Resource configuration method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a resource configuration method, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium. The present disclosure receives, by a first communication device, first information sent by a second communication device, the first information being used to indicate wireless resources configured by a network device for the first communication device, the configured wireless resources being used for the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and an Ambient IOT device, so that the first communication device can determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IOT device based on the first information, to realize resource allocation between the first communication device as an intermediate node and the Ambient IOT device, thereby ensuring smooth communication between the intermediate node and the Ambient IOT device.

Description

Resource allocation methods, communication equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a resource allocation method, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the 5G passive Internet of Things (Ambient IoT, also known as environmental IoT or IoT supporting environmental power) system, an intermediate node can be introduced between the Ambient IoT device and the base station. Through the intermediate node, indirect communication between the Ambient IoT device and the base station can be realized, thereby enhancing the communication coverage between the Ambient IoT device and the base station.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to clarify the resource allocation behavior in the Ambient IoT system, so as to ensure that resources are configured between intermediate nodes and Ambient IoT devices, thereby ensuring smooth communication between intermediate nodes and Ambient IoT devices, this disclosure provides a resource configuration method, communication device, communication system and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a resource configuration method is provided, applied to a first communication device, the method comprising: receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the wireless resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and a passive Internet of Things (Ambient IoT) device; and determining, based on the first information, the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a resource configuration method is provided, applied to a network device. The method includes: sending first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to instruct the network device to configure wireless resources for the first communication device, the wireless resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and an Ambient IoT device, and the first information being used by the first communication device to determine the wireless resources used when the first communication device communicates with the Ambient IoT device.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the wireless resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and a passive Internet of Things (Ambient IoT) device; and a processing module configured to determine, based on the first information, the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and an Ambient IoT device, the first information being further used by the first communication device to determine the radio resources used when the first communication device communicates with the Ambient IoT device.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first communication device is configured to perform the resource configuration method as described in the first aspect above.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the resource configuration method as described in the second aspect above.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first communication device and a network device, wherein the first communication device is configured to implement the resource allocation method as described in the first aspect above, and the network device is configured to implement the resource allocation method as described in the second aspect above.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the resource configuration method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0013] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a network device sends first information to a first communication device. The first information is used to instruct the network device to configure wireless resources for the first communication device. The configured wireless resources can be used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device. The first communication device receives the first information sent by the second communication device to determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information. This enables resource allocation between the first communication device, which acts as an intermediate node, and the Ambient IoT device, thereby ensuring smooth communication between the intermediate node and the Ambient IoT device.

[0014] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of another network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5A is a schematic flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5B is a schematic flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6A is a schematic flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6B is a schematic flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0032] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of at least one associated listed item.

[0033] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various messages, these messages should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish messages of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first message may also be referred to as a second message, and similarly, a second message may also be referred to as a first message. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0034] This disclosure presents a resource allocation method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0035] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a resource configuration method applied to a first communication device. The method includes: receiving first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to instruct the network device to configure wireless resources for the first communication device, the wireless resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and an Ambient IoT device; and determining, based on the first information, the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the first communication device receives first information sent by the second communication device. The first information is used to instruct the network device to configure wireless resources for the first communication device. The configured wireless resources can be used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device. This allows the first communication device to determine the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information, thereby realizing resource allocation between the first communication device as an intermediate node and the Ambient IoT device, and ensuring smooth communication between the intermediate node and the Ambient IoT device.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information includes at least one of the following: determining that the wireless resources indicated by the first information are the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device; and determining the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device from the wireless resources indicated by the first information.

[0038] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided for the first communication device to determine the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information, so that the first communication device can determine the wireless resources in multiple ways based on the first information, thereby improving the flexibility of the resource configuration process.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first signaling sent by the network device, the first signaling being used to instruct the network device to activate radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling being used to instruct the network device to deactivate radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the first communication device receives a first signaling sent by the network device so that the first communication device can determine whether the wireless resources configured for it by the network device are activated or deactivated based on the first signaling, thereby realizing the determination of wireless resources according to the activation result of the wireless resources configured for it by the network device.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first signaling includes at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Medium Access Control (MAC) control element (CE); Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) signaling.

[0042] In the above embodiments, a variety of optional first signaling is provided so that the activation or deactivation of the wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device can be indicated through a variety of signaling, thereby improving the flexibility of the resource configuration process.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is associated with validity information, which is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

[0044] In the above embodiments, by configuring first information to be associated with validity information, the first communication device can determine whether the first information is valid based on the validity information associated with it. This allows for the determination of wireless resources based on valid first information, ensuring the legality and validity of the resource allocation process. Furthermore, providing multiple information types indicated by the validity information enhances the flexibility and diversity of the validity information.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the effective area includes at least one of the following: the cell in which the first communication device receives the first information; the coverage area of ​​the network device.

[0046] In the above embodiments, multiple optional valid regions are provided so that the validity information can be used to indicate multiple valid regions, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the validity information.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the validity information is configured by the network device to the first communication device, or the validity information is agreed upon by the protocol.

[0048] In the above embodiments, multiple optional configuration methods for validity information are provided so that the first communication device can acquire validity information in multiple ways, thereby improving the flexibility of the validity information acquisition process.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the network device includes: receiving a first message sent by the network device, the first message including the first information; wherein the first message includes at least one of a paging message, a broadcast system message, and RRC signaling.

[0050] In the above embodiments, by using a first message as the carrier of first information, the first message is reused, thereby improving its message utilization rate. Furthermore, multiple optional message types for the first message are provided, allowing the first information to be carried through various types of first messages, thus improving the flexibility of the first information transmission process.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of selecting the first communication device; or, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of making a service request.

