Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. This disclosure allows a terminal to receive a first message sent by a network device, thereby determining a first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message. The first action may include at least one of whether to receive a system message, determine the MBS service area, or receive the MCCH sent by the network device, thereby regulating the terminal's behavior upon receiving the ISA indicated by the first message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication systems, to ensure that broadcast / multicast services only serve users in specific areas, network devices can indicate the desired service area for the broadcast / multicast service to the terminal. This allows the terminal to determine whether to accept the broadcast / multicast service based on the desired service area indicated by the network device, thus ensuring that the broadcast / multicast service is only for specific areas and that the terminal can avoid receiving unnecessary data. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to regulate the terminal behavior after receiving the intended service area (ISA) indicated by the network device, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving a first message sent by a network device; determining a first action based on a desired service area (ISA) indicated by the first message; the first action comprising at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; determining a multicast / broadcast service (MBS) service area; and whether to receive a multicast control channel (MCCH) sent by the network device.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a network device, the method comprising: sending a first message to a terminal, the first message being used by the terminal to determine a first action based on an Indication ISA indicated by the first message; the first action comprising at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; determining an MBS service area; and whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect above, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect above.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0010] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a network device sends a first message to a terminal. The terminal can receive the first message and determine a first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message. The first action may include at least one of whether to receive a system message, determine the MBS service area, or receive the MCCH sent by the network device. This can regulate the terminal's behavior when it receives the ISA indicated by the first message. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of establishing a broadcast MBS session according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an MBS broadcast session update process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4A This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4B This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 6200 proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0023] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving a first message sent by a network device; determining a first action based on a desired service area (ISA) indicated by the first message; the first action comprising at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; determining a multicast / broadcast service (MBS) service area; and whether to receive a multicast control channel (MCCH) sent by the network device.

[0024] In the above embodiments, by receiving a first message sent by a network device, the terminal determines a first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message. The first action may include at least one of receiving a system message, determining the MBS service area, and receiving the MCCH sent by the network device, thereby regulating the terminal behavior when receiving the ISA indicated by the first message.

[0025] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message includes an MBS announcement message and / or a first system message; wherein the MBS announcement message is used to indicate a first ISA, and the first system message is used to indicate a second ISA.

[0026] In the above embodiments, multiple optional first messages are provided so that the network side can indicate the ISA through multiple messages. Furthermore, the terminal behavior can be standardized when the terminal receives the ISA indicated by multiple messages, thereby further improving the standardization of terminal behavior.

[0027] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message includes at least one of the following: determining whether to receive the first system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; determining whether to receive a second system message sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; determining whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; determining whether to receive a second system message sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; determining whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message; and determining the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0028] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided for determining the first behavior based on the ISA indicated by the first message, so as to achieve the standardization and normalization of various terminal behaviors, improve the standardization and rationality of terminal behaviors, and enhance the flexibility and diversity of the terminal behavior standardization process.

[0029] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the first system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes: determining whether to receive the first system message based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal.

[0030] In the above embodiments, an optional implementation method is provided for determining whether to receive the first system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message. That is, based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal, the determination of whether to receive the first system message is realized, thereby standardizing the terminal's behavior in receiving the first system message and improving the legality and standardization of the terminal's behavior.

[0031] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the first system message based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal includes any of the following: the terminal does not receive the first system message within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal receives the first system message within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal does not receive the first system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal receives the first system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0032] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementation methods are provided for the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal's location information, so as to improve the flexibility and diversity of the terminal's receiving behavior of the first system message while ensuring the legality and standardization of the terminal's receiving behavior of the first system message.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes: determining whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the terminal and the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0034] In the above embodiments, an optional implementation method is provided for determining whether to receive the second system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message. That is, based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal, the determination of whether to receive the second system message is realized, thereby standardizing the terminal's behavior in receiving the second system message and improving the legality and standardization of the terminal's behavior.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal includes any one of the following: the terminal receives the second system message within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal does not receive the second system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal receives the second system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0036] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided for the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal's location information, so as to improve the flexibility and diversity of the terminal's receiving behavior of the second system message while ensuring the legality and standardization of the terminal's receiving behavior of the second system message.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes: determining whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the terminal and the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0038] In the above embodiments, an optional implementation method is provided for determining whether to receive the second system message based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message. That is, based on the location information of the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal, the determination of whether to receive the second system message is realized, thereby standardizing the terminal's behavior in receiving the second system message and improving the legality and standardization of the terminal's behavior.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal includes any one of the following: the terminal receives the second system message when it is within the second ISA indicated by the first system message; the terminal does not receive the second system message when it is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message; the terminal receives the second system message when it is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0040] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided for the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal's location information, so as to improve the flexibility and diversity of the terminal's receiving behavior of the second system message while ensuring the legality and standardization of the terminal's receiving behavior of the second system message.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first system message is a System Information Block (SIB) for providing the ISA, and the second system message is an SIB for providing the MBS configuration.

[0042] In the above embodiments, optional message types of first system messages and second system messages are provided so that the terminal can perform standardized processing of system messages of the above message types according to the solution provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, thereby further ensuring the legality and standardization of terminal behavior.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least: if the terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, it will not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

[0044] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided for the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal's location information, so as to ensure the legality and standardization of the terminal's MCCH reception behavior.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least: if the terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message, it does not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

[0046] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided for the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal's location information, so as to ensure the legality and standardization of the terminal's MCCH reception behavior.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, not receiving the MCCH sent by the network device includes any of the following: not listening to or skipping listening to the MCCH; not processing or skipping processing the MCCH.

[0048] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations of the terminal not receiving MCCH are provided, so that the terminal can not only achieve the effect of not receiving MCCH by not listening to or skipping listening to MCCH, but also achieve the effect of not receiving MCCH by listening to but not processing or skipping processing MCCH, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of terminal behavior.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal not being within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least: the terminal is currently located within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, but the terminal will leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within a first time period; the terminal not being within the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least: the terminal is currently located within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, but the terminal will leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message within a second time period.

