Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method and device, and a storage medium. The present disclosure determines the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which the first communication device currently resides based on the first information used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT service and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one service area, the first communication device can be used for forwarding data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device, so that the first communication device can implement the guarantee for the Ambient IoT service based on the determined Ambient IoT configuration as an intermediate node, without being affected by whether it is mobile or not.

Description

Communication method and apparatus, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an Ambient Internet of Things (Ambient IoT, A-IoT, or Ambient IoT) system, an intermediate node can be introduced between an Ambient IoT device and a base station to enable indirect communication between the Ambient IoT device and the base station through the intermediate node, thereby enhancing the communication coverage between the Ambient IoT device and the base station.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] To support Ambient IoT service continuity of the intermediate node in the moving process, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a first communication device, the first communication device being configured to forward data and / or commands between an Ambient IoT device and a network device; the method comprising: determining an Ambient IoT configuration of a cell in which the first communication device currently resides based on first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT service and / or an Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area.

[0006] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a network device, the method comprising: sending first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT service and / or an Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area, the first information also being used by the first communication device to determine an Ambient IoT configuration of a cell in which the first communication device currently resides; wherein the first communication device is configured to forward data and / or commands between an Ambient IoT device and the network device.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to determine, based on first information, the Ambient IoT configuration of a cell in which the first communication device is currently camped, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area; wherein the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and a network device.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area, the first information being further used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of a currently camped cell; wherein the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

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

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

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a first communication device and a network device, wherein the first communication device is configured to implement the 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.

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

[0013] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by sending first information from a network device to a first communication device, the first information is used to indicate at least one service area and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services. Based on the first information, the first communication device can determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed. The first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device, so that the first communication device, as an intermediate node, can guarantee the Ambient IoT service based on the determined Ambient IoT configuration, without being affected by whether it is mobile or not.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0020] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0028] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of at least one associated listed item.

[0029] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various messages, these messages should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish messages of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first message may also be referred to as a second message, and similarly, a second message may also be referred to as a first message. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0030] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a first communication device, the first communication device being used to forward data and / or commands between a passive Internet of Things (Ambient IoT) device and a network device; the method includes: determining the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped based on first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area.

[0032] In the above embodiments, by having the first communication device determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed based on first information used to indicate at least one service area and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services, the first communication device can be used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device, so that the first communication device, as an intermediate node, can guarantee the Ambient IoT service based on the determined Ambient IoT configuration, without being affected by whether it is moved or not.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration is used to configure at least one of the following resources for the first communication device: resources for the first communication device to communicate with the network device; and resources for the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device.

[0034] In the above embodiments, at least one resource that can be configured by Ambient IoT configuration is provided, so that multiple resources can be configured based on Ambient IoT configuration as needed, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the resource configuration process.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one service area is identified by identification information of at least one of the following dimensions: cell; tracking area (TA); registration area (RA); geographic location area.

[0036] In the above embodiments, multiple optional dimensions are provided for identification information that can be used to identify at least one business area, so that the identification of the business area can be achieved through identification information of multiple dimensions, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of business area identification methods.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, a cell includes at least one of the following: a primary cell; a secondary cell; a configured cell; a neighboring cell of the primary cell; a neighboring cell of the secondary cell; and a neighboring cell of the configured cell.

[0038] In the above embodiments, a variety of optional cell types are provided so that service areas can be divided based on various cell types, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the service area division process.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one business area is identified by multiple dimensions of identification information, and the same identification information in the multiple dimensions of identification information is omitted.

[0040] In the above embodiments, when the service area is identified by identification information of multiple dimensions, the same identification information in the multiple dimensions of identification information is omitted to save signaling overhead.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one service area corresponds to multiple configuration areas, and the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to each configuration area is the same.

[0042] In the above embodiments, by configuring at least one service area to correspond to multiple configuration areas, Ambient IoT configuration can be implemented based on the configuration areas, and the same configuration area corresponds to the same Ambient IoT configuration, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the Ambient IoT configuration process.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes indication information, the indication information being used by the first communication device to determine an Ambient IoT configuration for use in a connected state, and / or, the indication information being used by the first communication device to determine an Ambient IoT configuration for use in a disconnected state.

[0044] In the above embodiments, by configuring the first information, an indication information may be included, so that the first communication device can be instructed to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the connected state and / or non-connected state based on the first information, thereby improving the richness of the content of the first information and thus improving the flexibility and diversity of the Ambient IoT configuration process.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving the first information sent by the network device.

[0046] In the above embodiments, an optional implementation method is provided for the first communication device to obtain the first information, that is, the first communication device receives the first information sent by the network device to ensure that the first communication device can obtain the first information, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of subsequent communication processes.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the network device includes: receiving a first message sent by the network device, the first message including the first information; wherein the first message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or a broadcast message.

[0048] In the above embodiments, by using a first message as the carrier of first information, the first message is reused, thereby improving the message utilization rate of the first message. Furthermore, multiple optional first messages are provided so that the first information can be carried through various types of first messages, improving the flexibility and diversity of the first information transmission process.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the currently camped cell, or the first information is received by the first communication device in a previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the first information received by the first communication device in the currently camped cell is used as the basis for Ambient IoT configuration to ensure that Ambient IoT configuration for the currently camped cell can be realized; the first communication device stores the first information received in the previously camped cell so that Ambient IoT configuration can be realized based on the stored first information when needed in the future.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped, and the step of determining the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped based on the first information includes: determining the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the cell where the first communication device is currently camped from the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information.

[0052] In the above embodiments, an optional implementation method is provided to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped based on the first information when the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the Ambient IoT configuration process.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in a previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device. The step of determining the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device currently camps based on the first information includes any of the following: the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device currently camps is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is used; or the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device currently camps is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is released.

