Communication method and related device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method, and the method comprises the steps that terminal equipment receives first information, determines a small data transmission (SDT) resource based on the first information, and transmits a measurement report on the SDT resource. Namely, the terminal device sends the measurement report through the SDT resource. Wherein the terminal equipment is in a disconnected state when sending the measurement report to the network equipment. Based on the above scheme, the terminal device determines the resource of the SDT through the received first information, and sends the measurement report through the resource of the SDT. According to the embodiment of the invention, the terminal equipment in the inactive state can complete uplink data transmission of the measurement report through the SDT resource, and reference can be provided for the network equipment to subsequently schedule the terminal equipment or configure the resource of the terminal equipment through the measurement report, so that the performance of the terminal equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a communication system, the communication protocol stack between terminal devices and network devices may include a radio resource control (RRC) layer. Furthermore, for terminal devices, there are three RRC states: RRC idle (RRC_IDLE), RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE), and RRC connected (RRC_CONNECTED).

[0003] In this context, a terminal device in RRC connected state establishes an RRC connection with the network device and can transmit data. A terminal device in RRC idle state does not establish an RRC connection with the network device. A terminal device in RRC inactive state has a suspended RRC connection with the network device, meaning the RRC connection between the terminal device and the network device is paused or unavailable. Alternatively, this can be understood as: terminal devices in RRC idle state and terminal devices in RRC inactive state cannot transmit uplink data via an RRC connection.

[0004] Therefore, how to transmit uplink data when there is uplink data to be sent is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved, for terminal devices in the RRC idle state and terminal devices in the RRC inactive state. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus. A terminal device identifies small data transmission (SDT) resources by receiving first information and sends a measurement report using these SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports using SDT resources, but also provides a reference for network devices to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance.

[0006] This application provides a communication method in its first aspect. This method is executed by a terminal device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the terminal device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. In this first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described executed by a terminal device. In this method, the terminal device receives first information, determines the resources of a Storage Array (SDT) based on the first information, and then sends a measurement report on the resources of the SDT. That is, the terminal device sends a measurement report through the resources of the SDT.

[0007] When a terminal device sends a measurement report to a network device, it is in an RRC disconnected state. The RRC state of the terminal device is not limited when receiving the first information and determining the SDT resources. For example, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device. When the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, it can send a measurement report through the SDT resources. Another example is when the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device and when the terminal device sends a measurement report through the SDT resources, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, etc., and the specifics are not limited here. The terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can be a terminal device in an RRC inactive state, a terminal device in an RRC idle state, a power-saving terminal device, or a terminal device in basic mode, etc., and the specifics are not limited here.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device identifies the SDT resources through the received first information and sends a measurement report through the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports through SDT resources, but also provides a reference for network devices to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance.

[0009] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device described above may also receive second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, and determining whether to allow sending measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0010] In one possible implementation, for example, the terminal device can determine whether a measurement report can be sent on the SDT resources using the second information. Another example is that the terminal device can determine the threshold for transmitting a measurement report using the second information.

[0011] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the terminal device described above may also send indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report is transmitted using the resources of the SDT. Alternatively, the indication information can be understood as indicating whether the resources of the SDT carry the measurement report.

[0012] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can also indicate to the network device through the SDT resources whether the SDT resources carry a measurement report, so that the network device can determine the content transmitted by the SDT resources based on the indication information.

[0013] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also send third information, which is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report.

[0014] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can also send third information in advance, which indicates measurement information related to the measurement report. This allows the network device to obtain measurement information ahead of time, providing a reference for subsequent scheduling or resource configuration of the terminal device, thereby improving its performance.

[0015] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in an information message (MsgA) or Msg1.

[0016] This possible implementation method can be applied not only to 2-step random access or 4-step random access scenarios.

[0017] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned terminal device may also receive a correct response to the measurement report.

[0018] In this possible implementation, the reliability of measurement report transmission can be improved by transmitting feedback of the measurement report.

[0019] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold.

[0020] In this possible implementation, the event thresholds corresponding to the transmission of measurement reports and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of measurement reports alone. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0021] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0022] In this possible implementation, the event thresholds corresponding to the transmission of measurement reports and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of small packet data only. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0023] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0024] In this possible implementation, the event thresholds for transmitting only measurement reports and transmitting only small packet data are different, which can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, not only improving user experience but also enhancing transmission reliability.

[0025] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the above-mentioned SDT transmission method includes one or more of the following: configured grant small data transmission (CG-SDT), 2-step random access small data transmission (RA-SDT), and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0026] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT transmission methods, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0027] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0028] In this possible implementation, under the same scenario, priority can be given to ensuring the transmission of SDT with configuration authorization, thus guaranteeing the reliability of small packet data transmission.

[0029] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0030] In this possible implementation, the transmission of SDT containing measurement reports and small packet data is given priority to ensure the reliability of measurement report and small packet data transmission.

[0031] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0032] In this possible implementation, the transmission method has a higher priority than the transmission content; that is, SDT transmission with configuration authorization is given priority, and the reliability of the transmission is guaranteed.

[0033] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0034] In this possible implementation, the priority of the transmitted content is higher than the priority of the transmission method, that is, the transmission of SDT including the measurement report is given priority, and the transmission of the measurement report is guaranteed.

[0035] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned medium access control (MAC) layer header of the transmission indicates the size of the measurement report and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0036] In this possible implementation, network devices can clearly define the size of the content transmitted on the SDT resources through the MAC layer packet header, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

[0037] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned measurement report is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0038] In this possible implementation, the transmission of measurement reports is prioritized by defining the logical channel priority between measurement reports and small packet data.

[0039] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble group, and bandwidth part (BWP) parameters.

[0040] In this possible implementation, the measurement information sent in advance by the terminal device allows the network device to know some of the measurement results in advance. This not only enables the network device to better schedule terminal devices in the RRC non-connection state, but also reduces the transmission overhead of reporting subsequent measurement reports.

[0041] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the aforementioned measurement report carries one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packet, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

[0042] In this possible implementation, the measurement reports sent by the terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can enable the network device to better schedule the terminal device.

[0043] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the SDT resources mentioned above include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0044] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT resource configuration scenarios, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0045] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting for SDT.

[0046] In this possible implementation, by limiting the measurement quantity or data quantity related to a preset threshold, the terminal device can clearly define the conditions for transmitting SDT, thereby improving the transmission stability of SDT.

[0047] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a network device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. In this second aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a network device. In this method, the network device sends first information, which is used to indicate resources of the SDT (Software-Defined Telescope). It also receives measurement reports on the resources of the SDT.

[0048] Based on the above scheme, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device using the first information and receives measurement reports through the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports through SDT resources, but also provides the network device with references for subsequent scheduling or resource configuration of terminal devices, thereby improving terminal device performance.

[0049] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also send second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, and determining whether to allow sending measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0050] In one possible implementation, for example, the network device can use the second information to indicate whether the terminal device can send a measurement report on the SDT resources. Another example is that the network device can use the second information to indicate a threshold value for the terminal device when transmitting a measurement report.

[0051] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the network device described above may also receive indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report is transmitted using the resources of the SDT. Alternatively, the indication information may be understood as indicating whether the resources of the SDT carry the measurement report.

[0052] In this possible implementation, the network device can determine the content transmitted by the SDT resources based on the instruction information.

[0053] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned network device may also receive third information, which is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report.

[0054] In this possible implementation, network devices can obtain measurement information in advance based on third-party information, providing a reference for subsequent scheduling of terminal devices or configuration of terminal device resources, thereby improving the performance of terminal devices.

[0055] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in an information message (MsgA) or Msg1.

[0056] This possible implementation method can be applied not only to 2-step random access or 4-step random access scenarios.

[0057] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned network device may also send a correct response to the measurement report.

[0058] In this possible implementation, the reliability of measurement report transmission can be improved by transmitting feedback of the measurement report.

[0059] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different.

[0060] In this possible implementation, the event thresholds corresponding to the transmission of measurement reports and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of measurement reports alone. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0061] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0062] In this possible implementation, the event thresholds corresponding to the transmission of measurement reports and small packet data are different from those corresponding to the transmission of small packet data only. This can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, which can not only improve the user experience, but also improve the transmission reliability.

[0063] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0064] In this possible implementation, the event thresholds for transmitting only measurement reports and transmitting only small packet data are different, which can provide customized services for different transmission scenarios, not only improving user experience but also enhancing transmission reliability.

[0065] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the above-mentioned SDT transmission method includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0066] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT transmission methods, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0067] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0068] In this possible implementation, under the same scenario, priority can be given to ensuring the transmission of SDT with configuration authorization, thus guaranteeing the reliability of small packet data transmission.

[0069] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the priority order of SDT transmissions in the same transmission method from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0070] In this possible implementation, the transmission of SDT containing measurement reports and small packet data is given priority to ensure the reliability of measurement report and small packet data transmission.

[0071] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0072] In this possible implementation, the transmission method has a higher priority than the transmission content; that is, SDT transmission with configuration authorization is given priority, and the reliability of the transmission is guaranteed.

[0073] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0074] In this possible implementation, the priority of the transmitted content is higher than the priority of the transmission method, that is, the transmission of SDT including the measurement report is given priority, and the transmission of the measurement report is guaranteed.

[0075] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned transmission of the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header indicates the size of the measurement report and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0076] In this possible implementation, network devices can clearly define the size of the content transmitted on the SDT resources through the MAC layer packet header, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

[0077] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned measurement report is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0078] In this possible implementation, the reliability of measurement report transmission is prioritized by limiting the logical channel priority between measurement reports and small packet data.

[0079] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

[0080] In this possible implementation, the measurement information sent in advance by the terminal device allows the network device to know some of the measurement results in advance. This not only enables the network device to better schedule terminal devices in the RRC non-connection state, but also reduces the transmission overhead of reporting subsequent measurement reports.

[0081] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the aforementioned measurement report carries one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packets, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

[0082] In this possible implementation, the measurement reports sent by the terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can enable the network device to better schedule the terminal device.

