Multipath configuration method and apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-path configuration method and device, a communication device and a readable storage medium, and belongs to the wireless technical field. The multi-path configuration method in the application embodiment comprises the following steps: a terminal receives first information; the first information is used for configuring a plurality of non-direct connection paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-direct connection path is each terminal or each data radio bearer (DRB). Therefore, the plurality of non-direct connection paths can be configured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wireless technology, specifically relating to a multipath configuration method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, remote terminals can simultaneously connect to the same base station via both direct and indirect paths to obtain services, thus supporting multipath transmission. However, multipath transmission in these technologies typically only includes one indirect path, while scenarios such as large-scale live streaming have significant requirements for high uplink transmission rates and reliability. Therefore, it is essential to increase the number of indirect paths. In this case, how to configure multiple indirect paths is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a multipath configuration method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium to solve the problem of how to configure multiple non-directly connected paths.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0005] Firstly, a multi-path configuration method is provided, including:

[0006] The terminal receives first information; wherein the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

[0007] Secondly, a multi-path configuration method is provided, including:

[0008] The network-side device sends first information to the terminal; wherein, the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

[0009] Thirdly, a multi-path configuration apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0010] A first receiving module is configured to receive first information; wherein the first information is configured to configure multiple non-directly connected paths for a terminal, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per data radio bearer (DRB).

[0011] Fourthly, a multipath configuration apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0012] The first sending module is used to send first information to the terminal; wherein the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

[0013] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, including computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0016] In the scheme of this application embodiment, the terminal can receive first information, which is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths. The configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB. Therefore, multiple non-directly connected paths can be configured for a single terminal, which can be shared by all DRBs, or different non-directly connected paths can be configured for different DRBs, thereby achieving the configuration of multiple non-directly connected paths. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a multipath configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of another multipath configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multipath configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another multipath configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0024] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, and future systems (such as 6G). Optionally, a 5G system or 5G network can also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) system or NR network.

[0025] For example, the communication system used in this application embodiment may include network devices (also referred to as network-side devices) and terminal devices (also referred to as terminals, communication terminals, etc.); the network device may be a device that communicates with the terminal device. The network device can provide communication coverage within a certain area and can communicate with terminals located within that area. Optionally, the network device may be a base station in various communication systems, such as an evolved Node B (eNB) in an LTE system, a gNB in ​​a 5G or NR system, or a base station in a 6G system.

[0026] The multipath configuration method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a multipath configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is applied to a terminal, specifically a remote terminal, such as a remote user equipment (UE). Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0028] Step 11: The terminal receives first information; the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

[0029] In this embodiment, the configuration granularity of the indirect path is per terminal (e.g., per UE). Multiple indirect paths can be configured for a single terminal, and all Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) can share these multiple indirect paths. Alternatively, the configuration granularity of the indirect path can be per DRB (e.g., per DRB), allowing different indirect paths to be configured for different DRBs. This enables the configuration of multiple indirect paths.

[0030] For the non-direct path, the remote terminal can connect to network-side equipment such as a base station via a relay terminal (e.g., a relay UE). For the direct path, the remote terminal can connect directly to network-side equipment such as a base station.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first information may include the identifier ID of the relay terminal (such as relay UE) corresponding to the configured non-directly connected path.

[0033] In some embodiments, the terminal may receive first information from network-side devices (such as base stations) for configuring multiple non-directly connected paths.

[0034] Optionally, the scenarios applicable to the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, large-scale live streaming scenarios and ultra-long-distance coverage scenarios. Since large-scale live streaming scenarios have significant requirements for high uplink transmission rates and reliability, it is necessary to increase the number of indirect paths, i.e., configure multiple indirect paths, to meet the demands for high speed and high reliability. In ultra-long-distance coverage scenarios, such as offshore fishing operations and oil field exploration, ideally, the terminal needs to transmit with a power of approximately 33dBm to cover long distances, while the typical transmission power of traditional terminals is 23dBm. Multiple terminals need to be aggregated to achieve ultra-long-distance communication, so multiple indirect paths need to be configured to meet the requirements of long-distance transmission. The solution in this application can support data transmission through multiple indirect paths, better supporting the needs for high-speed, high-reliability, and long-distance transmission in scenarios such as large-scale live streaming and offshore operations.

[0035] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0036] The terminal receives second information; this second information is used to configure CG (Configured Grant) resources. For example, the first and second information can be sent together, such as through the same RRC signaling bearer, so that CG resources can be configured together when configuring multiple non-directly connected paths. Network-side devices can configure CG resources for non-directly connected paths, such as configuring different CG resources for each non-directly connected path or direct path.

[0037] When the first condition is met, the terminal activates the CG resource and uses the CG resource for uplink transmission.

[0038] Optionally, the first condition may include, but is not limited to, after the terminal sends a Buffer Status Report (BSR), Scheduling Request (SR), or other information / indication to the base station, the base station confirms receipt of the information sent by the terminal, or the terminal anticipates that the base station has received the information it sent. That is, after configuring CG resources, the terminal does not immediately use or activate the CG resource; subsequently, after the terminal sends a BSR, SR, or other information / indication to the base station, and the base station confirms receipt of the information sent by the terminal, or the terminal anticipates that the base station has received the information it sent, the terminal activates the CG resource and uses it for uplink transmission. This can reduce data transmission latency and avoid waiting for network resource configuration before uplink transmission, thereby saving network resource configuration latency. The terminal supports sending BSR, SR, or other information / indication to the base station on direct and / or non-direct paths.

