding to f1 and the second parameter #2 corresponding to f2 as an example.

[0204] Assuming the first terminal device determines that the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, and selects the first parameter #1, the first terminal device can determine that the third frequency-domain resource used to transmit Msg1 is f1. Therefore, the first terminal device transmits Msg1 at the third time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg1#1). Similarly, if the second terminal device determines that the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, and selects the second parameter #2, the second terminal device can determine that the third frequency-domain resource used to transmit Msg1 is f2. Therefore, the first terminal device transmits Msg1 at the fourth time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg1#2). Likewise, the third terminal device transmits Msg1 at the fifth time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg1#3). Similarly, the fourth terminal device transmits Msg1 at the fifth time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg1#4).

[0205] After sending Msg1, the first terminal device can receive a response message (Msg2) to Msg1. Based on the configuration information carried in Msg2, the first terminal device determines the time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg3#1) for sending Msg3, and sends Msg3 on that time-frequency resource. Similarly, after sending Msg1, the second terminal device can receive a response message (Msg2) to Msg1. Based on the configuration information carried in Msg2, the first terminal device determines the time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg3#2) for sending Msg3, and sends Msg3 on that time-frequency resource. After sending Msg1, the third terminal device can receive a response message (Msg2) to Msg1. Based on the configuration information carried in Msg2, the first terminal device determines the time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg3#3) for sending Msg3, and sends Msg3 on that time-frequency resource. After the fourth terminal device sends Msg1, it can receive the response message (i.e., Msg2) of Msg1. The first terminal device determines the time-frequency resource (i.e., the position indicated by Msg3#4) for sending Msg3 based on the configuration information carried in Msg2, and sends Msg3 on that time-frequency resource.

[0206] Please see Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of random access resource allocation provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 and Figure 9 The difference is that two frequency domain resources (f1 and f2) are associated on the first time unit. Figure 11 The location of each message indicates the time-frequency resources for sending or receiving that message. It should be understood that the two frequency domain resources f1 and f2 correspond one-to-one with the two second parameters {second parameter #1, second parameter #2}. Figure 11 Taking the second parameter #1 corresponding to f1 and the second parameter #2 corresponding to f2 as an example. Figure 11 and Figure 10 The difference lies in that the network device indicates the starting position of the first time-domain resource as T. R2D1 The starting position of the second time-domain resource is T. R2D2 .about Figure 11 For guidance on how the terminal device determines the time-frequency resources for transmitting random access, please refer to the aforementioned methods. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The relevant content will not be introduced here.

[0207] Understandably, if the first terminal device receives the first message in the first time unit and its counter is not currently zero, then the first terminal device will subsequently receive the second message. Each time the first terminal device receives the second message, its counter value is decremented by 1 until it reaches zero, at which point the first terminal device sends Msg1. Other terminal devices behave similarly to the first terminal device. For example, if the third terminal device receives the first message in the first time unit and its counter is not currently zero, the third terminal device continues to receive the second message until its counter value reaches zero. At this point, the third terminal device determines the frequency domain resources used for sending random access messages based on the L second parameters included in the second message.

[0208] In a possible implementation, the first terminal device may also determine the third frequency domain resource based on the first parameter Q value. For example, the first terminal device determines a number n, where if n belongs to a second set of values, the frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the first frequency domain resource; or, if n belongs to a third set of values, the frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the second frequency domain resource.

[0209] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described using a first terminal device and a network device as examples. In this application, each embodiment can be implemented independently or in combination based on certain inherent connections; in each embodiment, different implementation methods can be implemented in combination or independently. To achieve the functions in the methods provided by the embodiments of this application above, the steps executed by the first terminal device can be implemented by the terminal device itself, or by a functional entity including the first terminal device (e.g., a terminal device). The steps executed by the network device can be implemented by the network device itself, or by a functional entity including the network device (e.g., a network device). To achieve the functions in the methods provided by the embodiments of this application above, the first terminal device and the network device can include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures plus software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures plus software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0210] Based on the same concept as the method embodiments, this application provides a communication device. The communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The content above can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be repeated.