[0083] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the SDT resources mentioned above include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0084] This possible implementation can be applied to various SDT resource configuration scenarios, thus expanding the applicability of the solution.

[0085] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting for SDT.

[0086] In this possible implementation, by limiting the measurement quantity or data quantity related to a preset threshold, the terminal device can clearly define the conditions for transmitting SDT, thereby improving the transmission stability of SDT.

[0087] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device, or a component of a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device. Taking the communication device as a terminal device as an example, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0088] The transceiver unit is used to receive the first information;

[0089] The processing unit is used to determine the resources for small data transmission SDT based on the first information;

[0090] The transceiver unit is also used to send measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0091] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, and determining whether to allow sending measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0092] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to send indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report uses the resources of the SDT for transmission.

[0093] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to transmit third information, which is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report.

[0094] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in information MsgA or Msg1; the transceiver unit is also used to receive a correct response to the measurement report.

[0095] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold.

[0096] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0097] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0098] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the above-mentioned SDT transmission method includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0099] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0100] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0101] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0102] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0103] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned transmission of the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header indicates the size of the measurement report and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0104] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned measurement report is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0105] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

[0106] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned measurement report carries one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packets, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

[0107] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the aforementioned SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0108] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting for SDT.

[0109] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a network device, or a component of a network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. Taking the network device as an example, the network device includes a transceiver unit.

[0110] The transceiver unit is used to send first information, which is used to indicate the resources for small data transmission SDT;

[0111] The transceiver unit is also used to receive measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0112] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to send second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, and determining whether to allow sending measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0113] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report uses the resources of the SDT for transmission.

[0114] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information, which is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report.

[0115] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in MsgA or Msg1; the transceiver unit is also used to send a correct response to the measurement report.

[0116] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold.

[0117] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the resources of the aforementioned SDT are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0118] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0119] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the above-mentioned SDT transmission method includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0120] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0121] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0122] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0123] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0124] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned transmission of the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header indicates the size of the measurement report and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0125] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the logical channel priority of the aforementioned measurement report is different from the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

[0126] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned measurement information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

[0127] Alternatively, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the aforementioned measurement report carries one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packets, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

[0128] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the SDT resources mentioned above include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and contention-based SDT resources.

[0129] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold mentioned above are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting for SDT.

[0130] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device, including at least one processor, and a method for the at least one processor to implement any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect described above.

[0131] In one possible design, the communication device further includes at least one memory, and at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory; the at least one memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the device to implement any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect described above.

[0132] The sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and at least one input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform a method as described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0133] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes a communication device that is an implementation of any of the possible embodiments of the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0134] The eighth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform a method as described in any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect above.

[0135] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) in which, when the computer program in the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect described above.

[0136] The tenth aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0137] In one possible design, the chip system may further include at least one memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to at least one processor.

[0138] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through ten can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one or two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0139] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0140] Figure 1B This is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0141] Figure 1C This is another schematic diagram of the communication system involved in this application;

[0142] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the standalone networking scenario involved in this application;

[0143] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a dual-connection scenario involved in this application;

[0144] Figure 2C This is another schematic diagram illustrating the macro and micro scenarios involved in this application;

[0145] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition of RRC status involved in this application;

[0146] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0147] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0148] Figure 5B This is another schematic diagram illustrating the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0149] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0150] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the transmission priority involved in this application;

[0151] Figure 8 This is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0152] Figure 9 This is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0153] Figure 10 This is another flowchart illustrating the communication method involved in this application;

[0154] Figures 11 to 14 Here are some structural schematic diagrams of the communication device involved in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0155] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0156] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0157] 1. Configuration and Pre-configuration

[0158] This application uses both configuration and pre-configuration. Configuration refers to the network device / server sending configuration information or parameter values ​​to the terminal via messages or signaling, so that the terminal can determine communication parameters or resources for transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or values ​​pre-negotiated between the network device / server and the terminal device, parameter information or values ​​specified by standard protocols for use by the base station / network device or terminal device, or parameter information or values ​​pre-stored in the base station / server or terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0159] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0160] 2. In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication information as indicating A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0161] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed. For example, it can be implemented through direct instruction, such as through the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be implemented indirectly by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be instructed can be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0162] The instruction information can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device. This configuration information can include, for example, but not limited to, one or a combination of at least two of radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control (MAC) layer signaling, and physical layer signaling. MAC layer signaling includes, for example, MAC layer control elements (CE); physical layer signaling includes, for example, downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI), sidelink control information (SCI), etc.

[0163] 3. In the embodiments of this application, "sending" and "receiving" indicate the direction of signal transmission. In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly to B or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be radio access network (RAN) nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information sending and receiving can be information interaction between RAN nodes and terminals, such as information interaction between a base station and a terminal; information sending and receiving can also be information interaction between two RAN nodes, such as information interaction between a CU and a DU; information sending and receiving can also be information interaction between different modules within a device, such as information interaction between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or information interaction between a base station chip and other modules in the base station. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, such as the baseband chip outputting information to the radio frequency chip, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface; for example, "sending" can also be understood as the baseband part inside the device outputting information to the radio frequency part, and "receiving" can also be understood as the radio frequency part inside the device receiving the information output by the baseband part.

[0164] 4. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "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 there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "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 C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0165] Please see Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1A As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., ...). Figure 1A 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal device (such as...). Figure 1A RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1A (Not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110, and RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN nodes. Terminal devices and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means.

[0166] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in 3GPP. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0167] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminal devices access communication systems wirelessly. Furthermore, RAN nodes can also be called network devices, which are apparatuses deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Network devices can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, etc. The names of network devices may differ in systems employing different radio access technologies. It is understood that all or part of the functions of the access network devices in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or specific device forms used in the radio access network devices.

[0168] In one application scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1A 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1A The RAN node (110b) can also be a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario. Of course, in future communication systems, RAN nodes may also be wearable devices or vehicle-mounted devices, etc.

[0169] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminal devices achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRCP) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RAN) and MAC layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0170] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes.

[0171] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from RAN nodes. Terminal devices can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0172] For example, a terminal device is a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry.

[0173] For ease of description, Figure 1A The illustrated communication system is described using a base station as an example of an access network device. It is understood that when the communication system includes an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network, the base station can be an IAB node. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the base station and the access network device can be interchanged.

[0174] Base stations and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminal equipment.

[0175] The roles of base stations and terminal devices can be relative, for example, Figure 1A The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication equipment. Figure 1A The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1A The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication equipment with terminal device functions.

[0176] Communication between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, and between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0177] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal device can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal device functions.

[0178] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell.

[0179] As can be understood, RAN100, as previously described, includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1A 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal device (such as...). Figure 1A 120a-120j in the series are collectively referred to as 120).

[0180] In one possible implementation method Figure 1A The communication system shown can also be as follows Figure 1B As shown, it includes one RAN node 110 and multiple terminal devices (such as...). Figure 1B (Referring to 120A and 120B in the original text). In this case, a single RAN node can transmit data or control signaling to one or more terminal devices.

[0181] In another possible way of implementation Figure 1A The communication system shown can also be as follows Figure 1C As shown, this includes multiple RAN nodes (such as...) Figure 1C 110 (110A, 110B, and 110C) 110 and a terminal device 120. In this case, multiple RAN nodes can also transmit data or control signaling to a single terminal device simultaneously.

[0182] The technical solution of this application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). For example, 4th generation (4G) communication systems, 5G communication systems, and communication systems beyond the 5th generation. For example, future communication systems. For example, 4th generation communication systems may include Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication systems. 5th generation communication systems may include NR communication systems. The technical solution of this application can also be applied to WiFi systems, standalone (SA) scenarios, dual connectivity (DC), macro-micro scenarios composed of base stations of different forms (e.g., scenarios with both wide-coverage and small-coverage base stations), D2D systems, V2X communication systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), IAB communication scenarios, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communication scenarios, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0183] For ease of description, the following description will use RAN nodes represented by network devices as an example.

[0184] For example, one example of an SA scenario is as follows: Figure 2A As shown, the terminal device is connected to a single network device, and the network device to which the terminal device is connected, as well as the core network to which the network device is connected, are of the same standard. Optionally, the standard may refer to radio access technology (RAT).

[0185] For example, in the implementation of the 5G standard, the core network can be called the 5G core network (denoted as 5G Core), the network equipment can be called the 5G base station (denoted as 5G BS), and the 5G BS is connected to the 5G Core.

[0186] For example, in the implementation of a future standard (denoted as XG), the core network can be called the XG core network (denoted as XGCore), and the network equipment can be called XG base stations (denoted as XGBS), with the XGBS connected to the XG Core. Here, X is a positive integer or fraction greater than 5, and different X values ​​are used to represent different standards.

[0187] An example of a DC scenario is as follows: Figure 2B As shown, the terminal device is connected to both network device 1 and network device 2. Network device 1 and network device 2 can be network devices of different standards or network devices of the same standard.

[0188] For example, the core network is 5G Core, and the terminal device is connected to both 5G network equipment and XG network equipment. Among them, the 5G network equipment is the master station and the XG network equipment is the auxiliary station.

[0189] For example, the core network is XG Core, and the terminal device connects to both XG network equipment and 5G network equipment. The XG network equipment acts as the primary station, and the 5G network equipment acts as the secondary station.

[0190] For example, the core network is an XG Core, and the terminal device is connected to two XG network devices at the same time, that is, the main station and the auxiliary station are both XG network devices.

[0191] An example, such as a macro-micro scenario, is as follows: Figure 1A As shown by the two ellipses, taking the network device name as a base station as an example, the macro-micro scenario can also be understood as a scenario where both wide-coverage base stations and small-coverage base stations exist simultaneously. Both wide-coverage base stations and small-coverage base stations can serve as access network elements for terminal devices. Among them, the signal coverage area of ​​a wide-coverage base station (e.g., ...) Figure 1A The larger solid-line ellipse (represented by the larger coverage area) is larger than the signal coverage area of ​​the smaller coverage base station (e.g., Figure 1A (represented by the smaller dashed ellipse in the middle), and the signal coverage areas of wide-coverage base stations and small-coverage base stations overlap.