[0052] In the above embodiments, multiple optional communication processes are provided for the network device to send first information to the first communication device, so that the network device can send the first information to the first communication device in multiple communication processes, thereby improving the flexibility of the first information sending process.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device, wherein the first communication device includes at least one of the following: a user equipment (UE); a repeater; an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node; or a capability-limited device.

[0054] In the above embodiments, multiple optional device types of the first communication device are provided to ensure that multiple types of the first communication device can acquire the first information and determine the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information, thereby improving the flexibility of the resource configuration process.

[0055] Secondly, this disclosure provides a resource configuration method applied to a network device. The method includes: sending first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to instruct the network device to configure wireless resources for the first communication device, the wireless resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device, and the first information being used by the first communication device to determine the wireless resources used when the first communication device communicates with the Ambient IoT device.

[0056] In the above embodiments, by sending first information from the network device to the first communication device, the first information is used to instruct the network device to configure wireless resources for the first communication device. The configured wireless resources can be used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device, so that the first communication device can determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information, so as to realize the resource allocation between the first communication device as an intermediate node and the Ambient IoT device, thereby ensuring the smooth communication between the intermediate node and the Ambient IoT device.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a first signaling to the first communication device, the first signaling being used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling being used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0058] In the above embodiments, by sending a first signaling message from the network device to the first communication device, the first communication device can determine whether the wireless resources configured for it by the network device are activated or deactivated based on the first signaling message, thereby realizing the determination of wireless resources according to the activation result of the wireless resources configured for it by the network device.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first signaling includes at least one of the following: RRC signaling; MAC CE; PDCCH signaling.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is associated with validity information, which is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the effective area includes at least one of the following: the cell in which the first communication device receives the first information; the coverage area of ​​the network device.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: configuring the validity information for the first communication device.

[0063] In the above embodiments, by configuring validity information for the first communication device by the network device, it is ensured that the first communication device can obtain the validity information, thereby enabling the first communication device to determine whether the first information is valid based on the validity associated with the first information, and then to determine the wireless resources based on the valid first information, thus ensuring the legality and validity of the resource configuration process.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the first communication device includes: sending a first message to the first communication device, the first message including the first information; wherein the first message includes at least one of a paging message, a broadcast system message, and RRC signaling.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of selecting the first communication device; or, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of making a service request.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device, wherein the first communication device includes at least one of the following: UE; repeater; IAB node; capability-limited device.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used by the first communication device to determine that the wireless resource indicated by the first information is the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device; and / or, the first information is used by the first communication device to determine from the wireless resource indicated by the first information the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0068] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first communication device, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the wireless resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and a passive Internet of Things (Ambient IoT) device; and a processing module configured to determine, based on the first information, the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0069] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including: a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device, the first information also being used by the first communication device to determine the radio resources used when the first communication device communicates with the Ambient IoT device.

[0070] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first communication device is configured to execute the resource configuration method as described in the first aspect above.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the resource configuration method as described in the second aspect above.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a first communication device and a network device, wherein the first communication device is configured to implement the resource allocation method as described in the first aspect above, and the network device is configured to implement the resource allocation method as described in the second aspect above.

[0073] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the resource configuration method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0074] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the resource configuration method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0075] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the resource allocation method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0076] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the resource allocation method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0077] It is understood that the aforementioned first communication device, network device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] This disclosure provides a resource allocation method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "resource allocation method" and "information processing method," "communication method," and "method for determining wireless resources" can be used interchangeably; the terms "resource allocation device" and "information processing device," "communication device," and "device for determining wireless resources" can be used interchangeably; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" can be used interchangeably.

[0079] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0080] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0081] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0082] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0083] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0084] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0085] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0086] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0087] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0088] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0089] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0090] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0091] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0092] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0093] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0094] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0095] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0096] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0097] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0098] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first communication device 101 and a network device 102.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 is used to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device. That is, the first communication device 101 can be an intermediate node.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 includes at least one of user equipment (UE), relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, and reduced capability (RedCap) device.

[0101] In some embodiments, the UE (or terminal) includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, Ambient IoT device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0102] In some embodiments, the capability-limited device includes, but is not limited to, at least one of Ambient IoT devices, IoT devices, and RedCap UEs.

[0103] In some embodiments, network device 102 includes at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0104] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a UE to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in a 5G Ambient IoT system, base station in a 6G IoT system, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0105] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0106] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0107] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device comprising multiple network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the multiple network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0108] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may include a first network element, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first network element is used for user access management and mobility management, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a second network element, such as an Ambient IoT Function node.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second network element is responsible for receiving and processing information related to Ambient IoT, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may include a third network element, such as an Internet of Things (IoT) function node.

[0113] In some embodiments, the third network element is used to receive and process IoT-related information, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a fourth network element, such as an Application Function (AF) node.

[0115] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is used to support applications or services running on the network edge or device, such as video streaming, voice calls, messaging, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0116] In some embodiments, each of the above network elements can be independent of the core network equipment.

[0117] In some embodiments, each of the above network elements may be part of the core network equipment.

[0118] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0119] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0120] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0121] In related technologies, IoT devices are typically powered by traditional batteries with limited lifespans, negatively impacting user experience. The astronomical growth of IoT networks, coupled with the sheer number of IoT devices, has pushed maintenance costs, including labor and battery expenses, to unprecedented levels. Billions of traditional batteries are discarded annually, with only a fraction being effectively recycled, causing harmful impacts on the Earth's ecosystem. Maintaining IoT networks and replacing batteries can be extremely challenging under extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, research aims to develop a battery-free IoT communication approach to improve network performance and sustainability, and expand application scenarios. Furthermore, battery-free communication is more environmentally friendly and safer for children and the elderly. Eliminating traditional batteries can significantly reduce device size and cost, paving the way for various new applications. Environmentally powered IoT (i.e., passive IoT) is a promising technology that can meet these needs.

