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

Abstract

本公开涉及一种通信方法、通信设备、通信系统、存储介质及程序产品。方法包括：接收第二设备发送的第一消息，所述第一消息包括：支持与第一设备建立关联的第二设备对应的信息；其中，所述第二设备用于执行关联的第一设备与网络设备通信的至少部分通信功能。本公开的方法中，第二设备可以执行关联的第一设备对应的一些通信功能，从而有效节约第一设备的能耗。

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of communication networks, the number of devices connected to these networks is increasing. Based on the development of various new applications and intelligent technologies, the number of IoT devices requiring network connectivity in IoT application scenarios will experience explosive growth. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the scenario of a surge in connected devices in the aforementioned networks, the energy consumption of these devices remains one of the main issues that need to be addressed.

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0006] The device receives a first message from a second device, the first message including information corresponding to a second device that supports establishing an association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions for communication between the associated first device and network devices.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0008] Send a first message to a first device, the first message including: information corresponding to a second device that supports establishing an association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device communicating with network devices.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0010] Receive the second message sent by the first device; and / or,

[0011] A third message is sent to the second device, wherein the second message or the third message is used to request association with the second device, and the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device and network device.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0013] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a first device, a second device, and a network device, wherein...

[0014] The first device is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect;

[0015] The second device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect;

[0016] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0017] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0018] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0019] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0020] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first device can obtain information about the second device that can be associated through the first message, so that it can initiate the association at an appropriate time and execute some communication functions corresponding to the first device through the second device, thereby effectively saving the energy consumption of the first device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 is an exemplary interactive diagram of a method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figures 3A and 3B are exemplary interactive schematic diagrams of the method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0032] The device receives a first message from a second device, the first message including information corresponding to a second device that supports establishing an association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions for communication between the associated first device and network devices.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the first device can obtain information about the second device that can be associated through the first message, so that it can initiate the association at an appropriate time and execute some communication functions corresponding to the first device through the second device, thereby effectively saving the energy consumption of the first device.

[0034] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0035] If no association is established with the second device, the first device performs at least some of the communication functions.

[0036] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first message sent by the second device includes:

[0037] Based on the time-frequency location information defined in the protocol, receive the first message sent by the second device; or...

[0038] Based on the time-frequency location information indicated by the network device, the first message sent by the second device is received.

[0039] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0040] Send a second message to the second device or the network device, the second message being used by the network device to send a third message to the second device, the second message or the third message being used to request association with the second device;

[0041] The device receives a fourth message from the second device or a fifth message from the network device, the fourth message or the fifth message indicating permission for the first device to associate with the second device.

[0042] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second message or the third message includes at least one of the following:

[0043] The device identifier of the second device;

[0044] The identifier of the first device;

[0045] Supports communication functions performed via the second device.

[0046] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0047] Send a sixth message to the second device or the network device, the sixth message being used to indicate the Radio Resource Control (RRC) status of the first device prior to association, and / or the communication function that the first device expects the second device to perform.

[0048] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0049] Once associated with the second device, the first device does not perform the communication functions performed through the associated second device.

[0050] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second message or the third message is sent by the first device when the measurement result of the first message is greater than or equal to the measurement threshold.

[0051] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message is a low-power message received by a low-power receiver.

[0052] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0053] Device information of the second device;

[0054] The information about the community where the second device is stationed;

[0055] Instruction information, which indicates whether to allow the first device to establish an association, and / or the conditions that the first device must meet to allow the association to be established.

[0056] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the device information includes at least one of the following:

[0057] Equipment type;

[0058] Equipment identification.

[0059] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0060] Community signage;

[0061] Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

[0062] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0063] The second device allows the association of the identifier of the first device;

[0064] The second device allows the associated service types of the first device;

[0065] An indication bit is used to indicate whether to allow or deny association of a first device, wherein the indication bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device.

[0066] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second device, the method comprising:

[0067] Send a first message to a first device, the first message including: information corresponding to a second device that supports establishing an association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device communicating with network devices.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the second device can help the bound first device perform some communication functions, effectively saving the energy consumption of the first device.

[0069] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0070] The network device receives a seventh message, which instructs the second device to send the first message.

[0071] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0072] Receive a second message sent by the first device, or receive a third message sent by the network device, wherein the second message or the third message is used to request association with the second device;

[0073] A fourth message is sent to the first device or the network device, the fourth message being used by the network device to send a fifth message to the first device, wherein the fourth message or the fifth message is used to indicate that the first device is allowed to associate with the second device.

[0074] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second message or the third message includes at least one of the following:

[0075] The device identifier of the second device;

[0076] The identifier of the first device;

[0077] Supports communication functions performed via the second device.

[0078] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0079] The device receives a sixth message sent by the first device or the network device, the sixth message being used to indicate the Radio Resource Control (RRC) status of the first device prior to association, and / or the communication function that the first device expects the second device to perform.

[0080] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time-frequency location information of the first message is defined by a protocol or notified to the first device by a network device.

[0081] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message is a low-power message received by a low-power receiver.

[0082] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0083] Device information of the second device;

[0084] The information about the community where the second device is stationed;

[0085] Instruction information, which indicates whether to allow the first device to establish an association, and / or the conditions that the first device must meet to allow the association to be established.

[0086] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the device information includes at least one of the following:

[0087] Equipment type;

[0088] Equipment identification.

[0089] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0090] Community signage;

[0091] Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

[0092] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0093] The second device allows the association of the identifier of the first device;

[0094] The second device allows the associated service types of the first device;

[0095] An indication bit is used to indicate whether to allow or deny association of a first device, wherein the indication bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device.

[0096] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0097] Receive the second message sent by the first device; and / or,

[0098] A third message is sent to the second device, wherein the second message or the third message is used to request association with the second device, and the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device and network device.

[0099] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0100] The device may receive a fourth message from the second device and / or send a fifth message to the first device, the fourth or fifth message being used to indicate permission for the first device to associate with the second device.

[0101] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second message or the third message includes at least one of the following:

[0102] The device identifier of the second device;

[0103] The identifier corresponding to the first device;

[0104] Supports communication functions performed via the second device.

[0105] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0106] A seventh message is sent to the second device, the seventh message being used to instruct the second device to send the first message.