[0192] Optionally, the signal coverage area of ​​a small-coverage base station is a subset of the signal coverage area of ​​a wide-coverage base station.

[0193] Another example of a macro-micro scenario is... Figure 2C As shown, taking the network device name as a base station as an example, the macro-micro scenario can also be understood as a scenario where both super base stations (super BS) and ground base stations exist simultaneously. The super BS can be a satellite, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), air balloon stations, drone stations, broadcast stations, or other implementations. The ground base station can be a cellular station in the communication system, such as a macro station, small station, micro station, or other implementations.

[0194] exist Figure 2C In this context, both superBS and terrestrial base stations can serve as access network elements for terminal equipment. The signal coverage area of ​​the superBS (e.g., ...) Figure 2C The area represented by the dashed ellipse is larger than the signal coverage area of ​​the ground base station (e.g., ...). Figure 2C (represented by a hexagonal box), and the signal coverage area of ​​the super BS overlaps with the signal coverage area of ​​the ground base station.

[0195] Optionally, Figure 1A and Figure 2C In the scenario shown, base stations with large signal coverage areas can be called macro base stations, while base stations with small signal coverage areas can be called micro base stations. Therefore, Figure 1A and Figure 2C The scene shown can also be called a macro-micro scene.

[0196] It should be noted that in practical applications, the shape of the signal coverage area is not limited to the above-mentioned elliptical and hexagonal implementations. For example, the shape of the signal coverage area can also be rectangular, circular, or irregular. No limitation is made here.

[0197] Currently, in communication systems, the communication protocol stack between terminal devices and network devices can include an RRC layer. Furthermore, for terminal devices, there are three RRC states: RRC idle (RRC_IDLE), RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE), and RRC connected (RRC_CONNECTED).

[0198] Optionally, the RRC idle state and RRC inactive state can also be referred to as the RRC disconnected state. Terminal devices in the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state can also be referred to as disconnected terminal devices, energy-saving terminal devices, basic mode terminal devices, etc.

[0199] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the RRC state transitions of a terminal device. Specifically, taking a network device described using a base station as an example, when the terminal device is in the RRC connected state, an RRC connection exists between the terminal device and the base station, allowing it to send and receive user data and other information. The terminal device can transition from the RRC connected state to the RRC idle state under the instruction of the base station. When the terminal device is in the RRC idle state, there is no RRC connection between the terminal device and the base station. For example, after the terminal device receives an RRC connection release message from the base station, the RRC connection between the terminal device and the base station will be terminated, and the base station will delete the terminal device's context.

[0200] The RRC inactive state is a newly added RRC state in NR. Generally, for terminal devices with infrequent data transmission, the base station usually keeps the terminal device in the RRC inactive state. The terminal device can also enter the RRC inactive state from the RRC connected state under the instruction of the base station. For example, after the terminal device receives an RRC connection release message with a pause indication from the base station, the RRC connection between the terminal device and the base station will be paused, but at least one base station will retain the terminal device's context. Therefore, the terminal device can enter the RRC connected state from the RRC inactive state faster than from the RRC idle state. The terminal device can also enter the RRC idle state from the RRC inactive state under the instruction of the base station, and the specific process is similar to that described above for entering the RRC idle state from the RRC connected state.

[0201] In particular, terminal devices in the RRC idle state and those in the RRC inactive state cannot transmit uplink data via RRC connection. Therefore, how to transmit uplink data when there is uplink data to be sent for terminal devices in the RRC idle state and those in the RRC inactive state is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0202] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and related apparatus. A terminal device identifies the resources of a Special Data Set (SDT) upon receiving first information and sends a measurement report using those resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to transmit measurement reports uplink through SDT resources, but also provides a reference for network devices to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance.

[0203] Please see Figure 4This application provides a flowchart illustrating a communication method, which may include steps 401 to 403. Steps 401 to 403 may be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 401 to 403 may also be divided into multiple execution entities, which may be logically and / or physically separated. For example, when the communication device is an access network device, the processing performed by the communication device may be divided into at least one execution entity among network elements such as CU, DU, and RU. This method can be applied to the aforementioned... Figures 1A to 2C In any of the system architectures shown, the specifics are not limited here.

[0204] Due to the long intervals between the steps, steps 401 to 403 will be briefly described here first, and then described in detail later. Step 401: The network device sends first information to the terminal device. Step 402: The terminal device determines the resources of the SDT based on the first information. Step 403: The terminal device sends a measurement report to the network device on the resources of the SDT.

[0205] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when sending measurement reports and / or measurement information to the network device. The RRC state of the terminal device in steps 401 and 402 is not limited. For example, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device. When the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, the terminal device sends measurement reports and / or measurement information on SDT resources. For another example, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device and when the terminal device sends measurement reports and / or measurement information through SDT resources, etc. Specific details are not limited here. The terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can be in an RRC inactive state, an RRC idle state, a power-saving mode, a basic mode, or a default mode, etc., etc., and specific details are not limited here.

[0206] Step 401: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0207] The network device sends first information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information sent by the network device. This terminal device can be one of the aforementioned... Figures 1A to 2C The terminal device in the network device can be the aforementioned Figures 1A to 2C RAN nodes or base stations, etc.

[0208] The first piece of information is related to SDT resources. Specifically, the relationship between the first piece of information and SDT resources can be interpreted in several ways. For example, the first piece of information may be used to identify SDT resources. Alternatively, it may be used to configure SDT resources. Another example is that the first piece of information may be used to directly indicate SDT resources. Yet another example is that the first piece of information may be used to indirectly indicate SDT resources. Still another example is that the first piece of information may be used to activate or enable SDT resources, etc. The specific interpretation is not limited here. The descriptions of direct and indirect indications can be found in the explanations of the terms mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the number of SDT resources can be one or more, and this is not specifically limited here.

[0209] Optionally, the first information may be referred to as SDT resource configuration information and / or SDT configuration indication information, etc., and is not specifically limited here. For example, step 401 can also be understood as the process by which the network device configures one or more SDT resources for the terminal device.

[0210] Optionally, the configuration information of SDT resources can be used for terminal devices to periodically or non-periodically report measurement information and / or measurement reports, and the specifics are not limited here.

[0211] Optionally, the first information can be called configuration enable information or configuration activation information, etc. That is, step 401 can also be understood as the process by which the network device activates or enables SDT resources for the terminal device.

[0212] For example, the first information is used to enable SDT resources. Alternatively, it can be understood that the network device has already configured / pre-configured SDT resources for the terminal device before step 401. However, the terminal device needs to receive the first information before using these resources. It can also be understood that the SDT resources previously allocated to the terminal device by the network device were not activated, and the first information activates the SDT resources so they can be used by the terminal device. It is understood that this example is merely illustrative; in practical applications, the terminal device may directly use the resources after receiving the SDT resource configuration, or it may directly use the SDT resources after receiving the first information, etc. Specific limitations are not specified here.

[0213] Optionally, after the network device determines one or more resources of the SDT, the network device sends the first information within its coverage area via broadcast, unicast, or multicast. Correspondingly, one or more terminal devices within the network device's coverage area receive the first information. For example, the network device configures one or more resources of the SDT for one or more terminal devices. In cases involving multiple terminal devices, the multiple terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources using either a non-contention or contention-based approach. Furthermore, the SDT resources involved in this application embodiment include one or more of the following: uplink (UL) SDT resources, random access small data transmission (RA-SDT) resources, configured grant small data transmission (CG-SDT) resources, contention-based SDT resources, or other UL SDT resources, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0214] In this application embodiment, the UL SDT can be referred to as mobile-initiated small data transmission (MO-SDT) or uplink SDT, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0215] Optionally, UL SDT resources can be understood as being transmitted on a dedicated traffic channel (DTCH). Subsequent measurement reports transmitted on the DTCH can be multiplexed with UL RRCs transmitted on the common control channel (CCCH). UL SDT resources can be traditional small packet transmission resources, or separately configured SDT resources, etc., without specific limitations here. Furthermore, the aforementioned RA-SDT can include one or more of the following: 2-step RA-SDT, 4-step RA-SDT, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0216] For example, RA-SDT resources are configured to terminal devices by network devices through system information. CG-SDT resources are configured to terminal devices by network devices through RRC dedicated signaling. The RA-SDT and CG-SDT scenarios will be described in detail later with reference to other accompanying figures; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0217] Optionally, the first information can be at least one of the following: RRC information, MAC CE, physical layer information, etc., without any specific limitation here.

[0218] Optionally, the first information may be carried in at least one of the following: a system information block (SIB), a master information block (MIB), a wake-up signal (WUS), a low-power signal (or low-power signal), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), etc., without specific limitations here. For example, an SIB may also be denoted as SIB X, where X is a positive integer greater than 0. For example, SIBX may include one or more of the following: SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0219] The low-power signal or WUS in this application embodiment may include one or more of the following: low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS), linear frequency modulated chirp signal, on-off keying (OOK) signal (such as OOK-1, OOK-2, OOK-3, OOK-4, etc.), low-power sequence signal (such as Gold sequence signal, M sequence signal, ZC sequence signal, chirp sequence signal, Walsh sequence signal, Golay sequence signal, Kasami sequence signal, low-density sequence signal, discrete fourier transform (DFT) / fast fourier transform (FFT) sequence signal, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signal, symbol-based sequence signal, etc.), amplitude shift keying (ASK) signal, frequency shift keying (FSK) signal, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. Multiplexing (OFDM) signals, etc., or low-power signals can be signals obtained by optimizing the above signals, etc., and the specifics are not limited here.

[0220] For example, downlink (DL) WUS can also be called downlink low-power signal or downlink non-low-power signal (such as PDCCH), etc., and the name is not limited here. Similarly, UL WUS can also be called uplink low-power signal or uplink non-low-power signal (such as physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)), etc., and the name is not limited here.

[0221] Optionally, the aforementioned low-power signal can be a digital signal and / or an analog signal, and there is no specific limitation here.