[0122] Ambient IoT devices can operate without batteries or with limited energy storage (e.g., using capacitors), instead drawing power from radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable source. This allows Ambient IoT devices to feature low memory, low processing power, low power consumption, small data transfer rates, and massive deployment, while also having a long lifespan (e.g., over 10 years) with minimal maintenance.

[0123] In some embodiments, Ambient IoT devices can access the network directly or indirectly.

[0124] In some embodiments, Ambient IoT devices can access the network directly. Referring to FIG2A, FIG2A is a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A, taking the access network device as a base station as an example, Ambient IoT devices and base stations can directly send and receive data (including uplink data and downlink data).

[0125] In some embodiments, Ambient IoT devices can access the network indirectly. Referring to FIG2B, FIG2B is a schematic diagram of another network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Taking the access network device as a base station as an example, as shown in FIG2B, Ambient IoT devices and base stations can indirectly send and receive data (including uplink data and downlink data). Intermediate nodes can play the role of data forwarding between Ambient IoT devices and base stations.

[0126] In some embodiments, within an Ambient IoT system, the network topology shown in Figure 2B can be adopted to connect the base station and an intermediate node for uplink and downlink communication. Furthermore, the intermediate node is connected to the Ambient IoT device, also for uplink and downlink communication, thereby enhancing communication coverage between the Ambient IoT device and the network side. Additionally, in future 6G IoT systems, the network topology shown in Figure 2B can also be adopted to connect the base station and an intermediate node for uplink and downlink communication, and the intermediate node is connected to the 6G IoT device for uplink and downlink communication, thereby enhancing communication coverage between the 6G IoT device and the network side.

[0127] In some embodiments, the base station can control the resource allocation of the IoT interface, thereby enabling the base station to configure resources between intermediate nodes and Ambient IoT devices (which can also be 6G IoT devices). However, how the base station schedules the air interface resources between intermediate nodes and Ambient IoT devices (which can also be 6G IoT devices) is not yet clear.

[0128] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a resource allocation method, which includes:

[0129] Step S3101: The network device sends the first information to the first communication device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives first information sent by the network device.

[0131] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device, such as a base station; or, the network device may be a core network device, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] In some embodiments, the name of the network device is not limited, and may be, for example, "network node".

[0133] In some embodiments, the first communication device can be an intermediate node, that is, the first communication device can be used to forward data and / or signaling between network devices and Ambient IoT devices, or the first communication device can be a device node used to provide signaling and / or data forwarding functions between network devices and Ambient IoT devices.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first communication device may be a UE, a repeater, an IAB node, a capability-limited device (such as an Ambient IoT device, a 6G IoT device, a RedCap UE, etc.), but is not limited thereto. The first communication device may also be other device nodes that can provide signaling and / or data forwarding functions between network devices and Ambient IoT devices.

[0135] In some embodiments, the name of the first communication device is not limited, and may be, for example, "first node", "first device", etc.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the network device to the first communication device before the process of selecting the first communication device, that is, the first information may be provided by the network device to the first communication device before the intermediate node selection process.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives and stores first information, and when it is selected as an intermediate node, applies the first information and determines wireless resources for communication based on the first information.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first information may be sent to the first communication device by the network device during the selection of the first communication device, that is, the first information may be provided to the first communication device by the network device during the intermediate node selection process.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first information is sent by the network device to the first communication device during the selection process. The network device may provide the first information to the first communication device when sending a second message, wherein the second message may be used to request the selection of the first communication device as an intermediate node. Optionally, the network device may send the first information and the second message together to the first communication device, or the first information may be sent to the first communication device independently of the second message.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives and stores first information, and when it is selected as an intermediate node, applies the first information and determines wireless resources for communication based on the first information.

[0141] In some embodiments, the name of the second message is not limited, and it may be, for example, "request message", "intermediate node selection request", "intermediate node selection request message", etc.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the selection process. The network device may send the first information to the first communication device upon confirmation of intermediate node selection (i.e., when the network device determines to select the first communication device as an intermediate node, or in other words, the first communication device is selected as an intermediate node). For example, the network device may provide the first information to the first communication device when sending a third message, wherein the third message can be used to indicate that the first communication device has been selected as an intermediate node. Optionally, the network device may send the first information and the third message together to the first communication device, or the first information may be sent to the first communication device independently of the third message.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives and stores first information, and when it is selected as an intermediate node, applies the first information and determines wireless resources for communication based on the first information.

[0144] In some embodiments, the name of the third message is not limited, and it may be, for example, "confirmation message", "intermediate node selection confirmation message", "intermediate node confirmation message", etc.

[0145] It should be noted that the first information can be provided to the first communication device during the process of the access network device (such as a base station) selecting the first communication device, or it can be provided to the first communication device during the process of the core network device selecting the first communication device. It should be noted that in the case where the first information is provided to the first communication device during the process of the core network device selecting the first communication device, the core network device can send an indication message to the access network device to instruct the access network device to provide the first information to the first communication device, so that the access network device can send the first information to the first communication device.

[0146] Optionally, the service request process can interact through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) or the User Plane (UP), but is not limited to these.

[0147] It should be noted that if the first communication device determines itself to be an intermediate node through its own implementation and communicates with the core network device through NAS signaling or UP, then the first communication device or the core network device needs to send an indication message to the access network device to instruct the access network device to provide the first information to the first communication device, so that the access network device can send the first information to the first communication device.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first information may also be sent by the network device to the first communication device during the service request process; that is, the first information may be provided by the network device to the first communication device during the service request process.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives and stores first information, and when it is selected as an intermediate node, applies the first information and determines wireless resources for communication based on the first information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the network device may provide the first communication device with the first information when sending the fourth message to the first communication device, wherein the fourth message may be used to make a service request to the first communication device, or the fourth message may be used to respond to the service request of the first communication device.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first information may be provided to the first communication device in a service process initiated by the network device, or it may be provided to the first communication device in a service process initiated by the first communication device.

