Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and a communication device, which are applied to the field of communication and can be applied to a satellite communication system, such as an NTN. In the technical solution of the application, a RAR MAC PDU is carried by multiple time slots, and for a terminal carrying a random access response in the RAR MAC PDU, the probability of correctly decoding the random access response information is improved, so that the probability of misjudging as a random access failure due to not correctly decoding the random access response information is reduced, and finally the failure rate of random access of the terminal is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and communication devices. Background Technology

[0002] During random access in a communication system, the terminal sends a random access preamble and listens for the random access response (RAR) within a time window following the sending of the preamble. If no RAR is received within this time window, the random access is considered to have failed.

[0003] Currently, during random access, when a terminal listens for the RAR within the RAR time window, the following problem occurs: the access network device sends the RAR to the terminal, but the terminal cannot correctly decode and obtain the RAR, causing the terminal to mistakenly believe that the random access has failed, resulting in a high random access failure rate for the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that help improve the success rate of random access.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a communication device. The communication device can be an access network device, or a device within the access network device (e.g., a module, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0006] This communication method includes: sending downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; sending the downlink data scheduled by the downlink control information in these M time slots, wherein the downlink data carried in these M time slots is a MAC PDU, and the MAC PDU is used to carry a random access response.

[0007] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a communication device, which can be a terminal, or a device within the terminal (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions.

[0008] This communication method includes: receiving downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; receiving the downlink data scheduled by the downlink control information in the M time slots, wherein the downlink data carried in the M time slots is a MAC PDU, and the MAC PDU is used to carry a random access response.

[0009] In the communication method of the first or second aspect, M is an integer greater than 1. Therefore, the downlink control information is used to schedule downlink data carried by M time slots, which can be understood as: the downlink control information is used to schedule downlink data carried by multiple time slots.

[0010] When the number of bits transmitted in each time slot is the same, carrying a RAR MAC PDU across multiple time slots, compared to carrying the MAC PDU in a single time slot, helps increase the proportion of parity bits in the transport block carried in each time slot. This helps reduce the code rate of the information bits related to RAR information in each time slot carrying the RAR MAC PDU, ultimately increasing the probability that the terminal correctly decodes the RAR-related information carried in the MAC PDU, i.e., improving the decoding performance of the RAR MAC PDU. For terminals carrying random access response information in the MAC PDU, this helps increase the probability of correctly decoding the random access response information, thereby reducing the probability of misjudging random access failure due to not correctly decoding the random access response information, ultimately improving the success rate of random access for the terminal.

[0011] For example, in scenarios with limited link budget, weak communication capabilities, or poor communication quality, the reduced code rate due to the transmission of RAR MAC PDUs in multiple time slots can improve the success rate of terminal decoding and obtaining RAR MAC PDUs. This can reduce the probability of the terminal misjudging random access failure due to not correctly decoding and obtaining random access response information, ultimately helping to improve the success rate of terminal random access.

[0012] An example scenario where link budgets are limited or communication capabilities are weak is a non-terrestrial communication network.

[0013] In some possible implementations of the first or second aspect, the MAC PDU contains N MAC subheaders and S RARs, where N is a positive integer and S is a non-negative integer. Of these M time slots, M1 time slots carry the N MAC subheaders, and M2 time slots carry the S RARs, where M1 is a positive integer, M2 is a non-negative integer, and the sum of M1 and M2 is less than or equal to M.

[0014] In this implementation, the MAC subheader and RAR are not carried in the same time slot; that is, the MAC subheader is carried in one or more time slots, and the RAR is carried in another one or more time slots. This implementation helps terminals that do not carry a random access response in their MAC PDU to determine that the MAC PDU does not contain their own random access response simply by checking all MAC subheaders. This helps avoid detecting the RARs of other terminals, thus preventing resource waste.

[0015] In this implementation, M1 is less than or equal to M.

[0016] For example, if the MAC PDU only contains the MAC subheader and has no corresponding RAR, M1 equals M. In this case, S equals 0 and M2 equals 0.

[0017] For example, if the MAC PDU contains both a MAC header and a RAR, M1 is less than M. In this case, S is greater than 0 (or S is a positive integer), and M2 is a positive integer.

[0018] In some possible implementations of the first or second aspect, N is indicated by information, for example, by downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB.

[0019] In some possible implementations of the first or second aspect, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried by each of the M1 time slots is P, where P is a positive integer.

[0020] In this implementation, P represents the maximum number of MAC subheaders that can be carried in a single time slot. In this implementation, M1 is equal to the integer obtained by rounding up the quotient of N divided by P.

[0021] In this implementation, for scenarios where M1 is greater than 1, or in other words, when the MAC subheader in the MAC PDU is carried in multiple time slots, defining or configuring the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in each time slot helps the terminal efficiently know whether the MAC subheaders carried in each time slot have been detected, helps the terminal detect all MAC subheaders, and thus helps the terminal accurately detect RAR, thereby helping to reduce the terminal's random access failure rate.

[0022] Optionally, P is predefined; for example, P may be predefined in the protocol. Compared to the implementation of P through information indication, predefining P can save signaling overhead.

[0023] Alternatively, P can be indicated by information, for example, by downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB. Indicating P by information, compared to a predefined implementation, helps improve the transmission flexibility of the MAC subheading.

[0024] In some possible implementations of the first or second aspect, the maximum number of RARs carried by each of the M2 time slots is Q, where Q is a positive integer. In this implementation, Q is the maximum number of RARs that can be carried in a single time slot. In this implementation, M2 is equal to the integer obtained by rounding up the quotient of S divided by Q.

[0025] In this implementation, for scenarios where M2 is greater than 1, or in other words, when the RAR in the MAC PDU is carried in multiple time slots, defining or configuring the maximum number of RARs carried in each time slot helps the terminal efficiently and accurately determine which time slot the RAR corresponding to the terminal is in from multiple time slots, which helps to avoid missing or incorrectly detecting RARs, thereby helping to reduce the terminal's random access failure rate.

[0026] Optionally, Q can be predefined; for example, Q may be predefined in the protocol. Compared to the implementation of Q through information indication, predefining Q can save signaling overhead.

[0027] Alternatively, Q can be indicated by information, for example, by downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB. Indicating Q by information helps improve the flexibility of random access response information transmission compared to a predefined implementation of Q.

[0028] In some possible implementations of the first or second aspect, the MAC PDU comprises T MAC sub-PDUs, where T is a positive integer. Each of the M time slots carries at least one of the T MAC sub-PDUs. Alternatively, each of the M time slots carries one or more of the T MAC sub-PDUs.

[0029] In this implementation, the MAC PDU is carried in the time slot as a unit or at the granularity of MAC sub-PDU. For a terminal whose MAC PDU contains a MAC sub-header and RAR, after determining that the MAC PDU contains the MAC sub-header corresponding to the terminal and that the MAC sub-header has a corresponding RAR, the terminal can quickly determine the location of the RAR, that is, it is located after the MAC sub-header, thereby improving the efficiency of the terminal's random access.

[0030] In some possible implementations of the first or second aspect, the maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in each of the M time slots is G, where G is a positive integer.

[0031] Optionally, G is predefined; for example, G may be predefined in the protocol. Compared to the implementation of G through information indication, predefining G can save signaling overhead.

[0032] Alternatively, G can be indicated by information, such as downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB. Indicating G by information, compared to a predefined implementation, helps improve the transmission flexibility of the MAC sub-PDU.

[0033] In some implementations, M is equal to the integer obtained by rounding up the quotient of T divided by G.

[0034] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may be an access network device, or a device within the access network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0035] This communication device may include modules that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any possible implementation of the first aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0036] In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving actions in the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above, while the processing module is used to perform the processing actions involved in the method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above.

[0037] For example, the communication module is used to: send downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; send the downlink data in these M time slots, where the downlink data carried in these M time slots is a MAC PDU, which is used to carry a random access response.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the MAC PDU contains N MAC subheaders and S RARs, where N is a positive integer and S is a non-negative integer. Of these M time slots, M1 time slots carry the N MAC subheaders, and M2 time slots carry the S RARs, where M1 is a positive integer and M2 is a non-negative integer, and the sum of M1 and M2 is less than or equal to M.

[0039] In some possible implementations, N is indicated by information.