[0222] Step 402: The terminal device determines the SDT resources based on the first information.

[0223] After receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine the resources of the SDT based on the first information. The resources of the SDT are used to transmit measurement reports and / or small packet data, etc.

[0224] In this step, the terminal device determines the SDT resources based on the first information in several ways:

[0225] For example, when the first information is used to indicate SDT resources, after receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine the SDT resources based on the content indicated by the first information.

[0226] For example, if the first information is used to activate or enable SDT resources, the terminal device may have already configured or pre-configured SDT resources before receiving the first information, but the SDT resources are not activated or enabled. After receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine which SDT resources are activated or enabled based on the first information, that is, identify the activated or enabled SDT resources.

[0227] For example, if the first information indicates an SDT resource, the terminal device can directly determine the SDT resource after receiving the first information.

[0228] For example, when the first information indicates multiple SDT resources, after receiving the first information, the terminal device can select its own SDT resources through contention-based or non-contention-based methods. For instance, multiple terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources based on the usage conditions of each resource. Alternatively, terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources based on their own capability information. Or, terminal devices can determine their respective SDT resources based on pre-configured selection rules, etc., without further limitation here. It is understood that the above methods can be used individually or in combination, without further limitation here.

[0229] It is understandable that the above methods for determining SDT resources are just examples. In practical applications, there may be other methods, which are not limited here.

[0230] Step 403: The terminal device sends a measurement report on the SDT resources.

[0231] After the terminal device determines the resources of the SDT (Software-Defined Group), it sends a measurement report (MR) on those resources. Correspondingly, the network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device. This measurement report can also be referred to as the measurement result.

[0232] Optionally, the terminal device performs measurements on the object to obtain a measurement report. It is understood that the timing of the terminal device's measurement of the object is not limited; it can be performed before or after the SDT resources are determined, etc., without specific limitations here. Similarly, the terminal device can perform the measurement in RRC connected state or in RRC disconnected state, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0233] The measurement objects in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: reference signal, low-power signal, synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), carrier identifier (or carrier number), etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0234] The reference signal may include one or more of the following: positioning reference signal (PRS), tracking reference signal (TRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), sounding reference signal (SRS), cell reference signal (CRS), etc., without specific limitations here. The description of the low-power signal can be found in step 401, and will not be repeated here.

[0235] Optionally, the measurement object can be further divided into a capacity layer and / or a coverage layer. For example, the reference signal includes: a reference signal for the capacity layer and / or a reference signal for the coverage layer. Another example is that the low-power signal includes: a low-power signal for the capacity layer and / or a low-power signal for the coverage layer. Yet another example is that the SSB is the SSB of the coverage layer, etc. Another example is that the carrier identifier includes: a capacity carrier identifier and a coverage carrier identifier, etc. Yet another example is that the carrier identifier includes: a carrier identifier for the capacity layer and a carrier identifier for the coverage layer, etc. It is understood that the measurement object in the embodiments of this application can distinguish between the capacity layer and the coverage layer, or it can not distinguish between the capacity layer and the coverage layer; this is not specifically limited here. Furthermore, the "layer" in the capacity layer / coverage layer can also be replaced by one or more of the following: carrier, cell, frequency point, etc.

[0236] The overlay layer provides hosting services for terminal devices. This overlay layer can also be called the hosting layer, anchor layer, etc. For example, the overlay layer provides one or more of the following: random access channel (RACH), RRM, paging service, WUS, etc. Optionally, the overlay layer can also be understood as providing hosting services for RRC-unconnected terminal devices.

[0237] The capacity layer provides data transmission services for terminal devices. The capacity layer primarily involves data transmission. For example, the capacity layer only provides data transmission services for terminal devices in RRC connection state. Optionally, the capacity layer can also be understood as providing resident data transmission services for RRC connection state terminal devices.

[0238] For example, taking the measurement object to distinguish between capacity layers and overlay layers, the measurement object may include reference signals and / or low-power signals for each capacity layer. Alternatively, the measurement object may include reference signals and / or low-power signals supporting the capacity layer. Another example is that the measurement object may include the overlay layer's SSB, reference signals, and / or low-power signals. Yet another example is that the measurement object may include reference signals, low-power signals, and / or SSBs for both the overlay and capacity layers.

[0239] The measurement object can be configured or pre-configured, or it can be selected by the terminal device according to actual needs; no specific limitations are made here. For a description of configuration or pre-configuration, please refer to the explanations in the preceding sections; they will not be repeated here.

[0240] Furthermore, the measurement performed by the terminal device can be described in various ways. For example, the terminal device measures a reference signal. Another example is that the terminal device measures a carrier wave. Yet another example is that the terminal device measures a carrier wave associated with the object being measured. And yet another example is that the terminal device measures the carrier wave containing the reference signal.

[0241] In this embodiment, after the terminal device measures the object or carrier, it can obtain a measurement report. This measurement report may include the following: the measured value of the object, the identifier of the object, the frequency band or frequency point of the object, the identifier of the object in the capacity layer, the identifier of the object in the coverage layer, etc. The frequency band mentioned above can refer to a frequency band level (e.g., low frequency band, mid frequency band, or high frequency band; or, for example, low-frequency band, mid-frequency band, or high-frequency band), or it can refer to a specific frequency band number. Furthermore, the number of the above items can be one or more, and is not limited here.

[0242] For example, a measurement report may include one or more of the following: the measured value of the carrier, the carrier identification, the carrier frequency band or frequency point, the identification of the capacity carrier (or capacity layer carrier) in the carrier, the identification of the coverage carrier (or coverage layer carrier) in the carrier, the measured value of the reference signal, the identification of the reference signal, the frequency band or frequency point of the reference signal, the identification of the capacity reference signal carrier (or capacity layer reference signal), the identification of the coverage reference signal (or coverage layer reference signal), etc.

[0243] The measured values ​​mentioned above can be one or more of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference noise ratio (SINR), received signal code power (RSCP), and the ratio of chip energy to total interference energy density (EcN0), etc., without any specific limitation here.

[0244] Additionally, the measurement report may include one or more of the following: SDT resources (in the case of contention-based SDT resources), preamble index, preamble packets, bandwidth part (BWP) parameters, etc., without any specific restrictions here.

[0245] In this embodiment of the application, the measurement report may be sent periodically, triggered by a network device, or triggered by a configured, pre-configured, or pre-defined event, etc., and the specific details are not limited here.

[0246] Optionally, if the measurement report is triggered by an event, this step can be understood as the terminal device sending a measurement report on the resources of the SDT when the event reporting conditions are met.

[0247] For example, an event may include one or more of the following:

[0248] 1. The signal strength of the object being measured is less than or equal to the first threshold. For example, the signal strength of the overlay layer is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0249] 2. The signal strength of the measured object is greater than or equal to the second threshold. For example, the measured value of SSB is greater than or equal to the second threshold. For example, the measured value of CSI-RS is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0250] 3. Significant changes occur in the channel conditions of the terminal equipment. For example, the difference in the strength of the reference signal between two moments is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0251] 4. The signal strength of the coverage layer is greater than the fourth threshold, the signal strength of the first capacity carrier is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, the signal strength of the second capacity carrier is greater than the fifth threshold, and so on. Note that the first capacity carrier and the second capacity carrier are different.

[0252] It is understood that the events mentioned above are merely examples, and other events or reporting conditions may exist in practical applications; these are not limited here. Furthermore, the event thresholds mentioned above (e.g., the first threshold, second threshold, third threshold, fourth threshold, and fifth threshold) can be set according to actual needs; these are not limited here. For example, the aforementioned event thresholds may vary in different transmission scenarios and / or different transmission methods. The event thresholds will be described in conjunction with transmission scenarios and / or transmission methods later, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0253] For example, the aforementioned event thresholds can also be carried in the first information, meaning the network device can configure SDT resources and related event thresholds for the terminal device through the first information. Of course, the event thresholds can also be configured in other separate information, or they can be preset values ​​or protocol specifications, etc., and are not limited here.

[0254] Optionally, after receiving a measurement report, the network device can send an acknowledgment (ACK) to the terminal device. The terminal device then receives the acknowledgment from the network device. This acknowledgment indicates that the network device has received the measurement report, or that it has correctly received the measurement report. For example, the network device can transmit an explicit ACK via message (Msg)B or Msg4. Alternatively, the network device can indicate an implicit ACK via information such as SIB. ACK feedback of measurement reports improves the reliability of measurement report transmission.

[0255] Furthermore, assuming this embodiment is applied in a 2-step RA-SDT, the measurement report can be carried in MsgA. For example, on the physical uplink random access channel (PRACH) resource or PUSCH in MsgA. Assuming this embodiment is applied in a 4-step RA-SDT, the measurement report can be carried in Msg3.

[0256] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device identifies the SDT resources through the received first information and sends a measurement report using those resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports using SDT resources, but also provides a reference for network devices to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance. For example, if the measurement report includes the terminal device's desired capacity layer frequency, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency for the terminal device using the measurement report, thus improving data transmission speed and providing a better user experience.

[0257] The above describes how terminal devices send measurement reports to network devices on SDT resources. The following describes further optional solutions.

[0258] The first option is differentiated transmission rules.

[0259] The differences in this optional solution are mainly reflected in one or more of the following: different transmission scenarios, different transmission methods, different event threshold configurations, and different transmission priority configurations, which are described below.

[0260] 1. Different transmission scenarios (also known as different transmission content).

[0261] Optionally, the transmission scenarios (or transmission content) in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: Scenario 1, transmitting measurement reports and small packet data; Scenario 2, transmitting only measurement reports; Scenario 3, transmitting only small packet data; Scenario 4, transmitting neither measurement reports nor small packet data, etc., without specific limitations here. Alternatively, it can be understood that the transmission content in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: Content 1, transmitting measurement reports and small packet data; Content 2, transmitting only measurement reports; Content 3, transmitting only small packet data; Content 4, transmitting neither measurement reports nor small packet data, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0262] Alternatively, the four scenarios mentioned above can be as shown in Table 1:

[0263] Table 1

[0264] Scene Transmitted content Scene 1 Measurement reports and small package data (SDT and MR) Scene 2 Measurement Report (MR Only) Scene 3 Small packet data (SDT only) Scene 4 Non-SDT

[0265] Among them, Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3, because they involve SDT or SDT resources, can also be called SDT scenarios. Scenario 4 can be understood as not involving SDT or SDT resources, and can also be called a non-SDT scenario or a non-SDT scenario.