[0039] For example, the network can configure a threshold for the terminal (such as a threshold related to the amount of data); based on the threshold configured by the network, if the amount of data transmitted exceeds the threshold, the terminal can trigger the terminal to send a BSR, SR or other information / indication to the base station.

[0040] Currently, data splitting is performed based on a threshold configured by the network. Since there are at most two transmission paths, the network only needs to monitor these two paths. However, with multiple transmission paths, if the path selection is based on the terminal implementation, the network needs to monitor all transmission paths configured for the terminal simultaneously to avoid missing any information sent by the terminal. This introduces complexity and waste in network implementation, power consumption, and resources. To address this issue, this application proposes configuring multiple thresholds to perform hierarchical data splitting.

[0041] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0042] The terminal receives third information; the third information is used to configure multiple thresholds, each of which corresponds to one of the multiple non-directly connected paths, and the multiple thresholds can be preset based on actual needs.

[0043] When the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the transmitted data is split and transmitted on a non-directly connected path corresponding to the first threshold, where the first threshold is one of a plurality of thresholds. This avoids the network from monitoring all transmission paths configured for the terminal, and only needs to monitor the path where data is transmitted, thereby reducing network power consumption and resource overhead.

[0044] For example, if three thresholds are configured, namely the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold, which increase sequentially, and these three thresholds correspond to indirect path 1, indirect path 2, and indirect path 3, respectively, then when the amount of data to be transmitted is greater than or equal to the first threshold, in addition to using the direct path for data transmission, the data will be split and transmitted to indirect path 1 corresponding to the first threshold. That is, when there is a data packet to be transmitted, the terminal can choose either the direct path or indirect path 1 for transmission, depending on the terminal implementation. Alternatively, when the amount of data to be transmitted is greater than or equal to the second threshold, in addition to using the direct path for data transmission, the data can be split and transmitted to indirect path 2 corresponding to the second threshold. Or, when the amount of data to be transmitted is greater than or equal to the third threshold, in addition to using the direct path for data transmission, the data can be split and transmitted to indirect path 3 corresponding to the third threshold.

[0045] Optionally, the third information and the first information can be sent together, for example, carried by the same RRC signaling; or they can be sent separately, for example, by first configuring multiple non-directly connected paths through RRC signaling, and then configuring multiple thresholds through the Medium Access Control Element (MAC CE).

[0046] Optionally, the configuration of the plurality of thresholds and the plurality of non-directly connected paths can satisfy any of the following:

[0047] (1) The configuration order of the multiple thresholds is consistent with the configuration order of the multiple non-directly connected paths; thus, the correspondence between the non-directly connected paths and the corresponding thresholds can be directly determined based on the configuration order.

[0048] (2) Each of the multiple thresholds is configured together with each of the multiple non-directly connected paths corresponding to each threshold; that is, non-directly connected paths with corresponding relationships are configured together with thresholds, and the corresponding non-directly connected paths and thresholds can be directly determined based on the configuration.

[0049] (3) The multiple thresholds are associated with the multiple non-directly connected paths using path identifiers (such as Path ID); that is, an identifier (such as ID or index) is introduced for the non-directly connected path, and each threshold corresponds to a different path identifier, thereby realizing the correspondence between the non-directly connected path and the threshold through the path identifier.

[0050] For example, if three indirect paths are configured in the order of Path 1 (representing the first indirect path, hereinafter the same), Path 2 (representing the second indirect path, hereinafter the same), and Path 3 (representing the third indirect path, hereinafter the same), then three thresholds can be configured in the corresponding order: Threshold 1, Threshold 2, and Threshold 3. Here, Path 1 corresponds to Threshold 1, Path 2 corresponds to Threshold 2, and Path 3 corresponds to Threshold 3. The specific path list PathList and threshold list ThresholdList can be configured as follows:

[0051] PathList{

[0052] Path 1...{relay UE info 1}

[0053] Path 2...{relay UE info 2}

[0054] Path 3...{relay UE info 3}

[0055] }

[0056] ThresholdList{

[0057] Threshold 1

[0058] Threshold 2

[0059] Threshold 3

[0060] }

[0061] For example, if three indirect paths and three thresholds are configured, and Path 1 corresponds to Threshold 3, Path 2 corresponds to Threshold 1, and Path 3 corresponds to Threshold 2, then the corresponding configuration list when the indirect paths and thresholds are configured together can be as follows:

[0062] PathList{

[0063] Path 1...{relay UE info 1, threshold 3}

[0064] Path 2...{relay UE info 2, threshold 1}

[0065] Path 3...{relay UE info 3, threshold 2}

[0066] }

[0067] For example, if three indirect paths and three thresholds are configured, and Path 1 corresponds to Threshold 3, Path 2 corresponds to Threshold 1, and Path 3 corresponds to Threshold 2, then when the corresponding indirect paths and thresholds are associated using Path IDs, the corresponding path list PathList and threshold list ThresholdList can be as follows:

[0068] PathList{

[0069] Path 1...{path ID 2, relay UE info 1}

[0070] Path 2...{path ID 1, relay UE info 2}

[0071] Path 3...{path ID 3, relay UE info 3}

[0072] }

[0073] ThresholdList{

[0074] Path ID 2, Threshold 3;

[0075] Path ID 1, Threshold 1;

[0076] Path ID 3, Threshold 2;

[0077] }

[0078] In this embodiment of the application, during multipath transmission, it is necessary to clearly define which path is the primary path to ensure data transmission requirements. The primary path can be a direct path or an indirect path.