[0040] In some possible implementations, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried by each of these M1 time slots is P, where P is a positive integer.

[0041] Optionally, P is predefined; for example, P may be predefined in the protocol.

[0042] Alternatively, P can be indicated by information, for example, by downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the maximum number of RARs carried by each of the M2 time slots is Q, where Q is a positive integer. In this implementation, Q is the maximum number of RARs that can be carried in a single time slot. In this implementation, M2 is equal to the integer obtained by dividing S by Q and rounding up.

[0044] Alternatively, Q can be predefined; for example, Q may be predefined in the protocol.

[0045] Alternatively, information Q can be indicated, for example, through downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB.

[0046] In some possible implementations, this MAC PDU contains T MAC sub-PDUs, where T is a positive integer. Each of the M time slots carries at least one of the T MAC sub-PDUs. Alternatively, each of the M time slots carries one or more of the T MAC sub-PDUs.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in each of these M time slots is G, where G is a positive integer.

[0048] Optionally, G is predefined; for example, G may be predefined in the protocol.

[0049] Alternatively, G can be indicated by information, for example, by downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB.

[0050] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may be a terminal, or a device within a terminal (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions.

[0051] This communication device may include modules that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in any possible implementation of the second aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0052] In one design, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving actions in the method described in any possible implementation of the second aspect above, while the processing module is used to perform the processing actions involved in the method described in any possible implementation of the second aspect above.

[0053] For example, the communication module is used to: receive downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; receive the downlink data in these M time slots, where the downlink data carried in these M time slots is a MAC PDU, which is used to carry a random access response.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the MAC PDU contains N MAC subheaders and S RARs, where N is a positive integer and S is a non-negative integer. Of these M time slots, M1 time slots carry the N MAC subheaders, and M2 time slots carry the S RARs, where M1 is a positive integer and M2 is a non-negative integer, and the sum of M1 and M2 is less than or equal to M.

[0055] In some possible implementations, N is indicated by information.

[0056] In some possible implementations, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried by each of these M1 time slots is P, where P is a positive integer.

[0057] Optionally, P is predefined; for example, P may be predefined in the protocol.

[0058] Alternatively, P can be indicated by information, for example, by downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the maximum number of RARs carried by each of the M2 time slots is Q, where Q is a positive integer. In this implementation, Q is the maximum number of RARs that can be carried in a single time slot. In this implementation, M2 is equal to the integer obtained by dividing S by Q and rounding up.

[0060] Alternatively, Q can be predefined; for example, Q may be predefined in the protocol.

[0061] Alternatively, information Q can be indicated, for example, through downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB.

[0062] In some possible implementations, this MAC PDU contains T MAC sub-PDUs, where T is a positive integer. Each of the M time slots carries at least one of the T MAC sub-PDUs. Alternatively, each of the M time slots carries one or more of the T MAC sub-PDUs.

[0063] In some possible implementations, the maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in each of these M time slots is G, where G is a positive integer.

[0064] Optionally, G is predefined; for example, G may be predefined in the protocol.

[0065] Alternatively, G can be indicated by information, for example, by downlink control information, broadcast information, or SSB.

[0066] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, wherein instructions are executed by the processor to cause the method as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0067] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0068] In some implementations, the storage medium is integrated with the processor, for example, the storage medium is integrated into the processor.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, wherein instructions are executed by the processor to cause the method as described in any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0070] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0071] In some implementations, the storage medium is integrated with the processor, for example, the storage medium is integrated into the processor.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip including a processing circuit for running a program or instructions to implement the method as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0073] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0074] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0075] Eighthly, this application provides a chip including processing circuitry for running programs or instructions to implement methods as described in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0076] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0077] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0078] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a method as described in any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0079] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0080] In one aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when executed, cause the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented.

[0081] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when executed, cause the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented.

[0082] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a communication system for performing the methods described in any possible implementation of the first aspect above and the methods described in any possible implementation of the second aspect above.

[0083] It is understandable that the technical effects in any of the second to thirteenth aspects can be referenced from the technical effects in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0084] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an NTN system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a competition-based random access procedure.

[0087] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a contention-free random access procedure;

[0088] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a RAR MAC PDU according to an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the MAC sub-header structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a MAC RAR according to an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a RAR MAC PDU according to another embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figures 11 to 16 This is an example diagram illustrating multiple time slots carrying RAR MAC PDUs according to embodiments of this application;

[0094] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0095] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the 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, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0096] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0097] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0098] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "information", "signal", "message", "channel", and "signaling" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their distinctions are not emphasized, their intended meanings are matched.

[0099] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)" and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, without emphasizing their distinction, their intended meanings are matched.

[0100] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0101] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "preset," "predefined," or "preconfigured" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminals and wireless access network devices), or by being pre-defined in a protocol. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Stored" can refer to storing in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separate settings or integrated into an encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially separate settings and partially integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0102] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as 3GPP LTE protocols (such as technical specification (TS) 36, i.e., the TS36 series of technical specifications), NR protocols (such as the TS38 series of technical specifications), and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0103] It is understood that in this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require a judgment action to be performed during implementation.

[0104] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0105] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0106] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0107] It is understood that the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0108] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems, including 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G) systems such as 5G New Radio (NR) systems, and various future communication systems and networks. The method can be applied to terrestrial network communication systems as well as non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems. The NTN system can be an NTN system integrated with 4G, 5G, and any future generation of communication systems, such as NR NTN, IoT NTN, etc. NTN communication systems can be, for example, satellite communication systems, and can also include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and other airborne access network equipment; this application does not limit this.

[0109] The methods provided in this application can also be applied to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, or other similar future-oriented systems, such as future communication systems. This application does not specifically limit these applications. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are interchangeable.

[0110] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, this communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, a core network (CN) 200, and the Internet.

[0111] RAN 100 includes at least one radio access network device (such as...) Figure 1 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a to 120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to wireless access network device 110 wirelessly. Wireless access network device 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection.

[0112] The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the radio access network equipment 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0113] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, like LTE; a 5G mobile communication system, like NR and NTN; and a communication system evolving after 5G, such as Future Mobile Communications System (MWC). It can also be a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, a device-to-everything (D2D) communication system, or a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system. RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0114] Understandable. Figure 1 This application only illustrates one possible communication system architecture that can be applied to an embodiment of the present application. In other possible scenarios, the communication system architecture may also include other devices.

[0115] The wireless access network device 110 is a node in the RAN, also known as an access network device or an RAN node (or device). The wireless access network device 110 is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple wireless access network devices 110 in the communication system 1000 can be nodes of the same type or different types.

[0116] In some scenarios, the roles of wireless access network device 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example, Figure 1The network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. Both the wireless access network device 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a to 120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0117] In one possible scenario, wireless access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, such as a home gateway, router, server, switch, bridge, etc. It can also be an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or a wireless access network device in a mobile switching center (NTN) communication system, meaning it can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Wireless access network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...) Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 The wireless access network equipment can be a satellite in a satellite communication system, or a base station device mounted on a satellite. It can also function as a base station in D2D communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, or machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, it can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0118] In some possible scenarios, multiple radio access network (RAN) devices collaborate to assist a terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN device performing some of the functions of a base station. In this scenario, as an example, the RAN devices can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc.

[0119] CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0120] It is understood that in the description of the following embodiments, the radio access network device can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including both CU nodes and DU nodes. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as a network device in the access network (RAN) or as a network device in the core network (CN), and no limitation is imposed here.

[0121] In some implementations, the CU performs some of the functions of layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3), the DU performs some of the functions of layer 1 (L1) and L2, and the RU performs the computation of L1 and the digital part of RF.

[0122] The midhaul interface carries traffic between the CU and DU, the backhaul interface carries traffic between the CU and CN, and the fronthaul interface carries traffic between the RU and DU. The integrated DU includes the functions of both the DU and RU mentioned above.

[0123] The CU and / or DU include processors and hardware accelerators. The processors may include x86 processors or non-x86 processors, and the hardware accelerators may include FPGAs, GPUs, or other accelerators.

[0124] Taking DU as an example, DU can be implemented using a multi-core processor and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on a multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to FPGA- or GPU-based hardware accelerators; or all L1 functions can be offloaded to FPGA- or GPU-based hardware accelerators, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel PCIe interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via GbE.