[0054] In the above embodiments, when the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it previously resides and stored in the first communication device, multiple optional implementation methods are provided to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device currently resides based on the first information, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the Ambient IoT configuration process and ensuring the smooth progress of the Ambient IoT configuration process.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is determined to be the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device if at least one of the following conditions is met: the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area; the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area; the network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

[0056] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations are provided to determine whether the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device. This allows for the determination of whether the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device in multiple ways, thereby improving the flexibility and versatility of the determination process.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: executing an Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the Ambient IoT process is executed by the first communication device based on the currently residing Ambient IoT, so as to ensure the smooth execution of the Ambient IoT process and thus ensure the smooth operation of the Ambient IoT service.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the execution of the Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed includes at least one of the following: performing configuration activation and take-off operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed; and performing configuration cancellation and release operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cells where the first communication device was previously stationed.

[0060] In the above embodiments, multiple optional implementations of the first communication device executing Ambient IoT based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell are provided, so that the execution of the Ambient IoT process can be achieved in multiple ways, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the Ambient IoT process execution.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the execution of the Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed further includes at least one of the following: determining resources for communication between the first communication device and the network device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed; and determining resources for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed.

[0062] In the above embodiments, more optional implementations of the first communication device executing Ambient IoT based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell are provided, so that the execution of the Ambient IoT process can be realized in multiple ways, thereby improving the flexibility and diversity of the Ambient IoT process execution process.

[0063] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a network device. The method includes: sending first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area, the first information being further used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell; wherein the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

[0064] In the above embodiments, by sending first information from the network device to the first communication device, the first information is used to indicate at least one service area and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services, so that the first communication device can determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed based on the first information. The first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device, so that the first communication device, which can act as an intermediate node, can guarantee the Ambient IoT services based on the determined Ambient IoT configuration, without being affected by whether it is mobile or not.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration is used to configure at least one of the following resources for the first communication device: resources for the first communication device to communicate with the network device; and resources for the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one service area is identified by identification information of at least one of the following dimensions: cell; TA; RA; geographic location area.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, a cell includes at least one of the following: a primary cell; a secondary cell; a configured cell; a neighboring cell of the primary cell; a neighboring cell of the secondary cell; and a neighboring cell of the configured cell.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one business area is identified by multiple dimensions of identification information, and the same identification information in the multiple dimensions of identification information is omitted.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the at least one service area corresponds to multiple configuration areas, and the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to each configuration area is the same.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes indication information, the indication information being used by the first communication device to determine an Ambient IoT configuration for use in a connected state, and / or, the indication information being used by the first communication device to determine an Ambient IoT configuration for use in a disconnected state.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the first communication device includes: sending a first message to the first communication device, the first message including the first information; wherein the first message is an RRC signaling or a broadcast message.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the currently camped cell, or the first information is received by the first communication device in a previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped, and the first information is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the cell where the first communication device is currently camped from the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in a previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device. The first information is used by the first communication device to perform any of the following: the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell currently camped by the first communication device is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is used; or the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell currently camped by the first communication device is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is released.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is determined to be the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device if at least one of the following conditions is met: the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area; the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area; the network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is used by the first communication device to execute the Ambient IoT process.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is used by the first communication device to perform the following Ambient IoT process: performing configuration activation and take-off operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped; and performing configuration cancellation and release operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cells where the first communication device was previously camped.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is further used for the first communication device to perform the following Ambient IoT process: determining resources for communication between the first communication device and the network device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped; determining resources for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

[0079] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a first communication device, comprising: a processing module configured to determine, based on first information, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which the first communication device currently resides, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area; wherein the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and a network device.

[0080] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device, including: a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area, the first information being further used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell; wherein, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

[0081] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first communication device is configured to perform the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0082] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network is configured to perform the communication method described in the second aspect above.

[0083] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a first communication device and a network device, wherein the first communication device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect above, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect above.

[0084] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0085] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0086] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0087] Eleventhly, 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.

[0088] It is understood that the aforementioned first communication device, network device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method," "Ambient IoT service area configuration method," and "Ambient IoT service assurance method" can be used interchangeably; the terms "communication apparatus" and "information processing apparatus," "Ambient IoT service area configuration apparatus," and "Ambient IoT service assurance apparatus" can be used interchangeably; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" can be used interchangeably.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0094] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0095] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0096] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0097] 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, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0098] 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.

[0099] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0101] 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”.

[0102] 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.

[0103] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0104] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0105] 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.

[0106] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0107] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first communication device 101 and a network device 102.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 is used to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device. That is, the first communication device 101 can be an intermediate node.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first communication device 101 includes at least one of user equipment (UE), relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, and reduced capability (RedCap) device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the UE (or terminal) includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, Ambient IoT device, car with communication capabilities, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, the capability-limited device includes, but is not limited to, at least one of Ambient IoT devices, IoT devices, and RedCap UEs.

[0114] In some embodiments, network device 102 includes at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0115] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a UE to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in a 5G Ambient IoT system, base station in a 6G IoT system, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device comprising multiple network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the multiple network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0119] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may include a first network element, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first network element is used for user access management and mobility management, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a second network element, such as an Ambient IoT Function node.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second network element is used to receive and process information related to Ambient IoT, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may include a third network element, such as an Internet of Things (IoT) function node.

[0124] In some embodiments, the third network element is responsible for receiving and processing IoT-related information, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] In some embodiments, the core network device may include a fourth network element, such as an Application Function (AF) node.

[0126] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is used to support applications or services running on the network edge or device, such as video streaming, voice calls, messaging, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0127] In some embodiments, each of the above network elements can be independent of the core network equipment.

[0128] In some embodiments, each of the above network elements may be part of the core network equipment.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0131] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0132] In related technologies, IoT devices are typically powered by traditional batteries with limited lifespans, negatively impacting user experience. The astronomical growth of IoT networks, coupled with the sheer number of IoT devices, has pushed maintenance costs, including labor and battery expenses, to unprecedented levels. Billions of traditional batteries are discarded annually, with only a fraction being effectively recycled, causing harmful impacts on the Earth's ecosystem. Maintaining IoT networks and replacing batteries can be extremely challenging under extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, research aims to develop a battery-free IoT communication approach to improve network performance and sustainability, and expand application scenarios. Furthermore, battery-free communication is more environmentally friendly and safer for children and the elderly. Eliminating traditional batteries can significantly reduce device size and cost, paving the way for various new applications. Environmentally powered IoT (i.e., passive IoT) is a promising technology that can meet these needs.