[0079] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0080] The terminal receives fourth information; the fourth information is used to indicate the primary path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, or the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is the primary path. Thus, with the help of the fourth information, it can be clearly determined which of the multiple non-directly connected paths is the primary path.

[0081] For example, the fourth information can be sent via RRC signaling or MAC CE. The fourth information can be a newly introduced information element (IE) in RRC signaling or MAC CE.

[0082] Optionally, when the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, the fourth information includes the identifier of the non-directly connected path that serves as the main path; that is, the identifier of the non-directly connected path indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is the main path. The identifier of the non-directly connected path can be either ID or index.

[0083] For example, a new IE can be introduced in RRC signaling or MAC CE, carrying the ID or index of the indirect path that serves as the primary path, indicating that the indirect path corresponding to that ID or index is the primary path. The corresponding parameter can be in the following form: primaryPathOnIndirectPath{path ID or index}.

[0084] Optionally, when the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is a main path, the fourth information includes a list or a bitmap, where each item in the list is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a main path; for example, each item in the list can be selected as true / false or 1 / 0, where true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path; or, true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path. Each indicator in the bitmap is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a main path; for example, each indicator in the bitmap can be selected as true / false or 1 / 0, where true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path; or, true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path.

[0085] For example, a new IE can be introduced in RRC signaling or MAC CE. This new IE can be a list or a bitmap, used to indicate whether each of the multiple indirect paths is a primary path; where true or 1 indicates that the corresponding indirect path is a primary path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding indirect path is not a primary path.

[0086] For example, if the new IE is a list, and the second indirect path is the primary path, then the corresponding configuration parameters can be as follows:

[0087] primaryPathOnIndirectPathlist{

[0088] Path 1, false

[0089] Path 2, true

[0090] Path 3, false

[0091] Path 4, false...

[0092] }

[0093] For example, if the new IE is a bitmap and the second indirect path is the primary path, the corresponding configuration parameters can be as follows: primaryPathOnIndirectPath{01000...}.

[0094] In traditional mechanisms, if multiple paths are supported for data transmission and data needs to be transmitted on different paths, reporting BSRs on each path would result in too many BSR reports, increasing air interface load and wasting resources. To address this issue, this application proposes reporting BSRs for multiple paths through a single path (such as a direct path or primary path), thereby reducing the number of BSR reports, lowering air interface load, and saving resource overhead.

[0095] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0096] The terminal receives fifth information; the fifth information is used for at least one of the following: indicating whether the terminal is allowed to use the first path to report the BSRs of the multiple non-directly connected paths, or indicating the terminal to use the first path to report the BSRs of the multiple non-directly connected paths; the first path is any one of the following: a directly connected path, a main path, or one of the multiple non-directly connected paths. This allows the network to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to use one path to report the BSRs of multiple paths, and / or to indicate which path the terminal should use to report the BSRs of multiple paths.

[0097] For example, the fifth message can be sent via RRC signaling or MAC CE, or it can be sent via broadcast signal.

[0098] For example, when BSRs for multiple paths are reported through one path, the reported information may include information about the multiple paths (such as path identifier, relay UE ID, etc.); the base station performs corresponding resource scheduling based on the information about the multiple paths.

[0099] For example, if the network is configured with three indirect paths, and the network indicates that the UE is allowed to report BSRs for all paths simultaneously, but does not specify which path to report through, then by default, the BSRs for all paths can be reported through either the direct path or the primary path, or according to the protocol, the BSRs for all paths can be reported through either the direct path or the primary path. A remote UE can report the BSRs for all three indirect paths together to the network through either the direct path or the primary path. Alternatively, the BSRs for the direct paths can also be reported to the network together.

[0100] For example, if the network indicates that the UE is allowed to report BSRs for all paths simultaneously, and also indicates which path to report via, or if the network only indicates which path to report BSRs via, then the UE sends the BSRs to the network via the path indicated by the network.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, the network is configured with multiple indirect paths. However, considering resource utilization, terminal power consumption, etc., it is not necessary for all configured indirect paths to be active at all times. Therefore, a mechanism for activating or deactivating indirect paths can be introduced.

[0102] Optionally, the first information may include first indication information, which is used to activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path; that is, an indication can be added to the path configuration to indicate whether the configured non-directly connected path is activated or deactivated. This avoids the non-directly connected path configured in the network from being constantly activated, thereby improving resource utilization and saving power.

[0103] Alternatively, multiple non-directly connected paths configured in the network may be either active or deactivated by default. For example, by default, all non-directly connected paths configured in RRC are either active or deactivated.

[0104] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0105] The terminal receives a sixth piece of information; wherein the sixth piece of information is used for any of the following:

[0106] (a) Configure multiple thresholds, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the multiple non-directly connected paths; when the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a second threshold, activate the non-directly connected path corresponding to the second threshold, where the second threshold is one of the multiple thresholds, which can be preset based on actual needs; in this way, by leveraging the correspondence between non-directly connected paths and thresholds, the corresponding non-directly connected paths can be flexibly activated according to the amount of data transmitted, thereby ensuring data transmission, improving resource utilization, and saving power consumption;

[0107] (b) Activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path; thereby avoiding the non-directly connected path in the network configuration from being in an active state, thereby improving resource utilization and saving power consumption.

