Communication methods and related apparatuses

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and related device, and applies to the technical field of communication. In the embodiment of the application, the first communication device is taken as a terminal device, and the second communication device is taken as a network device. For the scenario of cross-cell retransmission, compared with the mode of directly transmitting the entire retransmission data through the retransmission cell in some schemes, the network device can transmit the retransmission data through different cells in the present scheme, and can flexibly use network resources. When a plurality of time units of the second cell are used to transmit the first retransmission data, the transmission quality of the retransmission data can be improved. K time units are used to transmit the first retransmission data (correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first retransmission data), and the transmission quality of the retransmission data is improved. In addition, in the present scheme, the network device transmits the first retransmission data through a single DCI, so that the effective transmission of the retransmission data is realized with low DCI overhead.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In mobile communication systems, such as 5G, data transmission typically employs a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) mechanism. This means the sending end uses multiple HARQ processes for parallel transmission. Network devices can configure multiple HARQ processes for terminal devices, each using a different time unit for transmission. For each HARQ process, the sending end first sends initial data to the receiving end. If this initial data transmission fails (i.e., the receiving end reports a decoding failure), the sending end then sends the retransmission data for that HARQ process to the receiving end.

[0003] In some solutions, both initial and retransmitted data are transmitted through the same cell. This leads to a decline in communication quality and a significant increase in the error rate of retransmitted data. To address the quality degradation caused by transmitting initial and retransmitted data through the same cell, other solutions employ cross-cell retransmission technology. While this approach allows retransmitted data from the first cell to be transmitted within a single time unit of the second cell, the varying bandwidth capabilities of different cells mean that if a network device sends initial data in the first cell within a single time unit, it may not be able to send retransmitted data within a single time unit of the second cell after receiving a negative acknowledgment message from the terminal device. The bandwidth of the second cell may be insufficient to handle the retransmitted data, potentially causing errors in practical applications.

[0004] Therefore, how to effectively improve the transmission quality of retransmitted data is a hot topic of research for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus that can improve the transmission quality of retransmitted data while achieving effective transmission of the retransmitted data with lower DCI overhead.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a method applicable to a first communication device, which may be, for example, a terminal device or a communication module within the terminal device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the terminal device. The method includes: receiving first initial transmission data through a first cell; receiving downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI is used to schedule first retransmission data; and receiving the first retransmission data through a second cell, wherein the first retransmission data is the retransmission data corresponding to the first initial transmission data.

[0007] In this application, taking the first communication device as the terminal device and the second communication device as the network device as an example, on the one hand, for cross-cell retransmission scenarios (i.e., the initial transmission and retransmission of data are performed through different cells), compared to some solutions that directly transmit (send or receive) the entire retransmission data through the retransmission cell, in this solution, the network device can send retransmission data through different cells, allowing for flexible use of network resources. When multiple time units of the second cell are used to send the first retransmission data, the transmission quality of the retransmission data can be improved.

[0008] On the other hand, network devices transmit the first retransmission data through a single DCI scheduling, achieving effective transmission of the retransmission data with lower DCI overhead.

[0009] In summary, this application improves the transmission quality of retransmitted data while achieving effective transmission of the retransmitted data with lower DCI overhead.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the K portions of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through K time units of the second cell, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0011] In the above implementation, a retransmitted data is divided into K parts, and the K parts of the retransmitted data are transmitted separately through K time units, thereby realizing the split transmission of the retransmitted data.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes first indication information, which indicates that the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, or the first indication information indicates the number of time units N for transmitting the first retransmitted data, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the second communication device indicates that the first retransmission data is divided into N parts of sub-data or the number of time units of the first retransmission data is N, by carrying the first indication information in a single DCI, and indicates the information for scheduling the first retransmission data through the low DCI overhead, so as to realize the split transmission of the first retransmission data.

[0014] In another possible implementation, if the first indication information indicates that N is greater than 1, the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, and the N parts of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through the N time units respectively.

[0015] In the above embodiments, a scheme is provided in which, when N is greater than 1, the N parts of the first retransmission data configured by the protocol are transmitted through the N time units of the second cell respectively.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data.

[0017] In the above embodiments, the second communication device can also directly indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data through the second indication information carried in the DCI, and indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data through the lower DCI overhead, so as to achieve effective transmission of the first retransmission data.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate whether to transmit multiple portions of the first retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively; or, the second indication information is used to indicate a transmission mode from a plurality of transmission modes, the plurality of transmission modes including any one of the following: transmitting multiple portions of the retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively, or transmitting multiple redundant versions RV of the same transport block through the plurality of time units.

[0019] In the above embodiment, taking the first communication device as the terminal device and the second communication device as the network device as an example, the second indication information carried in a single DCI of the network device can directly indicate whether to transmit multiple parts of the first retransmission data through multiple time units, or directly indicate one of the multiple transmission modes (e.g., transmitting multiple parts of the first retransmission data through multiple time units, or transmitting multiple RVs of the same transport block through multiple time units). The terminal device can transmit the first retransmission data according to the transmission mode indicated in the indication information of the network device, which can effectively save communication resources and realize the effective transmission of the first retransmission data.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes third indication information. When the transmission mode of the first retransmission data is to transmit multiple parts of the retransmission data through the multiple time units respectively, the third indication information is used to indicate that the first retransmission data is divided into M parts, or the third indication information is used to indicate the number of time units M for transmitting the first retransmission data, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0021] In the above embodiments, when the second communication device directly indicates the specific transmission mode of the first retransmission data as transmitting the K parts of retransmission data separately through the second indication information carried in a single DCI, it can also indicate that the first retransmission data is divided into M parts of sub-data, or the number of time units of the first retransmission data is M, through the third indication information carried in a single DCI, thereby realizing the split transmission of the first retransmission data.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of K time units, the information of the K time units including the time interval between the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, where K is an integer greater than 1; or, the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of the first time unit among the K time units, the information of the first time unit among the K time units including the time interval between the first time unit among the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI.