[0152] For example, a network device sends a fourth message to a first communication device to request a service, and provides first information to the first communication device. As another example, when the first communication device requests a service from the network device, the network device sends the first information to the first communication device while sending a fourth message in response to the service request.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first information is provided to the first communication device during the service request process initiated by the access network device (such as a base station), or it can be provided to the first communication device during the process of the core network device selecting the first communication device. It should be noted that in the case where the first information is provided to the first communication device during the process of the core network device selecting the first communication device, the core network device can send an indication message to the access network device to instruct the access network device to provide the first information to the first communication device, thereby enabling the access network device to send the first information to the first communication device.

[0154] It should be noted that if the service request process is conducted through NAS and the core network device or the first communication device initiates the service request process, the core network device or the first communication device needs to send an instruction message to the access network device. The instruction message is used to instruct the access network device to provide the first information to the first device.

[0155] In some embodiments, the network device may send the first information and the fourth message together to the first communication device, or the first information may be sent to the first communication device independently of the fourth message.

[0156] In some embodiments, the fourth message is used to make a service request to the first communication device. The name of the fourth message is not limited, but may be, for example, "service request message".

[0157] In some embodiments, the fourth message is used to respond to a service request from the first communication device. The name of the fourth message is not limited, but may be, for example, "service request response message" or "service request response".

[0158] In some embodiments, a first message can be used as the carrier of first information. That is, the network device can send a first message to the first communication device, the first message including first information; the first communication device can receive the first message sent by the network device to realize the reception of the first information sent by the network device.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first message may be a paging message, a broadcast system message, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0160] In some embodiments, RRC signaling may be proprietary RRC signaling specifically designed to carry first information, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] In some embodiments, there may be usage priorities among the first information configured via different types of first messages. Optionally, the usage priority of the first information configured via RRC signaling may be higher than the usage priority of the first information configured via paging messages and broadcast system messages, but this is not limited to. For example, if a first communication device receives first information sent by a network device via RRC signaling, and the first communication device has previously received first information sent by the network device via paging messages or broadcast system messages, then the first information sent via RRC signaling may override the first information sent via paging messages or broadcast system messages, thereby allowing the first communication device to preferentially use the first information sent via RRC signaling.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first communication device may store the received first information so that, when it is selected as an intermediate node, it can determine the wireless resources to be used for communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the stored first information.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, which can be used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device; or, the first information includes the wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device.

[0164] In some embodiments, the radio resource indicated by the first information may be a resource pool or a resource set, or the radio resource indicated by the first information may be an independent radio resource, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0165] In some embodiments, the radio resources indicated by the first information may be indicated to the first communication device by the network device through dynamic scheduling. For example, the radio resources indicated by the first information may be indicated to the first communication device by the network device through Downlink Control Information (DCI). Optionally, when the network device indicates radio resources to the first communication device through DCI, a new Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) may be introduced to scramble the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) to enable the transmission of DCI.

[0166] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0167] In some embodiments, the radio resources indicated by the first information may be periodic radio resources that the network device configures a grant for the first communication device. For example, the network device may configure periodic radio resources for the first communication device to communicate with Ambient IoT devices via RRC signaling, but is not limited thereto.

[0168] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it may be, for example, "configuration information", "first configuration information", "resource configuration information", etc.

[0169] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first information may also be associated with validity information, which can be used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information. That is, the first information is valid within the validity time and / or validity area indicated by the validity information.

[0171] In some embodiments, the valid time can be the valid duration, but is not limited to this. The valid time can also be the time window in which the first information is valid, and so on, but is not limited to this.

[0172] In some embodiments, terms such as “time,” “moment,” “point in time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “time,” “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” and “window.”

[0173] In some embodiments, the effective area may be a cell in which the first communication device receives the first information; and / or, the effective area may be the coverage area of ​​a network device, for example, if the network device is a base station, then the effective area may be the signal coverage area of ​​the base station, and so on, but not limited thereto.

[0174] In some embodiments, the terms "cell", "component carrier (CC)", "frequency carrier", and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0175] In some embodiments, the validity information is configured by the network device for the first communication device, or the validity information is agreed upon by the protocol, but is not limited thereto.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine whether the first information is valid based on validity information. If the first communication device moves out of the valid area or the current time exceeds the valid time, the first communication device may determine that the first information is invalid.

[0177] In some embodiments, if the first information becomes invalid, the first communication device may send a first request to the network device. The first request is used by the first communication device to request new first information from the network device so that the first communication device can obtain the new first information and thereby determine the wireless resources used by it when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the new first information.

[0178] In step S3102, the first communication device determines the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine that the wireless resource indicated by the first information is the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0180] In other words, the first communication device can directly use the wireless resources configured for it by the network device as the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device. Or, the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device are selected and configured by the network device for the first communication device.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device from the wireless resources indicated by the first information.

[0182] That is, when the network device configures the first communication device with the first information to use the wireless resources that the first communication device can use to communicate with the Ambient IoT device, the first communication device can further select from these resources to determine the actual wireless resources it uses to communicate with the Ambient IoT device.

[0183] For example, the wireless resources indicated in the first information are a resource pool or resource set. The first communication device can directly use the wireless resources in the resource pool or resource set indicated in the first information as the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device; or, the first communication device can further determine the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the resource pool or resource set indicated in the first information. For example, the first communication device can select a portion of the wireless resources from the resource pool or resource set indicated in the first information as the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first communication device may implement itself the selection of wireless resources based on the first information. For example, the first communication device may randomly select a portion of wireless resources from the resource pool or resource set indicated by the first information as the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first communication device may coordinate with other communication devices to select a portion of the wireless resources from the resource pool or resource set indicated by the first information as the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device, thereby avoiding selecting the same or conflicting wireless resources as the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0186] In some embodiments, the resources indicated by the first information will not be the same as or conflict with the wireless resources of other communication devices. The first communication device can directly select a portion of the wireless resources from the resource pool or resource set indicated by the first information as the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device, thereby ensuring that it avoids selecting the same or conflicting wireless resources as other communication devices as the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0187] It should be noted that the method by which the first communication device selects a portion of the wireless resources from the resource pool or resource set indicated by the first information as the wireless resources it uses to communicate with the Ambient IoT device can be determined according to the protocol agreement or according to the instruction information of the network device, but is not limited to this.