[0211] Figure 12This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the first terminal device in the various method embodiments described above. For example, the communication device 1200 may be... Figures 1-3 The communication device 1200 can be an AIoT device; or, the communication device 1200 can be a chip (system) in the AIoT device; or, the communication device 1200 can be a software module of the AIoT device. Alternatively, the communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the network device in the above-described method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1200 can be... Figures 1-3 The network device is either a network device in the network device; or, the communication device 1200 is a chip (system) in the network device; or, the communication device 1200 is a software module of the network device. Optionally, the network device has some or all of the functions of a reader / writer.

[0212] The communication device 1200 may include a processing module 1210 and a transceiver module 1220. Optionally, it may also include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The storage module may be, for example, a memory. The processing module 1210 and the transceiver module 1220 may be coupled to the storage module. For example, the processing module 1210 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage module to implement a corresponding method. For example, when the communication device 1200 is a chip in an AIoT device, the storage module may be an internal storage module within the chip, such as a register or cache. Alternatively, the storage module may be an external storage module within the AIoT device, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM). The aforementioned units may be configured independently or partially or completely integrated.

[0213] Processing module 1210 may be a processor or controller, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing unit (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc. Transceiver module 1220 is a transceiver, interface circuit, bus, pin, or other possible communication interface for receiving signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, transceiver module 1220 is an interface circuit for the chip to receive signals from other chips or devices, or an interface circuit for the chip to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0214] In one implementation, the communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the first terminal device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1200 can be an AIoT device, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) within an AIoT device, a part of a chip or chipset in an AIoT device used to execute related method functions, or a software module in the first terminal device capable of implementing the above communication method; there are no limitations. For details, please refer to the relevant content of the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0215] For example, processing module 1210 is used to determine a third time-domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information. Transceiver module 1220 is used to send a random access message within the third time-domain resource. The first time unit comprises N time units, which are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, which together represent random access opportunities. The third time-domain resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource.

[0216] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is further configured to receive first information, which indicates the start position of the first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information indicates a first offset, which is the offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is the offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource.

[0217] As an optional implementation, the first information may be predefined, or it may be associated with scheduling parameters of the random access message. Optionally, the communication device 1200 may store the first information.

[0218] As an optional implementation, the processing module 1210 is specifically used to determine a number n, and then determine a third time-domain resource based on the number n. Here, n belongs to a first set of values, which includes a second set of values ​​and a third set of values; when n belongs to the second set of values, the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource; or, when n belongs to the third set of values, the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource.

[0219] As an optional implementation, the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource. When the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the first time-domain resource by a second duration; when the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the second time-domain resource by a third duration. The fourth time-domain resource is used to begin receiving random access response messages, and it belongs to the first time unit. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third durations is greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource.

[0220] As an optional implementation, the fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration, which is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message.

[0221] As an optional implementation, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1], where Q is a positive integer; or, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 Even numbers in [-1], the third set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 The odd numbers in [-1], where Q is a positive integer.

[0222] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to receive a first parameter, which includes Q, used to indicate N time units.

[0223] For example, processing module 1210 is used to determine the third time-frequency resource in the first time unit based on the first information and the second information. Transceiver module 1220 is used to send a random access message within the third time-frequency resource. The first time unit comprises N time units, which are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, where N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, which represent random access opportunities. The first time unit is associated with the first frequency-domain resource and the second frequency-domain resource. The time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource. The frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first frequency-domain resource or the second frequency-domain resource. The second information can be used to determine the frequency-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource.

[0224] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to receive first information and second information. The first information can be used to indicate the start position of a first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information can be used to indicate a first offset, which is the offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is the offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource. The second information is used to indicate one of M frequency-domain resources, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the second information includes M second parameters, and the M second parameters correspond to the M frequency-domain resources.