[0023] In the above embodiment, taking the first communication device as the terminal device and the second communication device as the network device as an example, it is provided that by using the information of the K time units indicated in the fourth indication information carried in a single DCI of the network device, or the information of the first time unit in the K time units, the terminal device can determine the position of the K time units or the first time unit in the K time units based on the information of the K time units indicated in the fourth indication information, or the information of the first time unit in the K time units, thereby realizing the effective transmission of the first retransmission data.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the K time units are K consecutive time units starting from the first time unit; or, the K time units are K consecutive time units satisfying the first condition starting from the first time unit.

[0025] In the above embodiments, two possible scenarios for which the K time units could be are provided, so that the first communication device can more accurately determine the position of the K time units, thereby realizing the effective transmission of the first retransmission data.

[0026] In another possible implementation, the first condition includes one or more of the following: the time unit is a downlink unit for downlink transmission; or, in the time unit, the time-frequency resource position occupied by the first retransmitted data is the highest priority signal.

[0027] In the above implementation, taking the first communication device as the terminal and the second communication device as the network device as an example, an event (such as the first condition) that is likely to affect the accuracy of the terminal device in determining the location of K time units can be used as the triggering condition for determining K time units. Only when the triggering condition is met will the time units be determined as K time units, which can ensure the accuracy of K time units while saving communication resource overhead.

[0028] In another possible implementation, the second cell is the same cell as the first cell, or the second cell is a different cell associated with the first cell.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a second communication device. The second communication device may be, for example, a network device or a module within a network device (wherein the module within the network device includes a communication module and a computing module), or a circuit or chip within the network device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). The method includes: transmitting first initial transmission data through a first cell; transmitting downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI is used to schedule first retransmission data; and transmitting the first retransmission data through a second cell, wherein the first retransmission data is the retransmission data corresponding to the first initial transmission data.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the K portions of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through K time units of the second cell, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0031] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes first indication information, which indicates that the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, or the first indication information indicates the number of time units N for transmitting the first retransmitted data, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0032] In another possible implementation, if the first indication information indicates that N is greater than 1, the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, and K parts of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through the N time units respectively.

[0033] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data.

[0034] In another possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate whether to transmit multiple portions of the first retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively; or, the second indication information is used to indicate a transmission mode from a plurality of transmission modes, the plurality of transmission modes including any one of the following: transmitting multiple portions of the retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively, or transmitting multiple redundant versions RV of the same transport block through the plurality of time units.

[0035] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes third indication information. When the transmission mode of the first retransmission data is to transmit multiple parts of the retransmission data through the multiple time units respectively, the third indication information is used to indicate that the first retransmission data is divided into M parts, or the third indication information is used to indicate the number of time units M for transmitting the first retransmission data, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0036] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of K time units, the information of the K time units including the time interval between the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, where K is an integer greater than 1; or, the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of the first time unit among the K time units, the information of the first time unit among the K time units including the time interval between the first time unit among the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI.

[0037] In another possible implementation, the K time units are K consecutive time units starting from the first time unit; or, the K time units are K consecutive time units satisfying the first condition starting from the first time unit.

[0038] In another possible implementation, the first condition includes one or more of the following: the time unit is a downlink unit for downlink transmission; or, in the time unit, the time-frequency resource position occupied by the first retransmitted data is the highest priority signal.

[0039] In another possible implementation, the second cell is the same cell as the first cell, or the second cell is a different cell associated with the first cell.

[0040] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used in the first communication device of the first aspect. The communication device can be a terminal device, a device in the terminal device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be matched with the terminal device. It can also be a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used in the second communication device of the second aspect. The communication device can be a network device, a device in a network device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, or a circuit), or a device that can be matched with a network device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect one by one. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0044] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the at least one processor is used to call a computer program stored in at least one memory to implement the method described in any of the embodiments of the first or second aspect.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes at least one of the aforementioned memories. Optionally, the memory and processor are integrated together.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit and the interface being coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to implement the method described in any of the embodiments of the first to second aspects.

[0047] In one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the communication device is a chip or chip system.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, and the first communication device and the second communication device are communicatively connected. The first communication device is used to implement the method of any embodiment of the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to implement the method of any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0049] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions or computer programs; when the instructions or computer programs are executed, they implement the method of any one of the embodiments of the first to second aspects.

[0050] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, can implement the methods described in any of the first to second aspects or any possible implementations thereof. Exemplarily, the computer program product can be a software installation package, which can be downloaded and executed on a computing device when the aforementioned methods are required.

[0051] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in the second to ninth aspects of this application can be referred to the beneficial effects of the technical solutions in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a transmission mechanism based on hybrid automatic repeat request provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a cross-cell retransmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 90 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] The system architecture used in the embodiments of this application is described below. It should be noted that the system architecture and business scenarios described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0065] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (a), the communication system includes a first communication device 101 and a second communication device 102. Optionally, the communication system further includes a third communication device 103.

[0066] Optionally, the first communication device 101, the second communication device 102, and the third communication device 103 can be of the same type or different types of devices. For example, such as Figure 1 As shown in (b) above, the first communication device 101 is a terminal device, the second communication device 102 is a network device, and the third communication device 103 is a network management device. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown in (c), the first communication device 101 is a terminal device, the second communication device 102 is a terminal device, and the third communication device 103 is a network device. The architecture of the communication system will be described in detail below, taking the first communication device 101 as a terminal device, the second communication device 102 as a network device, and the third communication device 103 as a network management device as an example.

[0067] It is understood that, in the case where the communication system only includes the first communication device 101 and the second communication device 102, the communication system only shows one terminal device and one network device. In actual use, an architecture of at least one terminal device and / or at least one network device can be adopted as needed (e.g., Figure 1 The architecture shown in (a) is an example. Figure 2 The communication system shown includes one network device and multiple terminal devices, or multiple network devices and one terminal device. A single network device can transmit data or control signaling (e.g., sending initial data, DCI, and retransmission data) to one or more terminal devices. Correspondingly, multiple network devices can simultaneously transmit data or control signaling to a single terminal device.

[0068] It is understood that when the communication system includes a first communication device 101, a second communication device 102 and a third communication device 103, the communication system shows a terminal device, a network device and a network management device. In actual use, an architecture of at least one terminal device and / or at least one network device and / or at least one network management device can be adopted as needed.

[0069] In this application embodiment, the terminal device involved may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication capabilities. Figure 2The terminal device 220 shown can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to users, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. For example, terminal devices include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, smart point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Terminal devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle devices, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, a terminal device can also be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication.