[0125] An RU can include three parts: an O-RAN processing unit (OPU), an O-RU digital processing unit (DPU), and a radio frequency (RF) processing unit.

[0126] The OPU receives eCPRI frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface, lowest-level L1 (encoding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0127] The DPU can perform synchronous, DDC (digital downconversion in UL), and DUC (digital upconversion in DL) operations, improving power amplifier efficiency by reducing PAPR / ACLR at the RF front end; the DPU can be an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0128] The RF processing unit may include a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and Tx / Rx filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (DAC and ADC), such as RF sampling, frequency conversion using RF, IF, and LO mixing during up-conversion and down-conversion, are performed within the transceiver module. In some implementations, the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0129] In some implementations, the radio access network may include a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC), a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC), an O-RAN central unit control plane (O-CU-CP), an O-RAN central unit user plane (O-CU-UP), an O-RAN distributed unit (O-DU), and an O-RAN radio unit (O-RU). The O-CU-CP and O-CU-UP together can be referred to as the O-RAN central unit (O-CU). These can all be considered radio access network devices.

[0130] The Near-RT RAN Intelligent Controller is used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling AI / ML workflows including model training and model updates, and guiding applications / functions in the Near-RT RIC based on policies.

[0131] The near real-time RAN intelligent controller is used to realize near real-time intelligent management of the RAN. It can achieve near real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface.

[0132] The O-RAN aggregation unit is used to implement the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions.

[0133] The O-RAN aggregation unit control plane is part of the O-CU and is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0134] The O-RAN aggregation unit user plane is part of the O-CU and is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0135] Based on the low-layer function segmentation, the O-RAN distributed unit is used to implement the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and higher physical layer (Higher PHY). Among them, the higher physical layer functions include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0136] Based on the low-layer function segmentation, the O-RAN radio frequency unit is used to implement lower physical layer (Lower PHY) functions and radio frequency functions. These lower physical layer functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT) transformation, digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0137] The A1 interface serves as the interface between the Non-RT RIC and the Near-RT RIC, enabling intelligent and dynamic control of radio resources within the O-RAN. The Non-RT RIC provides policies, rich information, and ML model updates to the Near-RT RIC via the A1 interface, while the Near-RT RIC provides policy feedback to the Non-RT RIC via the A1 interface.

[0138] The E2 interface is an open interface between two endpoints used to connect the Near-RT RIC and the RAN node. RAN nodes include CU, DU, O-RAN compatible eNBs in 4G, O-CU (O-CU-CP and / or O-CU-UP), or O-DU, etc. The RIC can obtain data and feedback collected by the RAN node through the E2 node, and the RAN node can obtain control feedback from the Near-RT RIC through the E2 node.

[0139] The E1 interface is the interface between CU-CP and CU-UP.

[0140] The F1-C interface is the interface between the CU-CP and DU.

[0141] The F1-U interface is the interface between CU-UP and DU.

[0142] In this embodiment, the form of the wireless access network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the wireless access network device can be the wireless access network device itself; or it can be a device that supports the wireless access network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the wireless access network device or used in conjunction with the wireless access network device.

[0143] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application can be referred to as a terminal, which can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a user equipment (UE), where the UE includes handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal device can also be a satellite communication terminal, such as a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) (commonly referred to as a VSAT terminal), a portable station, a fixed station, a vehicle-mounted or airborne satellite communication terminal, etc. Terminal devices can also be virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, and so on.

[0144] Terminal devices can also be devices that provide voice / data, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), devices in a Zigbee network, devices in a LoRa network, Bluetooth slaves, BLE slaves, Wi-Fi stations (STAs), etc.

[0145] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the device for implementing the terminal's functions is a terminal, and the terminal is a UE (User Equipment) as an example, to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0146] In this embodiment of the application, the core network, exemplarily, includes network elements such as mobility management network elements, session management network elements, user plane network elements, authentication service function network elements, and label management function network elements, without limitation. The mobility management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF). The session management network element can be a session management function (SMF). The user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF). The authentication service function network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF).

[0147] Figure 1 The communication system shown can be applied to the network architecture of the NTN system. The NTN system is an important component of 5G systems and future networks. In the NTN system, satellites can be used as access network devices (such as base stations) to provide network services to areas that terrestrial mobile communication systems cannot fully cover (such as oceans and forests). The NTN system includes nodes such as satellites, high-altitude platforms, and drones.

[0148] For example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an NTN system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In the NTN system architecture shown, ground-based terminal equipment accesses the network via the 5G New Radio interface, while 5G base stations are deployed on satellites and connected to the ground core network via wireless links. Simultaneously, wireless links exist between satellites to facilitate signaling interaction and user data transmission between 5G base stations. Figure 2 The network elements and their interfaces are described below:

[0149] Terminal devices: Mobile devices that support 5G New Radio, typically such as smartphones or tablets. These devices can access satellite networks via the air interface and initiate calls, access the internet, and perform other services.

[0150] 5G base stations primarily provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to connected terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0151] 5G Core Network: Provides services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. It consists of multiple functional units, including functional entities of the 5G control plane and 5G data plane. Among them, the 5G Access and Mobility Management (AMF) unit is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The 5G User Plane (UPF) unit connects to the data network and is responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics. The 5G Session Management (SMF) unit is responsible for session management, terminal Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, and other functions.

[0152] Ground station: Responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite base stations (i.e., 5G base stations deployed on satellites) and the 5G core network on the ground.

[0153] 5G New Radio: The wireless link between terminal devices and 5G base stations.

[0154] Xn interface: The interface between 5G base stations, mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0155] NG interface: The interface between 5G base stations and 5G core networks, mainly used for exchanging signaling such as NAS of the core network and user service data.

[0156] in, Figure 2 The terminal device in the middle can be Figure 1 The terminal in the communication system shown; Figure 2 The base station in the middle can be Figure 1 The wireless access network device in the communication system shown.

[0157] A key step in a communication system is the random access (RA) procedure, primarily used to establish a communication link between a terminal and radio access network equipment. For example, the RA procedure is executed during initial access, handover, or RRC connection reconstruction. Initial access can be understood as the terminal transitioning from the RRC_IDLE state to the connected state; the handover process can be understood as the terminal performing random access in the target cell during cell handover; and RRC connection reconstruction can be understood as re-establishing a connection after it has been lost.

[0158] The RA procedure includes contention-based random access procedure and contention-free random access procedure. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a contention-based random access procedure. Figure 3As shown, the contention-based random access procedure includes S310, S320, S330, and S340.

[0159] S310, the terminal sends a random access preamble.

[0160] It is understood that the random access preamble in this application can be referred to as a random access preamble sequence.

[0161] The main function of the random access preamble is to inform the radio access network device that there is a random access request, and to enable the radio access network device to estimate the transmission delay between itself and the terminal, so that the radio access network device can calibrate the uplink timing and inform the terminal of the calibration information.

[0162] In some scenarios, the message carrying the random access preamble is called message 1, or simply Msg1.

[0163] S320, the wireless access network device sends a random access response.

[0164] After detecting the random access preamble, the radio access network device sends a random access response. As an example, the random access response includes the random access preamble number, timing adjustment information, uplink resource location indication information, and a temporarily assigned cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI).

[0165] After the terminal sends the random access preamble, it will listen to the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) within the RAR response window to receive the RAR corresponding to the radio network temporary identifier (RNTI).

[0166] If the terminal does not receive a reply RAR from the radio access network device within this RAR time window, the random access procedure is considered to have failed.

[0167] In some scenarios, the message carrying the random access response is called message 2, or simply Msg2.

[0168] S330, the terminal sends an uplink message.

[0169] The terminal sends uplink messages on the allocated uplink resources.

[0170] The terminal will carry its unique identifier in the uplink message. This unique identifier can be a C-RNTI or a terminal identifier from the core network. The terminal identifier from the core network can be a short-term mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI) or a random number.

[0171] In some scenarios, this uplink message is referred to as message 3, or simply Msg3.

[0172] S340, the wireless access network device sends a conflict resolution message.