[0107] In conjunction with the embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the time-frequency location information corresponding to the first message is defined by a protocol or indicated by the network device.

[0108] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first message is a low-power message received by a low-power receiver.

[0109] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0110] Device information of the second device;

[0111] The information about the community where the second device is stationed;

[0112] Instruction information, which indicates whether to allow the first device to establish an association, and / or the conditions that the first device must meet to allow the association to be established.

[0113] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the device information includes at least one of the following:

[0114] Equipment type;

[0115] Equipment identification.

[0116] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the cell information includes at least one of the following:

[0117] Community signage;

[0118] Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

[0119] In conjunction with embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0120] The second device allows the association of the identifier of the first device;

[0121] The second device allows the associated service types of the first device;

[0122] An indication bit is used to indicate whether to allow or deny association of a first device, wherein the indication bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device.

[0123] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0124] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a first device, a second device, and a network device, wherein...

[0125] The first device is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect;

[0126] The second device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect;

[0127] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0128] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0129] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0130] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0131] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in alternative implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0132] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0133] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0134] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method," "information sending and receiving method," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0135] 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. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0139] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0140] 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 whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0141] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); 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, and C.

[0142] 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.

[0143] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0144] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0145] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0146] 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”.

[0147] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0148] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0149] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "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," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0150] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "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", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0151] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0152] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0153] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0154] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0155] 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.

[0156] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101, a second device 102, and a network device 103.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may be a terminal or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. For example, the first device 101 may be a cellular-based narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device, etc.

[0159] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may be a terminal, such as a 5G or 6G terminal, or an in-vehicle device.

[0160] Optionally, the first device 101 and the second device 102 may have different capabilities, or their capabilities may be similar, but the first device 101 may have energy-saving requirements. For example, the second device 102 may be a first-type terminal with stronger device capabilities (e.g., stronger hardware capabilities) and / or sufficient power supply, or a high-capacity device (header). The first device 101 may be a second-type terminal with weaker device capabilities and / or limited power supply, such as an IoT device.

[0161] In some embodiments, in a device-bonded scenario, the second device 102 can be associated with one or more first devices 101, and additionally has the function of managing the first devices 101. In this scenario, the first device 101 can offload some communication functions to the second device 102, or associate some communication functions with the second device 102; the second device 102 can assist or replace the associated first device 101 in performing or completing some communication functions, thereby helping the first device 101 save energy.

[0162] Optionally, the first device 101 may completely suspend the communication function and hand it over to the second device 102; alternatively, after the first device 101 transfers the communication function to the second device 102, it may need to perform this part of the communication function in a different way, such as by using a method with lower power consumption and lower complexity.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second device 102 is located close to the first device 101, for example, the distance between the second device 102 and the first device 101 is less than a predefined distance threshold.

[0164] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0165] In some embodiments, network device 103 may include at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0166] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0170] In some embodiments, core network equipment includes network elements with specific functions, such as Access Management Function (AMF) and Service Management Function (SMF).

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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).

[0174] In some implementations, within IoT application scenarios, the telecommunications industry, in collaboration with traditional industries, is continuously launching various new applications, such as smart grids, smart parking, smart transportation / logistics, smart energy / mining management, and hydrological monitoring. These applications cover various vertical sectors including smart cities, smart homes, and smart transportation, rapidly driving the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries and bringing great convenience to people's daily lives. Large-scale applications will spawn new markets and technologies. In future networks, such as 6G networks, there will be a wider range of IoT usage, and the number of IoT devices needing to connect to the network will experience explosive growth.

[0175] In some implementations, in an NB-IoT network, the power consumption of NB-IoT devices can be reduced by lowering data transmission bandwidth, simplifying physical layer information transmission methods, relaxing radio resource management (RRM) measurements, or applying wake-up signals.

[0176] In some embodiments, one of the key requirements for IoT devices in future networks such as 6G is power saving. For example, to further reduce network maintenance and equipment manufacturing costs, some IoT applications are placing new demands on device power consumption, such as requiring microwatt (μW) level power consumption to achieve longer power cycles even with limited battery storage. Therefore, the energy consumption of devices remains one of the main issues that need to be addressed.

[0177] In some embodiments, for IoT devices in future networks such as 6G, another prominent requirement is to avoid network resource congestion on the basis of massive IoT device connectivity. As the number of devices increases, there is a problem of mutual interference between the transmitting and receiving signals of different devices on the air interface, affecting communication quality; too many devices interacting with network signaling can also cause excessive network load and network resource congestion.

[0178] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0179] In step S2101, network device 103 sends a seventh message to second device 102.

[0180] In some embodiments, network device 103 may include at least one of access network device and core network device. For example, network device 103 includes a base station (BS).

[0181] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the foregoing description, the second device 102 may be a terminal. The second device 102 may possess strong terminal capabilities, such as strong hardware processing capabilities. Alternatively, the second device 102 may have sufficient energy or a sufficient power supply.

[0182] Optionally, the second device 102 may be referred to as a high-capacity device or a Header device (or simply Header).

[0183] In some embodiments, the seventh message is used to instruct the second device 102 to send or stop sending the first message.

[0184] Optionally, the seventh message is used to enable or disable the function of the second device 102 in sending the first message.

[0185] Optionally, the seventh message is used to activate or deactivate the second device 102 by sending the first message.

[0186] In some embodiments, the seventh message may be an indication message or a configuration message. Specifically, network device 103 may send the seventh message via different signaling methods to indicate to the second device 102 whether to enable or activate the sending of the first message.

[0187] Optionally, network device 103 may send a seventh message via System Information (SI).

[0188] Optionally, network device 103 can send the seventh message by sending Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0189] Optionally, network device 103 can send a seventh message by sending Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0190] Optionally, network device 103 can send a seventh message by sending a Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE).

[0191] In some embodiments, the second device 102 receives a seventh message.

[0192] Optionally, if the seventh message indicates that the second device 102 is enabled or activated to send the first message, the second device 102 may execute step S2103 to send the first message.

[0193] Optionally, if the seventh message indicates to enable or deactivate the second device 102 to send the first message, the second device 102 may not execute step S2104 and may not send the first message.

[0194] In some embodiments, network device 103 may send a corresponding seventh message based on scene changes to instruct the second device 102 to send a first message for activation or deactivation.