[0070] Typically, network device 210 can be a node in a radio access network (RAN), such as a wireless relay device and / or a wireless backhaul device. Figure 2(Not shown in the image). Network device 210, sometimes referred to as access network device or RAN node (or device), forms part of a communication system and assists terminal devices in achieving wireless access. Network device 210 can also be a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related cellular system, such as a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, an NTN (non-terrestrial network) system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system). Network device 210 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, or a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0071] In the communication system 2000, multiple network devices 210 can be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types. In some scenarios, the roles of network devices 210 and terminal devices 220 are relative, for example, Figure 2 Network element 220i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 220j that access RAN 200 through network element 220i, network element 220i is a base station; however, for base station 210a, network element 220i is a terminal device. Network device 210 and terminal device 220 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 2 Network elements 210a and 210b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 220a-220j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions. Terminal equipment 220 connects to network equipment 210 wirelessly. Network equipment 210 connects to the core network wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network equipment and network equipment 210 in the core network can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and wireless access network logical functions.

[0072] In one possible scenario, network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or network equipment in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, meaning it can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 2 210a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 2 The network device can be a relay node or donor node (as defined in section 210b), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. It can also be a device that functions as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, or machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, the network device can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network device can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0073] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with each network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, these network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as the baseband unit (BBU). The CU and DU nodes separate the gNB's protocol layers; some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. As one implementation, the CU deploys the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, PDCP layer, and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer in the protocol stack; the DU deploys the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical Layer (PHY) in the protocol stack. Thus, the CU has RRC, PDCP, and SDAP processing capabilities. The DU has RLC, MAC, and PHY processing capabilities. It is understood that the above functional division is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on the CU and DU. The RU can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), or remote radio head (RRH). It is understood that network equipment can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network RAN ​​or as a network device in the core network CN; there is no restriction on this.

[0074] In this application, the core network equipment refers to equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support for terminal equipment. Examples of core network equipment include: access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, session management function (SMF) entities, user plane function (UPF) entities, etc., which are not listed here. The AMF entity is responsible for access management and mobility management of the terminal equipment; the SMF entity is responsible for session management, such as user session establishment; and the UPF entity can be a user plane functional entity, primarily responsible for connecting to external networks. It should be noted that in this application, entities can also be referred to as network elements or functional entities. For example, an AMF entity can also be called an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity, and an SMF entity can also be called an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity, etc.

[0075] In this embodiment, the network management device involved can be a network operations administration and maintenance (OAM) network element or a service management and orchestration (SMO) network element. The OAM network element includes a network management system (NMS) and an element management system (EMS). The NMS, also known as a cross-domain management system, is responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance of the network. The EMS, also known as a domain management system or single-domain management system, manages one or more network elements of a specific category. The NMS can directly manage the EMS. The EMS in the RAN domain can directly manage network elements in the RAN domain, such as base stations (gNodeB, gNB). The EMS in the CN domain can directly manage network elements in the CN domain, such as network data analytics function (NWDAF) network elements. The gNB exists in the RAN domain.

[0076] Optionally, Figure 2 The communication between each network device and each terminal in the communication system shown can also be represented in another form, such as... Figure 3As shown, the communication system includes a terminal device 310 and a network device 320. The terminal device 310 includes a first processor 311, a first memory 312, and a first transceiver 313. The first transceiver 313 includes a first transmitter 3131, a first receiver 3132, and a first antenna 3133. The network device 320 includes a second processor 321, a second memory 322, and a second transceiver 323. The second transceiver 323 includes a second transmitter 3231, a second receiver 3232, and a second antenna 3233. The first transmitter 3131 can be used to send transmission feedback information to the network device 320 through the first antenna 3133, and the first receiver 3132 can be used to receive transmission control information from the network device 320 through the first antenna 3133. The second transmitter 3231 can be used to send transmission control information to the terminal device 310 through the second antenna 3233, and the second receiver 3232 can be used to receive transmission feedback information sent by the terminal device 310 through the second antenna 3233.

[0077] Optionally, the method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to O-RAN systems; please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application. The O-RAN system may also include... Figure 4 Other components besides those shown are not limited in this application. Optionally, as... Figure 4 The network devices shown can be access network devices, such as eNBs, gNBs, or next-generation access network devices. Access network devices communicate with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with terminals via an air interface.

[0078] The BBU in the access network equipment communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the RU in the access network equipment communicates with at least one terminal via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0079] Further optional, please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This application provides a diagram illustrating the network element functional division and protocol layer structure of an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, as shown in the embodiments below. Figure 5As shown, in some examples, the CU is a logical node carrying the RRC layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may have some core network functions, such as the PDCP layer and higher layers. The CU connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as F1 interfaces. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0080] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP (control unit-control plane) and CU-UP (control unit-user plane). CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and PDCP-C (control plane part of PDCP) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G mobile communication system. AMF network elements are responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal location updates, terminal registration with the network, and terminal handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the PDCP-U (user plane part of PDCP) layer for user plane data, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements in the core network, such as the UPF (user plane function) in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. It should be understood that the above configurations of CU and DU are merely examples, and the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. This application does not impose excessive limitations on this. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or CU or DU can be configured to have some protocol layer processing functions. Another example is to place some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer in the CU, and place the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer in the DU. Yet another example is that the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU, and functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement in the CU.

[0081] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that carries the radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces.

[0082] In some examples, the CU may not have a PDCP layer, i.e., it only includes the RRC layer. CU-CP does not have PDCP-C. CU-UP may not have PDCP-U, or may not have CU-UP at all. In some examples, the DU may not have an RLC layer, only a MAC and a higher PHY layer. Furthermore, in some examples, it may not have a CU and may only include the DU.

[0083] In some examples, the higher PHY layer includes parts of the PHY layer that handle functions such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0084] In some examples, the RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency chain (RF chain) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPPTRP, a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar functionalities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes PHY processing functions such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more terminals via a wireless link.

[0085] Optionally, the DU and RU may or may not be co-located. The DU and RU exchange control plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split-control, user plane information (LLS-CUS) and synchronization interface. The LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces that respectively provide the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane). In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link; the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0086] Optionally, the DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, the DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Alternatively, the DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer may include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0087] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. The network device deployment methods listed here are only examples; as standard technologies evolve, network devices may have other deployment forms.