[0173] After receiving the uplink message, the wireless access network device sends a conflict resolution message via the PDCCH. The terminal descrambles the PDCCH using the temporary identifier of the temporary cell radio network. If the descrambled content matches its own terminal identifier (ID), random access is completed; otherwise, the descrambled content does not match its own terminal ID, and the random access procedure needs to be re-initiated.

[0174] In the conflict resolution mechanism, the wireless access network device will carry the unique terminal identifier in the conflict resolution message to designate the winning terminal, while other terminals that do not win in the conflict resolution will re-initiate random access.

[0175] In some scenarios, this conflict resolution message is called message 4, or simply Msg4.

[0176] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a contention-free random access procedure. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the contention-free random access procedure includes S410, S420 and S430.

[0177] S410, the terminal sends a dedicated random access preamble.

[0178] The terminal uses a dedicated random access preamble provided by the wireless access network equipment to avoid conflicts with other terminals.

[0179] In some scenarios, a message carrying a unique random access preamble is called message 1, or simply Msg1.

[0180] S420, the wireless access network device sends a random access response.

[0181] After receiving the terminal's unique random access preamble, the wireless access network device sends a random access response.

[0182] In some scenarios, the message carrying the random access response is called message 2, or simply Msg2.

[0183] As an example, the random access response includes timing adjustment information and uplink resource indication.

[0184] S430, the terminal sends uplink messages on the allocated resources.

[0185] The wireless access network device receives the uplink message, confirms it, and completes the access process.

[0186] In communication systems, RAR can be carried by a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU).

[0187] In some implementations, the MAC PDU carrying RAR data is called a RAR MAC PDU.

[0188] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, a RAR MAC PDU includes: a MAC header, zero or at least one MAC RAR, and possible padding. Optionally, the length of the MAC header is variable.

[0189] Whether a RAR MAC PDU needs padding depends on the size of the transport block (TB), the size of the MAC header, and the number of random access responses.

[0190] like Figure 5 In the MAC PDU shown, all MAC RARs together can be referred to as the MAC payload.

[0191] In some implementations, padding is placed after the last MAC RAR within the TB.

[0192] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the MAC header consists of one or more MAC subheaders.

[0193] In some implementations, the MAC header includes: zero or one back-off indication (BI) subheader, zero or at least one SI subheader, and zero or at least one RAR subheader.

[0194] In some implementations, the BI subheader is located at the very beginning of the MAC header, and the BI subheader does not correspond to any MAC RAR; the SI subheader does not correspond to any RAR, and each RAR subheader has a corresponding RAR.

[0195] In some implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, the BI subheader contains the following five fields: E, T, R, R, and BI.

[0196] In some implementations, such as Figure 7 As shown, the SI subheader and RAR subheader contain the following three fields: E, T, and RAPID (index of the random access pilot sequence).

[0197] In some implementations, such as Figure 8 As shown, the MAC RAR contains the following four fields: R, Timing Advance Command, Uplink Grant, and Temporary Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (TC-RNTI).

[0198] In some implementations, such as Figure 9 As shown, a RAR MAC PDU contains one or more MAC subPDUs and possible padding.

[0199] Among them, MAC sub-PDUs have three types, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first type of MAC sub-PDU only includes a MAC sub-header, which contains the E, T, R, R and BI fields; the second type of MAC sub-PDU only includes a MAC sub-header, which contains the E, T and RAPID fields; the third type of MAC sub-PDU includes both a MAC sub-header and a MAC RAR, which contains the E, T and TAPID fields.

[0200] It is understandable that for each of these three types of MAC sub-PDUs, the RAR MAC PDU may contain zero or at least one such MAC sub-PDU.

[0201] The meanings of the fields in a MAC PDU are as follows:

[0202] The E (Extension) field is a flag used to determine whether the MAC subheader is the last subheader in the MAC PDU.

[0203] As an example, if the value of the E field is 1, it means that there is at least one more MAC subheader after the MAC subheader where the E field is located in the MAC PDU; if the value of the E field is 0, it means that the MAC subheader where the E field is located is the last MAC subheader in the MAC PDU.

[0204] The T (Type) field is a flag indicating whether the MAC header contains a RAPID or BI field. For example, if the T field is 0, it means that there is no BI field in the MAC header; if the T field is 1, it means that there is no RAPID field in the MAC header.

[0205] R (Reserve) field: This is a reserved field, set to 0.

[0206] BI field: Identifies overload conditions in the cell using backoff time values. For example, a BI field with a minimum of 4 bits can represent 16 possible indices.

[0207] RAPID field: Used to identify the random access preamble (RAP) of the transmission.

[0208] If the RAPID in the MAC subheader corresponds to a specific RAP in the SI request configuration, then this MAC subheader does not contain a corresponding MAC RAR. For example, if the RAPID in the MAC subheader of a MAC subPDU corresponds to a specific RAP in the SI request configuration, then this MAC subPDU does not contain a MAC RAR. As an example, the RAPID field is 6 bits in size.

[0209] Timing Advance Command field: Represents the index value of the timing advance (TA) used to control the amount of time adjustment. For example, this field is 12 bits in size.

[0210] Uplink Grant (UL Grant) field: Indicates the resources that can be used on the uplink.

[0211] TC-RNTI field: Represents the temporary identifier used by the terminal during random access. As an example, the TC-RNTI field is 16 bits in size.

[0212] In a communication system, when a terminal and a wireless access network device perform random access using the methods described above, if the link budget between the wireless access network device and the terminal is poor, the communication capability is weak, or the communication quality is poor, such as in a non-terrestrial communication network, there will be a high failure rate of random access for the terminal, which will affect the service performance of the terminal.

[0213] The high failure rate of terminal random access in this application can also be understood as a low success rate of terminal random access.

[0214] Because the terminal's random access failure rate is high, the terminal needs to perform more random access operations to succeed, resulting in a longer latency required for successful random access. Therefore, the high terminal random access failure rate in this application can also be understood as the increased latency required for successful random access.

[0215] Research and analysis revealed that the problem stems from the fact that the RAR MAC PDU in the communication system is carried within a single time slot. Since the number of bits that can be carried in a time slot is limited, carrying the RAR MAC PDU within a single time slot increases its code rate. A higher code rate results in lower decoding performance for the terminal. Lower decoding performance leads to a lower probability of correctly or successfully decoding the MAC RAR, increasing the likelihood of missed or false MAC RAR detections and consequently, a higher probability of random access failure.

[0216] The aforementioned problems are particularly severe in scenarios with limited communication link budgets, weak communication capabilities, or poor communication quality. For example, in NTN scenarios, the link budget is limited, and the communication capability between the satellite and the terminal is weak. In such scenarios, high bit rates have a greater impact on the terminal's decoding performance, thus increasing the probability of random access failures.

[0217] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a new technical solution. In the technical solution provided by this application, the radio access network device transmits the same RAR MAC PDU in multiple time slots; or, in other words, the radio access network device transmits the same RAR MAC PDU and the control information for scheduling the PDU in multiple time slots. Because more time slots are used to transmit the same RAR MAC PDU, the number of bits used to transmit the same RAR MAC PDU also increases, which helps to reduce the code rate of the RAR MAC PDU, thereby improving the decoding performance of the terminal, further reducing the probability of the terminal missing or falsely detecting MAC RAR, and ultimately reducing the probability of random access failure of the terminal.

[0218] In some implementations, all MAC subheadings in a RAR MAC PDU are carried in one time slot, or all MAC subheadings in a RAR MAC PDU are carried in multiple time slots. The former facilitates faster decoding of the MAC subheadings by the terminal, improving the efficiency of the terminal in obtaining the MAC subheadings and saving resources; the latter helps to reduce the code rate of the MAC subheadings, improve the performance of the terminal in decoding the MAC subheadings, and thus improve the random access efficiency of the terminal.

[0219] In some implementations, when all MAC subheaders in a RAR MAC PDU are carried in multiple time slots, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is predefined or configured by the radio access network device to the terminal. This allows the radio access network device and the terminal to align the number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot, thereby helping the terminal to correctly and efficiently decode the MAC subheaders.

[0220] In some implementations, all RARs in a RAR MAC PDU are carried in one time slot, or all RARs in a RAR MAC PDU are carried in multiple time slots. The former facilitates faster decoding of RARs by the terminal, improving the efficiency of RAR acquisition and saving resources; the latter helps reduce the RAR bitrate, improves the performance of RAR decoding by the terminal, and thus improves the random access efficiency of the terminal.