[0225] As an optional implementation, the first information is predefined, or the first information is associated with the scheduling parameters of the random access message.

[0226] As an optional implementation, the processing module 1210 is specifically used for: the first terminal device determining a number n, and determining a third time-domain resource based on the number n. Here, n belongs to a first set of values, which includes a second set of values ​​and a third set of values. When n belongs to the second set of values, the time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the first time-domain resource; or, when n belongs to the third set of values, the time-domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the second time-domain resource.

[0227] As an optional implementation, when n belongs to the second set of values, the frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the first frequency domain resource; or, when n belongs to the third set of values, the frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is the second frequency domain resource.

[0228] As an optional implementation, the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource. When the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the first time-domain resource by a second duration; when the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the second time-domain resource by a third duration. The fourth time-domain resource is used to begin receiving random access response messages, and this fourth time-domain resource belongs to the first time unit. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third durations is greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource.

[0229] As an optional implementation, the fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration, which is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message.

[0230] As an optional implementation, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1], where Q is a positive integer; or, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 Even numbers in [-1], the third set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 The odd numbers in [-1], where Q is a positive integer.

[0231] In one implementation, the method further includes: a first terminal device receiving a first parameter, the first parameter including Q, for indicating N time units.

[0232] As an optional implementation, the processing module 1210 is further configured to select one second parameter from the M second parameters based on the third parameter, and determine the frequency domain resource corresponding to the selected second parameter as the first frequency domain resource. Wherein, the third parameter is greater than or equal to 0, and less than or equal to 1.

[0233] As an optional implementation, the third parameter belongs to a set of candidate values, which includes at least one value, and the sum of the at least one value is equal to 1.

[0234] In one implementation, the communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The communication device 1200 can be a network device, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) within the network device, a part of a chip or chipset in the network device used to execute the relevant method functions, or a software module in the network device capable of implementing the above communication methods; there are no limitations. Optionally, the network device has some or all of the functions of a reader / writer. For details, please refer to the relevant content of the foregoing method embodiments; further details will not be repeated here.

[0235] For example, processing module 1210 is used to determine a third time-domain resource in the first time unit based on the first information. Transceiver module 1220 is used to receive a random access message from the first terminal device within the third time-domain resource. The first time unit comprises N time units, which are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message triggers the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, which together represent random access opportunities. The third time-domain resource is either the first time-domain resource or the second time-domain resource.

[0236] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to send first information. This first information indicates the start position of the first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information indicates a first offset, which is the offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is the offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource.

[0237] As an optional implementation, the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource. When the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the first time-domain resource by a second duration; when the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the second time-domain resource by a third duration. The fourth time-domain resource is used to begin receiving random access response messages, and it belongs to the first time unit. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third durations is greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource.

[0238] As an optional implementation, the fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration. This first duration is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message.

[0239] As an optional implementation, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1], where Q is a positive integer; or, the second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 Even numbers in [-1], the third set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 The odd numbers in [-1], where Q is a positive integer.

[0240] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to send a first parameter, which includes Q, used to indicate N time units.

[0241] For example, processing module 1210 is used to determine the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource. Transceiver module 1220 is used to receive a random access message from the first terminal device on the third time-frequency resource. The time domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first time-frequency resource or the second time-frequency resource, and the first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource are random access message opportunities. The first time-frequency resource and the second time-frequency resource belong to a first time unit, and the first time unit belongs to N time units, which are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The frequency domain resource of the third time-frequency resource is either the first frequency domain resource or the second frequency domain resource, and the first frequency domain resource and the second frequency domain resource belong to M frequency domain resources associated with the first time unit, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0242] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 1220 is also used to transmit first information and second information. The first information can be used to indicate the start position of a first time-domain resource. Alternatively, the first information can be used to indicate a first offset, which is the offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset is the offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource. The second information is used to indicate one of M frequency-domain resources, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the second information includes M second parameters, and the M second parameters correspond to the M frequency-domain resources.