[0195] For example, when network device 103 learns that the channel link quality of any one or more first devices 102 is poor, or when it learns that any one or more first devices 102 have energy-saving requirements, network device 103 may send a seventh message to a second device 102 around or near the one or more first devices 102 to instruct the second device 102 to send the first message.

[0196] For example, when network device 103 learns that second device 102 is no longer bound to first device 102, or when it learns that first device 102 requests to unbind, network device 103 can send a seventh message to instruct second device 102 to send the first message, that is, to tell second device 102 not to send or to stop sending the first message.

[0197] It is understood that the implementation of the first message and the first device 102 described above can be found in the following description of the implementation, and will not be repeated here.

[0198] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional or can be omitted, for example, by default, the second device 102 is activated to send the first message.

[0199] In step S2102, the first device 101 sends the ninth message to the network device 103.

[0200] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the description of the foregoing embodiments, the first device 101 may be a terminal or an IoT device. The first device 101 may have weak terminal capabilities; or the first device 101 may require energy saving, or have problems with insufficient or limited power supply.

[0201] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device 101 is an IoT device, while in other embodiments, the first device 101 may also be a terminal that needs to save energy.

[0202] In some embodiments, the ninth message is used to request relevant information about the second device 102.

[0203] In some embodiments, the ninth message is used to request the eighth message described below, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate the time-frequency location information corresponding to the first message. The eighth message can also be found in the description of the following embodiments.

[0204] In some embodiments, step S2102 applies to the first device 101 in the RRC connected state. For example, the first device 101 may send a ninth message when it is in the RRC connected state.

[0205] In some embodiments, network device 103 receives a ninth message. After receiving the ninth message, step S2103 can be executed.

[0206] In some embodiments, step S2102 may be optional or may be omitted.

[0207] For example, without the first device 101 requesting it, the network device 103 proactively sends the eighth message to the first device 101.

[0208] For example, instead of network device 103 sending an eighth message, first device 101 determines the time-frequency location information of the first message based on the protocol definition. See the following description of the embodiments for details.

[0209] For example, for the first device 101 which is in the RRC idle state or RRC inactive state, this step S2102 does not need to be performed.

[0210] In step S2103, network device 103 sends an eighth message to first device 101.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first device 101 receives an eighth message.

[0212] In some embodiments, the eighth message may be an instruction message or a configuration message.

[0213] Optionally, the eighth message can configure the first device 101 with relevant information about the second device 102.

[0214] For example, the eighth message is used to indicate the identifier (header ID) of the second device 102.

[0215] For example, the eighth message is used to indicate the time-frequency location information corresponding to the first message sent by the second device 102.

[0216] In some embodiments, network device 103 may send an eighth message via system information.

[0217] Optionally, network device 103 broadcasts system information carrying the eighth message. First device 101 can obtain the eighth message corresponding to its cell by receiving the system information of the cell it is stationed in (or the cell itself), such as knowing the time-frequency location information of the cell where the second device 102 sent the first message.

[0218] Optionally, the first device 101, which is in the RRC idle state or inactive state, can switch to the RRC connected state and obtain the eighth message in the system information.

[0219] Optionally, the first device 101 in the RRC connected state can listen to system information to obtain the eighth message.

[0220] In some embodiments, for the first device 101 in RRC connected state, the network device 103 may also send the eighth message via UE-specific signaling.

[0221] In some embodiments, network device 103 can directly send an eighth message to first device 101 to configure relevant information of second device 102. For example, network device 103 configures relevant information of second device 102 in the vicinity of first device 101 or nearby to first device 101 through the eighth message based on location information of first device 101 and second device 102. In this embodiment, step S2102 can be omitted.

[0222] In some embodiments, network device 103 may send an eighth message to the first device 101 based on a request from the first device 101, such as the ninth message in step S2102, to configure relevant information of the second device 102. In this embodiment, the first device 101 may be in an RRC connected state.

[0223] In some embodiments, step S2103 may be optional or can be omitted, for example, the time-frequency location information corresponding to the first message is predefined by the protocol.

[0224] In step S2104, the second device 102 sends the first message.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may send a first message according to a seventh message, when the seventh message indicates that the second device 102 is enabled or activated to send a first message.

[0226] In some embodiments, if the second device 102 is activated by default to send the first message, the second device 102 can directly send the first message.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may broadcast a first message for one or more first devices 101 near the second device 102 to listen to.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first device 101 listens for and receives a first message based on relevant information of the second device 102 obtained in advance.

[0229] For example, one or more first devices 101 located near the second device 102 can obtain the time-frequency location information of the first message based on the indication of the eighth message in step S2103 above, and thus detect and receive the first message at the corresponding time-frequency location.

[0230] For example, one or more first devices 101 located near the second device 102 can blindly search for the first message at the time-frequency location where the first message may be sent or at the candidate time-frequency location defined by the protocol, based on the time-frequency location information of the first message predefined by the protocol.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first message may also be referred to as the first signal. For example, the first message includes a reference signal, which the first device 101 can receive and measure to obtain a measurement result.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first message is used to establish a binding or binding relationship between the first device 101 and the second device 102.

[0233] Optionally, the first message includes information corresponding to the second device that supports the association with the first device.

[0234] For example, the first message is used by the first device 101 to discover the second device 102. The first device 101 can discover the second device 102 by successfully receiving the first message from the second device 102.

[0235] The first message can also be used by the first device 101, after receiving the first message, to determine, based on the measurement results, whether the first device 101 itself can establish a binding with the second device 102. See the description of step S2105 below.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second device 102 may periodically send a first message so that more first devices 101 can discover the second device 102.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first message is low-power information received by a low-power receiver.

[0238] Optionally, the first message can be a low-power signal, such as a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signal or an on-off keying (OOK) signal. The first device 101 can detect and receive the first message through a low-power receiver, thereby further realizing energy saving of the first device 101.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first message may be ordinary modulation information detected by the master transceiver, such as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal with a more complex modulation or demodulation method.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0241] Equipment information for the second device;

[0242] Information about the community where the second device is stationed;

[0243] Instruction information, which indicates whether the association of the first device is allowed and / or the conditions that must be met for the first device to be associated.

[0244] Optionally, the device information includes at least one of the following:

[0245] Equipment type;

[0246] Equipment identification.