[0088] In mobile communication systems, such as 5G mobile communication systems, data transmission uses a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) mechanism, meaning the sending end uses multiple HARQ processes for parallel transmission. See also... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a transmission mechanism based on hybrid automatic repeat request provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 6 As shown, a network device can configure multiple HARQ processes for a terminal device. Each HARQ process (e.g., HARQ#1, HARQ#2, HARQ#3, HARQ#4, HARQ#5, HARQ#6) uses a different time unit for transmission. For each HARQ process, the sending end first sends initial data to the receiving end. If the initial data transmission fails (i.e., the receiving end reports a decoding failure), the sending end then sends the retransmission data of that HARQ process to the receiving end. This mechanism can be used for both uplink and downlink transmission. In this application, the HARQ-based transmission mechanism is applied to downlink communication scenarios.

[0089] In the current protocol, the HARQ process is cell-level, meaning each cell has its own independent HARQ process. Each cell performs initial and retransmission data based on its own HARQ process. In some scenarios, due to high load or limited transmission capacity in certain cells, transmitting both initial and retransmitted data through the same cell is inefficient. For example, if the channel quality of a cell deteriorates rapidly, and the initial data transmission fails, continuing to use that cell for retransmission increases the probability of further errors.

[0090] To address the communication quality degradation caused by both initial and retransmitted data being transmitted through the same cell, some solutions employ cross-cell retransmission technology for the retransmitted data. For details, please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-cell retransmission method provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, after the network device sends the initial data of the first HARQ process in the first cell, it can transmit the retransmitted data of the first HARQ process through the second cell. By establishing the association between the first cell and the second cell, the terminal device can determine that the retransmitted data received from the second cell is the retransmitted data of the first HARQ process in the first cell, and thus perform correct reception processing.

[0091] In this scheme, retransmitted data from the first cell can be transmitted within one time unit of the second cell. However, due to differences in bandwidth capabilities between cells, data transmitted within one time unit of the first cell may not be able to be transmitted within one time unit of the second cell. For example, when the bandwidth of the second cell is limited, the network device cannot transmit retransmitted data from the first cell within one time unit of the second cell. Furthermore, in cross-cell retransmission, the terminal device needs to cache data from other cells, increasing complexity and memory overhead. The terminal device may not be able to support excessively large cross-cell retransmission data packets. Therefore, this scheme may malfunction in practical applications. For instance, when the network device sends retransmitted data from the first cell through the second cell, it may find that the bandwidth of the second cell cannot handle the retransmitted data. Or, when the network device sends retransmitted data from the first cell through the second cell, the retransmitted data packet may be too large for the terminal device to process.

[0092] In view of this, embodiments of this application further provide a communication method and related apparatus. For cross-cell retransmission scenarios (i.e., the initial transmission and retransmission of data are performed through different cells), compared to some solutions that directly transmit (send or receive) the entire retransmission data through the retransmission cell, the second communication device in this solution can send retransmission data through different cells, allowing for flexible use of network resources. When multiple time units of the second cell are used to send the first retransmission data, the transmission quality of the retransmission data can be improved. The communication method shown below (e.g.) Figure 8 For a detailed description of the first and second communication devices, please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1-5 Details will not be elaborated here. For ease of description, specific examples in the embodiments of this application may be described using the first communication device as a terminal device and the second communication device as a network device, but this should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0093] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Optionally, this method can be applied to a communication system, for example, to... Figures 1-5 The communication system shown.

[0095] like Figure 8 The method shown may include steps S801-S803. It should be understood that this application describes the steps in the order of S801-S803 for ease of description, and is not intended to limit the execution to this order. This application's embodiments do not limit the order of execution, the execution time, or the number of executions of one or more of the above steps. Steps S801-S803 are as follows:

[0096] Step S801: The second communication device sends the first initial transmission data to the first communication device through the first cell.

[0097] Accordingly, the first communication device receives the first initial transmission data through the first cell.

[0098] The designation "first cell" is an exemplary naming convention used to distinguish a specific cell. For example, when there is only one cell under satellite coverage, the first cell is cell 1. Conversely, when there are multiple cells under satellite coverage (e.g., including a second, third, and fourth cell in addition to the first cell), the first cell is cell 1, the second cell is cell 2, the third cell is cell 3, and the fourth cell is cell 4. Cells 1, 2, 3, and 4 all belong to multiple cells under satellite coverage.

[0099] Here, "first initial transmission data" is an exemplary name used to distinguish a particular initial transmission data. For example, the first initial transmission data may be initial transmission data 1, initial transmission data 2, or other initial transmission data. Specifically, the first initial transmission data may be a Physical Downlink Sharing Channel (PDSCH) initial transmission data sent from the second communication device to the first communication device. PDSCH initial transmission data refers to the first transmission of a transport block (TB) within the PDSCH data.

[0100] For example, in the PDSCH transmission mechanism, a TB can be divided into four parts, called four redundant versions (RVs), numbered 0, 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The second communication device can transmit one RV at a time. The initial PDSCH transmission data is generally RV 0, and the other RVs are transmitted sequentially during retransmission. For example, the first retransmission transmits RV2, the second retransmission transmits RV3, and the third retransmission transmits RV1, that is, the initial transmission + retransmission transmits the four RVs in the order {0, 2, 3, 1}. For the same TB, if the first communication device receives multiple RVs of that TB, it can combine the multiple RVs for decoding, thereby improving the decoding success rate. For example, if RV0 is received for the first time, it is decoded independently based on RV0. If decoding fails, RV2 is received further, and RV0 and RV2 are combined for decoding. If it still fails, RV3 is received further, and RV0, RV2, and RV3 are combined for decoding, and so on. Regardless of whether the decoding is successful or not, the first communication device must send the decoding result back to the second communication device.

[0101] Optionally, after receiving the initial data transmitted by the second communication device, the first communication device performs demodulation and decoding. If decoding fails, it sends feedback information to the second communication device, indicating whether the data reception was successful or failed. Specifically, if decoding is successful, the feedback information may be an acknowledgment (ACK) message. If decoding fails, the feedback information may be a negative acknowledgment (NACK) message.