[0108] For example, the sixth message can be sent via RRC signaling or MAC CE.

[0109] Taking the activation or deactivation of a corresponding non-directly connected path using RRC signaling as an example, an indication can be added to the field configuring the non-directly connected path to indicate whether the corresponding non-directly connected path is activated or deactivated; or, a new independent field can be added to the RRC signaling, which carries a list or a bitmap. The list can contain the identifiers of the activated or deactivated non-directly connected paths, and the bitmap can use 0 or 1 to indicate whether the corresponding path is activated or deactivated, such as 0 representing deactivation and 1 representing activation; or 0 representing activation and 1 representing deactivation.

[0110] Taking the activation or deactivation of the corresponding non-directly connected path using a MAC CE as an example, the MAC CE can be a newly introduced MAC CE, and can be variable-length or fixed-length, where each field is used to activate or deactivate the corresponding non-directly connected path.

[0111] For example, if a fixed-length MAC CE is used to activate indirect paths, and the MAC CE is one byte in size (containing 8 bits), then a maximum of 8 indirect paths can be supported. Each bit is used to activate or deactivate the corresponding indirect path; for example, a value of 1 indicates activation of the corresponding indirect path, and a value of 0 indicates deactivation; or, a value of 0 indicates activation of the corresponding indirect path, and a value of 1 indicates deactivation. The order of the indirect paths indicated by the 8 bits in the MAC CE can be the configuration order of the indirect paths in the RRC signaling.

[0112] For example, if a variable-length MAC CE is used to activate indirect paths, the number of supported indirect paths can be expanded, increasing flexibility. In this case, a field is needed to indicate the length of the MAC CE, and then each field is used to activate or deactivate the corresponding indirect path.

[0113] To ensure the reliability of transmitted data, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) duplication transmission has been introduced. For scenarios with multiple non-directly connected paths, to reduce resource overhead while simultaneously supporting PDCP duplication and ensuring data transmission reliability and flexibility, this application proposes the following solution: (1) PDCP duplication data is transmitted only on directly connected paths and active non-directly connected paths; (2) different non-directly connected paths are configured for PDCP duplication data transmission for different DRBs. In this case, by default, PDCP duplication data is transmitted on all directly connected paths.

[0114] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include at least one of the following:

[0115] If the network-side device is configured with PDCP duplication, the terminal transmits PDCP duplication data on the direct path and the activated non-direct path; that is, PDCP duplication data is only transmitted on the direct path and the activated non-direct path, thereby reducing resource overhead while supporting PDCP duplication and ensuring the reliability and flexibility of data transmission.

[0116] If the network-side equipment is configured with PDCP duplication, the terminal transmits PDCP copied data on both the directly connected path and the non-directly connected path corresponding to the first DRB. The first DRB is the DRB configured by the network to carry data. For example, the network can configure a non-directly connected path for PDCP duplication transmission for each DRB, meaning that PDCP copied data is transmitted on the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB. This reduces resource overhead while simultaneously supporting PDCP duplication, ensuring the reliability and flexibility of data transmission.

[0117] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0118] The terminal receives seventh information; this seventh information is used to configure different indirect paths for PDCP replication transmission for different DRBs. For a single DRB, one or more indirect paths for PDCP replication transmission can be configured. For example, for DRB1, indirect path 1 can be configured for PDCP replication data transmission; while for DRB2, indirect path 2 and indirect path 3 can be configured for PDCP replication data transmission.

[0119] Optionally, the seventh information includes the identifier of the DRB and indication information for indicating whether the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB is used for PDCP replication transmission. Alternatively, the seventh information includes the identifier of the DRB and the identifier of the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB used for PDCP replication transmission, so as to determine the corresponding non-directly connected path used for PDCP replication transmission based on the identifier.

[0120] For example, the seventh information can be sent via RRC signaling or MAC CE.

[0121] For example, taking the activation of the corresponding non-directly connected path for PDCP replication transmission using RRC signaling as an example, an indication can be added to the field configuring the non-directly connected path to indicate the activation of the corresponding non-directly connected path for PDCP replication transmission; or, a new independent field can be added to the RRC signaling, which carries a list or a bitmap. The list can contain the identifiers of the activated or deactivated non-directly connected paths, and the bitmap can use 0 or 1 to indicate whether the corresponding path is activated or deactivated, such as 0 representing deactivated and 1 representing activated; or 0 representing activated and 1 representing deactivated.

[0122] For example, taking the use of MAC CE to activate the corresponding non-directly connected path for PDCP replication transmission as an example, the MAC CE can contain DRB ID and indication information on whether the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB is used for PDCP replication transmission. This indication information can be selected as 0 or 1, indicating whether the corresponding non-directly connected path can or cannot be used for PDCP replication transmission. The order of the non-directly connected paths can be the order configured by RRC signaling. For example, if the non-directly connected paths corresponding to a DRB (such as ID1) include Path1, Path2, and Path3, indicating that Path2 is used for PDCP replication transmission, then the corresponding parameter format can be as shown in Table 1 below:

[0123] Table 1

[0124] DRB ID Path1 Path2 Path3 DRB ID 1 0 1 0

[0125] For example, taking the use of MAC CE to activate the corresponding non-directly connected path for PDCP replication transmission as an example, the MAC CE can contain the DRB ID and the identifier of the corresponding non-directly connected path used for PDCP replication transmission. Optionally, it can include a field indicating the number of non-directly connected paths used for PDCP replication transmission. For example, if a DRB (e.g., identified as ID2) corresponds to two non-directly connected paths used for PDCP replication transmission, namely Path ID 1 and Path ID 4, then the corresponding parameter format can be as shown in Table 2 below:

[0126] Table 2

[0127] DRB ID 2 2 Path ID 1 Path ID 4

[0128] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a multipath configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method is applied to network-side devices, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0129] The network-side device sends first information to the terminal; the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

[0130] In this embodiment, the terminal is, for example, a remote UE. The configuration granularity of the non-directly connected path is per terminal (e.g., per UE), meaning multiple non-directly connected paths can be configured for a single terminal, and all DRBs can share these multiple non-directly connected paths. Alternatively, the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected path is per DRB (e.g., per DRB), meaning different non-directly connected paths can be configured for different DRBs. Therefore, it is possible to configure multiple non-directly connected paths.

[0131] For the non-direct path, the remote terminal can connect to network-side equipment such as a base station via a relay terminal (e.g., a relay UE). For the direct path, the remote terminal can connect directly to network-side equipment such as a base station.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried by RRC signaling.

[0133] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0134] The network-side device sends second information to the terminal; the second information is used to configure CG resources, and the terminal activates the CG resources and uses them for uplink transmission when a first condition is met. For example, the first and second information can be sent together, such as through the same RRC signaling bearer, so that CG resources can be configured together when configuring multiple non-directly connected paths.

[0135] Optionally, the first condition may include, but is not limited to, after the terminal sends a BSR, SR, or other information / indication to the base station, the base station confirms receipt of the information sent by the terminal, or the terminal anticipates that the base station has received the information it sent. That is, after configuring CG resources, the terminal does not immediately use or activate the CG resource; subsequently, after the terminal sends a BSR, SR, or other information / indication to the base station, and the base station confirms receipt of the information sent by the terminal, or the terminal anticipates that the base station has received the information it sent, the terminal activates the CG resource and uses it for uplink transmission. This can reduce data transmission latency and avoid waiting for network resource configuration before uplink transmission, thereby saving network resource configuration latency.

[0136] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0137] The network-side device sends third information to the terminal; this third information is used to configure multiple thresholds, each corresponding one-to-one with one of the multiple non-directly connected paths; these thresholds are used to split the transmitted data onto the non-directly connected path corresponding to the first threshold when the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a first threshold, where the first threshold is one of the multiple thresholds. These multiple thresholds can be preset based on actual needs. This avoids the network monitoring all transmission paths configured for the terminal, requiring only monitoring the path where data is transmitted, thereby reducing network power consumption and resource overhead.

[0138] Optionally, the third information and the first information can be sent together, for example, carried by the same RRC signaling; or they can be sent separately, for example, by first configuring multiple non-directly connected paths through RRC signaling, and then configuring multiple thresholds through MAC CE.

[0139] Optionally, the configuration of the plurality of thresholds and the plurality of non-directly connected paths can satisfy any of the following:

[0140] (1) The configuration order of the multiple thresholds is consistent with the configuration order of the multiple non-directly connected paths; thus, the correspondence between the non-directly connected paths and the corresponding thresholds can be directly determined based on the configuration order.

[0141] (2) Each of the multiple thresholds is configured together with each of the multiple non-directly connected paths corresponding to each threshold; that is, non-directly connected paths with corresponding relationships are configured together with thresholds, and the corresponding non-directly connected paths and thresholds can be directly determined based on the configuration.

[0142] (3) The multiple thresholds are associated with the multiple non-directly connected paths using path identifiers; that is, an identifier (such as ID or index) is introduced for the non-directly connected path, and each threshold corresponds to a different path identifier, thereby realizing the correspondence between the non-directly connected path and the threshold with the help of the path identifier.

[0143] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0144] The network-side device sends a fourth piece of information to the terminal; this fourth piece of information is used to indicate the primary path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, or, the fourth piece of information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is the primary path. Thus, with the help of this fourth piece of information, it can be clearly determined which of the multiple non-directly connected paths is the primary path.

[0145] For example, the fourth information can be sent via RRC signaling or MAC CE. The fourth information can be a newly introduced information element (IE) in RRC signaling or MAC CE.

[0146] Optionally, when the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, the fourth information includes the identifier of the non-directly connected path that serves as the main path; that is, the identifier of the non-directly connected path indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is the main path. The identifier of the non-directly connected path can be either ID or index.

[0147] Optionally, when the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is a main path, the fourth information includes a list or a bitmap, where each item in the list is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a main path; for example, each item in the list can be selected as true / false or 1 / 0, where true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path; or, true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path. Each indicator in the bitmap is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a main path; for example, each indicator in the bitmap can be selected as true / false or 1 / 0, where true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path; or, true or 1 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is not a main path, and false or 0 indicates that the corresponding non-directly connected path is a main path.

[0148] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0149] The network-side device sends a fifth piece of information to the terminal; the fifth piece of information is used for at least one of the following: indicating whether the terminal is allowed to use a first path to report the BSRs of the multiple non-directly connected paths, or indicating that the terminal uses a first path to report the BSRs of the multiple non-directly connected paths; the first path is any one of the following: a directly connected path, a main path, or one of the multiple non-directly connected paths. This allows the network to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to use one path to report the BSRs of multiple paths, and / or to indicate which path the terminal should use to report the BSRs of multiple paths.