[0133] Ambient IoT devices can operate without batteries or with limited energy storage (e.g., using capacitors), instead harnessing power through the collection of radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable source of energy. This allows Ambient IoT devices to be characterized by low memory, low processing power, low power consumption, small data transfer rates, and mass deployment, while also having a long lifespan (e.g., over 10 years) with minimal maintenance.

[0134] In some embodiments, Ambient IoT devices can access the network directly or indirectly.

[0135] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT device can access the network directly. Referring to FIG2A, FIG2A is a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A, taking the access network device as a base station as an example, the Ambient IoT device and the base station can directly send and receive data (including uplink data and downlink data).

[0136] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT device can access the network indirectly. Referring to FIG2B, FIG2B is a schematic diagram of another network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Taking the access network device as a base station as an example, as shown in FIG2B, the Ambient IoT device and the base station can indirectly send and receive data (including uplink data and downlink data). The intermediate node can play the role of data forwarding between the Ambient IoT device and the base station.

[0137] In some embodiments, the network topology shown in Figure 2B can be adopted in the Ambient IoT system to connect the base station and intermediate nodes for uplink and downlink communication. Furthermore, the intermediate nodes can be connected to the Ambient IoT devices for uplink and downlink communication, thereby enhancing communication coverage between the Ambient IoT devices and the network side. Additionally, in future 6G IoT systems, the network topology shown in Figure 2B can also be adopted to connect the base station and intermediate nodes for uplink and downlink communication, and the intermediate nodes can be connected to the 6G IoT devices for uplink and downlink communication, thereby enhancing communication coverage between the 6G IoT devices and the network side.

[0138] In some embodiments, the location of intermediate nodes (such as UEs) may change. Therefore, in the Ambient IoT system, it is necessary to support the continuity of Ambient IoT services during the movement of intermediate nodes.

[0139] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrated using the Ambient IoT system as an example and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. In more possible implementations, other IoT systems (such as 6G IoT systems) and other wireless communication systems can also introduce intermediate nodes to enhance the communication coverage between the user side and the network side. In these systems, it is also necessary to indicate the service continuity of the intermediate nodes during their movement.

[0140] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0141] Step S3101: The network device sends the first information to the first communication device.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives first information sent by the network device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device, such as a base station; or, the network device may be a core network device, but is not limited thereto.

[0144] In some embodiments, the name of the network device is not limited, and may be, for example, "network node".

[0145] In some embodiments, the first communication device can be an intermediate node, that is, the first communication device can be used to forward data and / or signaling between the network device and the Ambient IoT device, or the first communication device can be a device node used to provide signaling and / or data forwarding functions between the network device and the Ambient IoT device.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first communication device may be a UE, a repeater, an IAB node, a capability-limited device (such as an Ambient IoT device, a 6G IoT device, a RedCap UE, etc.), but is not limited thereto. The first communication device may also be other device nodes that can provide signaling and / or data forwarding functions between network devices and Ambient IoT devices.

[0147] In some embodiments, the name of the first communication device is not limited, and may be, for example, "first node", "first device", etc.

[0148] In some embodiments, a network device may send a first message to a first communication device, the first message including first information; the first communication device may receive the message sent by the network device to ensure that the first communication device can receive the first information.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first message may be Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, such as RRC reconfiguration signaling or RRC release message, or other dedicated signaling; or, the first message may be a broadcast message, such as a paging message, a System Information Block (SIB) message, or a dedicated broadcast channel message, but not limited thereto.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one business area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one business area.

[0151] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0152] That is, the first information may include Ambient IoT service area information, which is used to indicate at least one service area that supports Ambient IoT services; and / or the first information may include Ambient IoT configuration information, which is used to indicate the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one service area that supports Ambient IoT services.

[0153] In some embodiments, at least one service area can be identified by at least one dimension of identification information. Optionally, the at least one dimension may include cell dimension, tracking area (TA) dimension, registration area (RA) dimension, geographic location area dimension, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0154] In other words, Ambient IoT service area information may include at least one cell identifier, at least one TA identifier, at least one RA identifier, at least one geographic location area identifier, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0155] In some embodiments, at least one service area is identified by identification information in multiple dimensions, and identical identification information in these multiple dimensions can be omitted. Optionally, since at least one service area is identified by identification information in multiple dimensions, the network device can omit identical identification information in these multiple dimensions. For example, if the content of some identification information is the same as the identification information of the configured cell, the network device can omit the identical part and only indicate the different part, thereby saving signaling overhead. Alternatively, if some identification information of multiple areas is the same, the network device can indicate the identical part only once, and only indicate the different part in subsequent processes, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0156] For example, the Ambient IoT service area information may include cell identification information of multiple cells. These cells can be co-frequency cells or co-frequency cells. Optionally, if these multiple cells belong to the same frequency, they can be identified by frequency information plus a Physical Cell Identity (PCI) list. Further, if the frequency information of these multiple cells is the same as that of the cell sending the first information (i.e., these multiple cells are co-frequency with the cell sending the first information), they can be identified solely by the PCI list. The first communication device can determine the frequency information of the multiple cells indicated by the first information based on the frequency information of the cell receiving the first information. Alternatively, further, if the frequency information of these multiple cells is the same as that of the cell sending the first information, they can be identified by frequency information plus a PCI list during the first transmission of the first information. In subsequent transmissions, they can be identified solely by the PCI list. The first communication device can determine the frequency information of the multiple cells indicated by the first information based on the frequency information of the cell receiving the first information.

[0157] It should be noted that the area identification method provided in the above embodiments can also be applied to other areas in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as the configuration area described below, and is not limited to the identification of business areas.

[0158] In some embodiments, a cell may be a primary cell (PCell), a secondary cell (SCell), a configured cell, a neighboring cell of the primary cell, a neighboring cell of the secondary cell, a neighboring cell of the configured cell, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0159] It should be noted that a configuration cell is a cell that provides configuration services to the first communication device. For example, network devices can configure certain cells specifically for providing configuration information in specific services or scenarios (such as Ambient IoT services or scenarios) for the first communication device, serving as configuration cells. Optionally, configuration cells may differ from primary and secondary cells in various aspects such as resource allocation, functional characteristics, and network coverage. Furthermore, configuration cells can interact with primary and secondary cells via signaling to enable them to work collaboratively.