[0188] It should be noted that, when the first communication device selects wireless resources from the wireless resources indicated by the first information for use when communicating with the Ambient IoT device, the wireless resources selected by the first communication device may be a portion of the wireless resources indicated by the first information, or all of the wireless resources indicated by the first information. This embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0189] In some embodiments, the terms “resource,” “resource set,” “resource group,” “precoding,” “precoder,” “weight,” “precoding weight,” “quasi-co-location (QCL),” “transmission configuration indication (TCI) status,” “spatial relation,” “spatial domain filter,” “transmission power,” “phase rotation,” “antenna port,” “antenna port group,” “layer,” “the number of layers,” “rank,” “beam,” “beam width,” “beam angular degree,” “antenna,” “antenna element,” and “panel” can be used interchangeably.

[0190] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein use the communication between an Ambient IoT device and an intermediate node (i.e., the first communication device) as an example for illustration. In more possible implementations, the device communicating with the intermediate node may also be other IoT devices (such as 6G IoT devices), UEs, or other capability-limited devices (such as RedCap UEs). For these devices communicating with the intermediate node, the solution provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can also be used to determine the wireless resources used when communicating with the intermediate node. For specific implementation methods, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “get,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0192] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0193] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0194] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0195] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0196] The resource allocation method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S3101+S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0197] In some embodiments, step S3101 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0198] In some embodiments, step S3102 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0199] The above embodiment illustrates the interaction between a network device and a first communication device to obtain first information, enabling the first communication device to communicate with an Ambient IoT device based on the wireless resources indicated by the first information. In more possible implementations, signaling can be used to indicate the activation status of the wireless resources indicated by the first information to the first communication device, allowing the first communication device to determine the wireless resources by combining the first information and the activation status of the wireless resources. Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a resource configuration method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, this disclosure relates to a resource configuration method, which includes:

[0200] Step S3201: The network device sends the first information to the first communication device.

[0201] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] In step S3202, the network device sends a first signaling message to the first communication device.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives a first signaling sent by the network device.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first signaling can be used to instruct the network device to activate all the radio resources configured for the first communication device; or, the first signaling can be used to instruct the network device to deactivate all the radio resources configured for the first communication device; or, the first signaling can be used to instruct the network device to activate some of the radio resources configured for the first communication device and deactivate some of the radio resources. Further, the first signaling can be used to instruct the network device to activate which part of the radio resources configured for the first communication device and deactivate which part of the radio resources.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first signaling is RRC signaling, Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE), PDCCH signaling, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first signaling may be specific to the communication process provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. For example, a new MAC CE or a new RNTI-scrambled PDCCH or DCI Format may be introduced for the communication process provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0208] In step S3203, the first communication device determines the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information and the first signaling.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine whether the radio resource indicated by the first information is active based on the first signaling, thereby determining the radio resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information if the radio resource indicated by the first information is active.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine, based on the first signaling, which portion of the radio resources indicated by the first information is active, thereby determining, based on the active radio resources indicated by the first information, the radio resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0211] It should be noted that the implementation of the wireless resources used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information can be found in the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0212] The resource allocation method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3203. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201+S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201+S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3202+S3203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0213] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0214] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0215] In some embodiments, steps S3202 and S3203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0216] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specifications corresponding to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0217] According to the solution provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, an access network device (such as a base station) can configure wireless resources for an intermediate node (i.e., the first communication device) to communicate with a second communication device, an Ambient IoT device (which can also be an IoT device), in the manner shown in the figure below:

[0218] (1) The base station dynamically schedules Ambient IoT air interface resources (or IoT air interface resources) to intermediate nodes through DCI. Furthermore, RNTI scrambling PDCCH and a new DCI format can be introduced.

[0219] (2) Configure the Ambient IoT air interface resources (or IoT air interface resources) of the base station as configured grant. Optionally, the Ambient IoT air interface resources (or IoT air interface resources) of the configured grant can be configured directly through RRC, or the Ambient IoT air interface resources (or IoT air interface resources) of the configured grant can be configured periodically through RRC, and then activated or deactivated through signaling. The signaling for activation or deactivation can be PDCCH scrambled with RNTI.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first communication device determines wireless resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device based on first information sent by the network device.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first information includes wireless resources configured in the network for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device. In response to receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine the wireless resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device based on the first information.

[0222] Optionally, the radio resources indicated in the first information may be dynamically scheduled by the network device and indicated to the first communication device via DCI. Furthermore, a new RNTI may be introduced for scrambling the PDCCH.

[0223] Optionally, the radio resources indicated in the first information may be radio resources configured by the network device through an RRC-configured grant for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first information includes network-configured radio resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device. In response to receiving the first information, the first communication device determines whether the radio resources are activated or deactivated based on the first signaling, and determines the radio resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device based on the first information.

[0225] Optionally, the network device configures periodically configured grant Ambient IoT air interface resources (or IoT air interface resources) via RRC, and then activates or deactivates them via signaling. The activation or deactivation signaling can be at least one of RRC, MAC CE, and PDCCH. RRC, MAC CE, and PDCCH can be specific to the communication process, such as introducing a new MAC CE or a new RNTI scrambled PDCCH or DCI format.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first communication device determines whether the first information is valid based on validity information, which includes a valid area and / or a valid duration. The first communication device is valid within the valid area and / or valid duration. If the first communication device moves out of the valid area or exceeds the valid duration, the first information is considered invalid. Further, the first communication device requests new first information from the network device to determine the wireless resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device.