[0150] For example, the fifth message can be sent via RRC signaling or MAC CE, or it can be sent via broadcast signal.

[0151] In this embodiment of the application, the network is configured with multiple indirect paths. However, considering resource utilization, terminal power consumption, etc., it is not necessary for all configured indirect paths to be active at all times. Therefore, a mechanism for activating or deactivating indirect paths can be introduced.

[0152] Optionally, the first information may include first indication information, which is used to activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path; that is, an indication can be added to the path configuration to indicate whether the configured non-directly connected path is activated or deactivated. This avoids the non-directly connected path configured in the network from being constantly activated, thereby improving resource utilization and saving power.

[0153] Alternatively, multiple non-directly connected paths configured in the network may be either active or deactivated by default. For example, by default, all non-directly connected paths configured in RRC are either active or deactivated.

[0154] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0155] The network-side device sends a sixth piece of information to the terminal; the sixth piece of information is used for any of the following:

[0156] (a) Configure multiple thresholds, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the multiple non-directly connected paths; when the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a second threshold, activate the non-directly connected path corresponding to the second threshold, where the second threshold is one of the multiple thresholds, which can be preset based on actual needs; in this way, by leveraging the correspondence between non-directly connected paths and thresholds, the corresponding non-directly connected paths can be flexibly activated according to the amount of data transmitted, thereby ensuring data transmission, improving resource utilization, and saving power consumption;

[0157] (b) Activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path; thereby avoiding the non-directly connected path in the network configuration from being in an active state, thereby improving resource utilization and saving power consumption.

[0158] For example, the sixth message can be sent via RRC signaling or MAC CE.

[0159] To ensure the reliability of transmitted data, PDCP duplication transmission has been introduced. For scenarios with multiple non-directly connected paths, to reduce resource overhead while simultaneously supporting PDCP duplication and ensuring data transmission reliability and flexibility, this application proposes the following solution: (1) PDCP duplication data is transmitted only on directly connected paths and active non-directly connected paths; (2) different non-directly connected paths are configured for PDCP duplication data transmission for different DRBs. In this case, by default, PDCP duplication data transmission is performed on all directly connected paths.

[0160] Optionally, the multipath configuration method in this application embodiment may further include:

[0161] The network-side device sends a seventh message to the terminal; the seventh message is used to configure different non-directly connected paths for PDCP replication transmission for different DRBs.

[0162] Optionally, the seventh information includes the identifier of the DRB and indication information for indicating whether the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB is used for PDCP replication transmission. Alternatively, the seventh information includes the identifier of the DRB and the identifier of the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB used for PDCP replication transmission, so as to determine the corresponding non-directly connected path used for PDCP replication transmission based on the identifier.

[0163] It should be noted that the multipath configuration method provided in this application embodiment can be executed by a multipath configuration device or a control module within that multipath configuration device for executing the multipath configuration method. This application embodiment uses the execution of the multipath configuration method by a multipath configuration device as an example to illustrate the multipath configuration device provided in this application embodiment.

[0164] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a multipath configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device is applied to a terminal, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the multipath configuration device 30 includes:

[0165] The first receiving module 31 is used to receive first information; wherein the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

[0166] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 30 also includes:

[0167] The second receiving module is used to receive second information; the second information is used to configure CG resources.

[0168] The first processing module is used to activate the CG resource and use the CG resource for uplink transmission when the first condition is met.

[0169] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 30 also includes:

[0170] The third receiving module is used to receive third information; wherein the third information is used to configure multiple thresholds, and the multiple thresholds correspond one-to-one with the multiple non-directly connected paths;

[0171] The second processing module is used to split the transmitted data onto a non-directly connected path corresponding to the first threshold for transmission when the amount of transmitted data is greater than or equal to a first threshold, wherein the first threshold is one of the plurality of thresholds.

[0172] Optionally, the configuration of the plurality of thresholds and the plurality of non-directly connected paths satisfies any one of the following:

[0173] The configuration order of the multiple thresholds is consistent with the configuration order of the multiple non-directly connected paths;

[0174] Each of the plurality of thresholds is configured together with each of the plurality of non-directly connected paths corresponding to each threshold;

[0175] The multiple thresholds are associated with the multiple non-directly connected paths using path identifiers.

[0176] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 30 also includes:

[0177] A fourth receiving module is used to receive fourth information; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the plurality of non-directly connected paths, or the fourth information is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path among the plurality of non-directly connected paths is the main path.

[0178] Optionally, when the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, the fourth information includes the identifier of the non-directly connected path that serves as the main path;

[0179] Alternatively, when the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is a primary path, the fourth information includes a list or a bitmap, where each item in the list is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path, and each indicator in the bitmap is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path.

[0180] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 30 also includes:

[0181] The fifth receiving module is used to receive fifth information; wherein the fifth information is used for at least one of the following: indicating whether the terminal is allowed to use the first path to report the cache status report (BSR) of the multiple non-directly connected paths, or indicating the terminal to use the first path to report the BSR of the multiple non-directly connected paths; the first path is any one of the following: a direct path, a main path, or one of the multiple non-directly connected paths.

[0182] Optionally, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path;

[0183] Alternatively, the multiple non-directly connected paths are either in an active or deactivated state by default.