[0050] In the above embodiments, a possible scenario is provided where the terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, and a possible scenario is provided where the terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message, so as to clarify at least under what circumstances the terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and at least under what circumstances the terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message, so as to further improve the legality and standardization of terminal behavior.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes any one of the following: if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, determining the MBS service area based on the first ISA or the second ISA; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, determining the MBS service area based on the union of the first ISA and the second ISA; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, determining the MBS service area based on the intersection of the first ISA and the second ISA.

[0052] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided for the terminal to determine the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message. This allows the terminal to determine the MBS service area in multiple ways while ensuring the standardization of terminal behavior, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the MBS service area determination method.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the MBS service area is determined based on either a first ISA or a second ISA in any of the following ways: protocol agreement; or determination based on the terminal's own implementation.

[0054] In the above embodiments, when determining the MBS service area using the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message or the second ISA indicated by the first system message, multiple optional implementation methods are provided to determine whether to use the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message or the second ISA indicated by the first system message. This ensures that the terminal can clearly know which message's indicated ISA to use to determine the MBS service area, and that the message to be used can be determined in multiple ways, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the MBS service area determination process.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA and the second ISA are different, including at least: the first ISA corresponding to an MBS session in the MBS announcement message is different from the second ISA corresponding to the same MBS session in the first system message.

[0056] In the above embodiments, a possible situation is provided in which the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are inconsistent, so as to clarify at least under what circumstances the inconsistency between the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message can be determined, so as to further improve the legality and standardization of terminal behavior.

[0057] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: sending a first message to a terminal, the first message being used by the terminal to determine a first action based on an Indication ISA indicated by the first message; the first action comprising at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; determining an MBS service area; and whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the network device sends a first message to the terminal so that the terminal can determine a first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message. The first action may include at least one of whether to receive a system message, determine the MBS service area, and whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, thereby regulating the terminal behavior when the terminal receives the ISA indicated by the first message.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message includes an MBS announcement message and / or a first system message; wherein the MBS announcement message is used to indicate a first ISA, and the first system message is used to indicate a second ISA.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message is used by the terminal to determine a first action based on the indication ISA indicated by the first message, including at least one of the following: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive a second system message sent by the network device, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive a second system message sent by the network device, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message, including: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message based on its location information.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message based on its location information, including any of the following: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine not to receive the first system message when it is within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to receive the first system message when it is within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to not receive the first system message when it is not within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to receive the first system message when it is not within the first ISA.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, including: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information, including any of the following: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used for the terminal to receive the second system message when it is within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used for the terminal not to receive the second system message when it is not within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used for the terminal to receive the second system message when it is not within the first ISA.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, including: the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information, including any of the following: the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used to receive the second system message when the terminal is within the second ISA; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used not to receive the second system message when the terminal is not within the second ISA; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used to receive the second system message when the terminal is not within the second ISA.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first system message is an SIB for providing the ISA, and the second system message is an SIB for providing the MBS configuration.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, including at least: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal not to receive the MCCH sent by the network device if the terminal is not in the first ISA.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, including at least: the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal not to receive the MCCH sent by the network device if the terminal is not in the second ISA.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, not receiving the MCCH sent by the network device includes any of the following: not listening to or skipping listening to the MCCH; not processing or skipping processing the MCCH.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal not being within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least: the terminal is currently located within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, but the terminal will leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within a first time period; the terminal not being within the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least: the terminal is currently located within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, but the terminal will leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message within a second time period.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area, including any of the following: if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the first ISA or the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the union of the first ISA and the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the intersection of the first ISA and the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal determines the MBS service area based on the first ISA or the second ISA in any of the following ways: protocol agreement; determination based on the terminal's own implementation.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first ISA and the second ISA are different, including at least: the first ISA corresponding to an MBS session in the MBS announcement message is different from the second ISA corresponding to the same MBS session in the first system message.

[0075] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including: a transceiver module configured to receive a first message sent by a network device; and a processing module configured to determine a first action based on a desired service area (ISA) indicated by the first message; the first action includes at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; whether to determine a multicast / broadcast service (MBS) service area; and whether to receive a multicast control channel (MCCH) sent by the network device.

[0076] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including: a transceiver module configured to send a first message to a terminal, the first message being used by the terminal to determine a first action based on an indication ISA indicated by the first message; the first action includes at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; determining an MBS service area; and whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device.

[0077] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect above.

[0078] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect above.

[0079] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0080] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect above, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect above.

[0081] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0082] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0083] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0084] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the communication methods described in the first or second aspect above.

[0085] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method," "method for defining terminal behavior," etc., can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0087] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0088] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0089] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0090] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0091] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0092] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of,” “one or more,” “a plurality of,” and “multiple” may be used interchangeably.

[0093] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (executes A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (executes B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0094] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, selective execution from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0095] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0096] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0099] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0100] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0101] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cellgroup," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)," etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0103] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0104] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0105] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0106] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0107] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0108] In some embodiments, network device 102 includes at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0109] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0110] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0111] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0112] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising multiple network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the multiple network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0113] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may include a first network element, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0114] In some embodiments, the first network element is used for user access management and mobility management, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a second network element, such as a Session Management Function (SMF).

[0116] In some embodiments, the second network element is used for session management of the control plane and user plane, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a third network element, such as a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0118] In some embodiments, the third network element is used for user plane data forwarding, traffic statistics, Quality of Service (QoS) management, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0119] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a fourth network element, such as a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0120] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is used to implement user control policy management, including but not limited to QoS control, service access control, etc.

[0121] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may include a fifth network element, such as a unified data management (UDM) function.

[0122] In some embodiments, the fifth network element is used to implement user subscription data management, roaming control, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0123] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a sixth network element, such as an Authentication Server Function (AUSF).

[0124] In some embodiments, the sixth network element is used to implement user authentication, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] In some embodiments, each of the above network elements can be independent of the core network equipment.