[0227] In some embodiments, the validity information may be configured by the network device to the first communication device, or it may be agreed upon by a protocol.

[0228] In some embodiments, the effective area includes at least the cell and / or base station where the first communication device receives the first information.

[0229] In some embodiments, the wireless resources indicated in the first information may be a resource pool or a resource set, and the first communication device further determines the wireless resources used for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device based on the first information. Alternatively, the wireless resources indicated in the first information may directly be the wireless resources used for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first information may be provided to the first communication device through an intermediate node selection process and / or a service request process.

[0231] Optionally, the network device may provide the first information to the first communication device during the intermediate node selection process.

[0232] For example, a network device can provide first information when requesting intermediate node selection. The first information can be sent to the first communication device together with the intermediate node selection request message, or it can be sent to the first communication device independently. The first communication device receives and stores the first information. When it is selected as an intermediate node, it applies the first information and determines the wireless resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device based on the first information.

[0233] For example, when the network device confirms the selection of the intermediate node, that is, when the first communication device is selected as the intermediate node, the network device can provide the first communication device with the first information. The first information can be sent to the first communication device together with the intermediate node selection confirmation message, or it can be sent to the first communication device independently. The first communication device receives and stores the first information, and further applies the first information and determines the wireless resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device based on the first information.

[0234] Optionally, if the intermediate node is selected to be performed by the core network device, the core network device needs to send an indication message to the base station to instruct the base station to provide the first information to the first communication device.

[0235] In some embodiments, the network device may provide first information to the first communication device during a service request process. The first information may be sent to the first communication device along with a service request message or a service request response message, or it may be sent independently. The first communication device receives and stores the first information, and further applies the first information to determine radio resources for communication between the intermediate node and the second communication device. If the service request process interacts via NAS or UP, it is necessary to send indication information to the base station to instruct the base station to provide the first information to the first communication device.

[0236] For example, a network device (such as a CN, AF, or gNB) sends a service request message to a first communication device and provides first information to the first communication device. If the service request is sent to the first communication device by the CN or AF via a NAS message or a UP message, then the CN, AF, or the first communication device needs to send an instruction message to the base station to instruct the base station to provide the first information to the first communication device.

[0237] For example, a first communication device sends a service request message to a network device (such as a CN, AF, or gNB). When the network device responds to the service request, it sends first information to the first communication device. If the service request is sent by the first communication device to the CN or AF via a NAS message or a UP message, then the CN, AF, or the first communication device needs to send indication information to the base station to instruct the base station to provide the first information to the first communication device.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first information may be sent to the intermediate node in at least one of a paging message, a broadcast system message, and a proprietary RRC signaling.

[0239] Optionally, when an intermediate node receives the first information sent by the proprietary RRC signaling, if there is a first information previously sent via paging message or broadcast system message, it overwrites the first information provided in the paging message or broadcast system message and applies the first information provided in the proprietary RRC signaling.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first communication device may be a UE, a repeater, an IAB node, or a capability-limited device, or other device node capable of providing signaling / data forwarding functions between the network device and the second communication device.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second communication device may be a capability-limited device or a UE. The capability-limited device may be an Ambient IoT device, an IoT device, or a RedCap device.

[0242] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a resource allocation method, which includes:

[0243] Step S4101: Obtain the first information.

[0244] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3201 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives first information sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first communication device acquires first information as defined by a protocol.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains first information from the upper layer(s).

[0248] In some embodiments, the first communication device processes information to obtain the first information.

[0249] In some embodiments, step S4101 is omitted, and the first communication device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is a default or default setting.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device.

[0251] Step S4102: Obtain validity information.

[0252] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3201 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives validity information sent by the network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive validity information sent by other entities.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains validity information as defined by the protocol.

[0255] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains validity information from the upper layer(s).

[0256] In some embodiments, the first communication device processes the information to obtain validity information.

[0257] In some embodiments, step S4102 is omitted, and the first communication device autonomously implements the function indicated by the validity information, or the above function is default or default.

[0258] In some embodiments, validity information is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

[0259] Step S4103: Obtain the first signaling.

[0260] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3202 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives a first signaling sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first signaling sent by another entity.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first communication device acquires a first signaling defined by a protocol.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains the first signaling from the upper layer(s).

[0264] In some embodiments, the first communication device processes data to obtain the first signaling.

[0265] In some embodiments, step S4103 is omitted, and the first communication device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first signaling, or the above function is a default or default setting.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0267] Step S4104: Based on the first information, validity information, and first signaling, determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0268] The optional implementation of step S4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3203 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine the validity of the first information based on validity information, and then, if the first information is valid, determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device from the activated first information indicated by the valid first information based on the first signaling.

[0270] The resource configuration method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101+S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101+S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101+S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102+S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4103+S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101+S4102+S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101+S4102+S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101+S4103+S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto.

[0271] In some embodiments, steps S4101, S4102, and S4103 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0272] In some embodiments, steps S4101, S4102, and S4103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0273] In some embodiments, steps S4102, S4103, and S4104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0274] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a resource allocation method, which includes:

[0275] Step S4201: Send the first message.

[0276] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3201 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the first communication device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send first information to other entities.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device.

[0279] Step S4202: Send validity information.

[0280] The optional implementation of step S4202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, the optional implementation of step S3201 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] In some embodiments, the network device sends validity information to the first communication device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send validity information to other entities.

[0282] In some embodiments, validity information is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

[0283] Step S4203: Send the first signaling.