[0184] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 30 also includes:

[0185] The sixth receiving module is used to receive sixth information; the sixth information is used for any of the following:

[0186] Multiple thresholds are configured, wherein each threshold corresponds to one of the multiple non-directly connected paths; when the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the non-directly connected path corresponding to the second threshold is activated, and the second threshold is one of the multiple thresholds;

[0187] Activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path.

[0188] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 30 also includes:

[0189] The transmission module is used for at least one of the following:

[0190] When the network-side device is configured with PDCP replication, PDCP replication data is transmitted on the directly connected path and the active non-directly connected path.

[0191] When the network-side device is configured with PDCP replication, PDCP replication data is transmitted on the directly connected path and the non-directly connected path corresponding to the first DRB.

[0192] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 30 also includes:

[0193] The seventh receiving module is used to receive the seventh information; wherein the seventh information is used to configure different non-directly connected paths for PDCP replication transmission for different DRBs.

[0194] Optionally, the seventh information includes the identifier of the DRB and indication information for indicating whether the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB is used for PDCP replication transmission;

[0195] Alternatively, the seventh piece of information may include the identifier of the DRB and the identifier of the non-direct path corresponding to the DRB for PDCP replication transmission.

[0196] The multipath configuration device 30 of this application embodiment can achieve the above-mentioned... Figure 1 The various processes of the method embodiments shown can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0197] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a multipath configuration device provided in an embodiment of this application. This device is applied to network-side equipment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the multipath configuration device 40 includes:

[0198] The first sending module 41 is used to send first information to the terminal; wherein the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is each terminal or each DRB.

[0199] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 40 also includes:

[0200] The second sending module is used to send second information to the terminal; wherein the second information is used to configure CG resources, and the terminal activates the CG resources and uses the CG resources for uplink transmission when a first condition is met.

[0201] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 40 also includes:

[0202] The third sending module is used to send third information to the terminal; wherein the third information is used to configure multiple thresholds, and the multiple thresholds correspond one-to-one with the multiple non-directly connected paths; the multiple thresholds are used to split the transmitted data to the non-directly connected path corresponding to the first threshold for transmission when the amount of transmitted data of the terminal is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the first threshold is one of the multiple thresholds.

[0203] Optionally, the configuration of the plurality of thresholds and the plurality of non-directly connected paths satisfies any one of the following:

[0204] The configuration order of the multiple thresholds is consistent with the configuration order of the multiple non-directly connected paths;

[0205] Each of the plurality of thresholds is configured together with each of the plurality of non-directly connected paths corresponding to each threshold;

[0206] The multiple thresholds are associated with the multiple non-directly connected paths using path identifiers.

[0207] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 40 also includes:

[0208] The fourth sending module is used to send fourth information to the terminal; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, or the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is the main path.

[0209] Optionally, when the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, the fourth information includes the identifier of the non-directly connected path that serves as the main path;

[0210] Alternatively, when the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is a primary path, the fourth information includes a list or a bitmap, where each item in the list is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path, and each indicator in the bitmap is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path.

[0211] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 40 also includes:

[0212] The fifth sending module is used to send fifth information to the terminal; wherein the fifth information is used for at least one of the following: indicating whether the terminal is allowed to use the first path to report the BSR of the multiple non-directly connected paths, or indicating the terminal to use the first path to report the BSR of the multiple non-directly connected paths; the first path is any one of the following: a direct path, a main path, or one of the multiple non-directly connected paths.

[0213] Optionally, the first information includes first indication information, which is used to activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path;

[0214] Alternatively, the multiple non-directly connected paths are either in an active or deactivated state by default.

[0215] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 40 also includes:

[0216] The sixth sending module is used to send the sixth information to the terminal;

[0217] The sixth piece of information is used for any of the following:

[0218] Multiple thresholds are configured, wherein each threshold corresponds to one of the multiple non-directly connected paths; when the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the non-directly connected path corresponding to the second threshold is activated, and the second threshold is one of the multiple thresholds;

[0219] Activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path.

[0220] Optionally, the multipath configuration device 40 also includes:

[0221] The seventh sending module is used to send seventh information to the terminal; wherein the seventh information is used to configure different non-directly connected paths for PDCP replication transmission for different DRBs.

[0222] The optional seventh information includes the identifier of the DRB and indication information for indicating whether the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB is used for PDCP copy transmission;

[0223] Alternatively, the seventh piece of information may include the identifier of the DRB and the identifier of the non-direct path corresponding to the DRB for PDCP replication transmission.