[0221] In some implementations, when all RARs in a RAR MAC PDU are carried in multiple time slots, the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is predefined or configured by the radio access network device to the terminal. This allows the radio access network device and the terminal to align the number of RARs carried in a time slot, thereby helping the terminal to correctly and efficiently decode the RARs.

[0222] The communication method and communication device of this application embodiment are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. The communication method is performed by a wireless access network device and a terminal. As an example, the wireless access network device is... Figure 1 The wireless access network equipment in the communication system shown may be Figure 2 The illustrated communication system includes a 5G base station or ground station. As an example, the terminal is... Figure 1 The terminal in the communication system shown may be Figure 2 The terminal in the communication system shown.

[0223] It is understood that the wireless access network device in the embodiments of this application can be replaced by a device within the access network device (e.g., a module, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0224] It is understood that the terminal in the embodiments of this application can be replaced by a device within the terminal (e.g., a module, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), a chip system, or a processor), or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions.

[0225] S1010, the radio access network device sends downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots. These M time slots carry downlink data in MAC PDUs, which are used to carry RARs, where M is an integer greater than 1. Accordingly, the terminal receives the downlink control information.

[0226] As an example, this downlink control information is carried on a downlink control channel. One example of a downlink control channel is the physical downlink shared channel (PDCCH).

[0227] As an example, the downlink data is carried on a downlink data channel. One example of a downlink data channel is a PDSCH. In some implementations, the downlink data can be replaced by either a downlink data channel or a PDSCH.

[0228] In this embodiment, the MAC PDU is used to carry RAR, which can be understood as: the MAC PDU is a RAR MAC PDU.

[0229] S1020, the radio access network device transmits the downlink data in these M time slots. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the downlink data in these M time slots.

[0230] As an example, the radio access network device transmits the downlink data in these M time slots of the downlink control information scheduling. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the downlink data in these M time slots of the downlink control information scheduling.

[0231] As an example, the terminal sequentially reads the MAC subheader in the RAR MAC PDU to determine whether the MAC subheader is a subheader carrying a RAR. If it is determined that the MAC subheader is a MAC subheader carrying a RAR, and the RAPID in the MAC subheader is equal to the RAPID determined based on its selected random access resources and sequence, then the terminal determines the RAR corresponding to the MAC subheader, thereby obtaining its own RAR.

[0232] An example of a multi-slot bearer RAR MAC PDU in one embodiment of this application is as follows: Figure 11 As shown. Among them, the RAR MACPDU is carried in the M time slots from time slot 1 to time slot M.

[0233] Optionally, the downlink control information used to schedule the RAR MAC PDU is carried in the first of these M time slots, before the RAR MAC PDU.

[0234] In some implementations, the MAC subheader and RAR in the RAR MAC PDU are carried in different time slots; or, the MAC subheader and RAR are not carried in the same time slot; or, some time slots carry the MAC subheader but not the RAR, while other time slots carry the RAR but not the MAC subheader.

[0235] In other words, this RAR MAC PDU contains N MAC sub-headers and S RARs. M1 of the M time slots carry the N MAC sub-headers, and M2 of the M time slots carry the S RARs. N is a positive integer, S is a non-negative integer, M1 is a positive integer, M2 is a non-negative integer, and the sum of M1 and M2 is less than or equal to M. Specifically, M1 is less than or equal to M, M2 is less than M, and S is less than or equal to N.

[0236] S is a non-negative integer, which can be understood as either S being zero or S being a positive integer. M2 is a non-negative integer, which can be understood as either M2 being zero or M2 being a positive integer. For example, when S is zero, M2 is zero, meaning there is no RAR in the RAR MAC PDU, and therefore no time slot carrying the RAR.

[0237] If each MAC subheader has a corresponding RAR, then N and S are equal; if at least one MAC subheader does not have a corresponding RAR, then S is less than N; if no MAC subheader has a corresponding RAR, then S is equal to zero.

[0238] In some implementations, these N MAC subheaders are carried in one of the M time slots (e.g., the first time slot), i.e., M1 equals 1.

[0239] In some implementations, these S RARs are carried in one of the M time slots, i.e., M2 equals 1, where S is a positive integer.

[0240] In some implementations, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in a single time slot is defined, denoted as P, where P is a positive integer. When N is greater than P, these N MAC subheaders are carried in M1 time slots, where M1 is an integer greater than 1 and equal to... in, This indicates that the quotient of N divided by P is rounded up. When N is less than P, these N MAC sub-headers are carried in one time slot.

[0241] In some implementations, a maximum number of RARs carried in a single time slot is defined, denoted as Q, where Q is a positive integer. When S is greater than Q, these S RARs are carried in M2 time slots, where M2 is an integer greater than 1 and equal to... in, This means rounding up the quotient of S divided by Q. When S is less than Q, these S MAC sub-headers are carried in one time slot.

[0242] Figures 12 to 15 This is an example diagram of a RAR MAC PDU carried in multiple time slots according to an embodiment of this application.

[0243] like Figure 12 The RAR MAC PDU shown is carried in two time slots, designated Time Slot 1 and Time Slot 2. This RAR MAC PDU contains four MAC subheaders and two RARs.

[0244] These four MAC subheaders are designated MAC subheader 1, MAC subheader 2, MAC subheader 3, and MAC subheader 4, and are carried in time slot 1. The two RARs are designated RAR1 and RAR2, and are carried in time slot 2. The first RAR corresponds to the first MAC subheader, and the second RAR corresponds to the fourth MAC subheader. The PDCCH for scheduling the RAR MAC PDU is also carried in time slot 1.

[0245] like Figure 13 The RAR MAC PDU shown is carried over three time slots, designated as time slot 1, time slot 2, and time slot 3. This RAR MAC PDU contains four MAC subheaders and four RARs.

[0246] These four MAC subheaders are designated MAC subheader 1, MAC subheader 2, MAC subheader 3, and MAC subheader 4, and are carried in time slot 1. These four RARs are designated RAR1, RAR2, RAR3, and RAR4, with RAR1 and RAR2 carried in time slot 2, and RAR3 and RAR4 carried in time slot 3. There is a one-to-one correspondence between these four RARs and these four MAC subheaders. The PDCCH for scheduling this RAR MAC PDU is also carried in time slot 1.

[0247] Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the example shown, all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot (the first time slot), and the maximum number of RARs carried in one time slot is 2.

[0248] like Figure 14 The RAR MAC PDU shown is carried over six time slots, designated as time slot 1 to time slot 6. This RAR MAC PDU contains eight MAC subheaders and eight RARs.

[0249] These eight MAC subheaders are designated as MAC subheader 1 to MAC subheader 8. MAC subheaders 1 to MAC subheader 4 are carried in time slot 1, and MAC subheaders 5 to MAC subheader 8 are carried in time slot 2.

[0250] These eight RARs are designated RAR1 through RAR8. RAR1 and RAR2 are carried in time slot 3, RAR3 and RAR4 in time slot 4, RAR5 and RAR6 in time slot 5, and RAR7 and RAR8 in time slot 6. Each of these eight RARs corresponds one-to-one with one of these eight MAC subheaders. The PDCCH for scheduling this RAR MAC PDU is also carried in time slot 1.

[0251] Figure 14 In the example shown, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, and the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2.

[0252] Figures 12 to 14 In the example shown, the M1 time slots carrying the MAC subheader are M1 consecutive time slots out of the M time slots, for example, the first M1 consecutive time slots out of the M time slots. This implementation helps the terminal quickly determine the location of the time slot carrying the MAC subheader, thereby enabling it to quickly obtain the MAC subheader and improve random access efficiency.

[0253] Figures 12 to 14 In the example shown, the M2 time slots carrying the RAR are M2 consecutive time slots out of the M time slots, for example, the last M2 consecutive time slots out of the M time slots. This implementation helps the terminal quickly determine the location of the time slot carrying the RAR, thereby enabling rapid acquisition of the RAR and improving random access efficiency.

[0254] In some implementations, the M time slots are grouped, with each group containing multiple consecutive time slots from the M time slots. Each group carries a portion of the N MAC subheaders and the corresponding RAR for that portion of the MAC subheaders.