[0126] In some embodiments, each of the above network elements may be part of the core network equipment.

[0127] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0128] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown, or a part thereof, but not limited to it. Figure 1 The entities shown are illustrative; a communication system may include... Figure 1 All or part of the main body, or may include Figure 1Other entities besides the main body, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, each entity can be physical or virtual, the connection relationship between the entities is illustrative, the entities can be unconnected or connected, and the connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0129] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Futuregeneration radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0130] In some embodiments, technologies related to Internet of Things (IoT) Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and New Radio (NR) NTN have been standardized.

[0131] In some embodiments, given the large network coverage of IoT NTN and NR NTN, where a single cell may cover multiple countries, and considering that broadcast services may indicate the target area (e.g., a specific country or city), it is necessary to restrict the effective area of ​​the broadcast service when the NTN transmits a broadcast.

[0132] In some embodiments, in NR NTN, the intended service area (ISA) of a broadcast service can be specified via signaling. Optionally, the broadcast service can be a multicast / broadcast service (MBS), but is not limited thereto.

[0133] In some embodiments, the signaling used to specify the ISA for a broadcast service can be a specific system information block (SIB) signaling. That is, the desired service area for a broadcast service can be indicated through specific SIB signaling.

[0134] In some embodiments, the necessary signaling between the core network (CN) and the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) may also be used as signaling for the ISA used to specify the broadcast service.

[0135] In some embodiments, the desired service area can be sent to the terminal via a system message, or via an MBS service announcement message.

[0136] In some embodiments, the system message used to indicate the desired service area can be a newly introduced system message, for example, the system message used to indicate the desired service area can be a newly defined SIB (i.e., new SIB).

[0137] In some embodiments, the desired service area can be an area of ​​any shape, for example, the desired service area can be expressed by a circle or an ellipse, but is not limited thereto.

[0138] In some embodiments, each desired service area may be associated with an identification (ID), for example, each desired service area may be associated with an area ID.

[0139] In some embodiments, in the Multicast Control Channel (MCCH), an MBS session can be associated with at least one area ID, that is, an MBS session can be associated with at least one desired service area.

[0140] In some embodiments, for cases where the desired service area is indicated via an MBS announcement message, it can be done through methods such as... Figure 2A The process shown is implemented. See also... Figure 2A , Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a broadcast MBS session establishment process according to an embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 2A As shown, the process may include the following steps: Step 2101: NG-RAN broadcasts the Frequency Service Area (FSA) ID to the terminal.

[0141] Optionally, depending on the Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) configuration, the RAN node can broadcast information about the MBS FSA ID and frequency of neighboring cells via the radio interface in system information broadcasts (such as SIB).

[0142] Step S2102 involves the allocation of Temporary Mobile Group Identity (TMGI), MBS session creation, and service announcements through collaboration among the terminal, NG-RAN, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Multicast Broadcast Service Session Management Function (MB-SMF), Multicast Broadcast User Plane Function (MB-UPF), Network Exposure Function (NEF) / Multicast / Broadcast Service Function (MBSF), and Application Function (AF).

[0143] Alternatively, in order to establish a broadcast MBS session, the TMGI allocation and MBS session creation can be performed by the AF.

[0144] Optionally, the MBS service type is indicated as broadcast service.

[0145] Optionally, the MBS FSA ID(s) of the broadcast MBS session are transmitted to the terminal in the service announcement, and the terminal compares these MBS FSA ID(s) with the MBS FSA ID(s) in the SIB for frequency selection.

[0146] In step S2103, the MB-SMF sends a Namf_MBSBroadcast_ContextCreate request to the AMF. The Namf_MBSBroadcast_ContextCreate request is used to request the creation of a context for at least one of the following: TMGI, Link Layer (LL) Synchronization Status Message (SSM), 5G Licensed Quality of Service (QoS) profile, and MBS service area.

[0147] Optionally, the MB-SMF can use NRF to discover AMF(s) that support MBS based on the MBS service area and select the appropriate AMF(s).

[0148] Optionally, if the service type is broadcast service, the MB-SMF sends the Namf_MBSBroadcast_ContextCreate message (including TMGI, N2 SM information (such as LL SSM), 5G QoS configuration, NRRedCap UE information), MBS service area, and MBS FSA ID(s) to the selected AMF(s).

[0149] Optionally, MB-SMF can also include the maximum response time in the request.

[0150] Optionally, if the MB-SMF receives NR RedCap UE information parameters from the AF (possibly via NEF / MBSF), the MB-SMF will include the NR RedCap UE information parameters in the N2 SM information.

[0151] Optionally, for NR NTN, if the MB-SMF receives from the NEF / MBSF an MBS service area containing the NR NTN target service area, a list of Tracking Area Identity (TAI) and / or cell ID, the MB-SMF uses the TAI list to select an AMF(s) and forwards the MBS service area containing the NR NTN target service area to the selected AMF(s).

[0152] In step S2104, the AMF sends an N2 message request to the NG-RAN. The N2 request message includes at least one of the following: TMGI, LL SSM, 5G licensed QoS profile, and MBS service area.

[0153] Optionally, the AMF transmits the MBS session resource setup request message to all MBS-enabled NG-RANs located within the MBS service area. The AMF includes the MBS service area in the message.

[0154] Step S2105, NG-RAN creates MBS session context.

[0155] In step S2106, NG-RAN actively subscribes to the multicast data stream of MB-UPF via Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) / Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD).

[0156] Step S2107: NG-RAN allocates unicast downlink (DL) tunnels.

[0157] In step S2108, NG-RAN sends an N2 message response to AMF. The N2 message response includes at least one of the downlink tunnel information of multiple data streams (N3mb) of the TMGI and N3 interfaces.

[0158] In step S2109, the AMF sends a Namf_MBSBroadcast_ContextCreate response to the MB-SMF.

[0159] In step S2110, MB-SMF and MB-UPF modify multiple data stream (N4mb) sessions of the N4 interface, including but not limited to modifications based on TMGI and N3mb downlink tunnel information.