[0247] The first message may carry a device type or node type flag to indicate that the device sending the first message is the second device 102 instead of the network device 103.

[0248] The first message may carry the device identifier (header ID) of the second device 102. The device identifier is used to distinguish different second devices 102, that is, different second devices 102 have different device identifiers.

[0249] Optionally, the community information includes at least one of the following:

[0250] Community signage;

[0251] Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

[0252] The first message may carry the cell ID of the cell where the second device 102 is stationed. The second device 102 is close to the first device 101, and the cell it is stationed in may be the same.

[0253] The first message may carry the frequency information of the synchronization signal of the cell where the second device 102 is camped, such as the frequency location information of the synchronization signal: Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (AFRCN).

[0254] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0255] The identifier of the first device that the second device is allowed to be associated with;

[0256] The second device allows the associated service types of the first device;

[0257] An indication bit is used to indicate whether the association of a first device is allowed or denied, wherein the indication bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device.

[0258] The indication information is used to indicate the conditions that the second device should meet to support or allow the associated first device to meet.

[0259] For example, the instruction information may carry a list of identifiers for the first device 101, which may indicate one or more first devices 101 that support or allow association. These first devices 101 may request to associate with the second device 102; if a first device 101 outside the identifier list requests to associate with the second device 102, the second device 102 may refuse.

[0260] For example, the service type can indicate the priority or specific type of the service contracted by the first device 101, and the second device 102 can allow or support the first device 101 with a higher service priority, or allow or support the first device 101 with a specific service type.

[0261] The indication information may carry an indication bit indicating whether the association of the first device 101 is allowed. For example, when the value of the indication bit is a first value, it indicates that the association of the first device 101 is allowed; when the value of the indication bit is a second value, it indicates that the association of the first device 101 is denied.

[0262] The first quantity can be the maximum number of first devices that the second device 102 supports or allows to be associated with. The second device 102 can set this first quantity itself.

[0263] In one example, when the number of associated first devices 101 is reached, the second device 102 can update the first message, which carries an indication bit to reject association with other first devices 101.

[0264] In some embodiments, terms such as "associating the second device 102 with the first device 101," "establishing an association," "establishing an association relationship," "binding," "establishing a binding," or "establishing a binding relationship" can be used interchangeably. When the second device 102 is associated with the first device 101, when the association is successful, or when the association is completed, the second device 102 can replace one or more associated first devices 101 to perform at least some communication functions, thereby saving the energy consumption of the first device 101. When the second device 102 replaces multiple associated first devices 101 to perform communication functions, the second device 102 can replace those first devices 101 to communicate with the network device 103, thereby reducing signaling interaction in the network, avoiding network resource congestion, and reducing mutual interference between the transmit and receive signals of different devices on the air interface resources, thus improving communication quality.

[0265] Optionally, the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device communicating with the network device.

[0266] Optionally, if no association is established with the second device, the first device may perform at least some of the aforementioned communication functions on its own.

[0267] Alternatively, the communication function can also be referred to as communication behavior, communication operation, etc.

[0268] Optionally, the communication function may include RRM measurement, paging monitoring, etc. For example, when the second device 102 is associated with one or more first devices 101, the second device 102 can perform RRM measurement or paging monitoring in place of the one or more first devices 101, thereby enabling the one or more first devices 101 to effectively save energy and reduce the amount of signaling exchanged with the network, thus reducing communication interference.

[0269] In step S2105, the first device 101 sends a second message to the network device 103.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request an association with the second device 102.

[0271] Optionally, the first device 101 transmits request information to the second device 102 through the network device 103. If the first device 101 is in an RRC idle state or an inactive state at this time, it needs to switch to an RRC connected state before sending the second message to the network device 102. The network device 102 can send the request to the second device 102 through step S2106.

[0272] Optionally, network device 103 receives the second message and may execute step S2106.

[0273] Understandably, this step is described assuming there is no direct link between the first device 101 and the second device 102, where the network device 102 transmits the request from the first device 101. However, when there is a direct link between the first device 101 and the second device 102, the first device 101 can directly send the second message to the second device 102.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may send a second message after receiving the first message.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second message is sent when at least one of the following is met:

[0276] The indicator bit in the first message indicates that the first device 101 is allowed to associate, wherein the indicator bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device;

[0277] The measurement result of the first device 101 for the first message meets the measurement threshold.

[0278] For example, after receiving the first message, the first device 101 determines, based on the value of the indicator bit in the first message, whether the second device 102 still allows the first device 101 to associate. If the value of the indicator bit is the first value, the first device 101 can determine that the second device 102 still allows association. The first device 101 can then send a second message to request association. Understandably, if the number of first devices 101 associated with the second device 102 is greater than the first number, the value of the indicator bit may be set to the second value, rejecting new associations with the first device 101.

[0279] For example, the first device 101 measures the received first message and obtains the measurement result. If the measurement result is greater than or equal to the measurement threshold, it indicates that the distance and channel quality between the first device 101 and the second device 102 meet the requirements. The first device 101 can then send a second message to request association.

[0280] The measurement result can be the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), with the measurement threshold being the RSRP threshold; or the measurement result can be the Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), with the measurement threshold being the RSRQ; or the measurement result can be the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), with the measurement threshold being the SINR.

[0281] For example, when both of the above conditions are met simultaneously, that is, when the indicator bit of the first message indicates that the first device 101 is allowed to associate, and the measurement result of the first device 101 on the first message is greater than or equal to the measurement threshold, the first device 101 can send a second message to request association.

[0282] In some embodiments, the second device corresponding to the second message is selected by the first device based on the measurement results of the first messages for multiple second devices. For example, the second message may carry an identifier of the selected second device.

[0283] Optionally, if the first device 101 can listen to the first messages sent by multiple second devices 102, it can receive the first messages sent by different second devices 102, measure them separately, obtain the measurement results corresponding to the first messages of each second device 102, select the optimal second device 102 among the multiple second devices 102 based on the measurement results, and request association.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first device 101 may determine whether to connect directly to the network device 103 or associate with the second device 102 based on factors such as the signal reception quality of the camped cell and the signal reception quality of the first message. For example, if the signal reception quality between the first device 101 and the network device 103 is better than the signal reception quality of the first message, then the first device 101 may choose not to associate with the second device 102 and connect directly to the network device 103. In this case, the second message is also used to request a connection with the network device 103, or step S2105 may be omitted.