[0160] Optionally, the service area may include only the primary cell, or the service area may include the primary cell and its neighboring cells. Optionally, if the service area includes the primary cell and its neighboring cells, signaling interaction can be performed between the primary cell and its neighboring cells to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the primary cell and its neighboring cells, respectively.

[0161] Optionally, the service area may include only the secondary cell, or the service area may include the secondary cell and its neighboring cells. Optionally, if the service area includes the secondary cell and its neighboring cells, signaling interaction can be performed between the secondary cell and its neighboring cells to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the secondary cell and its neighboring cells respectively.

[0162] Optionally, the service area may include only the configuration cell, or the service area may include the configuration cell and its neighboring cells. Optionally, if the service area includes the configuration cell and its neighboring cells, signaling interaction can be performed between the configuration cell and its neighboring cells to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the configuration cell and its neighboring cells, respectively.

[0163] In some embodiments, the terms "cell", "component carrier (CC)", "frequency carrier", and "carrier frequency" can be used interchangeably.

[0164] In some embodiments, at least one service area may correspond to multiple configuration areas, and each configuration area has the same Ambient IoT configuration. That is, the Ambient IoT configuration may be a configuration area-specific Ambient IoT configuration, and different configuration areas may correspond to different Ambient IoT configurations.

[0165] For example, a service area may include service area 1, service area 2, and service area 3. These three service areas can correspond to two configuration areas, where service area 1 and service area 3 belong to configuration area 1, and service area 2 belongs to configuration area 2. Alternatively, a service area may only include service area 1, which may include cell 1, cell 2, cell 3, and cell 4. These four cells can correspond to two configuration areas; that is, service area 1 can correspond to two configuration areas, where cell 1 and cell 2 belong to configuration area 1, and cell 3 and cell 4 belong to configuration area 2. It should be noted that the above are merely two exemplary division methods and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0166] In some embodiments, the configuration area can be identified by at least one dimension of identification information. Optionally, the at least one dimension may include cell dimension, TA dimension, RA dimension, geographic location area dimension, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0167] That is, the identification information of the configuration area may include at least one cell identification information, at least one TA identification information, at least one RA identification information, at least one geographic location area identification information, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0168] For details on configuration areas of different dimensions, please refer to the previous section on business areas of different dimensions; these details will not be repeated here.

[0169] In some embodiments, a cell may be a primary cell, a secondary cell, a configured cell, a neighboring cell of a primary cell, a neighboring cell of a secondary cell, a neighboring cell of a configured cell, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0170] It should be noted that the configuration cell is the cell that provides configuration, that is, the cell that provides configuration services for the first communication device.

[0171] Optionally, the configuration area may include only the primary cell, or the configuration area may include the primary cell and its neighboring cells. Optionally, if the configuration area includes the primary cell and its neighboring cells, signaling interaction can be performed between the primary cell and its neighboring cells to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the primary cell and its neighboring cells respectively.

[0172] Optionally, the configuration area may include only the secondary cell, or the configuration area may include the secondary cell and its neighboring cells. Optionally, if the configuration area includes the secondary cell and its neighboring cells, signaling interaction can be performed between the secondary cell and its neighboring cells to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the secondary cell and its neighboring cells respectively.

[0173] Optionally, the configuration area may include only the configuration cell, or the configuration area may include the configuration cell and its neighboring cells. Optionally, if the configuration area includes the configuration cell and its neighboring cells, signaling interaction can be performed between the configuration cell and its neighboring cells to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the configuration cell and its neighboring cells, respectively.

[0174] In some embodiments, the configuration area can be equivalent to the business area; for example, the configuration area can be exactly the same as the business area. Alternatively, the configuration area can belong to the business area; for example, the configuration area can be a subset of the business area, that is, the configuration area can include a portion of the business area.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first information may optionally include indication information for the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in a connected state, and / or, the indication information for the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in a disconnected state.

[0176] It should be noted that the first information may include indication information, so that it can be explicitly determined whether the Ambient IoT configuration determined based on the first information is for use in connected mode or for use in disconnected mode. Alternatively, the first information may not include indication information, in which case whether the Ambient IoT configuration determined based on the first information is for use in connected mode or for use in disconnected mode can be a default. That is, it can be a default that the Ambient IoT configuration determined based on the first information without indication information is for use in connected mode, or it can be a default that the Ambient IoT configuration determined based on the first information without indication information is for use in disconnected mode.

[0177] For example, the first information does not include indication information; it is sent to the first communication device via a message releasing the first communication device to a non-connected state (such as an RRC Reconfiguration message), and the first communication device determines that the first information is used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration to be used in the non-connected state. As another example, the first information does not include indication information; it is sent to the first communication device via a connected state message (such as an RRC Reconfiguration message), and the first communication device determines that the first information is used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration to be used in the connected state.

[0178] In some embodiments, if the Ambient IoT configuration determined by default based on the first information is for use in a connected state or for use in a disconnected state, the first communication device may determine, according to the protocol, whether the Ambient IoT configuration is for use in a connected state or for use in a disconnected state based on the first information, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first information for determining the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state and the first information for determining the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state can be configured independently or reused.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first information is used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state. The first information used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state and the first information used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state can be reused. In this case, when the first communication device is in the disconnected state, the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state can be reused. Alternatively, if the network device does not configure the first information for determining the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state, the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state can be reused.

[0181] For example, a network device indicates Ambient IoT service area information in the connected state through first information. When the first communication device is in the disconnected state, the Ambient IoT service area information can be reused. Alternatively, if the network device is not configured to independently indicate Ambient IoT service area information in the disconnected state, the Ambient IoT service area information in the connected state can be reused.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first information is used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state. The first information used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state and the first information used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state can be reused. In this case, when the first communication device is in the connected state, the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state can be reused. Alternatively, if the network device does not configure the first information for determining the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state, the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state can be reused.