[0160] Step S2111: MB-SMF and NEF / MBSF synchronize Nmbsmf_MBS session status notification.

[0161] Step S2112: NEF / MBSF and AF synchronize Nnef_MBS session status notification.

[0162] In step S2113, NG-RAN broadcasts TMGI to the terminal.

[0163] In step S2114, NG-RAN sends an N2 message response to AMF. The N2 message response includes at least one of TMGI and N3mb downlink tunnel information.

[0164] In step S2115, the AMF sends a Namf_MBSBroadcast_ContextsStatusNotify request to the MB-SMF.

[0165] Step S2116: MB-SMF and MB-UPF modify the N4mb session, including but not limited to modifications based on TMGI and N3mb downlink tunnel information.

[0166] Step S2117: AF sends the media stream to MB-UPF.

[0167] In step S2118, the MB-UPF sends a media stream to the NG-RAN.

[0168] Step S2119: MB-UPF performs point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission to the terminal.

[0169] It should be noted that step S2102 involves the process of indicating the desired service area through MBS announcement messages.

[0170] In some embodiments, the MBS broadcast session can also be updated. See also Figure 2B , Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an MBS broadcast session update process according to an embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 2B As shown, the process includes: Step S2201: The MBS session update is triggered through the collaboration between MB-SMF, MB-UPF, NEF / MBSF, and AF.

[0171] In step S2202, MB-SMF sends a Namf_MBSBroadcast_Context update request to AMF.

[0172] In step S2203, the AMF sends an MBS session resource update request to the NG-RAN.

[0173] Step S2204: NG-RAN updates MBS session context.

[0174] In step S2205, NG-RAN sends an MBS session resource update response to AMF.

[0175] In step S2206, the AMF sends a Namf_MBSBroadcast_Context update response to the MB-SMF.

[0176] Step S2207: MB-SMF and MB-UPF synchronize N4mb session modification.

[0177] Step S2208: NG-RAN updates MBS session.

[0178] In step S2209, NG-RAN sends an MBS session resource update response to AMF.

[0179] In step S2210, the AMF sends a Namf_MBSBroadcast_ContextStatusNotify request to the MB-SMF.

[0180] Step S2211: MB-SMF and MB-UPF synchronize N4mb session modification.

[0181] Although the relevant technologies have clarified the process of MBS session creation and update, the terminal behavior after receiving the ISA through the MBS announcement message is not yet clear. For example, if the terminal is outside the expected service area, does it still need to read MBS-related system messages and listen to the MCCH? Or, if the terminal is within the expected service area, does it still need to read MBS-related system messages? Or, how to handle the inconsistency between the ISA received by the terminal through the MBS announcement message and the ISA received through the system message? These are all unclear.

[0182] In view of this, the present disclosure aims to provide a communication method to further standardize the communication behavior of terminals in broadcast service scenarios.

[0183] Figure 3 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes: Step S3101: The network device sends the first message to the terminal.

[0184] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first message sent by a network device.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first message is used to indicate the service area that the network device expects the terminal to access; that is, the first message is used to indicate the ISA.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first message includes an MBS announcement message indicating a first ISA and / or a first system message indicating a second ISA. That is, the first message can be an MBS announcement message indicating a first ISA, or the first message can be a first system message indicating a second ISA, or the first message can include both an MBS announcement message indicating a first ISA and a first system message indicating a second ISA.

[0187] That is, the network device can indicate the first ISA to the terminal through MBS announcement messages; or, the network device can indicate the second ISA to the terminal through the first system message; or, the network device can indicate the first ISA to the terminal through MBS announcement messages while simultaneously indicating the second ISA to the terminal through the first system message.

[0188] Optionally, regarding the order of sending MBS announcement messages and first system messages, the network device may send MBS announcement messages first and then send the first system messages, but is not limited to this.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first system message is an SIB for providing an ISA. For example, the first system message may be a newly defined SIB, but is not limited thereto.

[0190] In some embodiments, the names of messages, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as “message”, “information”, “signal”, “signaling”, “report”, “configuration”, “indication”, “instruction”, “command”, “channel”, “parameter”, “domain”, “field”, “symbol”, “symbol”, “codebook”, “codeword”, “codepoint”, “bit”, “data”, “program”, and “chip” can be used interchangeably.

[0191] In step S3102, the terminal determines the first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first action may include at least one of whether to receive a system message, determine the MBS service area, and whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device, but is not limited thereto. The system message may include a first system message and / or a second system message, but is not limited thereto. A detailed description of the various first actions will be provided below and will not be repeated here.

[0193] As mentioned above, the first message can be an MBS announcement message, or it can be a first system message, or it can include both an MBS announcement message and a first system message. Generally, the MBS announcement messages are sent before the first system messages. That is, under normal circumstances, the terminal will receive the MBS announcement message first, and then receive the first system message. However, this is not the case; the terminal may also receive only the first system message. Regardless of the sending order of the two messages, or even if only one of the two messages is sent, the standardization of terminal behavior can be achieved through the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0194] In some embodiments, after receiving a first message, the terminal may determine the first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message in at least one of the following ways.

[0195] Method 1: The terminal can determine whether to receive the first system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0196] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether to receive the first system message based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal.

[0197] In some embodiments, within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the terminal may choose not to receive the first system message or may choose to receive the first system message.

[0198] In some embodiments, if the terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the terminal may or may not receive the first system message.

[0199] In some embodiments, a terminal may determine whether it is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message based on its location information and the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0200] In some embodiments, location information can be used to indicate the current location of the terminal and the terminal's movement trend, which may include movement speed, movement direction, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0201] Optionally, the terminal being within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message can mean that the terminal is currently located within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, and that the terminal will not leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within the first time period based on the terminal's movement trend.

[0202] Optionally, if the terminal is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, it may be that the terminal's current location is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; or, it may be that the terminal's current location is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, but it can be determined from the terminal's movement trend that the terminal will leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within a first time.