[0285] In some embodiments, step S2105 may be optional or can be omitted. For example, when there is a direct link between the second device 102 and the first device 101, the first device 101 may directly send a request to the second device 102.

[0286] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of the following:

[0287] The equipment identification of the second device;

[0288] The identifier corresponding to the first device that sent the second message;

[0289] Supports communication functions performed via a second device.

[0290] Optionally, when the first device 101 requests to be associated with one of the multiple second devices 102, it may carry the identifier of the selected second device 102 in the request information.

[0291] Optionally, the first device 101 carries its own identifier in the request information it sends.

[0292] Optionally, the first device 101 may carry the communication functions that need to be associated in the request information, that is, one or more communication functions that need to be assisted or performed by the second device 102. In the case of association, the first device 101 does not need to perform the one or more communication functions.

[0293] Optionally, the communication function may include RRM measurement, paging monitoring, etc. For example, the communication function may be idle-state RRM measurement and paging monitoring.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first device needs to perform at least some of the above-described communication functions on its own before establishing an association with the second device.

[0295] In step S2106, network device 103 sends a third message to second device 102.

[0296] In some embodiments, the second device 102 receives a third message.

[0297] In some embodiments, after receiving the second message, network device 103 sends a corresponding third message to second device 102. The third message may have the same content as the second message, or the third message may include the second message and other content.

[0298] In some embodiments, the third message is used to request the second device 102 to establish an association with the first device 101 that sent the second message.

[0299] In some embodiments, the third message includes at least one of the following:

[0300] The equipment identification of the second device;

[0301] The identifier corresponding to the first device that sent the second message;

[0302] Supports communication functions performed via a second device.

[0303] In some embodiments, the third message may not include communication functionality.

[0304] For example, the protocol defines the communication functions that the second device 102 is required to perform by default. For instance, the default communication function might be: performing RRM measurement and paging listening for the first device 101 in the RRC idle state. When the first device 101 sends a second message, this default communication function does not need to be included in the second message. Similarly, the default communication function that the network device 103 is required to associate with is: performing RRM measurement and paging listening for the first device 101 in the RRC idle state. In the second message sent by the network device 103 to the second device 102, this default communication function is also unnecessary. Upon receiving the second message, the second device 102 will automatically perform the default communication function in place of the first device 101.

[0305] In some embodiments, the third message may be used by the network device 103 to further determine to the second device 102 whether an association can be established with the requested first device 101.

[0306] After receiving the third message, the second device 102 can execute step S2107 to confirm the third message.

[0307] In step S2107, the second device 102 sends a fourth message to the network device 103.

[0308] In some embodiments, network device 103 receives a fourth message.

[0309] In some embodiments, the fourth message is used to acknowledge the second or third message.

[0310] For example, the fourth message is used to instruct the second device 102 to allow or refuse to establish an association with the first device 101, which is the first device that sent the second message.

[0311] In some embodiments, the fourth message may be an instruction message.

[0312] In some embodiments, after receiving the second message, the second device 102 may consider factors such as operational strategy and security to determine whether to accept the request to establish an association.

[0313] Optionally, if the second device 102 allows association, it may send a fourth message indicating that association is allowed. After sending this fourth message, the association between the second device 102 and the first device 101 is considered complete or successful.

[0314] Optionally, if the second device 102 refuses to associate, it may send a fourth message indicating that it refuses to associate.

[0315] In step S2108, network device 103 sends a fifth message to first device 101.

[0316] In some embodiments, the fifth message may have the same content as the fourth message, and the network device 103 forwards the received fourth message to the first device 101. Alternatively, the network device 103 sends a fifth message that includes the fourth message.

[0317] In some embodiments, the fifth message is used to instruct the second device to allow or refuse to establish an association with the first device.

[0318] In some embodiments, the first device 101 receives a fifth message. If the fifth message indicates that association is allowed, the first device 101 can know that the association is successful or the association is completed.

[0319] In step S2109, the first device 101 sends the sixth message.

[0320] In some embodiments, if there is a direct link between the second device 102 and the first device 101, the first device 101 can directly send a sixth message to the second device 102. The second device 102 receives the sixth message.

[0321] In some embodiments, if there is no direct link between the second device 102 and the first device 101, the first device 101 sends a sixth message to the second device 102 through the network device 103. For example, the first device 101 sends the sixth message to the network device 103, and the network device 103 sends the sixth message to the second device 102, or a signaling message containing the sixth message.

[0322] In some embodiments, the sixth message may be an instruction message.

[0323] In some embodiments, the communication functions that the first device 101 needs to associate may differ when it is in an RRC idle state, an inactive state, or an RRC connected state. Therefore, the first device 101 can directly or indirectly inform the second device 102 of the specific communication functions that the second device 102 needs to perform on its behalf, based on the RRC state of the first device 101 before association or changes in the RRC state during the association process, through a sixth message.

[0324] In some embodiments, the sixth message is used to indicate: the Radio Resource Control (RRC) status of the first device, and / or the communication function that the first device expects the second device to perform.

[0325] Optionally, the communication function that the first device expects the second device to perform may be one or more of the above-described communication functions.

[0326] Optionally, once the second device 102 learns the status of the first device 101, it can determine what communication function needs to be performed for the first device 101.

[0327] Optionally, the second device 102 may replace the first device 101 in performing the communication function indicated in the sixth message.

[0328] In some embodiments, the sixth message and the second message are sent using the same signaling, such as the second message carrying its own RRC status, or a specific communication function that needs to be performed by the second device 102.

[0329] In some embodiments, if the RRC status of the first device 101 changes, the communication functions that it needs to perform will also change. The first device 101 can inform the second device 102 of the changed RRC status directly or indirectly through the sixth message.

[0330] In step S2110, the second device 102 performs communication functions for the associated first device 101.

[0331] In some embodiments, after confirming that the association is allowed, the second device 102 can perform the communication function corresponding to the second message or the sixth message for the first device 101.

[0332] In some embodiments, for the first device 101 in the RRC idle or inactive state, when transmitting association-related information, such as the second or sixth message, it needs to maintain or switch to the RRC connected state. After successful association, the first device 101 can return to the RRC idle or inactive state to save energy. After successful association, the second device 102 can be in either the RRC idle or inactive state or the RRC connected state, and perform corresponding communication functions for the first device 101.