[0266] Scenario 4 in this embodiment can be interpreted in several ways: For example, Scenario 4 can be understood as a scenario where the conditions for transmitting SDT and / or measurement report transmission are not met. Another example is that Scenario 4 can be understood as a scenario that does not involve SDT resources, but may use SDT resources to transmit data other than measurement reports and small packet data. Yet another example is that Scenario 4 can be understood as transmission that does not involve either SDT or SDT resources.

[0267] It is understandable that, to differentiate between the above scenarios, the network device may send a first indication message to the terminal device before or after configuring SDT resources for the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first indication message sent by the network device. This first indication message is used to indicate the content to be transmitted for the SDT resources (e.g., measurement reports and / or small packet data), or to indicate the content that is permitted for SDT resource transmission. This first indication message may be included in the first message or sent separately; no specific limitation is made here.

[0268] For example, the first indication information is used to indicate that the configured, activated, or enabled SDT resources allow the transmission of measurement reports. As another example, the first indication information is used to indicate that the configured, activated, or enabled SDT resources allow the joint transmission of measurement reports and small packet data, etc.

[0269] Optionally, if the network device does not send the first indication information to the terminal device, the terminal device may send a second indication information to the network device when or before sending the measurement report. Accordingly, the network device receives the second indication information sent by the terminal device. This second indication information is used to indicate the content carried by the SDT resources (e.g., measurement report and / or small packet data), or to indicate whether the SDT resources carry the measurement report, or to indicate whether the measurement report is suitable for SDT resource transmission, etc. This second indication information can also be called a resume cause. It can be carried in the measurement report (e.g., sent using the downlink control channel (DCCH), sent separately (e.g., as an RRC signaling message, such as sent using CCCH), or carried in an RRC resume request message; the specifics are not limited here.

[0270] For example, the second indication information includes two bits: "11" indicates that the SDT resource carries measurement reports and small packet data; "10" indicates that the SDT resource carries only measurement reports; and "01" indicates that the SDT resource carries only small packet data.

[0271] Furthermore, to facilitate network devices in clearly identifying the size of the measurement report, the terminal device can also indicate the bit size of the measurement report and / or the bit size of the small packet data through MAC layer information. For example, the bit size of the measurement report can be indicated through the MAC layer subheader. For instance, in scenario one, the MAC layer can indicate the bit size of both the measurement report and the small packet data. In scenario two, the MAC layer can indicate the bit size of the measurement report. And in scenario three, the MAC layer can indicate the bit size of the small packet data.

[0272] Optionally, in Scenario 1, since SDT resources are used not only for transmitting measurement reports but also for transmitting small packet data, logical channel priorities (or channel mapping priorities) can be set for measurement reports and small packet data. For example, the logical channel priority of the measurement report may differ from that of the small packet data. For instance, to ensure the timeliness of the measurement report, the logical channel priority of the measurement report may be higher than that of the small packet data. Similarly, to ensure the timeliness of the small packet data, the logical channel priority of the small packet data may be higher than that of the measurement report.

[0273] 2. Different transmission methods.

[0274] Optionally, the transmission method in the embodiments of this application includes one or more of the following: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT (2sRA-SDT), 4-step RA-SDT (4sRA-SDT), non-SDT RA, etc., and is not specifically limited here. Among them, non-SDT RA can also be understood as the traditional RA process or non-SDT transmission.

[0275] Furthermore, if the transmission method involves SDT transmission, this SDT transmission method can correspond to the aforementioned SDT resources. For example, if the SDT transmission method is CG-SDT, then the aforementioned SDT resources can be CG-SDT resources (also referred to as CG resources for small packet data or configured grant type-1 resources). Correspondingly, transmission using CG-SDT resources can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL small packet data in the CG-based PUSCH. As another example, if the SDT transmission method is 2-step RA-SDT, then the aforementioned SDT resources can be 2-step RA-SDT resources, also referred to as resources used by MsgA. Correspondingly, transmission using 2-step RA-SDT resources can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL small packet data in MsgA. As yet another example, if the SDT transmission method is 4-step RA-SDT, then the aforementioned SDT resources can be 4-step RA-SDT resources, also referred to as resources used by Msg3. Correspondingly, using the 4-step RA-SDT resource transmission can be understood as the terminal device carrying UL packet data in Msg3.

[0276] 3. Different event threshold configurations.

[0277] Optionally, different event thresholds can be configured for the different transmission scenarios described in section 1 above. In other words, the event thresholds for different scenarios can be different.

[0278] The event threshold can be configured together with the aforementioned SDT resources, or it can be configured separately; no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0279] Furthermore, the network device configures the terminal device with one or more of the following: a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, a third preset threshold for sending only small packet data, and a fourth preset threshold for neither sending measurement reports nor sending small packet data.

[0280] Alternatively, it can be understood that the event threshold corresponding to Scenario 1 is the first preset threshold, the event threshold corresponding to Scenario 2 is the second preset threshold, the event threshold corresponding to Scenario 3 is the third preset threshold, and the event threshold corresponding to Scenario 4 is the fourth preset threshold.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the event thresholds configured on the network device differ for scenarios that include measurement reports and scenarios that do not. Specifically, the first preset threshold differs from the third preset threshold, the first preset threshold differs from the fourth preset threshold, the second preset threshold differs from the third preset threshold, and the second preset threshold differs from the fourth preset threshold.

[0282] Alternatively, this can be understood as follows: the event threshold for Scenario 1 differs from that for Scenario 3; the event threshold for Scenario 1 differs from that for Scenario 4; the event threshold for Scenario 2 differs from that for Scenario 3; and the event threshold for Scenario 2 differs from the preset threshold for Scenario 4.

[0283] For example, the threshold for events that include measurement reports is greater than the threshold for events that do not include measurement reports. That is, the second preset threshold is greater than the third threshold, the second preset threshold is greater than the fourth preset threshold, the first preset threshold is greater than the third preset threshold, and the first preset threshold is greater than the fourth preset threshold.

[0284] Alternatively, this can be understood as follows: the event threshold for scenario one is greater than the event threshold for scenario three, and the event threshold for scenario one is greater than the event threshold for scenario four. The event threshold for scenario two is greater than the event threshold for scenario three, and the event threshold for scenario two is greater than the event threshold for scenario four.

[0285] For example, in scenario one, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a first preset threshold, a measurement report and small packet data are sent on the resources of the SDT. As another example, in scenario two, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a second preset threshold, a measurement report is sent on the resources of the SDT. As yet another example, in scenario three, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a third preset threshold, small packet data is sent on the resources of the SDT.

[0286] For example, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a first preset threshold, a measurement report and small packet data are sent on the resources of the SDT. As another example, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a second preset threshold but less than the first preset threshold, a measurement report is sent on the resources of the SDT. As yet another example, if the terminal device determines that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than a third preset threshold but less than the second preset threshold, small packet data is sent on the resources of the SDT.

[0287] Correspondingly, in scenario one or scenario two, when the terminal device determines that the measured value of the measured object is less than the first preset threshold or the second preset threshold, the terminal device can initiate the RA process, that is, after switching from the RRC non-connected state to the RRC connected state, the measurement report is sent.

[0288] In another possible implementation, the event thresholds configured on the network device differ between scenarios that include measurement reports and small packet data, and scenarios that only include measurement reports. That is, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different. Alternatively, it can be understood that the event thresholds for scenario one are different from those for scenario two.

[0289] For example, the event threshold that includes both measurement reports and small package data is greater than the event threshold that does not include measurement reports. That is, the first preset threshold is greater than the second preset threshold. Or, it can be understood as the event threshold for scenario one being greater than the event threshold for scenario two.

[0290] For example, the event thresholds for the four scenarios could be in the following order: Scenario 1 event threshold > Scenario 2 event threshold > Scenario 3 event threshold > Scenario 4 event threshold. That is, the first preset threshold > the second preset threshold > the third preset threshold > the fourth preset threshold.

[0291] Optionally, the event thresholds in the embodiments of this application (e.g., a first preset threshold, a second preset threshold, a third preset threshold, a fourth preset threshold, etc.) Figure 4 The first threshold, second threshold, third threshold, fourth threshold, etc. in the illustrated embodiment are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value (e.g., RSRP), uplink data volume waiting for SDT, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

[0292] For example, the measurement report and small packet data can only be transmitted if the data volume is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold. As another example, the measurement report can only be transmitted if the data volume is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold. And as yet another example, the small packet data can only be transmitted if the data volume is greater than or equal to a third preset threshold.

[0293] 4. Different transmission priority configurations.

[0294] The above describes different transmission scenarios and different transmission methods. Furthermore, this application can also set different transmission priorities for different transmission scenarios and / or different transmission methods.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenario can be as follows: Figure 5A As shown, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenarios from high to low is as follows: transmission containing measurement reports and small packet data (SDT+MR), transmission containing only measurement reports (MR only), transmission containing only small packet data (SDT only), and transmission containing neither measurement reports nor small packet data (non-SDT).

[0296] Alternatively, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenarios, from high to low, is as follows: Scenario 1, Scenario 2, Scenario 3, Scenario 4.

[0297] Alternatively, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenarios from high to low can be understood as follows: transmission scenarios with an event threshold of the first preset threshold, transmission scenarios with an event threshold of the second preset threshold, transmission scenarios with an event threshold of the third preset threshold, and transmission scenarios with an event threshold of the fourth preset threshold.

[0298] Alternatively, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low can be understood as follows: transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and transmission corresponding to the fourth preset threshold.

[0299] In another possible implementation, the transmission priority order of the transmission scenario can be as follows: Figure 5B As shown. The transmission priority order of the transmission methods from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, 4-step RA-SDT, and non-SDT RA.