[0203] The first time can be any duration value, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0204] In some embodiments, the terms "time", "duration", "segment", "time window", "window", and "time" can be used interchangeably.

[0205] Method 2: The terminal can determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0206] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal.

[0207] The second system message is used to indicate MBS configuration. For example, the second system message may not be used to provide MBS configuration in the SIB, but is not limited to this. Optionally, the second system message may be SIB20, or the second system message may be SIB21, etc., but is not limited to this.

[0208] In some embodiments, within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the terminal may receive a second system message.

[0209] In some embodiments, if the terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the terminal may choose not to receive the second system message or may choose to receive the second system message.

[0210] The implementation method for determining whether a terminal is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0211] Method 3: The terminal can determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0212] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal's location information.

[0213] In some embodiments, if the terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the terminal may not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

[0214] Optionally, the terminal may not receive the MCCH sent by the network device. This could be because the terminal does not listen to or skips listening to the MCCH sent by the network device; or the terminal may not process or skip processing the MCCH. That is, even if the terminal listens to the MCCH sent by the network device, it does not need to receive or process the listened-to MCCH.

[0215] Optionally, the terminal may decide how to implement non-receiving of MCCH sent by the network device, and this disclosure does not limit this approach.

[0216] The implementation method for determining whether a terminal is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0217] Method 4: The terminal can determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0218] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal.

[0219] The second system message is used to indicate MBS configuration. For example, the second system message may not be used to provide MBS configuration in the SIB, but is not limited to this. Optionally, the second system message may be SIB20, or the second system message may be SIB21, etc., but is not limited to this.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive a second system message within the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0221] In some embodiments, if the terminal is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, the terminal may choose not to receive the second system message or may choose to receive the second system message.

[0222] In some embodiments, location information can be used to indicate the current location of the terminal and the terminal's movement trend, which may include movement speed, movement direction, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0223] Optionally, the terminal being within the second ISA indicated by the first system message can mean that the terminal is currently located within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, and that the terminal will not leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message within a second time period based on the terminal's movement trend.

[0224] Optionally, if the terminal is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, it may be that the terminal's current location is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message; or, it may be that the terminal's current location is within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, but it can be determined from the terminal's movement trend that the terminal will leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message in a second time period.

[0225] The second time can be any duration value, and this embodiment does not limit it.

[0226] Optionally, the first time and the second time can be the same or different, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0227] Method 5: The terminal can determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0228] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal's location information.

[0229] In some embodiments, if the terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message, the terminal may not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

[0230] Optionally, the terminal may not receive the MCCH sent by the network device. This could be because the terminal does not listen to or skips listening to the MCCH sent by the network device; or the terminal may not process or skip processing the MCCH. That is, even if the terminal listens to the MCCH sent by the network device, it does not need to receive or process the listened-to MCCH.

[0231] Optionally, the terminal may decide how to implement non-receiving of MCCH sent by the network device, and this disclosure does not limit this approach.

[0232] The implementation method for determining whether the terminal is within the second ISA indicated by the first system message can be found above, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] It should be noted that methods one through five mainly describe how the terminal determines whether to receive other messages after receiving the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, and how the terminal determines whether to receive other system messages after receiving the second ISA indicated by the first system message. In more possible implementations, the terminal can also determine the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message when it is within the first ISA; or, the terminal can also determine the MBS service area based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message when it is within the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0234] In some embodiments, a terminal can determine whether it is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message based on its location information and the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message. Thus, if the terminal determines that it is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, it can determine the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0235] Optionally, if the terminal determines that it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the terminal can determine the MBS service area based on other instructions from the receiving network device, or the terminal can determine the MBS service area based on its current location and network configuration.

[0236] In some embodiments, a terminal can determine whether it is within the second ISA indicated by the first system message based on its location information and the second ISA indicated by the first system message. Thus, if the terminal determines that it is within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, it can determine the MBS service area based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0237] Optionally, if the terminal determines that it is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, the terminal can determine the MBS service area based on other instructions from the receiving network device, or the terminal can determine the MBS service area based on its current location and network configuration.

[0238] In addition, the terminal can also determine the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message. For related information, please refer to the introduction in Method Six below.

[0239] Method 6: The terminal can determine the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0240] It should be noted that, as introduced above, when a terminal receives an ISA through an MBS announcement message, regardless of whether the terminal is within the ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the terminal may continue to receive the first system message sent by the network device. That is, in many cases, the terminal can determine the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0241] In some embodiments, if the first ISA received by the terminal through the MBS announcement message is different from the second ISA received by the terminal through the first system message (i.e., the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are inconsistent), the terminal can use the ISA indicated by the two messages respectively according to the following standardized terminal behavior.

[0242] In some embodiments, the terminal may use either the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message or the second ISA indicated by the first system message to determine the MBS service area. That is, the terminal may choose between the MBS announcement message and the first system message to determine the MBS service area based on the ISA indicated by the selected message.

[0243] Optionally, whether the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message or the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used can be agreed upon by the protocol or determined by the terminal based on its own implementation. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0244] In some embodiments, the terminal may also use the union of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message to determine the MBS service area. For example, the terminal may use the larger area obtained by combining the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message as the MBS service area.

[0245] In some embodiments, the terminal may also use the intersection of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message to determine the MBS service area. For example, the terminal may use the overlapping area between the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message as the MBS service area.

[0246] Optionally, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are inconsistent. This could mean that the first ISA corresponding to an MBS session in the MBS announcement message is different from the second ISA corresponding to the same MBS session in the first system message. In other words, the ISAs corresponding to the same MBS session in the MBS announcement message and the first system message are different, but this is not limited to this.

[0247] It should be noted that both MBS announcement messages and first system messages can correspond to multiple MBS sessions, and the ISA associated with different MBS sessions in the same message can be the same or different.