[0333] In some embodiments, if the association is successful, the second device 102 performs the corresponding communication function for the first device 101, and the first device 101 does not perform, stops performing, or suspends performing the communication function performed by the second device on its behalf.

[0334] In some embodiments, the first device 101 can periodically measure the first message based on its time-frequency location information. When the measurement result meets a set threshold requirement, it indicates that the first device 101 and the second device 102 are close, the communication quality is good, and the association remains valid. If the measurement result does not meet the set threshold requirement, the first device 101 will sever its association with the second device 102.

[0335] 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", and "field" can be used interchangeably.

[0336] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0337] In some embodiments, the terms “downlink control information (DCI),” “downlink (DL) assignment,” “DL DCI,” “uplink (UL) grant,” and “UL DCI” can be used interchangeably.

[0338] In some embodiments, "acquire," "get," "obtain," "receive," "transmit," "bidirectional transmission," and "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, acquiring from protocols, acquiring from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation. Protocols include, for example, at least one of the 3GPP protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, and audio and / or video protocols.

[0339] 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.

[0340] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2110. For example, step S2104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, steps S2104, S2105 and S2106 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S2104 and steps S2105 to S2107 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0341] In some embodiments, step S2101 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0342] In some embodiments, at least one of steps S2102 and S2103 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0343] In some embodiments, the order of steps S2102 and S2103 can be swapped or performed synchronously.

[0344] In some embodiments, at least one of steps S2105 and S2106 is optional, and one of them may be selected for execution in different embodiments, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0345] In some embodiments, at least one of steps S2107 to S2110 may be optionally performed, or one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0346] In some embodiments, the order of steps S2109 is for illustrative purposes only; for example, steps S2109 may be executed synchronously with steps S2105.

[0347] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0348] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second device 102 can perform at least some communication functions for the associated first device 101, thereby effectively saving energy for the first device 101. When there are many first devices 101 associated with the second device 102, performing the associated communication functions by the second device 102 can also reduce mutual interference between the transmit and receive signals of different devices on the air interface resources, improve network overload, and reduce network signaling interaction, thus avoiding network resource congestion.

[0349] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0350] In step S3101, the second device 102 sends a first message to the first device 101.

[0351] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3101 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2, and will not be repeated here.

[0352] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0353] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0354] In step S3201, the second device 102 sends a first message to the first device 101.

[0355] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3201 can be referred to the implementation of step S2104 in FIG2, and will not be repeated here.

[0356] In step S3202, the first device 101 sends a second message to the network device 103.

[0357] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3202 can be referred to the implementation of step S2105 in FIG2, and will not be repeated here.

[0358] In step S3203, network device 103 sends a third message to second device 102.

[0359] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3203 can be referred to the implementation of step S2106 in FIG2, and will not be repeated here.

[0360] In step S3204, the second device 102 sends a fourth message to the network device 103.

[0361] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3204 can be referred to the implementation of step S2107 in FIG2, and will not be repeated here.

[0362] In step S3205, network device 103 sends a fifth message to first device 101.

[0363] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3205 can be referred to the implementation of step S2108 in FIG2, and will not be repeated here.

[0364] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0365] This disclosure provides a method for establishing or binding devices. In this device binding scenario, some first-type terminals with stronger capabilities and sufficient power supply can assist or replace second-type terminals with weaker capabilities and limited power supply in completing certain communication operations, thereby helping the second-type terminals save energy. The first-type terminals can also act as relay nodes, aggregating and splitting the transmit and receive information of multiple second-type terminals, thereby reducing mutual interference between the transmit and receive signals of different second-type devices on air interface resources.

[0366] In this configuration, a high-capacity header device is bound to one or more low-capacity / or insufficiently powered IoT devices. A high-capacity header can be a communication device with stronger hardware capabilities and sufficient power supply, additionally possessing the function of managing the aforementioned IoT devices. The IoT devices and the header are located in close proximity. The header corresponds to the first type of device mentioned above, and the IoT device corresponds to the second type of device mentioned above. After an IoT device is bound to a header device, it can offload some of its operations to the header, or bind certain functions it needs to perform to the header.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first type of terminal or header device corresponds to the second device 102 described above.

[0368] In some embodiments, the second type of terminal or IoT device corresponds to the first device 101 described above.

[0369] To facilitate understanding of the method for establishing a binding over the air interface in the embodiments of this disclosure, some examples are listed below:

[0370] Example 1: From the perspective of the Header device

[0371] Example 1-1:

[0372] The header device needs to periodically send a first signal. This first signal is used by IoT devices to receive and discover the header device, and to determine whether the IoT device can establish a binding relationship with the header device. Once the IoT device receives the first signal, it can discover the header device.

[0373] In some embodiments, the first signal corresponds to the first message in the foregoing embodiments.

[0374] In some embodiments, the first signal may satisfy one or more of the following:

[0375] a) The first signal may include a reference signal, which the IoT device uses to assess the signal reception quality between the IoT device and the header.

[0376] b) The first signal can carry a node type flag to indicate that this is a header device and not a base station device.

[0377] c) The first signal can carry a header ID.

[0378] d) The first signal can carry the cell ID where the header resides.

[0379] e) The first signal can carry the frequency location information (AFRCN) of the SSB of the stationed cell.

[0380] f) The first signal may carry the conditions that IoT devices must meet to be allowed to access this header. For example, the allowed IoT device ID, the priority of the IoT device's subscribed service, and the service type.

[0381] g) The first signal can carry information on whether IoT devices are allowed to access the device. For example, the header device can set the maximum number of IoT devices it can be bound to. Once the maximum number of IoT devices has been connected to the header, the header can carry information in the first signal to deny access to other IoT devices.

[0382] h) The first signal can be a low-power signal (e.g., OOK / BPSK signal) detected by the low-power receiver of the IoT device, or a general signal (e.g., OFDM signal with more complex modulation / demodulation) detected by the main transceiver of the IoT device. The first signal can be used by the IoT device to perform periodic measurements on the header. When the result of the first signal measurement by the IoT device meets the set requirements, it is considered that the IoT device is very close to the header, and the binding relationship remains valid; otherwise, the IoT device will break free from the binding relationship. If the first signal is a low-power signal, it is obviously more beneficial for the energy saving of the IoT device compared to a general signal used by the main transceiver.