[0284] The optional implementation of step S4203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3202 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first signaling message to the first communication device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send the first signaling message to other entities.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first information, validity information, and first signaling can be used by the first communication device to determine the radio resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0288] The resource allocation method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4203. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4201+S4202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S4201+S4203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0289] In some embodiments, steps S4201, S4202, and S4203 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0290] In some embodiments, steps S4202 and S4203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0291] In this embodiment of the disclosure, step S4201 can be combined with step S4101 of FIG4A, step S4202 can be combined with step S4102 of FIG4A, and step S4203 can be combined with step S4103 of FIG4B.

[0292] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a resource allocation method, which includes:

[0293] Step S5101: Obtain the first information.

[0294] The optional implementations of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementations of step S3101 in Figure 3A, the optional implementations of step S3201 in Figure 3B, the optional implementations of step S4101 in Figure 4A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives first information sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first communication device acquires first information as defined by a protocol.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains first information from the upper layer(s).

[0298] In some embodiments, the first communication device processes information to obtain the first information.

[0299] In some embodiments, step S5101 is omitted, and the first communication device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is a default or default setting.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device.

[0301] Step S5102: Obtain the first signaling.

[0302] The optional implementation of step S5102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3202 in Figure 3B, the optional implementation of step S4103 in Figure 4A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3B and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives a first signaling sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first signaling sent by another entity.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first communication device acquires a first signaling defined by a protocol.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains the first signaling from the upper layer(s).

[0306] In some embodiments, the first communication device processes data to obtain the first signaling.

[0307] In some embodiments, step S5102 is omitted, and the first communication device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first signaling, or the above function is a default or default setting.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0309] Step S5103: Based on the first information and the first signaling, determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0310] The optional implementation of step S5103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3203 in Figure 3B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine, based on the first signaling, the wireless resources used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device from the activated first information indicated by the first information.

[0312] The resource allocation method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5103. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5101+S5102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5101+S5103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5102+S5103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0313] In some embodiments, steps S5101 and S5102 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0314] In some embodiments, steps S5101 and S5102 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0315] In some embodiments, steps S5102 and S5103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0316] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a resource allocation method, which includes:

[0317] Step S5201: Send the first message.

[0318] The optional implementations of step S5201 can be found in the optional implementations of step S3101 in Figure 3A, step S3201 in Figure 3B, step S4201 in Figure 4B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0319] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the first communication device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send first information to other entities.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device.

[0321] Step S5202: Send the first signaling.

[0322] The optional implementation of step S5202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3202 in Figure 3B, the optional implementation of step S4203 in Figure 4B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3B and 4B, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] In some embodiments, the network device sends a first signaling message to the first communication device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send the first signaling message to other entities.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling is used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first information and the first signaling can be used by the first communication device to determine the wireless resources it uses when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0326] The resource allocation method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S5201 to S5202. For example, step S5201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S5201+S5202 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0327] In some embodiments, steps S5201 and S5202 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0328] In some embodiments, step S5202 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0329] In this embodiment of the disclosure, step S5201 can be combined with step S5101 of FIG5A, and step S5202 can be combined with step S5102 of FIG5A.

[0330] Figure 6A is a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a resource allocation method, which includes:

[0331] Step S6101: Obtain the first information.

[0332] The optional implementations of step S6101 can be found in the optional implementations of step S3101 in Figure 3A, the optional implementations of step S3201 in Figure 3B, the optional implementations of step S4101 in Figure 4A, the optional implementations of step S5101 in Figure 5A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives first information sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0334] In some embodiments, the first communication device acquires first information as defined by a protocol.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains first information from the upper layer(s).

[0336] In some embodiments, the first communication device processes information to obtain the first information.

[0337] In some embodiments, step S6101 is omitted, and the first communication device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is a default or default setting.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first communication device may also receive a first signaling sent by the network device, the first signaling being used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling being used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first signaling includes at least one of RRC signaling, MAC CE, and PDCCH signaling.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first information is associated with validity information, which is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

[0342] In some embodiments, the effective area includes the coverage area of ​​the cell and / or network device where the first communication device receives the first information.

[0343] In some embodiments, the validity information is configured by the network device for the first communication device, or the validity information is agreed upon by the protocol.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first communication device may receive a first message sent by the network device, the first message including the first information.

[0345] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of a paging message, a broadcast system message, and an RRC signaling.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of selecting the first communication device; or, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of making a service request.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or signaling between a network device and an Ambient IoT device, wherein the first communication device includes at least one of a UE, a repeater, an IAB node, and a capability-limited device.

[0348] Step S6102: Based on the first information, determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0349] The optional implementation of step S6102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first communication device determines that the wireless resource indicated by the first information is the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0351] In some embodiments, the first communication device determines the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device from the wireless resources indicated by the first information.

[0352] The resource allocation method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S6101 to S6102. For example, step S6101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S6101+S6102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0353] In some embodiments, step S6102 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0354] Figure 6B is a flowchart illustrating a resource allocation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a resource allocation method, which includes:

[0355] Step S6201: Send the first message.

[0356] The optional implementations of step S6201 can be found in the optional implementations of step S3101 in Figure 3A, step S3201 in Figure 3B, step S4201 in Figure 4B, step S5201 in Figure 5B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 3A, 3B, 4B, and 5B, which will not be repeated here.

[0357] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the first communication device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send first information to other entities.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the radio resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the radio resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device.

[0359] In some embodiments, the network device may also send a first signaling message to the first communication device, the first signaling message being used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling message being used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

[0360] In some embodiments, the first signaling includes at least one of RRC signaling, MAC CE, and PDCCH signaling.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first information is associated with validity information, which is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

[0362] In some embodiments, the effective area includes the coverage area of ​​the cell and / or network device where the first communication device receives the first information.

[0363] In some embodiments, the network device may also configure validity information for the first communication device.