[0300] The transmission priorities for transmission scenarios and transmission methods have been described separately above. In practical applications, transmission scenarios may also be combined with transmission methods. The following describes various rules for transmission priority in the case of combination.

[0301] 1. In the same transmission method, the transmission priority order in this case is the same as... Figure 5A Similarly. For example, the transmission priority order from high to low is: SDT+MR, MR only, SDT only, non-SDT.

[0302] 2. Transmissions in the same scenario (i.e., transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold). The transmission priority order in this case is the same as... Figure 5B Similarly, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, 4-step RA-SDT, and non-SDT RA.

[0303] 3. The priority of the scenario is higher than the priority of the transmission method.

[0304] In this case, it can also be understood as a priority scenario. The transmission priority order can be as follows: Figure 6As shown, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 3, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 4. Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, and non-SDT RA transmission.

[0305] Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low can be understood as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0306] Optionally, the event threshold for scenario one > the event threshold for scenario two > the event threshold for scenario three > the event threshold for scenario four. That is, the first preset threshold > the second preset threshold > the third preset threshold > the fourth preset threshold. For example, the order of the event thresholds for each transmission is as follows: Figure 6 As shown. Alternatively, it can be understood that the order of event thresholds can be consistent with the order of transmission priorities.

[0307] It is understandable that in practical applications, the order of event thresholds can be the reverse of the order of transmission priorities, etc., but this is not limited here.

[0308] 4. The priority of the transmission method is higher than the priority of the scenario.

[0309] In this case, it can also be understood as prioritizing the transmission method. The transmission priority order can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 4, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 1, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 2, non-SDT RA transmission in scenario 3, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 4. Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission in scenario 1, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 2, CG-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 2-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 1, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 2, 4-step RA-SDT transmission in scenario 3, and non-SDT RA transmission.

[0310] Alternatively, the transmission priority order from high to low can be understood as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0311] Optionally, the event threshold for CG-SDT > the event threshold for 2-step RA-SDT > the event threshold for 4-step RA-SDT > the event threshold for non-SDT RA. For example, the order of the event thresholds for each transmission is as follows: Figure 7 As shown. Alternatively, it can be understood that the order of event thresholds can be consistent with the order of transmission priorities.

[0312] It is understandable that in practical applications, the order of event thresholds can be the reverse of the order of transmission priorities, etc., but this is not limited here.

[0313] It should be noted that the above-mentioned differentiated transmission rules are just examples. In practical applications, there may be other differentiated transmission rules, which are not limited here.

[0314] For example, the network device can also send second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second information accordingly. This second information is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, configuring a third preset threshold for sending only small packet data, and determining whether to allow the sending of measurement reports on SDT resources, etc.

[0315] The second information and the aforementioned first information can be carried in the same signaling or different signaling, without specific limitations here. For example, the second information can be at least one of the following: RRC information, etc., without specific limitations here. As another example, the second information can be carried in at least one of the following: SIB, MIB, WUS, LP-WUS, PDCCH, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0316] The second option is for the terminal device to send measurement information to the network device.

[0317] In this embodiment, there are multiple ways for the terminal device to send measurement information to the network device. For example, the terminal device can send the measurement information before sending the measurement report. Alternatively, the terminal device can send the measurement information simultaneously with the measurement report. The indication methods of the measurement information and the measurement report can be the same or different, or the transmission methods of the measurement information and the measurement report can be different.

[0318] Optionally, before sending a measurement report on the SDT resources, the terminal device may also send measurement information. This measurement information can be understood as partial measurement results. In this case, the measurement report sent by the terminal device on the SDT resources can be the complete measurement results, or it can be a portion of the measurement results other than the measurement information. For example, the terminal device sends third information on PRACH or PUSCH to indicate the measurement information, which will be combined later. Figure 8 The details will not be elaborated here.

[0319] For example, if the measurement result includes 5 measurement values, the measurement information may include 2 measurement values, the measurement report may include 3 measurement values, and so on.

[0320] The method of this application for such an alternative solution can be as follows: Figure 8As shown, another flowchart of the communication method provided in this application embodiment is illustrated. This method may include steps 801 to 804. Steps 801 to 804 can be executed by a communication device, or by some components of the communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication device. The following description uses execution by a communication device as an example. The processing performed by a single execution entity in steps 801 to 804 can also be divided into multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, when the communication device is an access network device, the processing performed by the communication device can be divided into execution by at least one network element such as CU, DU, and RU. This method can be applied to the aforementioned... Figures 1A to 2C In any of the system architectures shown, the specifics are not limited here.

[0321] Due to the long intervals between the steps, steps 801 to 804 are briefly described here first, and then described in detail later. Step 801: The terminal device sends third information to the network device to indicate measurement information. Step 802: The network device sends first information to the terminal device. Step 803: The terminal device determines the resources of the SDT based on the first information. Step 804: The terminal device sends a measurement report to the network device on the resources of the SDT.

[0322] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when sending measurement reports and / or measurement information to the network device. The RRC state of the terminal device in steps 802 and 803 is not limited. For example, when the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device. When the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state, the terminal device sends measurement reports and / or measurement information on SDT resources. For another example, the terminal device is in an RRC disconnected state when the network device configures SDT resources for the terminal device and when the terminal device sends measurement reports and / or measurement information through SDT resources, etc., and the specific details are not limited here. The terminal device in the RRC disconnected state can be in an RRC inactive state, an RRC idle state, or a power-saving or basic mode, etc., and the specific details are not limited here.

[0323] Step 801: The terminal device sends third information to the network device. This step is optional.

[0324] Optionally, before sending a measurement report on the SDT resources, the terminal device may also send third information to the network device. The network device then receives the third information.

[0325] For example, a terminal device sends third information on the PRACH. Correspondingly, a network device receives third information on the PRACH. As another example, a terminal device sends third information on the PUSCH. Correspondingly, a network device receives third information on the PUSCH. Yet another example is that the terminal device and the network device transmit third information through non-SDT resources. Non-SDT resources can refer to resources used for transmitting third information that are not SDT resources, resources used for transmitting third information that are not used for transmitting measurement reports, or SDT resources used for transmitting third information that are not SDT resources used for transmitting measurement reports, etc. The specific definition is not limited here.

[0326] The third piece of information is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report, i.e., the measurement information is related to the measurement report. This measurement information can be understood as partial measurement results. For example, the measurement report sent by the terminal device on the SDT resources can be all measurement results, or it can be a portion of the measurement results other than the measurement information. The content of the measurement information can be referred to the description of the measurement report in step 403 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0327] Alternatively, or as understood, the terminal device can indirectly indicate measurement information through selected resources, or indirectly indicate measurement information through transmission of the relationship with the initial BWP, etc., without being limited here.

[0328] For example, measurement information may be carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble block, BWP parameters, etc.

[0329] For example, if Figure 8 If the method of the illustrated embodiment is applied in the 2-step RA process, then the third information can be carried in MsgA. If Figure 8 When the method of the illustrated embodiment is applied in a 4-step RA process, the third information can be carried in Msg1 or Msg3. The application of this embodiment's method to 2-step and 4-step RA will be described later with reference to other accompanying drawings; these details will not be elaborated upon here.

[0330] In this embodiment, the resources used to transmit third information can be PRACH resources or PUSCH resources, and the resources used to transmit measurement reports can be PRACH resources or PUSCH resources. Alternatively, it can be understood that measurement information can be carried on PRACH or PUSCH, and measurement reports can also be carried on PRACH or PUSCH, etc., without being limited here.

[0331] It is understood that PRACH resources can be configured or pre-configured. For example, network devices configure PRACH and / or PUSCH resources for terminal devices by sending fourth information.

[0332] Optionally, the fourth piece of information may include at least one of the following: SIB, MIB, WUS, low-power signal (or low-power signal), PDCCH, etc., without specific limitations here. For example, SIB may also be denoted as SIB X, where X is a positive integer greater than 0. For example, SIBX may include one or more of the following: SIB1, SIB2, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, etc., without specific limitations here.

[0333] For example, the fourth information is SIB1, which is used to indicate the PRACH resources related to the uplink SDT. For instance, after receiving SIB1, the terminal device can send the third information through the PRACH resources. For example, SIB1 may also be used to configure one or more of the following: one or more PRACH resources, one or more preambles, one or more preamble blocks, initial BWP, etc., without being limited here.

[0334] The above defines resource allocation and third-party information. The following is an exemplary description of how third-party information indicates measurement information.

[0335] For example, different SDT resources may be related to the aforementioned measurement reports. Similarly, different preamble indices may be related to differences in the aforementioned measurement reports. Likewise, different preamble blocks may be related to differences in the aforementioned measurement reports. And finally, different BWP parameters may be related to differences in the aforementioned measurement reports.

[0336] For example, taking a measurement report that includes carrier identifiers as an example, assume that preamble index 1 corresponds to carrier identifier 2, preamble index 2 corresponds to carrier identifier 3, and so on. Or, taking a measurement report that includes measurement values ​​as an example, assume that preamble index 1 corresponds to measurement value 1, preamble index 2 corresponds to measurement value 2, and so on.

[0337] For example, consider a scenario where the third information includes a preamble index, and the measurement information is a frequency band preferred by the terminal device. The preamble index in the third information can be used to indicate the frequency band preferred by the terminal device. For instance, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group A, then the frequency band preferred by the terminal device is the mid-frequency band. As another example, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group B, then the frequency band preferred by the terminal device is the high-frequency band.

[0338] For example, consider a scenario where the third information includes a preamble index, and the measurement information is the measured value of the object being measured. The preamble index in the third information can be used to indicate the relationship between the measured value and an event threshold. For instance, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group A, it indicates that the measured value of the object is greater than the event threshold. As another example, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group B, it indicates that the measured value of the object is less than the event threshold.