[0102] Step S802: The second communication device sends downlink control information (DCI) to the first communication device.

[0103] Accordingly, the first communication device receives the DCI. The DCI is used to schedule the first retransmission of data.

[0104] In this application, taking a network-side device, such as a satellite or ground base station, with multiple cells (e.g., including a first cell and a second cell, where the first cell is cell 1 and the second cell is cell 2) as an example, the transmission process of communication data is described in detail.

[0105] Specifically, the first communication device needs to know whether the received data is initial transmission data or retransmission data. If it is retransmission data, it needs to know which initial transmission data it corresponds to and which RV is being retransmitted. All this information is indicated through the downlink control information (DCI) that schedules the PDSCH. The DCI includes a HARQ ID field, indicating the HARQ process corresponding to the PDSCH. Initial transmission data and retransmission data within the same TB use the same HARQ ID. The DCI also includes a new data indicator (NDI) field, used to indicate whether the PDSCH scheduled by the DCI corresponds to initial transmission data or retransmission data of the HARQ process. The DCI also includes an RV indicator field, used to indicate the RV number, i.e., which RV the data being transmitted belongs to.

[0106] Step S803: The second communication device sends the first retransmission data to the first communication device through the second cell.

[0107] The first retransmission data is the retransmission data corresponding to the first initial transmission data, and the first retransmission data is transmitted through K time units of the second cell.

[0108] Accordingly, the first communication device receives the first retransmission data through the second cell.

[0109] Specifically, in conjunction with step S801, if the first communication device fails to decode the first initial transmission data, it sends a NACK message to the second communication device. Upon receiving the NACK message from the first communication device, the second communication device sends the first retransmission data corresponding to the first initial transmission data back to the first communication device. This first retransmission data can be transmitted through the cell that transmitted the first initial transmission data (e.g., the first cell), or through another cell (e.g., the second cell). That is, the second cell and the first cell are the same cell, or the second cell and the first cell are associated different cells. If the second cell and the first cell are associated different cells, the second communication device can pre-establish an association relationship between the first cell and the second cell.

[0110] For better description, this application mainly describes the specific process of sending the first retransmission data through another cell (e.g., a second cell) that is different from the first cell.

[0111] The main steps of this application have been briefly introduced above through steps S701-S703. To further clarify the solution of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with specific examples:

[0112] Due to limitations in cell transmission capacity or terminal device processing capacity, the second cell may not be able to complete the transmission of the first retransmission data within a single time unit. If the second cell cannot complete the transmission of the first retransmission data within a single time unit, it can complete the transmission of the first retransmission data through multiple time units.

[0113] As one possible implementation, the K parts of the first retransmission data are transmitted through K time units of the second cell, respectively.

[0114] In this process, the i-th time unit transmits the i-th part of K parts, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0115] For example, when K=5 and i=2, the second communication device can divide the first retransmitted data into 5 parts and transmit them separately through 5 time units, with the second part being transmitted in the second time unit.

[0116] It should be noted that in this application, the time unit can be replaced with other time-related names, such as time slot, mini slot, symbol, symbol group, time slot group, transmission time interval (TTI), etc., and this application does not limit this. Among them, a mini slot is generally shorter than a time slot, for example, a part of a time slot, including one or more symbols.

[0117] Since all information related to the initial transmission data and retransmission data can be indicated by the DCI that schedules the PDSCH, the DCI can include an indication message that indicates that the DCI is used to schedule the transmission of K parts of the same retransmission data.

[0118] For example, the DCI includes first indication information, which indicates that the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, or that the first indication information indicates the number of time units N for transmitting the first retransmitted data, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In other words, the value N indicates that the retransmitted data to be transmitted is divided into N parts. Alternatively, the value N indicates that the retransmitted data to be transmitted is transmitted over N time units. The first communication device can determine, through the first indication information, that the second communication device will transmit the N parts of the same retransmitted data over N time units. Optionally, if the first indication information indicates that N is greater than 1, the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, and the N parts of the first retransmitted data are transmitted over N time units respectively.

[0119] Optionally, the first indication information may specifically be a first field. It should be understood that when K=1, it indicates that the first retransmitted data is not segmented, for example, the first retransmitted data is transmitted over a single time unit. Alternatively, when K=1, it indicates that the data scheduled by the DCI is not retransmitted data transmitted in multiple times, for example, data transmitted over a single time unit, or data repeatedly transmitted over multiple time units.

[0120] When K is greater than 1, it means that the first retransmission data is divided into K parts and transmitted separately over K time units. This application is based on the situation where the first retransmission data cannot be transmitted in a single time unit in the second cell, and thus the first retransmission data is transmitted over K time units (i.e., this application applies to the case where K is greater than 1). For example, when K = 5, it means that the first retransmission data is divided into 5 parts and transmitted separately over 5 time units.

[0121] In addition, the second communication device can also directly indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data by carrying an indication information in the DCI, thereby indicating the transmission mode of the first retransmission data with lower DCI overhead, so as to achieve effective transmission of the first retransmission data.

[0122] In one possible design, the DCI includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data.

[0123] The following are two possible implementation methods for a transmission mode in which the first retransmission data is indicated by the second indication information:

[0124] In the first implementation method, the second indication information is used to indicate whether multiple parts of the first retransmission data are transmitted through multiple time units respectively.

[0125] Optionally, the second indication information may specifically be a second field.

[0126] For example, the second field includes at least two values. The first value represents multiple portions of the first retransmitted data transmitted separately over multiple time units. The second value represents multiple portions of the first retransmitted data not transmitted separately over multiple time units.

[0127] In the second implementation method, the second indication information is used to indicate one transmission mode from multiple transmission modes.

[0128] For example, the various transmission modes include, but are not limited to, the following two transmission modes, as follows:

[0129] Transmission mode one involves transmitting multiple parts of the first retransmission data through multiple time units.

[0130] Optionally, when the transmission mode of the first retransmission data is to transmit multiple parts of a retransmission data through multiple time units respectively, the DCI includes third indication information, which is used to indicate that the first retransmission data is divided into M parts, or the third indication information is used to indicate the number of time units M for transmitting the first retransmission data, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0131] Optionally, the third indication information may specifically be a third field.