[0243] As an optional implementation, the end position of the first time-domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time-domain resource. When the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the first time-domain resource by a second duration; when the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource, the fourth time-domain resource is separated from the second time-domain resource by a third duration. The fourth time-domain resource is used to begin receiving random access response messages, and it belongs to the first time unit. The absolute value of the difference between the second and third durations is greater than the duration occupied by the second time-domain resource.

[0244] As an optional implementation, the fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration, which is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message. In one implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending a first parameter, which is used to indicate N time units.

[0245] As an optional implementation, the first information is predefined, or the first information is associated with the scheduling parameters of the random access message.

[0246] As an optional implementation, the second parameter is associated with the third parameter, which belongs to a set of candidate values ​​that includes at least one value and the sum of the at least one value is equal to 1.

[0247] When the communication device 1200 is a chip-based device or circuit, the transceiver module can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface; the processing module is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0248] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1300 can be a first terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments. For example, the communication device 1300 can be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The AIoT device or the chip (system) within the AIoT device. For example, the communication device 1300 could be... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The network device or the chip (system) within the network device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system may be composed of a chip, or it may include chips and other discrete devices. For specific functions, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0249] The communication device 1300 includes one or more processors 1301, used to implement or support the communication device 1300 in implementing the functions of the first terminal device or network device in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method examples, which will not be repeated here. The processor 1301 can also be called a processing unit or processing module, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1301 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it includes: a baseband processor, a central processing unit, an application processor, a modem processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a digital signal processor, a video codec processor, a controller, a memory, and / or a neural network processor, etc. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data. The central processing unit can be used to control the communication device 1300 (e.g., a terminal device or a network device), execute software programs and / or process data. Different processors can be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors, for example, integrated on one or more application-specific integrated circuits.

[0250] In one design, processor 1301 may include program 1303 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on processor 1301 to cause communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1300 includes circuitry (…). Figure 13 (Not shown), the circuit is used to implement the functions of the first terminal device or network device in the above embodiments.

[0251] In one design, the communication device 1300 may include one or more memories 1302 storing a program 1304 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1301 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0252] In one design, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may include AI modules 1307 and 1308, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​modules may include RIC modules. For instance, the AI ​​modules may be near real-time RICs or non-real-time RICs.

[0253] In one possible design, the processor 1301 and / or memory 1302 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0254] In one possible design, the communication device 1300 may further include a transceiver 1305 and / or an antenna 1306. The processor 1301, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device 1300. The transceiver 1305, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device 1300 through the antenna 1306.

[0255] In one possible design, the communication device 1300 may further include one or more of the following components: a wireless communication module, an audio module, an external memory interface, internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a power management module, an antenna, a speaker, a microphone, an input / output module, a sensor module, a motor, a camera, or a display screen, etc. It is understood that in some embodiments, the communication device 1300 may include more or fewer components, or some components may be integrated, or some components may be separated. These components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0256] The communication device in the above embodiments can be a first terminal device or a network device, a circuit, a chip applied in a terminal device or network device, or other combined devices or components having the aforementioned first terminal device or network device. When the communication device is a terminal device, the transceiver module can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing module can be a processor, such as a CPU. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device can be an FPGA, a dedicated ASIC, a SoC, a CPU, a network processor (NP), a DSP, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips. The processing module can be the processor of the chip system. The transceiver module or communication interface can be the input / output interface or interface circuit of the chip system. For example, the interface circuit can be a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit can be used to receive code instructions (the code instructions are stored in memory and can be read directly from memory or through other devices) and transmit them to the processor; the processor can be used to run the code instructions to execute the methods in the above method embodiments. For example, the interface circuit can also be a signal transmission interface circuit between the communication processor and the transceiver.

[0257] This application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The terminal device is a terminal device used to implement the functions related to the above-described communication method, and the network device is a network device used to implement the functions related to the above-described communication method.