[0183] For example, the network device indicates the Ambient IoT service area information in the non-connected state through the first information. When the first communication device is in the connected state, the Ambient IoT service area information can be reused. Alternatively, if the network device is not configured with independent Ambient IoT service area information indicating the connected state, the Ambient IoT service area information in the non-connected state can be reused.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first information used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state can be reused, and the Ambient IoT configuration used to determine the non-connected state can be reused.

[0185] For example, the first information used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state may include two parts: one part is the first information used to determine connected state configuration 1, and the other part is the first information used to determine connected state configuration 2. These two parts of information can be reused. For example, if the network device only provides the first information used to determine connected state configuration 2, the first communication device can reuse the first information to determine connected state configuration 1 as needed. That is, it can reuse connected state configuration 2 even if the network device does not provide the information used to determine connected state configuration 1.

[0186] For example, the first information used to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state may include two parts: one part is the first information used to determine disconnected state configuration 1, and the other part is the first information used to determine disconnected state configuration 2. These two parts of information can be reused. For example, if the network device only provides the first information used to determine disconnected state configuration 2, the first communication device can reuse the first information to determine disconnected state configuration 1 as needed. That is, it can reuse disconnected state configuration 2 even if the network device does not provide the information used to determine disconnected state configuration 1.

[0187] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information can be used by the first communication device to determine its resources for communicating with network devices, and / or, the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information can be used by the first communication device to determine its resources for communicating with Ambient IoT devices.

[0188] In some embodiments, the terms “resource,” “resource set,” “resource group,” “precoding,” “precoder,” “weight,” “precoding weight,” “quasi-co-location (QCL),” “transmission configuration indication (TCI) status,” “spatial relation,” “spatial domain filter,” “transmission power,” “phase rotation,” “antenna port,” “antenna port group,” “layer,” “the number of layers,” “rank,” “beam,” “beam width,” “beam angular degree,” “antenna,” “antenna element,” and “panel” can be used interchangeably.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first information may be received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped, and the first communication device may directly perform the following step S3102 based on the first information currently received.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first information may be received and stored in the cell where the first communication device previously camped. That is, after receiving the first information through step S3101, the first communication device may store the first information so that when needed later, the following step S3102 may be executed based on the stored first information. For example, the following step S3102 may be executed based on the stored first information when a cell handover occurs later, but it is not limited to this.

[0191] In step S3102, the first communication device determines the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed, based on the first information.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped. The first communication device can determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the cell where it is currently camped from the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it previously camped and stored in the first communication device. If the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, then the first communication device can use the Ambient IoT configuration it is currently using.

[0194] In some embodiments, if the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area, it can be determined that the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device. That is, if the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device can continue to be used in the cell where it is currently camped, then the first communication device can use its currently used Ambient IoT configuration.

[0195] Optionally, the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device may be determined to belong to the same service area if at least one of the following conditions is met: the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device have the same service area identifier; the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device meet the preset service area determination rules.

[0196] Optionally, the business area identifier can be a region number or a specific business area mark, but is not limited to these.

[0197] Optionally, the preset service area determination rule can be a determination rule based on factors such as cell coverage, cell signal strength, and the types of services supported by the cell, but is not limited to these.

[0198] In some embodiments, if the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area, it can be determined that the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device. That is, if the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device can continue to be used in the cell where it is currently camped, then the first communication device can use its currently used Ambient IoT configuration.

[0199] Optionally, the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device may be determined to belong to the same configuration area if at least one of the following conditions is met: the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device have the same configuration area identifier; the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device meet the preset configuration area determination rules.

[0200] Optionally, the configuration area identifier can be a region number or a specific configuration area tag, but is not limited to these.

[0201] Optionally, the preset configuration area determination rules can be to determine whether two cells have the same set of configuration parameters or the same resource allocation strategy, but are not limited to these. Optionally, if two cells have the same set of configuration parameters or the same resource allocation strategy, it can be determined that two cells belong to the same configuration area.

[0202] In some embodiments, if the network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, it can be determined that the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device. That is, if the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device can continue to be used in the cell where it is currently camped, then the first communication device can use its currently used Ambient IoT configuration.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it previously camped and stored in the first communication device. If the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, the first communication device can release the Ambient IoT configuration it is currently using.

[0204] In some embodiments, if the cell where the first communication device is currently camped does not belong to the same service area as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, that is, if the cell where the first communication device is currently camped does not belong to the service area of ​​the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, it can be determined that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped does not support Ambient IoT services. In this case, the first communication device can consider that the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where it is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and thus release the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by it.

[0205] It should be noted that the explanation of whether the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area can be found in the previous text, and will not be repeated here.

[0206] In some embodiments, if the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is not in the same configuration area as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and it is determined that the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, then the first communication device can release its currently used Ambient IoT configuration.

[0207] It should be noted that the explanation of whether the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area can be found in the previous text, and will not be repeated here.

[0208] In some embodiments, if the network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and it is determined that the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, then the first communication device can release its currently used Ambient IoT configuration.

[0209] Step S3103: The first communication device executes the Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first communication device may perform configuration activation and licensing operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell it currently resides in.

[0211] In some embodiments, the configuration activation and take-off operation includes at least one of applying the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped, activating the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped, and resuming the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first communication device can perform configuration cancellation and release operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of its previously camped cell. It should be noted that the previously camped cell can also be the cell before reselection.

[0213] In some embodiments, the configuration revocation and release operation includes at least one of the following: not applying the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell previously camped by the first communication device, deactivating the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell previously camped by the first communication device, releasing the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell previously camped by the first communication device, and suspending the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell previously camped by the first communication device.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine the resources for communication between the first communication device and the network device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which it is currently camped, and request the network device to configure the corresponding resources for it based on the determined resources.

[0215] Optionally, if the resource configuration used for communication between the first communication device and the network device has not changed, the resources used for communication between the first communication device and the network device do not need to be reconfigured; if the resource configuration used for communication between the first communication device and the network device has changed, the resources used for communication between the first communication device and the network device can be reconfigured so that the first communication device can communicate with the network device based on the reconfigured resources.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first communication device may also determine the resources for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which it is currently camped.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine the resources for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which it is currently camped, so as to configure or reconfigure the Ambient IoT device based on the determined resources, so that the Ambient IoT can determine the resources for communication between the Ambient IoT and the first communication device.