[0224] The multipath configuration device 40 of this application embodiment can achieve the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The various processes of the method embodiments shown can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0225] Optional, such as Figure 5 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 50, including a processor 51, a memory 52, and a program or instructions stored in the memory 52 and executable on the processor 51. When the program or instructions are executed by the processor 51, they implement the various processes of the above-described multipath configuration method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0226] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, can perform the above-described functions. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The various processes of the method embodiments shown can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0227] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they can implement the various processes of the above-described multipath configuration method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0228] Computer-readable media include both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, which can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0229] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0230] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0231] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a service classification device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0232] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-path configuration method, characterized in that, include: The terminal receives first information; wherein the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per data radio bearer (DRB).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives second information; wherein the second information is used to configure CG resources; When the first condition is met, the terminal activates the CG resource and uses the CG resource for uplink transmission.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives third information; wherein the third information is used to configure multiple thresholds, and the multiple thresholds correspond one-to-one with the multiple non-directly connected paths; When the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal splits the transmitted data onto a non-directly connected path corresponding to the first threshold for transmission. The first threshold is one of the plurality of thresholds.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The configuration of the multiple thresholds and the multiple non-directly connected paths satisfies any one of the following: The configuration order of the multiple thresholds is consistent with the configuration order of the multiple non-directly connected paths; Each of the plurality of thresholds is configured together with each of the plurality of non-directly connected paths corresponding to each threshold; The multiple thresholds are associated with the multiple non-directly connected paths using path identifiers.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives fourth information; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the plurality of non-directly connected paths, or the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the plurality of non-directly connected paths is the main path.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, the fourth information includes the identifier of the non-directly connected path that serves as the main path; or, When the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is a primary path, the fourth information includes a list or a bitmap, where each item in the list is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path, and each indicator in the bitmap is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives fifth information; wherein the fifth information is used for at least one of the following: indicating whether the terminal is allowed to use the first path to report the cache status report (BSR) of the multiple non-directly connected paths, or indicating the terminal to use the first path to report the BSR of the multiple non-directly connected paths; the first path is any one of the following: a direct path, a main path, or one of the multiple non-directly connected paths.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information, which is used to activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path; or, The multiple non-directly connected paths are either active or deactivated by default.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives the sixth information; The sixth piece of information is used for any of the following: Multiple thresholds are configured, wherein each threshold corresponds to one of the multiple non-directly connected paths; when the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the non-directly connected path corresponding to the second threshold is activated, and the second threshold is one of the multiple thresholds; Activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: If the network-side device is configured with Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) replication, the terminal transmits PDCP replicated data on both the direct path and the activated non-direct path. If the network-side device is configured with PDCP replication, the terminal transmits PDCP replication data on the direct path and the non-direct path corresponding to the first DRB.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives seventh information; wherein the seventh information is used to configure different non-directly connected paths for PDCP replication transmission for different DRBs.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The seventh piece of information includes the identifier of the DRB and indication information for indicating whether the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB is used for PDCP copy transmission; or, The seventh piece of information includes the identifier of the DRB and the identifier of the non-direct path corresponding to the DRB for PDCP replication transmission.

13. A multipath configuration method, characterized in that, include: The network-side device sends first information to the terminal; wherein, the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network-side device sends second information to the terminal; wherein the second information is used to configure CG resources, and the terminal activates the CG resources and uses the CG resources for uplink transmission when the first condition is met.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network-side device sends third information to the terminal; wherein the third information is used to configure multiple thresholds, and the multiple thresholds correspond one-to-one with the multiple non-directly connected paths; the multiple thresholds are used to split the transmitted data on the non-directly connected path corresponding to the first threshold for transmission when the amount of transmitted data of the terminal is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the first threshold is one of the multiple thresholds.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The configuration of the multiple thresholds and the multiple non-directly connected paths satisfies any one of the following: The configuration order of the multiple thresholds is consistent with the configuration order of the multiple non-directly connected paths; Each of the plurality of thresholds is configured together with each of the plurality of non-directly connected paths corresponding to each threshold; The multiple thresholds are associated with the multiple non-directly connected paths using path identifiers.

17. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network-side device sends a fourth piece of information to the terminal; wherein the fourth piece of information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, or the fourth piece of information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is the main path.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the fourth information is used to indicate the main path among the multiple non-directly connected paths, the fourth information includes the identifier of the non-directly connected path that serves as the main path; or, When the fourth information is used to indicate whether each of the multiple non-directly connected paths is a primary path, the fourth information includes a list or a bitmap, where each item in the list is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path, and each indicator in the bitmap is used to indicate whether each non-directly connected path is a primary path.

19. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network-side device sends a fifth message to the terminal; wherein the fifth message is used for at least one of the following: indicating whether the terminal is allowed to use the first path to report the BSR of the multiple non-directly connected paths, or indicating the terminal to use the first path to report the BSR of the multiple non-directly connected paths; the first path is any one of the following: a directly connected path, a main path, or one of the multiple non-directly connected paths.

20. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first information includes first indication information, which is used to activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path; or, The multiple non-directly connected paths are either active or deactivated by default.

21. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network-side device sends the sixth information to the terminal; The sixth piece of information is used for any of the following: Multiple thresholds are configured, wherein each threshold corresponds to one of the multiple non-directly connected paths; when the amount of data transmitted by the terminal is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the non-directly connected path corresponding to the second threshold is activated, and the second threshold is one of the multiple thresholds; Activate or deactivate the non-directly connected path.

22. The method according to claim 13 or 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network-side device sends a seventh message to the terminal; wherein the seventh message is used to configure different non-directly connected paths for PDCP replication transmission for different DRBs.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The seventh piece of information includes the identifier of the DRB and indication information for indicating whether the non-directly connected path corresponding to the DRB is used for PDCP copy transmission; or, The seventh piece of information includes the identifier of the DRB and the identifier of the non-direct path corresponding to the DRB for PDCP replication transmission.

24. A multipath configuration device, characterized in that, include: A first receiving module is used to receive first information; wherein the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

25. A multipath configuration device, characterized in that, include: The first sending module is used to send first information to the terminal; wherein the first information is used to configure multiple non-directly connected paths, and the configuration granularity of the non-directly connected paths is per terminal or per DRB.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23.

27. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or implement the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23.

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