[0248] In other possible implementations, if the terminal does not receive the MBS announcement message, the terminal may continue to receive the first system message to determine the MBS service area based on the second ISA indicated by the received first system message; or, if the terminal receives the first ISA through the MBS announcement message but is not within the received first ISA, and the terminal continues to receive the first system message after receiving the first ISA, the terminal may determine the MBS service area based on the second ISA indicated by the received first system message.

[0249] In some embodiments, within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, the terminal can determine the MBS service area based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0250] In some embodiments, if the terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message, the terminal can determine the MBS service area based on its current location and network configuration, but is not limited thereto.

[0251] The method for determining whether a terminal is within the second ISA indicated by the first system message can be found in the previous description of determining whether a terminal is within the second ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, and will not be repeated here.

[0252] In some embodiments, when an MBS service area is determined, if the terminal is located within the MBS service area, the terminal can receive data sent by the network device through multicast / broadcast services. Conversely, if the terminal is not located within the MBS service area, the terminal does not need to receive data sent by the network device through multicast / broadcast services. This reduces unnecessary data reception by the terminal while ensuring that multicast / broadcast services are provided in a specific area, thus avoiding waste of terminal resources.

[0253] In some embodiments, terms such as “receive,” “read,” and “acquire” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “do not receive,” “do not read,” “do not acquire,” and “skip.”

[0254] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0255] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0256] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0257] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0258] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0259] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S3101 + S3102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0260] In some embodiments, step S3101 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0261] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 Other optional implementation methods described before or after the corresponding instruction manual.

[0262] According to the solution provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the terminal receiving the intended service area of ​​the broadcast service may include the terminal receiving the ISA through system messages and / or MBS service announcement messages.

[0263] In some embodiments, when a terminal receives an ISA via an MBS service announcement message, if the terminal is in the ISA, the terminal may not read / obtain the system message containing the ISA (the newly defined system message).

[0264] In some embodiments, when a terminal receives an ISA via an MBS service announcement message, if the terminal is not in the ISA, the terminal's behavior may include one of the following: The terminal may choose not to read / acquire / skip MBS-related system messages, such as SIB20 and / or new SIB (system messages related to the intended service area); The terminal acquires / reads system messages related to the intended service area, such as the new SIB; Terminals can avoid acquiring the MCCH. For example, a terminal can avoid acquiring the MCCH based on implementation determination, such as not listening to the MCCH or skipping the MCCH.

[0265] In some embodiments, when a terminal receives an ISA via a newly defined system message, if the terminal is not in the ISA, the terminal's behavior may include one of the following: The terminal may choose not to read / acquire / skip MBS-related system messages, such as SIB20 and / or new SIB (system messages related to the intended service area); Terminals can avoid acquiring the MCCH. For example, a terminal can avoid acquiring the MCCH based on implementation determination, such as not listening to the MCCH or skipping the MCCH.

[0266] In some embodiments, the terminal is not within the ISA, including at least the UE being removed from the ISA.

[0267] In some embodiments, when the ISA received by the terminal via the MBS service announcement message is inconsistent with the ISA received via system messages, the terminal's behavior may be as follows: The terminal uses the ISA provided by the system message; The terminal uses the ISA provided by the MBS service announcement message; The terminal uses the union of the ISAs from the two messages; The terminal uses the intersection of the ISAs in the two messages; The terminal determines whether to use the ISA provided by the MBS service announcement message or the ISA provided by the system message based on its implementation.

[0268] In some embodiments, ISA inconsistency means that the ISAs associated with the same MBS session are different, but is not limited thereto.

[0269] Figure 4A This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4A As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes: Step S4101: Obtain the first message.

[0270] For optional implementations of step S4101, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 Optional implementation methods of step S3101, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0271] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a first message sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first message sent by another entity.

[0272] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains a first message defined by the protocol.

[0273] In some embodiments, the terminal obtains the first message from the upper layer(s).

[0274] In some embodiments, the terminal processes the data to obtain the first message.

[0275] In some embodiments, step S4101 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the first message, or the above function is default or default.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first message is used to indicate the ISA.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first message includes an MBS announcement message and / or a first system message; wherein the MBS announcement message is used to indicate a first ISA, and the first system message is used to indicate a second ISA.

[0278] Step S4102: Determine the first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message.

[0279] For optional implementations of step S4102, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 Optional implementation methods of step S3102, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first action includes at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; whether to determine the MBS service area; and whether to receive an MCCH sent by a network device.

[0281] In some embodiments, the terminal determines a first action based on the ISA indicated by the first message, which may include at least one of the following: determining whether to receive a first system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; determining whether to receive a second system message sent by a network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; determining whether to receive an MCCH sent by a network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; determining whether to receive a second system message sent by a network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; determining whether to receive an MCCH sent by a network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message; and determining the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0282] In some embodiments, when a terminal determines whether to receive a first system message based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, it may determine whether to receive the first system message based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal.

[0283] In some embodiments, determining whether to receive the first system message based on the location information of the terminal and the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message may include any of the following: the terminal does not receive the first system message if it is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal receives the first system message if it is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal does not receive the first system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal receives the first system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0284] In some embodiments, when a terminal determines whether to receive a second system message sent by a network device based on a first ISA indicated by an MBS announcement message, it may determine whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the terminal.

[0285] In some embodiments, determining whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the terminal and the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message may include any of the following: the terminal receives the second system message if it is within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal does not receive the second system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; the terminal receives the second system message if it is not within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message.

[0286] In some embodiments, when a terminal determines whether to receive a second system message sent by a network device based on a second ISA indicated by a first system message, it may determine whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal.

[0287] In some embodiments, determining whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal includes any one of the following: the terminal receives the second system message within the second ISA indicated by the first system message; the terminal does not receive the second system message if it is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message; the terminal receives the second system message if it is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first system message is a System Information Block (SIB) for providing the ISA, and the second system message is an SIB for providing the MBS configuration.

[0289] In some embodiments, determining whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least the following: if the terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, it will not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

[0290] In some embodiments, determining whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least the following: if the terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message, it will not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

[0291] In some embodiments, not receiving MCCH sent by the network device includes any of the following: not listening to or skipping listening to MCCH; not processing or skipping processing MCCH.