[0258] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method executed by the first terminal device or network device in the above-described communication method to be executed.

[0259] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program code, which, when executed, causes the method executed by the first terminal device or network device in the above-described communication method to be executed.

[0260] This application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the functions of the first terminal device or network device in the aforementioned communication method. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0261] To achieve the above Figures 12-13In addition to the functions of the communication device, this application also provides a chip, including a processor, for supporting the communication device in implementing the functions involved in the first terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the chip is connected to a memory or the chip includes a memory for storing the computer programs or instructions and data necessary for the communication device.

[0262] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0263] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0264] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0265] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0266] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0267] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contributing part of the technical solution of this application, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0268] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The third time-domain resource in the first time unit is determined based on the first information. The first time unit belongs to N time units, and the N time units are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network, and N is a positive integer. The first time unit includes a first time-domain resource and a second time-domain resource, and the first time-domain resource and the second time-domain resource are random access opportunities. A random access message is sent within the third time domain resource, which is either the first time domain resource or the second time domain resource.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate the start position of the first time-domain resource, or the first information being used to indicate a first offset, the first offset being the offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset being the offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is predefined, or the first information is associated with the scheduling parameters of the random access message.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The third time-domain resource in the first time unit is determined based on the first information, including: Determine a number n, and determine the third time-domain resource based on the number n; Wherein, n belongs to a first set of values, the first set of values ​​includes a second set of values ​​and a third set of values; when n belongs to the second set of values, the third time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource; or, when n belongs to the third set of values, the third time-domain resource is the second time-domain resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The end position of the first time domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time domain resource. When the third time domain resource is the first time domain resource, the fourth time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a second duration. When the third time domain resource is the second time domain resource, the fourth time domain resource is separated from the second time domain resource by a third duration. The absolute value of the difference between the second duration and the third duration is greater than the duration occupied by the second time domain resource. The fourth time domain resource is used to start receiving random access response messages, and the fourth time domain resource belongs to the first time unit.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration, which is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q -1], the third set of values ​​is [2] Q ,2 Q+1 -1], where Q is a positive integer; or, The second set of values ​​is [0, 2]. Q+1 The third set of values ​​is [0, 2] for even numbers in the range [-1]. Q+1 The odd numbers in [-1], where Q is a positive integer.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first parameter, which includes Q, for indicating the N time units.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: First time domain resources and second time domain resources are determined. The first time domain resources and the second time domain resources are random access message opportunities. The first time domain resources and the second time domain resources belong to a first time unit. The first time unit belongs to N time units. The N time units are the time units between two consecutive first messages. The first message is used to trigger the first terminal device to access the network. N is a positive integer. A random access message is received from a first terminal device in a third time domain resource, wherein the third time domain resource is either the first time domain resource or the second time domain resource.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information, the first information being used to indicate the start position of the first time-domain resource, or the first information being used to indicate a first offset, the first offset being the offset between the end position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource, or the first offset being the offset between the start position of the first time-domain resource and the start position of the second time-domain resource.

11. The method as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The end position of the first time domain resource is no later than the start position of the second time domain resource. When the third time domain resource is the first time domain resource, the fourth time domain resource is separated from the first time domain resource by a second duration. When the third time domain resource is the second time domain resource, the fourth time domain resource is separated from the second time domain resource by a third duration. The fourth time domain resource is used to start receiving random access response messages. The fourth time domain resource belongs to the first time unit. The absolute value of the difference between the second duration and the third duration is greater than the duration occupied by the second time domain resource.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The fourth time-domain resource includes a first duration, which is the duration corresponding to the high level in the start identifier included in the random access response message.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first parameter, which is used to indicate the N time units.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9-13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to cause the method of any one of claims 1-8 to be executed by the communication device, or the at least one processor being configured to cause the communication device to execute the method of any one of claims 9-13.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-8 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 9-13 to be performed.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-8 to be performed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 9-13 to be performed.

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