[0218] Optionally, if the resource configuration used for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device has not changed, the Ambient IoT device does not need to be reconfigured so that the Ambient IoT device does not need to redetermine the resources (i.e., Device to Reader (D2R) resources) used for its communication with the first communication device; if the resource configuration used for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device has changed, the Ambient IoT device can be reconfigured so that after receiving the reconfigured resources, the Ambient IoT can apply the new configuration to communicate with the first communication device.

[0219] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein use the communication between the Ambient IoT device and the first communication device as an example for illustration. In more possible implementations, the device communicating with the first communication device may also be other IoT devices (such as 6G IoT devices), UEs, or other capability-limited devices (such as RedCap UEs). For these devices communicating with the first communication device, the Ambient IoT configuration can also be configured for the first communication device through the solution provided in the embodiments disclosed herein, so as to support the continuity of Ambient IoT services of the first communication device during the movement process. For specific implementation methods, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0220] 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.

[0221] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101+S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101+S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3102+S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0226] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0227] In some embodiments, steps S3102 and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0228] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG3.

[0229] According to the scheme provided in this disclosure, the network device provides the Ambient IoT service area and its configuration within the area to an intermediate node (such as a UEreader, hereinafter referred to as a UEreader) via dedicated signaling. The area may include multiple cells, and the configurations of the multiple cells may be the same or different. When the UEreader moves within the service area in a disconnected state, it determines the configuration information of the current cell based on the configuration information of the network device. Furthermore, if the configuration of the current cell is different from the existing configuration, the new configuration is applied, and the Ambient IoT device is reconfigured according to the new configuration to determine the resource configuration for communication with the UEreader.

[0230] The solutions provided in this disclosure will be further described below from the perspectives of the network device side and the UE reader side, respectively.

[0231] First, the solution provided in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described from the perspective of network devices.

[0232] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the UE reader. The first information includes Ambient IoT service area information and / or corresponding Ambient IoT configuration. The first information is used by the UE Reader to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the current cell.

[0233] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration includes at least one of the following: resource configuration for communication between the UE reader and the network device, and resource configuration for communication between the UE reader and the Ambient IoT device.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first information is used by the UE reader to determine the Ambient IoT configuration used in the connected state and / or the Ambient IoT configuration used in the disconnected state. The first information for the connected and disconnected states can be an independent configuration or a reused existing configuration. For example, the network device uses the first information to indicate the Ambient IoT service area information in the connected state. When the UE reader is in the disconnected state, the Ambient IoT service area information can be reused, or the connected state Ambient IoT service area information can be reused if the network device does not configure independent Ambient IoT service area information indicating the disconnected state. As another example, the network device uses the first information to indicate the Ambient IoT service area information in the disconnected state. When the UE reader is in the connected state, the Ambient IoT service area information can be reused, or the disconnected state Ambient IoT service area information can be reused if the network device does not configure independent Ambient IoT service area information indicating the connected state.

[0235] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT service area includes one or more cells. The Ambient IoT service area information includes, but is not limited to, identification information for one or more cells / tracking areas / registration areas / geographical locations. Further, a cell may only include a PCell. Further, multiple identification information may contain all identification information content. If some identification information content is the same as the identification information of the provided configured cell, the network device can omit the identical parts and only indicate the different parts, thereby saving signaling overhead. The UEreader only needs to determine all identification information of the Ambient IoT service area based on the identification information of the provided configured cell and the different identification information parts indicated by the network. For example, the Ambient IoT service area information contains multiple cell identification information. These multiple cells can be co-frequency cells or inter-frequency cells. Further, if multiple cells belong to the same frequency point, they can be identified by frequency point information + PCI list. If they are co-frequency with the cell sending the first information, only the PCI list can be indicated to identify multiple cells. The UEreader determines the identification information of multiple cells based on the frequency point information of the cell receiving the first information.

[0236] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration can be a region-specific Ambient IoT configuration, including region information and associated Ambient IoT configuration information. The configuration format of the region information identifier is the same as above and will not be repeated here. The associated Ambient IoT configurations are identical within the configuration region. The configuration region belongs to the Ambient IoT service region, which can be equivalent to the Ambient IoT service region or a subset thereof. The configuration region includes at least the cell providing the configuration and may also include neighboring cells of the cell providing the configuration. If neighboring cells are included, the configuration cell and neighboring cells need to perform signaling interaction to determine cell information and Ambient IoT configuration information. Furthermore, the region may only include PCells.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first information can be sent to the UE Reader via proprietary signaling such as an RRC reconfiguration or RRC release message. As an extension, the first information can also be sent to the UE Reader via broadcast messages such as a Paging message, an SIB message, or a proprietary broadcast channel message.

[0238] The following describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this disclosure from the perspective of the UEreader.

[0239] In some embodiments, the UEreader receives first information sent by the network device, determines the Ambient IoT configuration of the current cell based on the first information, and executes the Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration.

[0240] The first piece of information is the same as above and will not be repeated here.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first information may be received by the UEreader in the current cell, or it may have been received and stored within the UEreader in a previously camped cell. If the first information is received in the current cell, the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the current cell is determined based on the first information. If the first indication information is received and stored within the UEreader in a previously camped cell, the UEreader performs at least one of the following:

[0242] Based on the first information, it is determined that the current cell belongs to the Ambient IoT service area. Further, if the current cell does not belong to the Ambient IoT service area, the UEreader believes that the current cell does not support the Ambient IoT service. Optionally, the UEreader can release the existing Ambient IoT configuration.

[0243] Based on the first information, it is determined whether the current cell and the configuration currently used by the UEreader are the same. For example, the UEreader determines whether the current cell and the cell receiving the first information are associated with the same configuration or belong to the same configuration association area. If they are the same, it is determined that the Ambient IoT configuration used by the UEreader can continue to be used in the current cell. If they are different, the configuration associated with the current cell is determined based on the first information.