[0292] In some embodiments, the terminal being outside the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least the following: the terminal is currently located within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, but the terminal will leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within a first time period.

[0293] In some embodiments, the terminal not being within the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least the following: the terminal is currently located within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, but the terminal will leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message within a second time period.

[0294] In some embodiments, determining the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message may include any of the following: if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, determining the MBS service area based on the first ISA or the second ISA; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, determining the MBS service area based on the union of the first ISA and the second ISA; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, determining the MBS service area based on the intersection of the first ISA and the second ISA.

[0295] In some embodiments, the MBS service area is determined based on either the first ISA or the second ISA, using either the following methods: protocol agreement; or determination based on the terminal's own implementation.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first ISA and the second ISA are different, including at least the first ISA in the MBS announcement message corresponding to an MBS session is different from the second ISA in the first system message corresponding to the same MBS session.

[0297] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4102. For example, step S4102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S4101 + S4102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0298] In some embodiments, step S4101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0299] Figure 4B This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4B As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes: Step S4201: Send the first message.

[0300] For optional implementations of step S4201, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 Step S3101, Step S3102 Figure 4A Optional implementation methods of steps S4101 and S4102, and Figure 3 , Figure 4A Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first message is used to indicate the ISA.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first message includes an MBS announcement message and / or a first system message; wherein the MBS announcement message is used to indicate a first ISA, and the first system message is used to indicate a second ISA.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first message is used by the terminal to determine a first action based on the indication ISA indicated by the first message.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first action includes at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; whether to determine the MBS service area; and whether to receive an MCCH sent by a network device.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first message is used by the terminal to determine a first action based on the indication ISA indicated by the first message, including at least one of the following: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive a first system message; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive a second system message sent by the network device, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive a second system message sent by the network device, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area.

[0306] In some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message, including: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message based on its location information.

[0307] In some embodiments, the ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message based on its location information, including any of the following: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine not to receive the first system message when it is within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to receive the first system message when it is within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal not to receive the first system message when it is not within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to receive the first system message when it is not within the first ISA.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, including: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information, including any of the following: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used for the terminal to receive the second system message when it is within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used for the terminal not to receive the second system message when it is not within the first ISA; the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used for the terminal to receive the second system message when it is not within the first ISA.

[0310] In some embodiments, the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, including: the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information.

[0311] In some embodiments, the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information, including any of the following: the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used to receive the second system message when the terminal is within the second ISA; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used not to receive the second system message when the terminal is not within the second ISA; the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used to receive the second system message when the terminal is not within the second ISA.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first system message is an SIB for providing the ISA, and the second system message is an SIB for providing the MBS configuration.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, including at least: the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal not to receive the MCCH sent by the network device if it is not within the first ISA.

[0314] In some embodiments, the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, including at least: the second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal not to receive the MCCH sent by the network device if it is not within the second ISA.

[0315] In some embodiments, not receiving MCCH sent by the network device includes any of the following: not listening to or skipping listening to MCCH; not processing or skipping processing MCCH.

[0316] In some embodiments, the terminal being outside the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least the following: the terminal is currently located within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, but the terminal will leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within a first time period.

[0317] In some embodiments, the terminal being outside the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least the following: the terminal is currently located within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, but the terminal will leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message within a second time period. In some embodiments, the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area, including any one of the following: if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the first ISA or the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the union of the first ISA and the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area; if the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the intersection of the first ISA and the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area.

[0318] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the MBS service area based on either the first ISA or the second ISA in either of the following ways: by protocol agreement; or by determination based on the terminal's own implementation.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first ISA and the second ISA are different, including at least the first ISA in the MBS announcement message corresponding to an MBS session is different from the second ISA in the first system message corresponding to the same MBS session.

[0320] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least step S4201, and step S4201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0321] In this embodiment of the disclosure, step S4201 can be combined with... Figure 4A Step S4101 combination.

[0322] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0323] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0324] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0325] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0326] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 5A As shown, terminal 5100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 5101, a processing module 5102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5101 is configured to receive a first message sent by a network device; the processing module 5102 is configured to determine a first action based on the desired service area ISA indicated by the first message; the first action includes at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; determining a multicast / broadcast service (MBS) service area; whether to receive a multicast control channel (MCCH) sent by the network device. Optionally, the transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S3101, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 5102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3102, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0327] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5B As shown, network device 5200 may include at least a transceiver module 5201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 5201 is configured to send a first message to a terminal, the first message being used by the terminal to determine a first action based on an indication ISA indicated by the first message; the first action includes at least one of the following: whether to receive a system message; determining an MBS service area; and whether to receive an MCCH sent by the network device. Optionally, the transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S3101, but not limited thereto) performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, network device 5200 may further include a processing module. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0328] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0329] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0330] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in this embodiment. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0331] like Figure 6A As shown, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0332] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6102 may also be located outside the communication device 6100.

[0333] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6103. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6103, the transceivers 6103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., step S3101, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3102, but not limited thereto).

[0334] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0335] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102, and the interface circuit 6104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the instructions to the processor 6101.

[0336] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may vary. Figure 6A The limitations. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0337] Figure 6BThis is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to... Figure 6B The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of chip 6200, but it is not limited to this.

[0338] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0339] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, the interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and the interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive signals from memory 6203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 6202 can be used to send signals to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6202 can read instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the instructions to processor 6201.

[0340] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., step S3101, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3102, but not limited thereto).

[0341] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0342] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200.