[0383] i) The time-domain and frequency-domain location of the first signal can be predefined in the protocol, similar to the definition of the time-frequency location of the SSB in the protocol. The IoT device needs to search for possible frequency-domain locations to receive the first signal. The time-frequency location of the first signal can also be broadcast by the BS. For example, the BS can broadcast the time-frequency location of the first signal in the system information. The IoT device in idle or connected state can obtain the time-frequency location of the first signal through the system information. For the IoT device in connected state, the BS can also directly inform the IoT device of the time-frequency location information of the first signal in the UE-specific signaling.

[0384] Examples 1-2:

[0385] Based on Example 1-1, the network can activate / deactivate a header via signaling to send a first signal. For example, when the BS learns that the channel link quality of an IoT device is poor or there are energy-saving requirements, the network can activate a nearby header to send a first signal. When the IoT device is no longer bound to the header, the network can instruct the header to stop sending the first signal (i.e., deactivate).

[0386] In some embodiments, a network, a BS, or a base station may correspond to the network device 103 in the foregoing embodiments.

[0387] Example 2: From the perspective of IoT devices

[0388] Example 2-1:

[0389] To obtain header information, IoT devices need to listen for the first signal sent by the header. This can be done in the following way:

[0390] a) IoT devices can obtain header information within their cell through the cell system information broadcast, such as header ID, time-frequency location information of the first signal sent by the header, etc.

[0391] For idle-state IoT devices, it is necessary to first determine the cell they are camped on, and obtain the signal reception quality and system information of the cell. If the system information of the cell contains header information, the IoT device can listen for the first signal sent by the header at the corresponding time-frequency location according to the instructions in the system information.

[0392] For connected UEs, header information within the cell can also be obtained through system information broadcast.

[0393] b) IoT devices can search for the first signal based on the time-domain and frequency-domain locations where the first signal may be transmitted, as predefined in the protocol. For example, the system information of a cell may not contain header information for that cell. Idle or connected IoT devices can blindly search for the header at candidate time-frequency locations defined in the protocol.

[0394] c) The base station directly configures the cell header information for IoT devices. For example, the base station can configure the headers of devices in the vicinity of the IoT device based on location information. The IoT device can first send a request to the base station, requesting the base station to configure the header information for the IoT device. This method is applicable to connected IoT devices.

[0395] Example 2-2:

[0396] Based on Example 2-1, if the IoT device detects the first signal, it needs to confirm the following information:

[0397] a) Measurement results of the received signal quality of the header, such as RSRP / RSRQ / SINR, etc.;

[0398] b) Whether the header allows this IoT device to access, such as whether the first signal carries information to deny access to other IoT devices because the maximum number of IoT devices have been connected.

[0399] Examples 2-3:

[0400] Based on embodiments 2-1 and 2-2, if the received signal quality meets the conditions and the IoT device is allowed to access, the IoT device can choose to access the header. If the IoT device can listen to the signals transmitted by multiple headers, it can select the better one. The IoT device can also determine whether to connect directly to the network node or connect to the header based on factors such as the signal reception quality of the cell it is camped on and the signal reception quality of the header. For example, if the signal reception quality between the IoT device and the BS is better than the signal reception quality between the IoT device and the header, the IoT device can choose not to access the header and instead connect directly to the BS.

[0401] Examples 2-4:

[0402] Based on any of the embodiments 2-1 to 2-3, if an IoT device chooses to access a certain header, it can send a binding request to the header. If the IoT device is in an RRC idle state or inactive state at this time, it needs to first switch to an RRC connected state and send the binding request to the network, which will then forward the binding request to the header. The binding request may include:

[0403] a) IoT device ID,

[0404] b) Header ID,

[0405] c) Functions that need to be bound to the header (i.e., functions that are replaced by the header and the IoT device does not need to perform the corresponding operations). For example, functions that need to be bound could be: RRM measurement and paging monitoring functions that need to be bound to the RRC idle state.

[0406] The protocol can also define default binding functions. For example, it can define RRM measurement and paging monitoring in the RRC idle state as the default binding functions. When an IoT device sends a binding request, if no specific function is explicitly specified, the network will default to binding RRM measurement and paging monitoring in the RRC idle state.

[0407] Examples 2-5:

[0408] Based on any of the embodiments 2-1 to 2-4, the network confirms with the header whether a binding relationship can be established. After the header is confirmed, the network can confirm the establishment of the binding relationship with the IoT device.

[0409] Optionally, for IoT devices in idle state, the pairing process still requires switching to RRC connected state. After the pairing is established, the IoT device returns to RRC idle or inactive state, and the header can also return to RRC idle state, but it needs to continue sending the first signal. The pairing relationship remains intact.

[0410] Optionally, the Header needs to consider factors such as operational strategy and security to determine whether the request to establish a binding can be accepted.

[0411] Examples 2-6:

[0412] Based on any of the embodiments 2-1 to 2-5, the header needs to know the state of the IoT device to determine what function the IoT device should perform, for example:

[0413] Method 1: The IoT device can notify the header of the function it needs to perform during the pairing request or in subsequent signaling. The function to be performed in the header is the function that the IoT device tells the header to perform. If the IoT device's RRC state changes, and the function it needs to pair also changes, then the IoT device needs to inform the header of the function to be paired corresponding to the changed RRC state. Depending on the situation, the IoT device can inform the header directly or through the header.

[0414] Method 2: The IoT device can notify the header of its current RRC state, and the header will then select the function corresponding to that RRC state from the list of functions to be bound to perform the operation. When the IoT device's RRC state changes, the IoT device needs to inform the header of the updated RRC state. Depending on the situation, this can be done directly by the IoT device or through the header.

[0415] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0416] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed 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.

[0417] 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.

[0418] 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).