[0132] For example, the third field can be a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) field or other fields. Taking the TDRA field as an example, the TDRA field can be used to indicate a value M. When the transmission mode is to transmit M parts of a retransmitted data in M ​​time units, the value M indicates that the first retransmitted data to be transmitted is divided into M parts, or the value M indicates that the number of time units used to transmit the first retransmitted data is M.

[0133] Transmission mode two: Repeatedly transmit the same retransmitted data multiple times.

[0134] For example, multiple redundant versions of the same transport block (RV) are repeatedly transmitted multiple times in multiple time units (e.g., the same RV or different RVs of the same transport block).

[0135] Optionally, the second indication information may specifically be a second field.

[0136] For example, the second field includes at least a first value and a second value. The first value indicates that multiple parts of a retransmitted data are transmitted separately over multiple time units. The second value indicates that multiple redundant versions (RVs) of the same transport block are repeatedly transmitted over multiple time units.

[0137] Optionally, the specific K time units can be further indicated by the DCI. Two possible implementations of K time units are provided below as examples:

[0138] In one implementation, the information for the K time units is directly indicated in the DCI.

[0139] Optionally, the DCI includes fourth indication information, which indicates information about the K time units. For example, the information about the K time units includes the time interval between the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, and this time interval is used by the first communication device to calculate the position of the K time units.

[0140] For example, the information of the K time units includes the time interval between the first time unit and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, and the time interval between the remaining K-1 time units and the first time unit.

[0141] For example, the information in the K time units includes the time interval between the first time unit and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, and the time interval between each of the remaining K-1 time units and the previous time unit.

[0142] In the second implementation, the DCI only indicates information for the first time unit out of K time units. Optionally, the DCI includes fourth indication information, which is used to indicate information for the first time unit out of K time units. For example, the information for the first time unit out of K time units includes the time interval between the first time unit out of K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI. This time interval is used by the first communication device to calculate the position of the first time unit, and the positions of the remaining K-1 time units can be determined according to the first rule.

[0143] For example, the first rule may include, but is not limited to, the following three cases, as detailed below:

[0144] Case 1: The K time units are defined as K consecutive time units starting from the first time unit.

[0145] Specifically, after the first communication device determines the position of the first time unit, since the K time units are consecutive time units, the time interval between the K time units is fixed. Based on this rule, the K-1 time units after the first time unit can be determined as the remaining K-1 time units, thereby enabling the first communication device to calculate the position of the remaining K-1 time units.

[0146] For example, when K=5, since the 5 time units are 5 consecutive time units starting from the first time unit, the 4 time units after the first time unit are the remaining 4 time units, thereby enabling the first communication device to calculate the position of the remaining 4 time units.

[0147] Scenario 2: The K time units are defined as K consecutive downlink time units starting from the first time unit.

[0148] Specifically, after the first communication device determines the position of the first time unit, since the K time units are consecutive downlink time units, the time interval between the K time units is fixed. Based on this rule, the K-1 downlink time units after the first time unit can be determined as the remaining K-1 downlink time units, thereby enabling the first communication device to calculate the position of the remaining K-1 downlink time units.

[0149] For example, when K=5, since the 5 time units are 5 consecutive downlink time units starting from the first time unit, the 4 downlink time units after the first time unit are the remaining 4 time units, thereby enabling the first communication device to calculate the position of the remaining 4 downlink time units.

[0150] Case 3: The K time units are defined as K consecutive time units that satisfy the first condition, starting from the first time unit.

[0151] For example, the first condition includes, but is not limited to, a combination of one or more of the following conditions:

[0152] (1) The time unit is the downlink unit used for downlink transmission.

[0153] (2) In the time unit, the time and frequency resource position occupied by the first retransmitted data is the highest priority signal, that is, there are no other higher priority signals.

[0154] It should be noted that the time-frequency resources occupied by the first retransmission data refer to the time-frequency resources indicated by the second communication device to the first communication device for transmitting the first retransmission data. Optionally, the time-frequency resources used for transmitting the first retransmission data are the same in the above K time units. For example, in the K time units, symbols 3-14 and RBs 1-20 of each time unit are used to transmit the first retransmission data.

[0155] The other high-priority signals include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0156] (1) SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) signal.

[0157] (2) PDCCH (Physical downlink control channel) signal.

[0158] (3) Other PDSCH signals (such as public PDSCH signals used to transmit public information).

[0159] (4) PDSCH signal for semi-persistent scheduling.

[0160] (5) Channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) for semi-persistent scheduling. The CSI-RS can be one or more of the following: CSI-RS for time-frequency tracking, CSI-RS for beam management, or CSI-RS for CSI measurement.

[0161] Furthermore, after determining the position of the first time unit, the first communication device can determine the remaining K-1 time units by following the first time unit and satisfying the first condition, since K time units are K consecutive time units that satisfy the first condition starting from the first time unit. This allows the first communication device to calculate the position of the remaining K-1 time units.

[0162] In this application, taking the first communication device as the terminal device and the second communication device as the network device as an example, on the one hand, for cross-cell retransmission scenarios (i.e., the initial transmission and retransmission of data are performed through different cells), compared to some solutions that directly transmit (send or receive) the entire retransmission data through the retransmission cell, in this solution, the network device can send retransmission data through different cells, allowing for flexible use of network resources. When multiple time units of the second cell are used to send the first retransmission data, the transmission quality of the retransmission data can be improved.

[0163] On the other hand, network devices transmit the first retransmission data through a single DCI scheduling, achieving effective transmission of the retransmission data with lower DCI overhead.

[0164] In summary, this application improves the transmission quality of retransmitted data while achieving effective transmission of the retransmitted data with lower DCI overhead.

[0165] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. The apparatus of the embodiments of this application is provided below.

[0166] It should be understood that the division of units in the apparatus provided in this application embodiment 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 in the apparatus can be implemented by a processor calling software. For example, the apparatus includes a processor connected to a memory, which stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of each unit of the apparatus. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is either internal or external to the apparatus.

[0167] Alternatively, the units in the device can be implemented as hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units 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 above units 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 a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the above units.