[0255] In some implementations, the N MAC subheaders are grouped. The maximum number of MAC subheaders in a group can be predefined or configured to the terminal by the radio access network device. Within these M time slots, the time slot carrying the RAR corresponding to each group of MAC subheaders is contiguous with the time slot carrying that group of MAC subheaders. This ensures that, when a TB contains multiple time slots, the time slot carrying the RAR corresponding to each group of MAC subheaders is included in the same TB. Thus, when the terminal decodes the TB and learns that it contains its own MAC subheader, it does not need to decode other TBs to obtain its corresponding RAR, improving random access efficiency and avoiding resource waste.

[0256] like Figure 15 As shown, the RAR MAC PDU is carried over six time slots, which are designated as time slot 1 to time slot 6. This RAR MAC PDU contains eight MAC subheaders and eight RARs.

[0257] These eight MAC headers are denoted as MAC header 1 to MAC header 8, and these eight RARs are denoted as RAR1 to RAR8. These eight MAC headers correspond one-to-one with these eight RARs.

[0258] These eight MAC subheaders are divided into two MAC subheader groups, with each group containing four MAC subheaders. The first MAC subheader group contains MAC subheaders 1 to 4, which are carried in time slot 1. RAR1 to RAR4, which correspond one-to-one with MAC subheaders 1 to 4, are carried in time slots 2 and 3, which are consecutive to time slot 1.

[0259] The second MAC subheader group contains MAC subheaders 5 to 8, carried in time slot 4. RAR5 to RAR8, which correspond one-to-one with MAC subheaders 5 to 8, are carried in time slots 5 and 6, which are consecutive to time slot 4.

[0260] Alternatively, each of these six time slots is divided into two time slot groups. The first time slot group contains time slots 1 to 3, and the second time slot group contains time slots 4 to 6. The first time slot group carries MAC subheaders 1 to MAC subheaders 4 and their corresponding RAR1 to RAR4. The second time slot group carries MAC subheaders 5 to MAC subheaders 8 and their corresponding RAR5 to RAR8.

[0261] Figure 15 In the example shown, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, and the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2.

[0262] Understandable. Figures 14 to 15 The statement that each time slot can carry a maximum of two RARs is merely an example, and this application does not impose any limit on the maximum number of RARs that can be carried per time slot; the statement that each time slot can carry a maximum of four MAC subheaders is merely an example, and this application does not impose any limit on the maximum number of MAC subheaders that can be carried per time slot.

[0263] In some implementations of this embodiment, the MAC sub-header in the RAR MAC PDU and the RAR corresponding to the MAC sub-header are carried in the same time slot. In other words, the MAC PDU contains T MAC sub-PDUs, where T is a positive integer. Each of the M time slots carries at least one of the T MAC sub-PDUs, and each MAC sub-PDU contains a MAC sub-header and the RAR corresponding to the MAC sub-header (if any).

[0264] This implementation allows the terminal to quickly obtain its corresponding RAR when it learns from the MAC subheader that a corresponding RAR exists, thus improving random access efficiency and avoiding resource waste.

[0265] Figure 16 This is an example diagram of a RAR MAC PDU carried in multiple time slots according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 16 The RARMAC PDU shown is carried in two time slots, designated time slot 1 and time slot 2. This RAR MAC PDU contains four MAC sub-PDUs. The second and third sub-PDUs contain MAC header 3 and RAR3, and the fourth PDU contains MAC header 4 and RAR4.

[0266] A sub-PDU containing MAC subheader 1 and RAR1 is carried in time slot 1, and a sub-PDU containing MAC subheader 2 and RAR2 is carried in time slot 1; a sub-PDU containing MAC subheader 3 and RAR3 is carried in time slot 2, and a sub-PDU containing MAC subheader 4 and RAR4 is carried in time slot 2.

[0267] Understandable. Figure 16 The example shown is that a time slot can carry a maximum of two sub-PDUs. This application does not limit the maximum number of sub-PDUs that a time slot can carry.

[0268] In this embodiment, when the MAC subheader and RAR in the RAR MAC PDU are carried in different time slots, in some implementations, the radio access network device and the terminal need to align at least one of the following information: the maximum number of MAC subheaders that can be carried in a time slot, the maximum number of RARs that can be carried in a time slot, the maximum number of MAC subheaders contained in a MAC subheader group, the maximum number of MAC subPDUs contained in a time slot, or the number of MAC subheaders contained in the RAR MAC PDU. This allows the terminal to read the MAC subheader and / or RAR based on this information.

[0269] by Figure 12 For example, in some implementations, it is assumed that all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot, the maximum number of RARs allowed to be carried in one time slot is 2, and MAC subheader 1 is the MAC subheader corresponding to the terminal.

[0270] For wireless access network devices, since all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot, the wireless access network device carries all MAC subheaders in time slot 1, namely MAC subheader 1 to MAC subheader 4; since the maximum number of RARs allowed in a time slot is 2, the wireless access network device carries RAR1 and RAR2 in time slot 2.

[0271] For the terminal, it reads MAC subheader 1 in time slot 1. Since MAC subheader 1 carries its corresponding RAPID, the terminal determines that MAC subheader 1 is its own MAC subheader. Because all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot, this means the RAR is in the next time slot. Therefore, the terminal reads the RAR corresponding to MAC subheader 1 in time slot 2. Because MAC subheader 1 is the first MAC subheader, the terminal determines that the RAR corresponding to MAC subheader 1 is the first RAR in time slot 2, which is RAR1, thus obtaining the terminal's own corresponding RAR1.

[0272] by Figure 12 For example, in some implementations, it is assumed that all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot, the maximum number of RARs carried in one time slot is 2, and MAC subheader 4 is the MAC subheader corresponding to the terminal.

[0273] The behavior of wireless access network devices is similar to that in the previous example, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] The terminal reads MAC sub-header 1 from time slot 1. Although MAC sub-header 1 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not the terminal's own RAPID. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC sub-header 1 is the last MAC sub-header. Since MAC sub-header 1 is not the last MAC sub-header, the terminal continues reading MAC sub-headers from time slot 1, obtaining MAC sub-header 2. Since MAC sub-header 2 does not carry a RAPID, the terminal determines whether MAC sub-header 2 is the last MAC sub-header. Since MAC sub-header 2 is not the last MAC sub-header, the terminal continues reading MAC sub-headers from time slot 1, obtaining MAC sub-header 3. Since MAC sub-header 3 does not carry a RAPID, the terminal determines whether MAC sub-header 3 is the last MAC sub-header. Since MAC sub-header 3 is not the last MAC sub-header, the terminal continues reading MAC sub-headers from time slot 1, obtaining MAC sub-header 4. Since MAC sub-header 4 carries a RAPID, and this RAPID is the terminal's own RAPID, it is determined that MAC sub-header 4 is its own MAC sub-header.

[0275] Since all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot, this indicates that the RAR is in the next time slot. Therefore, the terminal reads the RAR corresponding to MAC subheader 4 in time slot 2. Because there are two MAC subheaders carrying RAPID in time slot 1, and MAC subheader 4 is the first of these two MAC subheaders, the terminal determines that the RAR corresponding to MAC subheader 4 is the second RAR in the MAC PDU. Because the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, the terminal determines that its own RAR is located in time slot 2, and is the second RAR in time slot 2, which is RAR2, thus obtaining the terminal's own RAR2.

[0276] by Figure 13 For example, in some implementations, it is assumed that all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot, the maximum number of RARs carried in one time slot is 2, and MAC subheader 3 is the MAC subheader corresponding to the terminal.

[0277] Because all MAC subheaders are carried in one timeslot, the radio access network device carries all MAC subheaders in timeslot 1, namely MAC subheader 1 to MAC subheader 4; because the maximum number of RARs allowed in a timeslot is 2, the radio access network device carries RAR1 and RAR2 in timeslot 2, and RAR3 and RAR4 in timeslot 3.

[0278] The terminal reads MAC subheader 1 from time slot 1. Although MAC subheader 1 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not its own. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC subheader 1 is the last MAC subheader. Since MAC subheader 1 is not the last MAC subheader, the terminal continues reading MAC subheaders from time slot 1 to obtain MAC subheader 2.

[0279] Although MAC header 2 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not the RAPID corresponding to itself. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC header 2 is the last MAC header. Since MAC header 2 is not the last MAC header, the terminal continues to read MAC headers in time slot 1 to obtain MAC header 3.