[0419] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of a first device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first device 4100 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, the first device 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4101 is used to receive a first message sent by a second device, the first message including information corresponding to a second device that supports establishing an association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions for the associated first device to communicate with the network device. Optionally, the transceiver module 4101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 4102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0420] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The second device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4B, the second device 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4201 is used to send a first message to the first device, the first message including information corresponding to a second device that supports association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions for communication between the associated first device and the network device. Optionally, the transceiver module 4201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 4202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0421] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The network device 4300 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4C, the network device 4300 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4301, a processing module 4302, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4301 is used to receive a second message sent by a first device, the second message being used to request association with the second device; and / or to send the second message to the second device, wherein the second device is used to perform at least a portion of the communication functions for communication between the associated first device and the network device. Optionally, the transceiver module 4301 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device 103 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 4302 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device 103 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0422] 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.

[0423] 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.

[0424] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0425] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 5100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 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.

[0426] As shown in Figure 5A, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may 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. Optionally, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0427] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0428] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0429] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may not be limited by FIG. 5A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a 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, programs and / or instructions; (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.

[0430] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 5200 shown in Figure 5B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0431] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0432] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0433] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 5202 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0434] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0435] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 5100, cause the communication device 5100 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.

[0436] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0437] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. Industrial applicability

[0438] The second device can help the associated first device perform some communication functions, thereby effectively saving the first device's energy consumption.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first device, the method comprising: The device receives a first message from a second device, the first message including: information corresponding to the second device that supports the association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device communicating with network devices.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: If no association is established with the second device, the first device performs at least some of the communication functions.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The receipt of the first message sent by the second device includes: Based on the time-frequency location information defined in the protocol, receive the first message sent by the second device; or... Based on the time-frequency location information indicated by the network device, the first message sent by the second device is received.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further includes: Send a second message to the second device or the network device, the second message being used by the network device to send a third message to the second device, the second message or the third message being used to request association with the second device; The device receives a fourth message from the second device or a fifth message from the network device, the fourth message or the fifth message indicating permission for the first device to associate with the second device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The second message or the third message includes at least one of the following: The device identifier of the second device; The identifier of the first device; Supports communication functions performed via the second device.

6. The method as described in any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein, The second message or the third message is sent by the first device when the measurement result of the first message is greater than or equal to the measurement threshold.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method further includes: Send a sixth message to the second device or the network device, the sixth message being used to indicate the Radio Resource Control (RRC) status of the first device prior to association, and / or the communication function that the first device expects the second device to perform.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further includes: Once associated with the second device, the first device does not perform the communication functions performed through the associated second device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The first message is a low-power message received by a low-power receiver.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The first message includes at least one of the following: Device information of the second device; The information about the community where the second device is stationed; Instruction information, which indicates whether to allow the first device to establish an association, and / or the conditions that the first device must meet to allow the association to be established.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The device information includes at least one of the following: Equipment type; Equipment identification.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The cell information includes at least one of the following: Community signage; Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, The instruction information includes at least one of the following: The second device allows the association of the identifier of the first device; The second device allows the associated service types of the first device; An indication bit is used to indicate whether to allow or deny association of a first device, wherein the indication bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device.

14. A communication method performed by a second device, the method comprising: Send a first message to a first device, the first message including: information corresponding to a second device that supports establishing an association with the first device; wherein the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device communicating with network devices.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: The network device receives a seventh message, which instructs the second device to send the first message.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a second message sent by the first device, or receive a third message sent by the network device, wherein the second message or the third message is used to request association with the second device; A fourth message is sent to the first device or the network device, the fourth message being used by the network device to send a fifth message to the first device, wherein the fourth message or the fifth message is used to indicate that the first device is allowed to associate with the second device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The second or third message includes at least one of the following: The device identifier of the second device; The identifier of the first device; Supports communication functions performed via the second device.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The method further includes: The device receives a sixth message sent by the first device or the network device, the sixth message being used to indicate the Radio Resource Control (RRC) status of the first device prior to association, and / or the communication function that the first device expects the second device to perform.

19. The method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, The time-frequency location information of the first message is defined by a protocol or notified to the first device by a network device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein, The first message is a low-power message received by a low-power receiver.

21. The method of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein, The first message includes at least one of the following: Device information of the second device; The information about the community where the second device is stationed; Instruction information, which indicates whether to allow the first device to establish an association, and / or the conditions that the first device must meet to allow the association to be established.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The device information includes at least one of the following: Equipment type; Equipment identification.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein, The cell information includes at least one of the following: Community signage; Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein, The instruction information includes at least one of the following: The second device allows the association of the identifier of the first device; The second device allows the associated service types of the first device; An indication bit is used to indicate whether to allow or deny association of a first device, wherein the indication bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device.

25. A communication method performed by a network device, the method comprising: Receive the second message sent by the first device; And / or, A third message is sent to the second device, wherein the second message or the third message is used to request association with the second device, and the second device is used to perform at least some of the communication functions of the associated first device and network device.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The method further includes: The device may receive a fourth message from the second device and / or send a fifth message to the first device, the fourth or fifth message being used to indicate permission for the first device to associate with the second device.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein, The second message or the third message includes at least one of the following: The device identifier of the second device; The identifier corresponding to the first device; Supports communication functions performed via the second device.

28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein, The method further includes: A seventh message is sent to the second device, the seventh message being used to instruct the second device to send the first message.

29. The method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein, The time-frequency location information corresponding to the first message is defined by a protocol or indicated by the network device.

30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein, The first message is a low-power message received by a low-power receiver.

31. The method of any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein, The first message includes at least one of the following: Device information of the second device; The information about the community where the second device is stationed; Instruction information, which indicates whether to allow the first device to establish an association, and / or the conditions that the first device must meet to allow the association to be established.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, The device information includes at least one of the following: Equipment type; Equipment identification.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein, The cell information includes at least one of the following: Community signage; Information on the frequency point where the cell synchronization signal is located.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, The instruction information includes at least one of the following: The second device allows the association of the identifier of the first device; The second device allows the associated service types of the first device; An indication bit is used to indicate whether to allow or deny association of a first device, wherein the indication bit is used to indicate whether more than a first number of first devices are allowed to associate with the second device.

35. A communications device, comprising: The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 24, or any one of claims 25 to 34.

36. A communication system comprising a first device, a second device, and a network device, wherein, The first device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The second device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 24; The network device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 25 to 34.

37. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 24, or any one of claims 25 to 34.

38. A program product comprising at least one of a program, instructions, wherein, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or any one of claims 14 to 24, or any one of claims 25 to 34.

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