[0339] For example, taking measurement information carried in the BWP parameters, if the transmission of third information is within the initial BWP, it indicates that the measured value of the object being measured is greater than the event threshold. If the transmission of third information is outside the initial BWP, it indicates that the measured value of the object being measured is less than the event threshold. For another example, if the transmission of third information is within the initial BWP, it indicates that the terminal device prefers a low-frequency band. If the transmission of third information is outside the initial BWP, it indicates that the terminal device prefers a high-frequency band. For yet another example, if the transmission of third information is within the initial BWP, traditional RA or SDT can be performed. If the transmission of third information is outside the initial BWP, transmission containing a measurement report can be performed (e.g., scenarios one and two mentioned above).

[0340] Optionally, if Figure 8 If the method of the illustrated embodiment is applied in the 2-step RA, then the third information can be carried in the MsgA information. If Figure 8 The method of the illustrated embodiment is applied in step 4 RA, and the third information can be carried in Msg1. The application of the method of this embodiment to step 2 RA and step 4 RA will be described later with reference to other accompanying drawings, and will not be elaborated here.

[0341] Step 802: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0342] Step 803: The terminal device determines the SDT resources based on the first information.

[0343] Step 804: The terminal device sends a measurement report to the network device on the SDT resources.

[0344] Steps 802 to 804 can be referred to the above. Figure 4 The descriptions of steps 401 to 403 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0345] Optionally, the measurement report may include all measurement results directly, or it may include or indicate all measurement results in conjunction with measurement information.

[0346] For example, measurement information can indicate a range of values ​​for a certain item in the measurement results, while the measurement report further indicates the exact value within that range. For instance, measurement information might indicate a frequency band preferred by a terminal device, while the measurement report might indicate a specific frequency point within that band (e.g., a frequency point identifier or frequency point number).

[0347] For example, if the measurement result includes 5 measurement values, the measurement information can include 2 measurement values, and the measurement report can include 3 measurement values.

[0348] For example, if the measurement result is indicated by 3 bits to represent 8 measurement values, the measurement information can first be indicated by 1 bit, and the measurement report can then be indicated by 2 bits. After receiving the measurement information and measurement result, the network device concatenates the 1 bit and 2 bits to obtain 3 bits, and then uses these 3 bits to determine the 8 measurement values.

[0349] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can first send third information, which is used to indicate part of the measurement results. This not only allows the network device to prepare configuration information or configure parameters that better meet the terminal device's expectations based on the measurement information reported by the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience, but also reduces the overhead of subsequent measurement reports. On the other hand, the terminal device clarifies the SDT resources through the received first information and sends the measurement report through the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports through SDT resources, but also provides the network device with a reference for subsequent scheduling or configuration of terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance. For example, if the measurement report includes the capacity layer frequency point desired by the terminal device, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency point for the terminal device through the measurement report, thereby improving data transmission speed and providing a better user experience.

[0350] As mentioned above, Figure 4 or Figure 8 The method shown in the embodiment can be applied to both 4-step RA and 2-step RA, which will be described below.

[0351] In one possible implementation method Figure 4 or Figure 8 The method shown can be applied to a 4-step RA process as follows: Figure 9 As shown. The process includes steps 901 to 904, which are described below.

[0352] Step 901: The terminal device sends Msg1 to the network device through the PRACH resource.

[0353] Network devices configure PRACH resources for terminal devices. Specific configuration methods can include configuration or pre-configuration, and descriptions of configuration or pre-configuration can be found in the explanations of the aforementioned terms; they will not be repeated here.

[0354] After determining the PRACH resource, the terminal device sends Msg1 to the network device through the PRACH resource. Correspondingly, the network device receives the Msg1 sent by the terminal device. This Msg1 includes at least a preamble.

[0355] For example, the block containing the preamble can indicate measurement information, and the description of the measurement information can be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here. As another example, Msg1 may be an external indicator of measurement information within the initial BWP.

[0356] For example, the preamble index can be used to indicate the frequency band preferred by the terminal device. For instance, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group A, then the frequency band preferred by the terminal device is the mid-frequency band. As another example, if the preamble index sent by the terminal device is in group B, then the frequency band preferred by the terminal device is the high-frequency band.

[0357] For example, if Msg1 is transmitted within the initial BWP, the frequency band preferred by the corresponding terminal device is the mid-frequency band. If Msg1 is transmitted outside the initial BWP, the frequency band preferred by the corresponding terminal device is the high-frequency band.

[0358] Step 902: The network device sends Msg2 to the terminal device.

[0359] After receiving Msg1 from the terminal device, the network device sends Msg2 to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives Msg2 from the network device. This Msg2 includes at least a random access response (RAR), which may indicate the resources available for PUSCH.

[0360] Step 903: The terminal device sends Msg3 to the network device.

[0361] After receiving Msg2 from the network device, the terminal device sends Msg3 to the network device via the PUSCH according to the resource location of the PUSCH indicated by Msg2. Correspondingly, the network device receives Msg3 from the terminal device. This Msg3 includes the measurement report and / or small packet data as described in the preceding embodiments.

[0362] Optionally, Msg3 may include an RRC recovery request (RRCResumeResuest) message.

[0363] Optionally, Msg3 may also include measurement information. For example, the terminal device sends measurement information through SDT resource 1 and a measurement report through SDT resource 2. SDT resource 1 may be the same as or different from SDT resource 2.

[0364] For example, assuming that the preamble sent by the aforementioned terminal device indicates that the preferred frequency band of the terminal device is the mid-frequency band, the measurement report in this step can specifically indicate which frequency point in the mid-frequency band.

[0365] Step 904: The network device sends Msg4 to the terminal device.

[0366] After receiving Msg3 from the terminal device, the network device sends Msg4 to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives Msg4 from the network device.

[0367] Optionally, Msg4 may include one or more of the following: a correct acknowledgement (ACK) or a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for PUSCH in Msg3 (e.g., ACK or NACK for a measurement report), an RRC setup message, an RRC recovery message, a power control command, etc.

[0368] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can first indicate some measurement results on the PRACH resources. This allows the network device to prepare configuration information or configure parameters that better meet the terminal device's expectations based on the measurement information reported by the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. On the other hand, the terminal device clarifies the SDT resources through the received Msg2 and sends the measurement report through the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports through SDT resources, but also provides a reference for the network device to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance. For example, if the measurement report includes the capacity layer frequency point desired by the terminal device, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency point for the terminal device through the measurement report, thereby improving data transmission speed and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the network device can respond to the measurement report through Msg4, thereby improving the transmission reliability of the measurement report.

[0369] In another possible way of implementation Figure 4 or Figure 8 The method shown can be applied to a 2-step RA process as follows: Figure 10 As shown. The process includes steps 1001 to 1002, which are described below.

[0370] Step 1001: The terminal device sends MsgA to the network device through PRACH and PUSCH resources.

[0371] Network devices configure PRACH and PUSCH resources for terminal devices. Specific configuration methods can include configuration or pre-configuration. For descriptions of configuration or pre-configuration, please refer to the explanations in the preceding sections; they will not be repeated here.

[0372] After determining the PRACH and PUSCH resources, the terminal device sends a measurement report to the network device via the PRACH and / or PUSCH resources. Correspondingly, the network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device.

[0373] For example, a terminal device sends a measurement report to a network device via PRACH resource 1. Correspondingly, the network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device.

[0374] For example, the terminal device sends third information to the network device via PRACH resource 2. Correspondingly, the network device receives the third information sent by the terminal device. PRACH resource 1 and PRACH resource 2 may be the same or different. This third information is used to indicate measurement information, which can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0375] For example, a terminal device sends a measurement report to a network device via PUSCH resource 1. Correspondingly, the network device receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device.

[0376] For example, a terminal device sends third information to a network device through PUSCH resource 2. Correspondingly, the network device receives the third information sent by the terminal device. PUSCH resource 1 and PUSCH resource 2 may be the same or different.

[0377] For example, a terminal device may indicate measurement information to a network device via a preamble or BWP parameter, and send a measurement report to the network device via the PUSCH resource. Correspondingly, the network device determines the measurement information based on the preamble or BWP parameter and receives the measurement report sent by the terminal device.

[0378] Optionally, MsgA may include one or more of the following messages: RRCResumeResuest.

[0379] Step 1002: The network device sends MsgB to the terminal device.

[0380] After receiving MsgA from the terminal device, the network device sends MsgB to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives MsgB from the network device.

[0381] Optionally, MsgB may include one or more of the following: RRRCResume messages, ACK / NACK (e.g., response to a measurement report) for PUSCH in MsgA, and power control commands, etc.

[0382] Based on the above scheme, on the one hand, the terminal device can first indicate some measurement results on the PRACH resources. This allows the network device to prepare configuration information or configure parameters that better meet the terminal device's expectations based on the measurement information reported by the terminal device, thereby improving the user experience. On the other hand, the terminal device sends a measurement report through the PUSCH resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports through uplink SDT resources, but also provides a reference for the network device to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance. For example, if the measurement report includes the capacity layer frequency point desired by the terminal device, the network device can configure the corresponding capacity layer frequency point for the terminal device through the measurement report, thereby improving data transmission speed and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the network device can respond to the measurement report through MsgB, thereby improving the transmission reliability of the measurement report.

[0383] The communication method in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The communication device in the embodiments of this application is described below. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 This application provides an embodiment of the communication device 1100. This communication device 1100 can implement the functions of the first or second device in the above method embodiments, and therefore also achieves the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 1100 can be a communication device, or it can be an integrated circuit or component within the communication device, such as a chip. The communication device 1100 includes a transceiver unit 1101. Alternatively, the communication device 1100 includes a transceiver unit 1101 and a processing unit 1102.

[0384] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1100 is as described above. Figures 1A to 10 In the terminal device shown in the embodiment, the functions of each unit are as follows:

[0385] Transceiver unit 1101 is used to receive first information;

[0386] Processing unit 1102 is used to determine the resources for small data transmission SDT based on the first information;

[0387] The transceiver unit 1101 is also used to send measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0388] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to receive second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, and determining whether to allow sending measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0389] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also configured to send indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report uses the resources of the SDT for transmission.

[0390] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also used to send third information, which is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report.

[0391] Optionally, the measurement information is carried in information MsgA or Msg1; the transceiver unit 1101 is also used to receive a correct response to the measurement report.