[0244] In some embodiments, the area information can be configured independently or reused from an existing configuration. For example, the network device indicates the Ambient IoT service area information in the connected state through first information. When the UE reader is in the disconnected state, the Ambient IoT service area information can be reused, or the connected state Ambient IoT service area information can be reused if the network device does not configure independent Ambient IoT service area information indicating the disconnected state. As another example, the network device indicates the Ambient IoT service area information in the disconnected state through first information. When the UE reader is in the connected state, the Ambient IoT service area information can be reused, or the disconnected state Ambient IoT service area information can be reused if the network device does not configure independent Ambient IoT service area information indicating the connected state.

[0245] In some embodiments, executing an Ambient IoT process based on an Ambient IoT configuration includes at least one of the following:

[0246] Apply, activate, or resume the Ambient IoT configuration of the current cell to execute the Ambient IoT process, where the current cell is the cell where the UEreader is camped;

[0247] The Ambient IoT configuration of the previous cell is not applied, deactivated, released, or suspended. The previous cell refers to the cell where the terminal previously camped or was reselected.

[0248] Furthermore, the UEreader determines the resource configuration for communicating with the Ambient IoT device based on the Ambient IoT configuration, and configures or reconfigures the Ambient IoT device based on the resource configuration to determine the resources (such as D2R resources) for communicating with the UEreader. It should be noted that if the resource configuration for communicating with the Ambient IoT device remains unchanged, the Ambient IoT device does not need to be reconfigured. However, if the resource configuration for communicating with the Ambient IoT device changes, the Ambient IoT device needs to be reconfigured. After receiving the reconfigured resources, the Ambient IoT applies the new configuration to communicate with the UE reader.

[0249] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0250] Step S4101: Obtain the first information.

[0251] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first communication device receives first information sent by a network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first communication device acquires first information as defined by a protocol.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first communication device obtains first information from the upper layer(s).

[0255] In some embodiments, the first communication device processes information to obtain the first information.

[0256] In some embodiments, step S4101 is omitted, and the first communication device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is a default or default setting.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one business area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one business area.

[0258] Step S4102: Based on the first information, determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

[0259] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3102 in Figure 3 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0260] Step S4103: Execute the Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed.

[0261] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S3103 in Figure 3 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4101+S4102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4101+S4103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S4102+S4103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0263] In some embodiments, steps S4101 and S4103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0264] In some embodiments, steps S4102 and S4103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0265] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0266] Step S4201: Based on the first information, determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

[0267] The optional implementations of step S4201 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S3101, S3102, and S3103 in Figure 3, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one business area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one business area.

[0270] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration is used to configure at least one of the following resources for the first communication device: resources for the first communication device to communicate with a network device; and resources for the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device.

[0271] In some embodiments, at least one business area is identified by identification information in at least one of the following dimensions: cell; TA; RA; geographic location area.

[0272] In some embodiments, a cell includes at least one of the following: a primary cell; a secondary cell; a configured cell; a neighboring cell of the primary cell; a neighboring cell of the secondary cell; and a neighboring cell of the configured cell.

[0273] In some embodiments, at least one business area is identified by multiple dimensions of identification information, and the same identification information in the multiple dimensions of identification information is omitted.

[0274] In some embodiments, at least one business area corresponds to multiple configuration areas, and the Ambient IoT configuration is the same for each configuration area.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first information further includes indication information, which is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the connected state, and / or, the indication information is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the disconnected state.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first communication device may receive first information sent by the network device.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first communication device may receive a first message sent by the network device, the first message including first information; wherein, the first message is an RRC signaling or a broadcast message.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the currently camped cell, or the first information is received by the first communication device in a previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped. The first communication device can determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the cell where it is currently camped from the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it previously camped and stored in the first communication device. The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device currently camps is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device. The first communication device can use the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it previously camped and stored in the first communication device. The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device. The first communication device can release the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

[0282] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is determined to be the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device if at least one of the following conditions is met: the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area; the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area; or the network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first communication device may execute an Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which the first communication device is currently camped.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first communication device may perform configuration activation and take effect operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first communication device may perform configuration cancellation and release operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell previously camped by the first communication device.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine the resources used for communication between the first communication device and the network device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which the first communication device is currently camped.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first communication device may determine the resources used for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell in which the first communication device is currently camped.

[0288] 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.

[0289] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0290] Step S5101: Send the first message.

[0291] The optional implementations of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S3101, S3102, and S3103 in Figure 3, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0292] In some embodiments, the network device sends first information to the first communication device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send first information to other entities.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one business area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of at least one business area.

[0295] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration is used to configure at least one of the following resources for the first communication device: resources for the first communication device to communicate with a network device; and resources for the first communication device to communicate with the Ambient IoT device.

[0296] In some embodiments, at least one business area is identified by identification information in at least one of the following dimensions: cell; TA; RA; geographic location area.

[0297] In some embodiments, a cell includes at least one of the following: a primary cell; a secondary cell; a configured cell; a neighboring cell of the primary cell; a neighboring cell of the secondary cell; and a neighboring cell of the configured cell.

[0298] In some embodiments, at least one business area is identified by multiple dimensions of identification information, and the same identification information in the multiple dimensions of identification information is omitted.

[0299] In some embodiments, at least one business area corresponds to multiple configuration areas, and the Ambient IoT configuration is the same for each configuration area.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first information further includes indication information, which is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the connected state, and / or, the indication information is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the disconnected state.

[0301] In some embodiments, a network device may send a first message to a first communication device, the first message including first information; wherein the first message is an RRC signaling or a broadcast message.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the currently camped cell, or the first information is received by the first communication device in a previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first information is further used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped. The first information is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the cell where the first communication device is currently camped from the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first information is received by the first communication device in a previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device. The first information is used by the first communication device to perform any of the following: the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, so the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is used; or the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, so the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is released.

[0306] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is determined to be the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device if at least one of the following conditions is met: the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area; the cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area; or the network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

[0307] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is used by the first communication device to execute the Ambient IoT process.

[0308] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is used by the first communication device to perform one of the following Ambient IoT processes: performing configuration activation and licensing operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped; and performing configuration cancellation and release operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cells where the first communication device was previously camped.

[0309] In some embodiments, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is further used by the first communication device to perform one of the following Ambient IoT processes: determining resources for communication between the first communication device and the network device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped; and determining resources for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

[0310] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least step S5101, and step S5101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0311] In this embodiment of the disclosure, step S5101 can be combined with step S4101 of FIG4A.