[0343] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0344] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0345] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0346] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0347] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a terminal, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the first message sent by the network device; Based on the desired service area ISA indicated by the first message, determine the first action; The first act includes at least one of the following: Should I receive system messages? Determine the service area for the Multicast / Broadcast Service (MBS) business; Whether to receive the multicast control channel (MCCH) sent by the network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first message includes MBS announcement messages and / or first system messages; The MBS announcement message is used to indicate the first ISA, and the first system message is used to indicate the second ISA.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ISA, based on the indication of the first message, determines the first action, including at least one of the following: Based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, determine whether to receive the first system message; Based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; Based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device; Based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message, determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, the second system message being used to indicate MBS configuration; Based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message, determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device; The MBS service area is determined based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first ISA, based on the indication of the MBS announcement message, determines whether to receive the first system message, including: Based on the location information of the first ISA and the terminal indicated by the MBS announcement message, it is determined whether to receive the first system message.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The determination of whether to receive the first system message based on the location information of the first ISA and the terminal indicated by the MBS announcement message includes any one of the following: The terminal does not receive the first system message within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; The terminal receives the first system message within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; The terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and does not receive the first system message; The terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and receives the first system message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The determination of whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes: Based on the location information of the first ISA and the terminal indicated by the MBS announcement message, it is determined whether to receive the second system message.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The determination of whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the first ISA and the terminal indicated by the MBS announcement message includes any one of the following: The terminal receives the second system message within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message; The terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and does not receive the second system message; The terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and receives the second system message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The determination of whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device based on the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes: Based on the location information of the second ISA and the terminal indicated by the first system message, determine whether to receive the second system message.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The determination of whether to receive the second system message based on the location information of the second ISA indicated by the first system message and the terminal includes any one of the following: The terminal receives the second system message within the second ISA indicated by the first system message; The terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message and does not receive the second system message; The terminal is not within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, and therefore receives the second system message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, The first system message is a System Information Block (SIB) for providing ISA, and the second system message is an SIB for providing MBS configuration.

11. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that, The determination of whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least the following: The terminal is not in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and does not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that, The second ISA, based on the indication of the first system message, determines whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, including at least: The terminal is not in the second ISA indicated by the first system message and does not receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The statement that the network device does not receive the MCCH sent by the network device includes any one of the following: Do not listen to or skip listening to the MCCH; The MCCH is either not processed or is skipped.

14. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that, The terminal not included in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least: The terminal is currently located within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, but the terminal will leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within a first time. The terminal not being in the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least: The terminal is currently located within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, but the terminal will leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message within a second time period.

15. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that, The determination of the MBS service area based on the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes any one of the following: If the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the MBS service area is determined based on the first ISA or the second ISA. If the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the MBS service area is determined based on the union of the first ISA and the second ISA. If the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the MBS service area is determined based on the intersection of the first ISA and the second ISA.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The MBS service area is determined based on either the first ISA or the second ISA, using either of the following methods: The agreement stipulates; Determined based on the terminal's own implementation.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first ISA and the second ISA differ in that they include at least the following: The first ISA corresponding to an MBS session in the MBS announcement message is different from the second ISA corresponding to the same MBS session in the first system message.

18. A communication method, executed by a network device, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first message to the terminal, the first message being used by the terminal to determine a first action based on the indication ISA indicated by the first message; The first act includes at least one of the following: Should I receive system messages? Determine the service area for MBS services; Whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first message includes MBS announcement messages and / or first system messages; The MBS announcement message is used to indicate the first ISA, and the first system message is used to indicate the second ISA.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first message is used by the terminal to determine a first action based on the indication ISA indicated by the first message, including at least one of the following: The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message; The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, and the second system message is used to indicate MBS configuration. The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device; The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, and the second system message is used to indicate MBS configuration; The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device; The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message, including: The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message based on its location information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the first system message based on its location information, including any one of the following: The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine that it will not receive the first system message when it is within the first ISA. The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to receive the first system message when it is within the first ISA. The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used to prevent the terminal from receiving the first system message if the terminal is not in the first ISA. The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used to receive the first system message when the terminal is not in the first ISA.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, including: The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information, including any one of the following: The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to receive the second system message when it is within the first ISA. The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used to prevent the terminal from receiving the second system message if the terminal is not in the first ISA. The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used to receive the second system message when the terminal is not in the first ISA.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that, The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message sent by the network device, including: The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the second system message based on its location information, including any one of the following: The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to receive the second system message when it is within the second ISA; The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used to prevent the terminal from receiving the second system message if the terminal is not within the second ISA; The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used to receive the second system message when the terminal is not in the second ISA.

27. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that, The first system message is an SIB used to provide ISA, and the second system message is an SIB used to provide MBS configuration.

28. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that, The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, and includes at least: The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message is used to prevent the terminal from receiving the MCCH sent by the network device if the terminal is not in the first ISA.

29. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that, The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used by the terminal to determine whether to receive the MCCH sent by the network device, and includes at least: The second ISA indicated by the first system message is used to prevent the terminal from receiving the MCCH sent by the network device if the terminal is not in the second ISA.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The statement that the network device does not receive the MCCH sent by the network device includes any one of the following: Do not listen to or skip listening to the MCCH; The MCCH is either not processed or is skipped.

31. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 30, characterized in that, The terminal not included in the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message includes at least: The terminal is currently located within the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message, but the terminal will leave the first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message within a first time. The terminal not being in the second ISA indicated by the first system message includes at least: The terminal is currently located within the second ISA indicated by the first system message, but the terminal will leave the second ISA indicated by the first system message within a second time period.

32. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 31, characterized in that, The first ISA indicated by the MBS announcement message and the second ISA indicated by the first system message are used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area, including any one of the following: When the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the first ISA or the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area. If the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the union of the first ISA and the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area; If the first ISA and the second ISA are different, the intersection of the first ISA and the second ISA is used by the terminal to determine the MBS service area.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that, The terminal determines the MBS service area based on either the first ISA or the second ISA using any of the following methods: The agreement stipulates; Determined based on the terminal's own implementation.

34. The method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, The first ISA and the second ISA differ in that they include at least the following: The first ISA corresponding to an MBS session in the MBS announcement message is different from the second ISA corresponding to the same MBS session in the first system message.

35. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-17 and 18-34.

36. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a terminal and a network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-17, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 18-34.

37. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-17, 18-34.

38. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1-17 and 18-34.

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