[0168] In the embodiments of this application, each unit in the device may be one or more processors (or processing circuits) configured to implement the above methods, such as: CPU, graphics processing unit (GPU), neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), microprocessor unit (MPU), digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, FPGA, or a combination of at least two of these processor forms.

[0169] Furthermore, the units in the above devices can be integrated in whole or in part, or they can be implemented independently. In one implementation, these units are integrated together as a system-on-a-chip (SOC). The SOC may include at least one processor for implementing any of the above methods or for implementing the functions of the units in the device. The at least one processor can be of different types, such as including a CPU and an FPGA, or including a CPU and an AI processor, or including a CPU and a GPU, etc. Several possible devices are listed below.

[0170] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 90 provided in an embodiment of this application. Optionally, the communication device 90 can be a first communication device, or a component within the first communication device, such as a chip or integrated circuit. The communication device 90 is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, for example... Figure 8 The communication method shown.

[0171] In one possible design, the communication device 90 includes a communication unit 901 and a processing unit 902. The communication device 90 is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, for example... Figure 8 The communication method is illustrated. For example, a communication device may be used to execute the method executed by a first communication device.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 901 is configured to receive first initial transmission data through a first cell; the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI is used to schedule first retransmission data; the communication unit 901 is further configured to receive the first retransmission data through a second cell, wherein the first retransmission data is the retransmission data corresponding to the first initial transmission data. The processing unit 902 is configured to process the transmitted and received data.

[0173] In another possible implementation, the K portions of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through K time units of the second cell, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0174] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes first indication information, which indicates that the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, or, the first indication information indicates the number of time units N for transmitting the first retransmitted data.

[0175] In another possible implementation, if the first indication information indicates that N is greater than 1, the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, and the N parts of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through the N time units respectively.

[0176] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data.

[0177] In another possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate whether to transmit multiple portions of the first retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively; or, the second indication information is used to indicate a transmission mode from a plurality of transmission modes, the plurality of transmission modes including any one of the following: transmitting multiple portions of the retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively, or transmitting multiple redundant versions RV of the same transport block through the plurality of time units.

[0178] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes third indication information. When the transmission mode of the first retransmission data is to transmit multiple parts of the retransmission data through the multiple time units respectively, the third indication information is used to indicate that the first retransmission data is divided into M parts, or the third indication information is used to indicate the number of time units M for transmitting the first retransmission data, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0179] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of K time units, the information of the K time units including the time interval between the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, where K is an integer greater than 1; or, the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of the first time unit among the K time units, the information of the first time unit among the K time units including the time interval between the first time unit among the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI.

[0180] In another possible implementation, the K time units are K consecutive time units starting from the first time unit; or, the K time units are K consecutive time units satisfying the first condition starting from the first time unit.

[0181] In another possible implementation, the first condition includes one or more of the following: the time unit is a downlink unit for downlink transmission; or, in the time unit, the time-frequency resource position occupied by the first retransmitted data is the highest priority signal.

[0182] In another possible implementation, the second cell is the same cell as the first cell, or the second cell is a different cell associated with the first cell.

[0183] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] In another possible design, the communication device 90 is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, for example... Figure 8 The communication method shown. For example, the communication device is used to execute the method executed by the second communication device.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the communication unit 901 is configured to transmit first initial transmission data through a first cell; the communication unit 901 is further configured to transmit downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI is used to schedule first retransmission data; the communication unit 901 is further configured to transmit the first retransmission data through a second cell, wherein the first retransmission data is the retransmission data corresponding to the first initial transmission data. The processing unit 902 is configured to process the transmitted and received data.

[0186] In another possible implementation, the K portions of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through K time units of the second cell, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0187] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes first indication information, which indicates that the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, or the first indication information indicates the number of time units N for transmitting the first retransmitted data, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0188] In another possible implementation, if the first indication information indicates that N is greater than 1, the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, and the N parts of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through the N time units respectively.

[0189] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmission data.

[0190] In another possible implementation, the second indication information is used to indicate whether to transmit multiple portions of the first retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively; or, the second indication information is used to indicate a transmission mode from a plurality of transmission modes, the plurality of transmission modes including any one of the following: transmitting multiple portions of the retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively, or transmitting multiple redundant versions RV of the same transport block through the plurality of time units.

[0191] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes third indication information. When the transmission mode of the first retransmission data is to transmit multiple parts of the retransmission data through the multiple time units respectively, the third indication information is used to indicate that the first retransmission data is divided into M parts, or the third indication information is used to indicate the number of time units M for transmitting the first retransmission data, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0192] In another possible implementation, the DCI includes fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of K time units, the information of the K time units including the time interval between the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, where K is an integer greater than 1; or, the fourth indication information is used to indicate information of the first time unit among the K time units, the information of the first time unit among the K time units including the time interval between the first time unit among the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI.

[0193] In another possible implementation, the K time units are K consecutive time units starting from the first time unit; or, the K time units are K consecutive time units satisfying the first condition starting from the first time unit.

[0194] In another possible implementation, the first condition includes one or more of the following: the time unit is a downlink unit for downlink transmission; or, in the time unit, the time-frequency resource position occupied by the first retransmitted data is the highest priority signal.

[0195] In another possible implementation, the second cell is the same cell as the first cell, or the second cell is a different cell associated with the first cell.

[0196] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0197] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 100 can be a standalone device, such as a first communication device or a second communication device, or it can be a component included in a first or second communication device, such as a chip, software module, or integrated circuit. The communication device 100 may include at least one processor 1001 and a communication interface 1002. Optionally, it may also include at least one memory 1003. Further optionally, it may also include a connection line 1004, wherein the processor 1001, the communication interface 1002, and / or the memory 1003 are connected via the connection line 1004, and / or communicate with each other via the connection line 1004 to transmit control signals and / or data signals.

[0198] Wherein: processor 1001 is a module that performs arithmetic and / or logical operations, and may specifically include one or more of the following modules: filter, modem, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), baseband processor, radio frequency processor, radio frequency circuit, CPU, AP, microcontroller unit (MCU), electronic control unit (ECU), GPU, MPU, ASIC, image signal processor (ISP), DSP, FPGA, complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or coprocessor, etc.

[0199] The communication interface 1002 can be used to provide information input or output to at least one processor, or to receive signals sent externally and / or send signals to externally.