[0312] 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.

[0313] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the first communication device in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0314] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0315] 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).

[0316] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the first communication device 6100 may include at least a processing module 6101. In some embodiments, the processing module 6101 is configured to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped based on first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area; wherein the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device. Optionally, the processing module 6101 is used to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S3102, S3103, but not limited thereto) performed by the first communication device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the first communication device 6100 may further include a transceiver module. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S3101, but not limited thereto) performed by the first communication device in any of the above methods, such as sending and / or receiving, which will not be described in detail here.

[0317] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the network device 6200 may include at least a transceiver module 6201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 is configured to send first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area, and the first information is also used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell; wherein, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device. Optionally, the transceiver module 6201 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, the network device 6200 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.

[0318] 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.

[0319] 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.

[0320] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a first communication device (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 first communication device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 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.

[0321] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 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 7100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0322] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0323] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceivers 7103 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 7101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S3102, step S3103, but not limited thereto).

[0324] 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.

[0325] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102, and the interface circuit 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0326] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a first communication device, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0327] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0328] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0329] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and the interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive signals from memory 7203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 7202 can be used to send signals to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in memory 7203 and send the instructions to processor 7201.

[0330] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 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 7201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S3102, step S3103, but not limited thereto).

[0331] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0332] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside of chip 7200.

[0333] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 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.

[0334] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0335] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0336] 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.

[0337] 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, characterized in that, Performed by a first communication device, the first communication device being used to forward data and / or commands between a passive Ambient IoT device and a network device; the method includes: Based on the first information, the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed is determined. The first information is used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Ambient IoT configuration is used to configure at least one of the following resources for the first communication device: Resources used for communication between the first communication device and the network device; Resources used for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one business area is identified by at least one of the following dimensions of identification information: residential community; Tracking area TA; Registered Region (RA); Geographical location area.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The community includes at least one of the following: Main residential area; Auxiliary community; Configure the community; The neighboring communities of the main community; The neighboring communities of the auxiliary community; Configure the neighboring communities of the community.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The at least one business area is identified by multiple dimensions of identification information, and the same identification information in the multiple dimensions of identification information is omitted.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one business area corresponds to multiple configuration areas, and the Ambient IoT configuration is the same for each configuration area.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information also includes indication information, which is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the connected state, and / or, the indication information is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the disconnected state.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the first information sent by the network device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Receiving the first information sent by the network device includes: The network device receives a first message, which includes the first information; wherein the first message is a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or a broadcast message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped, or the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it was previously camped and stored in the first communication device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first information is received by the first communication device in the cell it is currently camped on. The step of determining the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped on based on the first information includes: From the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information, determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first information is received by the first communication device in the cell it previously camped on and stored in the first communication device. The step of determining the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell the first communication device is currently camped on based on the first information includes any one of the following: The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is used. If the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, release the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is determined to be the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device if at least one of the following conditions is met: The cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area; The cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area; The network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The Ambient IoT process is executed based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The execution of the Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped includes at least one of the following: Perform configuration activation and licensing operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped; Perform configuration cancellation and release operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell previously camped by the first communication device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The execution of the Ambient IoT process based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped also includes at least one of the following: Based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped, resources for communication between the first communication device and the network device are determined; Based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed, resources for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device are determined.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a network device, the method includes: Sending first information to a first communication device, the first information being used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area, the first information being used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell; wherein, the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Ambient IoT configuration is used to configure at least one of the following resources for the first communication device: Resources used for communication between the first communication device and the network device; Resources used for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The at least one business area is identified by at least one of the following dimensions of identification information: residential community; TA; RA; Geographical location area.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The community includes at least one of the following: Main residential area; Auxiliary community; Configure the community; The neighboring communities of the main community; The neighboring communities of the auxiliary community; Configure the neighboring communities of the community.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The at least one business area is identified by multiple dimensions of identification information, and the same identification information in the multiple dimensions of identification information is omitted.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that, The at least one business area corresponds to multiple configuration areas, and the Ambient IoT configuration is the same for each configuration area.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that, The first information also includes indication information, which is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the connected state, and / or, the indication information is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration for use in the disconnected state.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first communication device includes: Send a first message to a first communication device, the first message including the first information; wherein the first message is an RRC signaling or a broadcast message.

25. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that, The first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped, or the first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it was previously camped and stored in the first communication device.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The first information is received by the first communication device in the cell where it is currently camped. The first information is used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration corresponding to the cell where the first communication device is currently camped from the Ambient IoT configuration indicated by the first information.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The first information is received by the first communication device in the previously camped cell and stored in the first communication device. The first information is used by the first communication device to perform any of the following: The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, and the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device is used. If the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is different from the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device, release the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is determined to be the same as the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device if at least one of the following conditions is met: The cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same service area; The cell where the first communication device is currently camped and the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device belong to the same configuration area; The network device indicates that the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is the same as the cell corresponding to the Ambient IoT configuration currently used by the first communication device.

29. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 28, characterized in that, The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently stationed is used by the first communication device to execute the Ambient IoT process.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is used by the first communication device to execute one of the following Ambient IoT processes: Perform configuration activation and licensing operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped; Perform configuration cancellation and release operations on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell previously camped by the first communication device.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped is also used for the first communication device to execute one of the following Ambient IoT processes: Based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped, resources for communication between the first communication device and the network device are determined; Resources for communication between the first communication device and the Ambient IoT device are determined based on the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped.

32. A first communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is configured to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the cell where the first communication device is currently camped based on first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area; wherein the first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

33. A network device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first communication device. The first information is used to indicate at least one service area supporting Ambient IoT services and / or the Ambient IoT configuration of the at least one service area. The first information is also used by the first communication device to determine the Ambient IoT configuration of the currently camped cell. The first communication device is used to forward data and / or commands between the Ambient IoT device and the network device.

34. A first communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The first communication device is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-16.

35. A network device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The network is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 17-31.

36. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first communication device and a network device, wherein the first communication device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1-16, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 17-31.

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 1-16 or 17-31.

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