[0364] In some embodiments, a network device may send a first message to a first communication device, the first message including first information.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of a paging message, a broadcast system message, and an RRC signaling.

[0366] In some embodiments, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of selecting the first communication device; or, the first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of making a service request.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or signaling between a network device and an Ambient IoT device, wherein the first communication device includes at least one of a UE, a repeater, an IAB node, and a capability-limited device.

[0368] In some embodiments, the first information is further used by the first communication device to determine the wireless resources used when the first communication device communicates with the Ambient IoT device.

[0369] In some embodiments, the first information is used by a communication device to determine that the wireless resource indicated by the first information is the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device; and / or, the first information is used by the first communication device to determine from the wireless resource indicated by the first information the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

[0370] The resource configuration method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least step S6201, and step S6201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0371] In this embodiment of the disclosure, step S6201 can be combined with step S6101 of FIG6A.

[0372] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0373] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the first communication device in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0374] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0375] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0376] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the first communication device 7100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 is configured to receive first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate the wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device, the wireless resources being used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the passive IoT device; the processing module 7102 is configured to determine the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 7101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S3101, S3201, and S3202, but not limited thereto) performed by the first communication device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 7102 is used to execute at least one of the other steps (such as step S3102, step S3203, but not limited thereto) executed by the first communication device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0377] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the network device 7200 may include at least a transceiver module 7201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 is configured to send first information to a first communication device. The first information is used to indicate the wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device. The wireless resources are used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device. The first information is also used by the first communication device to determine the wireless resources used when communicating with the Ambient IoT device. Optionally, the transceiver module 7201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S3101, S3201, S3202, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device in any of the above methods. Further details are omitted here. In some embodiments, the network device 7200 may also include a processing module. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods. Further details are omitted here.

[0378] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0379] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0380] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a first communication device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first communication device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0381] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0382] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may also be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0383] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceivers 8103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S3101, S3201, and S3202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S3102 and S3203, but not limited thereto).

[0384] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0385] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102, and the interface circuit 8104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0386] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a first communication device, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG8A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0387] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 8200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 8200 shown in Figure 8B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0388] Chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0389] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from memory 8203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 8202 can be used to send signals to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in memory 8203 and send the instructions to processor 8201.

[0390] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S3101, S3201, and S3202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S3102 and S3203, but not limited thereto).

[0391] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0392] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8203 may be located outside of chip 8200.

[0393] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0394] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0395] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0396] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0397] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A resource allocation method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: The first information sent by the network device is used to instruct the network device to configure wireless resources for the first communication device. The wireless resources are used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the passive IoT device. Based on the first information, the wireless resources used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device are determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the wireless resources used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device based on the first information includes at least one of the following: The wireless resource indicated by the first information is determined to be the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device; The wireless resources used by the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device are determined from the wireless resources indicated by the first information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network device receives a first signaling message, which instructs the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling message instructs the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first signaling includes at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE; Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) signaling.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first information is associated with validity information, which is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The effective region includes at least one of the following: The cell in which the first communication device receives the first information; The coverage area of ​​the network device.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The validity information is configured by the network device for the first communication device, or the validity information is agreed upon by the protocol.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first information sent by the receiving network device includes: Receive a first message sent by the network device, wherein the first message includes the first information; The first message includes at least one of paging messages, broadcast system messages, and RRC signaling.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the selection process; or... The first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of making a service request.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first communication device includes at least one of the following: User Equipment (UE); Repeater; Integrating access and backhaul IAB nodes; Limited capacity equipment.

11. A resource allocation method, characterized in that, Applied to network devices, the method includes: Send first information to a first communication device. The first information is used to instruct the network device to configure radio resources for the first communication device. The radio resources are used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device. The first information is also used by the first communication device to determine the radio resources used when the first communication device communicates with the Ambient IoT device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first signaling message to the first communication device, the first signaling message being used to instruct the network device to activate the radio resources configured for the first communication device, or the first signaling message being used to instruct the network device to deactivate the radio resources configured for the first communication device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first signaling includes at least one of the following: RRC signaling; MAC CE; PDCCH signaling.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The first information is associated with validity information, which is used to indicate the validity time and / or validity area of ​​the first information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The effective region includes at least one of the following: The cell in which the first communication device receives the first information; The coverage area of ​​the network device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Configure the validity information for the first communication device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first communication device includes: Send a first message to the first communication device, the first message including the first information; The first message includes at least one of paging messages, broadcast system messages, and RRC signaling.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, The first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the selection process; or... The first information is sent to the first communication device by the network device during the process of making a service request.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that, The first communication device is used to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device, wherein the first communication device includes at least one of the following: UE; Repeater; IAB nodes; Limited capacity equipment.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that, The first information is used by the first communication device to determine that the wireless resource indicated by the first information is the wireless resource used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device; and / or, The first information is used by the first communication device to determine, from the wireless resources indicated by the first information, the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

21. A first communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by a network device. The first information is used to indicate the wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device. The wireless resources are used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the passive IoT device. The processing module is configured to determine, based on the first information, the wireless resources used by the first communication device when communicating with the Ambient IoT device.

22. A network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first communication device. The first information is used to indicate the wireless resources configured by the network device for the first communication device. The wireless resources are used by the first communication device to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device. The first information is also used by the first communication device to determine the wireless resources used when the first communication device communicates with the Ambient IoT device.

23. A first communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The first communication device is used to execute the resource allocation method according to any one of claims 1-10.

24. A network device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The network device is used to execute the resource configuration method according to any one of claims 11-20.

25. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first communication device and a network device, wherein the first communication device is configured to implement the resource allocation method according to any one of claims 1-10, and the network device is configured to implement the resource allocation method according to any one of claims 11-20.

26. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the resource configuration method as described in any one of claims 1-10 or 11-20.

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