[0280] If MAC header 3 carries a RAPID, and that RAPID is the terminal's own RAPID, then MAC header 3 is determined to be its own MAC header.

[0281] Since all MAC subheaders are carried in one time slot, this indicates that the RAR is in the next time slot. Therefore, the terminal reads the RAR corresponding to MAC subheader 3 in time slot 2. Because there are four MAC subheaders carrying RAPIDs in time slot 1, and MAC subheader 3 is the third of these four, the terminal determines that the RAR corresponding to MAC subheader 3 is the third RAR in the MAC PDU. Since the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, the terminal determines that its own RAR is located in time slot 3 and is the first RAR in time slot 3, i.e., RAR3, thus obtaining its own RAR3.

[0282] by Figure 14For example, in some implementations, the number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, the number of MAC subheaders contained in the RAR MACPDU is 8, the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, and MAC subheader 4 is the MAC subheader corresponding to the terminal.

[0283] Because the number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, the radio access network device carries MAC subheaders 1 to 4 in time slot 1 and MAC subheaders 5 to 8 in time slot 2. Because the maximum number of RARs allowed in a time slot is 2, the radio access network device carries RAR1 and RAR2 in time slot 3, RAR3 and RAR4 in time slot 4, RAR5 and RAR6 in time slot 5, and RAR7 and RAR8 in time slot 6.

[0284] The terminal reads MAC subheader 1 from time slot 1. Although MAC subheader 1 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not its own. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC subheader 1 is the last MAC subheader. Since MAC subheader 1 is not the last MAC subheader, the terminal continues reading MAC subheaders from time slot 1 to obtain MAC subheader 2.

[0285] Although MAC header 2 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not the RAPID corresponding to itself. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC header 2 is the last MAC header. Since MAC header 2 is not the last MAC header, the terminal continues to read MAC headers in time slot 1 to obtain MAC header 3.

[0286] Although MAC header 3 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not the RAPID corresponding to itself. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC header 3 is the last MAC header. Since MAC header 3 is not the last MAC header, the terminal continues to read MAC headers in time slot 1 to obtain MAC header 4.

[0287] Since MAC header 4 carries RAPID, and this RAPID is the RAPID corresponding to the terminal itself, it is determined that MAC header 4 is its own MAC header.

[0288] Because a RAR MAC PDU contains 8 MAC subheaders, and the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in a single timeslot is 4, the number of timeslots occupied by these eight MAC subheaders is equal to... That is, equal to 2, where, This means rounding up the quotient of 8 divided by 4.

[0289] Because all the MAC headers in the RAR MAC PDU occupy two time slots, the RAR is carried starting from time slot 3. And because MAC header 4 is the fourth of these eight MAC headers, the terminal determines that the RAR corresponding to MAC header 4 is the fourth RAR in the MAC PDU. Since the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, Since the remainder is 2, the terminal determines that its corresponding RAR is located in the second time slot carrying the RAR, i.e., in time slot 4. Because the remainder of 4 divided by 2 is 0, the terminal determines that the second RAR in time slot 4, i.e., RAR4, is the RAR4 corresponding to the terminal itself.

[0290] by Figure 14 For example, in some implementations, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, the number of MAC subheaders contained in a RARMAC PDU is 8, the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, and MAC subheader 5 is the MAC subheader corresponding to the terminal.

[0291] The behavior of wireless access network devices is similar to that in the previous example, and will not be repeated here.

[0292] The process of reading MAC subheaders 1 to 4 from the terminal can be referred to in the previous example, and will not be repeated here. The differences are introduced below.

[0293] Although MAC header 4 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not the RAPID corresponding to itself. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC header 4 is the last MAC header. Since MAC header 4 is not the last MAC header, and since the maximum number of MAC headers carried in a time slot is 4, the terminal reads the MAC header in time slot 2 and obtains MAC header 5.

[0294] Since MAC header 5 carries RAPID, and this RAPID is the RAPID corresponding to the terminal itself, it is determined that MAC header 5 is its own MAC header.

[0295] Because a RAR MAC PDU contains 8 MAC sub-headers, and the maximum number of MAC sub-headers carried in a single timeslot is 4,

[0296] Therefore, the number of time slots occupied by these eight MAC subheaders is equal to That is, equal to 2, where, This means rounding up the quotient of 8 divided by 4.

[0297] Because all the MAC subheaders contained in the RAR MAC PDU occupy two time slots, the RAR is carried starting from time slot 3. And because MAC subheader 5 is the fifth of these eight MAC subheaders, the terminal determines that the RAR corresponding to MAC subheader 5 is the fifth RAR in the RARs of this MAC PDU. Since the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, Since the remainder is 3, the terminal determines that its corresponding RAR is located in the third time slot carrying the RAR, i.e., in time slot 5. Because the remainder of 5 divided by 2 is 1, the terminal determines that the first RAR in time slot 5, i.e., RAR5, is the RAR5 corresponding to the terminal itself.

[0298] by Figure 15 For example, in some implementations, the maximum number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, the number of MAC subheaders contained in a RARMAC PDU is 8, the maximum number of MAC subheaders contained in a MAC subheader group is 4, the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, and MAC subheader 5 is the MAC subheader corresponding to the terminal.

[0299] Because the number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, the radio access network device carries MAC subheaders 1 to 4 in time slot 1. Because the maximum number of RARs allowed in a time slot is 2, the radio access network device carries RAR1 and RAR2 in time slot 2, and RAR3 and RAR4 in time slot 3. Because the number of MAC subheaders carried in a time slot is 4, MAC subheaders 5 to 8 are carried in time slot 4. Because the maximum number of RARs allowed in a time slot is 2, the radio access network device carries RAR5 and RAR6 in time slot 5, and RAR7 and RAR8 in time slot 6.

[0300] The process of reading MAC subheaders 1 to 4 from the terminal can be referred to in the previous example, and will not be repeated here. The differences are introduced below.

[0301] Although MAC header 4 carries a RAPID, the RAPID it carries is not its own RAPID. Therefore, the terminal determines whether MAC header 4 is the last MAC header. Since MAC header 4 is not the last MAC header, and because the maximum number of MAC headers in a MAC header group is 4, and the maximum number of MAC headers carried in a time slot is 4, the terminal determines that the first MAC header group occupies one time slot. Furthermore, because the four MAC headers in the first MAC header group each have a corresponding RAR (Relative Arrivals), meaning the first MAC header group corresponds to four RARs, and because the maximum number of RARs carried in a time slot is 2, the terminal determines that the four RARs corresponding to the first MAC header group occupy two time slots. Therefore, the terminal reads the MAC header in the third time slot after time slot 1, i.e., time slot 4, and obtains MAC header 5.

[0302] Since MAC header 5 carries RAPID, and this RAPID is the RAPID corresponding to the terminal itself, it is determined that MAC header 5 is its own MAC header.

[0303] The terminal continues reading MAC headers until it reads the last MAC header or the last MAC header in the MAC header group, then determines that the MAC header group contains 4 MAC headers. Since the maximum number of MAC headers that can be carried in a single timeslot is 4, the number of timeslots occupied by this MAC header group is equal to... That is, it equals 1. Therefore, the terminal determines that the RAR corresponding to this MAC subheader group will start carrying from the first time slot after time slot 4 where MAC subheader 5 is located, that is, starting from time slot 5.

[0304] Because MAC subheader 5 is the first MAC subheader in the second RAR group, and the remainder of 1 divided by 2 is 1, the terminal determines the first RAR in slot 5, namely RAR5, which is the RAR5 corresponding to the terminal itself.

[0305] by Figure 16 For example, in some implementations, the maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in a time slot is 2, and MAC sub-header 3 is the MAC sub-header corresponding to the terminal.

[0306] Since the maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in a time slot is 2, the wireless access network device carries the first MAC sub-PDU (including MAC sub-header 1 and RAR1) and the second MAC sub-PDU (including MAC sub-header 1 and RAR1) in time slot 1, and carries the third MAC sub-PDU (including MAC sub-header 3 and RAR3) and the fourth MAC sub-PDU (including MAC sub-header 4 and RAR4) in time slot 2.