[0392] Optionally, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different.

[0393] Optionally, SDT resources are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0394] Optionally, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0395] Optionally, the transmission method of SDT includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0396] Optionally, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0397] Optionally, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0398] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0399] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0400] Optionally, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header of the transmitted data indicates the size of the measurement report and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0401] Optionally, the logical channel priority of the measurement report is different from that of the small packet data.

[0402] Optionally, the measurement information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packet, and partial bandwidth BWP parameters.

[0403] Optionally, the measurement report may include one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packets, and partial bandwidth BWP parameters.

[0404] Optionally, SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and competition-based SDT resources.

[0405] Optionally, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting for SDT.

[0406] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are the same as those described above. Figures 1A to 10 The terminal devices in the illustrated embodiments are described similarly, and will not be repeated here.

[0407] In this embodiment, the processing unit 1102 determines the SDT resources through the first information received by the transceiver unit 1101, and sends the measurement report through the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports through SDT resources, but also provides a reference for network devices to subsequently schedule or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance.

[0408] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1100 is as described above. Figures 1A to 10 The network device shown in the embodiment has the following functions for each unit:

[0409] The transceiver unit 1101 is used to send first information, which is used to indicate the resources for small data transmission SDT;

[0410] The transceiver unit 1101 is also used to receive measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0411] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is further configured to send second information, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending measurement reports and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only measurement reports, and determining whether to allow sending measurement reports on SDT resources.

[0412] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also configured to receive indication information on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report uses the resources of the SDT for transmission.

[0413] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1101 is also used to receive third information, which is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report.

[0414] Optionally, the measurement information is carried in MsgA or Msg1; the transceiver unit 1101 is also used to send a correct response to the measurement report.

[0415] Optionally, the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold are different.

[0416] Optionally, SDT resources are also used to transmit small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0417] Optionally, the second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0418] Optionally, the transmission method of SDT includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0419] Optionally, in the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the priority order of SDT transmission from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT, 2-step RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

[0420] Optionally, among the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

[0421] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0422] Optionally, the transmission priority order of SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

[0423] Optionally, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer header of the transmitted data indicates the size of the measurement report and / or the size of the small packet data.

[0424] Optionally, the logical channel priority of the measurement report is different from that of the small packet data.

[0425] Optionally, the measurement information is carried in one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packet, and partial bandwidth BWP parameters.

[0426] Optionally, the measurement report may include one or more of the following: SDT resources, preamble index, preamble packets, and partial bandwidth BWP parameters.

[0427] Optionally, SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and competition-based SDT resources.

[0428] Optionally, the first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting for SDT.

[0429] In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the communication device are the same as those described above. Figures 1A to 10 The network devices in the illustrated embodiments are described similarly, and will not be repeated here.

[0430] In this embodiment, the transceiver unit 1101 configures SDT resources for the terminal device using the first information and receives measurement reports through the SDT resources. This not only enables inactive terminal devices to complete uplink data transmission of measurement reports through SDT resources, but also provides a reference for network devices to subsequently schedule terminal devices or configure terminal device resources, thereby improving terminal device performance.

[0431] Please see Figure 12 This is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1200 provided in this application. The communication device 1200 includes a logic circuit 1201 and an input / output interface 1202. The communication device 1200 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0432] in, Figure 11 The transceiver unit 1101 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 12 The input / output interface 1202 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit. Figure 11 The processing unit 1102 shown can be Figure 12 The logic circuit 1201 in the middle.

[0433] The logic circuit 1201 and the input / output interface 1202 can also perform other steps executed by the first computing node, the first network device, the second network device, the gateway, or the terminal device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0434] Optionally, the logic circuit 1201 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0435] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0436] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0437] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system on-chips (SoCs), central processors (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any group of the above chips or processors.

[0438] Please see Figure 13 The communication device 1300 mentioned in the above embodiments provided for the present application can specifically be a communication device that serves as a network device or a terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0439] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1300, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1301 and a communication port 1302.

[0440] in, Figure 11 The transceiver unit 1101 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 13 The communication port 1302 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1302 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0441] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1303 and a bus. In embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1301 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1300.

[0442] Furthermore, the processor 1301 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly 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.

[0443] It is understandable that this application relates to Figure 13 The number of each component shown is not limited. For example, the number of processors 1301, the number of communication ports 1302, and the number of memory 1303 can each be one or more, and the specific number is not limited here.

[0444] It should be noted that, Figure 13 The communication device 1300 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first computing node, gateway, or terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and achieve the corresponding technical effects. Figure 13 The specific implementation of the communication device shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0445] Please see Figure 14 The above-described embodiments of the communication device 1400 provided in this application are structural schematic diagrams. Specifically, the communication device 1400 can be a communication device serving as a first network device or a second network device as described in the above embodiments. The structure of this communication device can be referenced... Figure 14 The structure shown.

[0446] The communication device 1400 includes at least one processor 1411 and at least one network interface 1414. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1412, at least one transceiver 1413, and one or more antennas 1415. The processor 1411, memory 1412, transceiver 1413, and network interface 1414 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1415 is connected to the transceiver 1413. The network interface 1414 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1414 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0447] in, Figure 11 The transceiver unit 1101 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 14 The network interface 1414 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1414 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include input interface circuitry and output interface circuitry.

[0448] The processor 1411 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the communication device in performing the actions described in the embodiments. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Figure 14 The processor 1411 can integrate the functions of a baseband processor and a central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and the central processing unit can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a communication device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple central processing units to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the communication device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, with the processor executing the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0449] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1412 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1411. Optionally, the memory 1412 can be integrated with the processor 1411, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1412 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1411. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1411.

[0450] Figure 14 Only one memory and one processor are shown. In actual communication devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0451] Transceiver 1413 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1413 can be connected to antenna 1415. Transceiver 1413 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1415 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1413 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 1411 so that processor 1411 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1413 is also used to receive the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from processor 1411, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and transmit the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1415. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0452] The transceiver 1413 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0453] It should be noted that, Figure 14 The communication device 1400 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. Figure 14 The specific implementation of the communication device 1400 shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0454] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the terminal by the base station; or, the terminal chip sends information to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the terminal, information sent to the base station by the terminal. For example, when the first device is a terminal, the terminal sending information can be understood as the process of the terminal's chip outputting information.

[0455] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a base station, the base station module implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the terminal to the base station; or, the base station module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the base station, information sent by the base station to the terminal. Here, the base station module can be the baseband chip of the base station, or a DU (Digital Unit) or other modules. The DU can be a DU under an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture. For example, when the first device is a base station, the base station sending information can be understood as the process of the base station's chip outputting information.

[0456] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0457] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0458] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the first message; Based on the first information, determine the resources for Small Data Transmission Technology (SDT); Send measurement reports on the resources of the SDT.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending the measurement report and small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only the measurement report, and determining whether to allow sending the measurement report on the resources of the SDT.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Indication information is sent on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report is transmitted using the resources of the SDT.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which indicates measurement information related to the measurement report.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The measurement information is carried in information MsgA or Msg1; The method further includes: A correct response to receiving the measurement report.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a network device, and the method includes: Send a first message, which is used to indicate the resources for small data transmission SDT; Receive measurement reports on the resources of the SDT.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the measurement report on the SDT resources, the method further includes: Send a second message, which is used for one or more of the following: configuring a first preset threshold for sending the measurement report and the small packet data, configuring a second preset threshold for sending only the measurement report, and determining whether to allow the measurement report to be sent on the resources of the SDT.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Indication information is received on the resources of the SDT, the indication information being used to indicate whether the measurement report is transmitted using the resources of the SDT.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, which is used to indicate measurement information related to the measurement report.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the measurement information is carried in MsgA or Msg1; The method further includes: A correct response to sending the measurement report.

11. The method according to claim 2 or 7, characterized in that, The first preset threshold is different from the second preset threshold.

12. The method according to any one of claims 2, 7, or 11, characterized in that, The SDT resources are also used to transmit the small packet data; the first preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold, and the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

13. The method according to any one of claims 2, 7, 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second preset threshold is different from the third preset threshold. The third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

14. The method according to any one of claims 2, 7, 11 to 13, characterized in that, The transmission method of the SDT includes one or more of the following: configuration authorization CG-SDT, 2-step random access RA-SDT, and 4-step RA-SDT.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, In the transmissions corresponding to the same preset threshold, the transmission priority order of the SDT from high to low is as follows: the CG-SDT, the 2-step RA-SDT, and the 4-step RA-SDT.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, In the transmissions corresponding to the same transmission method, the priority order of the SDT transmissions from high to low is as follows: the transmissions corresponding to the first preset threshold, the transmissions corresponding to the second preset threshold, and the transmissions corresponding to the third preset threshold; the third preset threshold is used to configure the preset threshold corresponding to sending only small packet data.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transmission priority order of the SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

18. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transmission priority order of the SDT from high to low is as follows: CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the first preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the second preset threshold, CG-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, 2-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold, and 4-step RA-SDT transmission corresponding to the third preset threshold.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The MAC layer header of the transmitted media access control indicates the size of the measurement report and / or the size of the small packet data.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The logical channel priority of the measurement report is different from that of the logical channel priority of the small packet data.

21. The method according to any one of claims 4, 5, 9 or 10, characterized in that, The measurement information is carried in one or more of the following: the resources of the SDT, the preamble index, the preamble group, and the partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that, The measurement report carries one or more of the following: the SDT resources, preamble index, preamble group, and partial bandwidth (BWP) parameters.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that, The SDT resources include one or more of the following: RA-SDT resources, CG-SDT resources, and competition-based SDT resources.

24. The method according to any one of claims 2, 7, 11 to 18, characterized in that, The first preset threshold and / or the second preset threshold are related to one or more of the following: downlink measurement value, uplink data volume waiting for SDT.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being coupled to at least one memory; said at least one processor is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

27. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, The chip or chip system is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes at least one of the communication devices used for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, 11 to 24, and the communication devices used for performing the method of any one of claims 6 to 24.

29. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

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