[0200] For example, the communication interface 1002 may include interface circuits, such as input / output interfaces, chip pins, etc.

[0201] For example, the communication interface 1002 may include a wired link interface such as an Ethernet cable, or a wireless link interface (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, general wireless transmission, vehicle short-range communication technology and other short-range wireless communication technologies, etc.).

[0202] Optionally, the communication interface 1002 may also include a radio frequency transmitter, an antenna, etc. When the communication interface 1002 includes an antenna, the number of antennas can be one or more.

[0203] As one possible design, if the communication device 100 is a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface 1002 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be the same component or different components. When the receiver and transmitter are the same component, this component may be referred to as a transceiver.

[0204] As another possible design, if the communication device 100 is a chip or circuit, the communication interface 1002 may include an input interface and an output interface. The input interface and the output interface may be the same interface or they may be different interfaces.

[0205] Alternatively, the functions of the communication interface 1002 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit or a dedicated transceiver chip.

[0206] The memory 1003 provides storage space, in which data such as the operating system and computer programs can be stored. The memory 1003 can be one or a combination of several of the following: cache, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in this embodiment can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store computer programs or instructions, and / or data.

[0207] The functions and operations of each module or unit in the communication device 100 listed above are merely illustrative examples.

[0208] Each functional unit in the communication device 100 can be used to implement the aforementioned communication method, for example... Figure 8 The communication method shown is, for example, a method executed by a first communication device, or a method executed by a second communication device.

[0209] Optionally, the processor 1001 may be a processor specifically designed to execute the aforementioned methods (for ease of distinction, referred to as a dedicated processor), or a processor that executes the aforementioned methods by calling a computer program (for ease of distinction, referred to as a dedicated processor). Optionally, at least one processor may include both dedicated processors and general-purpose processors.

[0210] Optionally, if the communication device 100 includes at least one memory 1003, and the processor 1001 implements the aforementioned communication method by calling a computer program, the computer program may be stored in the memory 1003.

[0211] This application also provides a chip, which includes logic circuitry and a communication interface. The communication interface is used to receive or transmit signals; the logic circuitry is used to receive or transmit signals through the communication interface. The chip is used to implement the aforementioned communication method, for example... Figure 8 The communication method shown is, for example, a method executed by a first communication device, or a method executed by a second communication device.

[0212] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on at least one processor (or communication device), implement the aforementioned communication method, for example... Figure 8 The communication method shown is, for example, a method executed by a first communication device, or a method executed by a second communication device.

[0213] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer instructions for implementing the aforementioned communication method, for example... Figure 8 The communication method shown is, for example, a method executed by a first communication device, or a method executed by a second communication device.

[0214] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0215] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more items, and "more than one" refers to two or more items. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items.

[0216] For example, at least one of a, b, or c can be represented as: a, b, c, (a and b), (a and c), (b and c), or (a and b and c), where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. "AND / OR" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "OR" relationship.

[0217] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application is for distinguishing multiple objects and is not for limiting the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. Similarly, terms like "first node" and "second node" are merely for convenience in describing new parameters in different implementations and do not indicate differences in their execution operations, importance, structure, etc.

[0218] In the above embodiments, the term "when..." can be interpreted, depending on the context, as meaning "if...", "before...", "determined...", or "detected...". The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the concept and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

[0219] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Receive the first initial transmission data through the first cell; Receive downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI is used to schedule the first retransmission data; The first retransmitted data is received through the second cell, wherein the first retransmitted data is the retransmitted data corresponding to the first initial data.

2. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: The first initial transmission data is sent through the first cell; Send downlink control information (DCI), wherein the DCI is used to schedule the first retransmission of data; The first retransmitted data is sent through the second cell, wherein the first retransmitted data is the retransmitted data corresponding to the first initial data.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The K parts of the first retransmitted data are transmitted through K time units of the second cell, where K is an integer greater than 1.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The DCI includes first indication information, which indicates that the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, or the first indication information indicates the number of time units N for transmitting the first retransmitted data, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the first indication information indicates that N is greater than 1, the first retransmitted data is divided into N parts, and the N parts are transmitted through N time units respectively.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The DCI includes second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission mode of the first retransmitted data.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second indication information is used to indicate whether to transmit multiple portions of the first retransmitted data separately through multiple time units; or, The second indication information is used to indicate a transmission mode from a plurality of transmission modes, the plurality of transmission modes including any one of the following: transmitting multiple portions of the retransmitted data through the plurality of time units respectively, or transmitting multiple redundant versions (RVs) of the same transport block through multiple time units.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The DCI includes third indication information. When the transmission mode of the first retransmission data is to transmit multiple parts of the retransmission data through the multiple time units respectively, the third indication information is used to indicate that the first retransmission data is divided into M parts, or the third indication information is used to indicate the number of time units M for transmitting the first retransmission data, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The DCI includes fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate information for K time units, the information for the K time units including the time interval between the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI, where K is an integer greater than 1; or, The fourth indication information is used to indicate the information of the first time unit among the K time units, and the information of the first time unit among the K time units includes the time interval between the first time unit among the K time units and the time unit for transmitting the DCI.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The K time units are K consecutive time units starting from the first time unit; or, the K time units are K consecutive time units starting from the first time unit that satisfy the first condition.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first condition includes one or more of the following: The time unit is a downlink unit used for downlink transmission; or, In the time unit, the time-frequency resource position occupied by the first retransmitted data is the highest priority signal.

12. The method according to claims 1-11, characterized in that, The second cell is the same cell as the first cell, or the second cell is a different cell that is associated with the first cell.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit, the communication unit and the processing unit being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 and 3-12.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a communication unit and a processing unit, the communication unit and the processing unit being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 2-12.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; When the processor invokes a computer program or instruction in memory, it causes the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 and 3-12.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; When the processor invokes a computer program or instruction in memory, it causes the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 2-12.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes logic circuits and interfaces, wherein the logic circuits and the interfaces are coupled; The interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes the communication device as described in claim 13 and the communication device as described in claim 14; or The communication system includes the communication device as described in claim 15 and the communication device as described in claim 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store instructions or computer programs; The instructions or the computer program are executed to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: Instructions or computer programs; The instructions or the computer program are executed to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

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