[0307] The terminal reads MAC subheader 1 from the first MAC sub-PDU. MAC subheader 1 contains RAPID, but this RAPID is not the RAPID corresponding to the terminal. Therefore, the terminal reads the second MAC sub-PDU.

[0308] The terminal reads MAC header 2 from the second MAC sub-PDU. MAC header 2 contains RAPID, but this RAPID is not the RAPID corresponding to the terminal. Because MAC header 2 in the second MAC sub-PDU is not the last MAC header, and the maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in a time slot is 2, the terminal exclusively reads the next MAC sub-PDU in time slot 2, which is the third MAC sub-PDU.

[0309] Because the MAC header 3 in the third MAC sub-PDU carries a RAPID, and this RAPID is the terminal's own RAPID, it is determined that the MAC header 3 is its own MAC header, that is, the third MAC sub-PDU is the MAC sub-PDU corresponding to the terminal. The terminal obtains RAR3 immediately following the MAC header 3 as its own RAR.

[0310] In some implementations, as in the example above, a timeslot carries a transport block (TB), or in other words, all the bits carried in a timeslot constitute a TB.

[0311] In some implementations, at least one of the following information is predefined: the maximum number of MAC subheaders that a timeslot can carry, the maximum number of RARs that a timeslot can carry, the maximum number of MAC subheaders contained in a MAC subheader group, the maximum number of MAC subPDUs contained in a timeslot, or the number of MAC subheaders contained in a RAR MAC PDU. Alternatively, it may be indicated by the wireless access network device to the terminal.

[0312] As an example, the radio access network device indicates at least one of the above information by reserving bits (e.g., 16 reserved bits) in the PDCCH of the scheduled RAR; or, the radio access network device indicates at least one of the above information directly by broadcasting a message; or, the radio access network device indicates at least one of the above information by binding a synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0313] For example, the SSB on a beam with a worse link budget indicates a smaller maximum number of RARs that can be carried in a time slot, in order to reduce the RAR code rate; the SSB on a beam with a better link budget indicates a larger maximum number of RARs that can be carried in a time slot, in order to increase the RAR code rate.

[0314] In some implementations, the terminal decodes on a TB-by-TB basis, meaning the unit of decoding by the terminal is based on TB granularity.

[0315] In some implementations, one timeslot carries one TB, meaning downlink control information is scheduled across multiple TBs. In this implementation, the terminal can decode one TB for each timeslot of data it receives.

[0316] In some implementations, multiple time slots carry a single time unit (TB). For example, if all downlink control information scheduling content belongs to the same TB, and this TB is carried by multiple time slots, then the terminal needs to receive the data from all the time slots corresponding to the TB and then decode the corresponding TB.

[0317] In some implementations, a single timeslot carries multiple TBs.

[0318] The correspondence between time slots and terabytes (TB) can be agreed upon by the protocol or indicated by the radio access network (RAN) device. As long as the terminal and RAN device can align this content, the terminal can decode it correctly.

[0319] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above method embodiments, the terminal and wireless access network device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0320] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal or wireless access network device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0321] As an example, this communication device may be a wireless access network device, or it may be a device within the access network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system or processor), or it may be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0322] As an example, this communication device may be a terminal, or a device within the terminal (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system or processor), or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal functions.

[0323] like Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 1700 includes a processing unit 1710 and a transceiver unit 1720. The communication device 1700 is used to implement the functions of a terminal or wireless access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0324] As an example, when the communication device 1700 is used for the function of the wireless access network device in any of the foregoing method embodiments, the processing unit 1710 is used to acquire downlink control information and downlink data; the transceiver unit 1720 is used to: send downlink control information, the downlink control information being used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; and send the downlink data in the M time slots, wherein the downlink data carried in the M time slots is a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU), and the MAC PDU is used to carry a Random Access Response (RAR).

[0325] As an example, when the communication device 1700 is used to implement the terminal function in any of the aforementioned method embodiments, the transceiver unit 1720 is used to: receive downlink control information, the downlink control information being used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; receive the downlink data in the M time slots, the downlink data carried in the M time slots being Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Units (PDUs), the MAC PDUs being used to carry Random Access Responses (RARs); and the processing unit 1710 is used to receive the downlink data according to the downlink control information and obtain the RAR from the downlink data.

[0326] For a more detailed description of the operations performed by the processing unit 1710 and the transceiver unit 1720, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0327] like Figure 18As shown, the communication device 1800 includes a processor 1810 and an interface circuit 1820. The processor 1810 and the interface circuit 1820 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1820 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1800 may also include a memory 1830 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1810, or storing input data required by the processor 1810 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1810 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1820 can also be understood as part of the processor 1810, in which case the communication device 1800 includes the processor 1810.

[0328] As an example, when the communication device 1800 is used to implement any of the aforementioned methods, the processor 1810 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1710, and the interface circuit 1820 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1720.

[0329] As an example, when the aforementioned communication device is a chip used in a communication equipment, the chip receiving information can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the communication equipment, and then sent to the chip by these modules. Similarly, the chip sending information can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as an RF module or antenna) in the communication equipment, and then sent by these modules.

[0330] Some embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods implemented by the terminal in any of the above embodiments.

[0331] Some embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods implemented by the wireless access network device in any of the above embodiments.

[0332] In some embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which contains computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the methods implemented by the terminal in any of the above embodiments.

[0333] In some embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which contains computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the methods implemented by the wireless access network device in any of the above embodiments.

[0334] In some embodiments of this application, a communication system is also provided, which can implement the methods implemented by the terminal and the wireless access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0335] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0336] In this embodiment of the application, the processor may include one or more of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0337] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0338] 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, optical discs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0339] 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.

[0340] 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, include: Send downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried by M time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; The downlink data is transmitted in the M time slots, and the downlink data carried in the M time slots is a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU). The MAC PDU is used to carry a Random Access Response (RAR).

2. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried by M time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; The downlink data is received in the M time slots, and the downlink data carried in the M time slots is a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU). The MAC PDU is used to carry a Random Access Response (RAR).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The MAC PDU contains N MAC subheaders and S RARs, where N is a positive integer and S is a non-negative integer; Among the M time slots, M1 time slots carry the N MAC subheaders, and M2 time slots carry the S RARs. M1 is a positive integer, M2 is a non-negative integer, and the sum of M1 and M2 is less than or equal to M.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The maximum number of MAC sub-headers carried in each of the M1 time slots is P, where P is a positive integer, and P is either predefined or indicated by information; and / or, The maximum number of RARs carried by each of the M2 time slots is Q, where Q is a positive integer and is predefined, indicated by information.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The MAC PDU contains T MAC sub-PDUs, where T is a positive integer, and each of the M time slots carries at least one MAC sub-PDU among the T MAC sub-PDUs.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in each of the M time slots is G, where G is a positive integer, G is predefined, or G is indicated by information.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A communication module is used to send downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; The communication module is further configured to: transmit the downlink data in the M time slots, wherein the downlink data carried in the M time slots is a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU), and the MAC PDU is used to carry a Random Access Response (RAR).

8. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A communication module is used to receive downlink control information, which is used to schedule downlink data carried in M ​​time slots, where M is an integer greater than 1; The communication module is further configured to: receive the downlink data in the M time slots, wherein the downlink data carried in the M time slots is a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU), and the MAC PDU is used to carry a Random Access Response (RAR).

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The MAC PDU contains N MAC subheaders and S RARs, where N is a positive integer and S is a non-negative integer; Among the M time slots, M1 time slots carry the N MAC subheaders, and M2 time slots carry the S RARs. M1 is a positive integer, M2 is a non-negative integer, and the sum of M1 and M2 is less than or equal to M.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The maximum number of MAC sub-headers carried in each of the M1 time slots is P, where P is a positive integer, and P is either predefined or indicated by information; and / or, The maximum number of RARs carried by each of the M2 time slots is Q, where Q is a positive integer and is predefined, indicated by information.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The MAC ODU contains T MAC sub-PDUs, where T is a positive integer, and each of the M time slots carries at least one MAC sub-PDU among the T MAC sub-PDUs.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The maximum number of MAC sub-PDUs carried in each of the M time slots is G, where G is a positive integer, G is predefined, or G is indicated by information.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, wherein when the processor invokes the computer program, the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program, the computer program including instructions for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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