Communication methods and devices

Abstract

This application relates to the field of communication technology and discloses a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: a second device sending first information to a first device, the first information indicating X time-domain resources, where X is a positive integer greater than 1; and the first device sending a first message on one of the X time-domain resources; wherein a first time interval between the start time of the first time-domain resource and the end time of receiving the first information is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold. By timing the X time-domain resources, the second device can uniformly configure X>1 time-domain resources to enable random access of A-IoT devices with strong timing capabilities, weak timing capabilities, or no timing capabilities, thereby increasing the capacity of the A-IoT system to access the first device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the random access (RA) process of ambient-internet-of-things (A-IoT) devices, a reader-to-device (R2D) message triggering random access can indicate X time-domain resources. When X > 1, multiple A-IoT devices compete for these time-domain resources, requiring the A-IoT devices to have strong timing capabilities to time the period from receiving the random access trigger message to sending message 1 (Msg1). When X = 1, strong timing capabilities are not required for the A-IoT devices; only the time range defined by the device [T] is needed. R2D_min, T R2D_max Simply send Msg1 within [the specified range]. Therefore, when R2D indicates X > 1 time-domain resource, A-IoT devices with weak or no timing capabilities cannot access the system using any of the time-domain resources in the X > 1 time-domain resource list, which may limit the capacity of the A-IoT system to access A-IoT devices.

[0003] In view of this, how to enable readers to uniformly configure X>1 time domain resources to enable random access of A-IoT devices with strong timing capabilities, weak timing capabilities, or no timing capabilities, and improve the capacity of A-IoT systems to access A-IoT devices, is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which enables a second device to uniformly configure X>1 time-domain resources to enable random access of A-IoT devices with strong timing capabilities, weak timing capabilities, or no timing capabilities, thereby increasing the capacity of the A-IoT system to access the first device.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first device, which may be an A-IoT device or a communication module in an A-IoT device, or a circuit or chip applied to an A-IoT device (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip). Taking the application of this method to an A-IoT device as an example...

[0006] In this method, a first device receives first information, which indicates X time-domain resources, where X is a positive integer greater than 1; and sends a first message on one of the X time-domain resources; wherein a first time interval between the start time of the first time-domain resource among the X time-domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information is the smallest among the time intervals between the start time of all time-domain resources among the X time-domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information, and the first time interval is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0007] By employing this method, through timing design of X time-domain resources, the second device can uniformly configure X>1 time-domain resources to enable random access of A-IoT devices with strong timing capabilities, weak timing capabilities, or no timing capabilities, thereby increasing the capacity of the A-IoT system to access the first device.

[0008] Alternatively, the first time interval may also be greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0009] Alternatively, the first time interval may also be greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0010] Alternatively, the first time interval may also be greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0011] In one possible implementation, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: if the first device is a device with a first capability, sending the first message on the first time-domain resource.

[0012] In this manner, when the first device is a device with first capability, i.e., a weak capability, the first device only sends the first message on the first time domain resource among X time domain resources. The second device can uniformly configure X time domain resources for both the first-capability device and the second-capability device. By specifying that the first device sends the first message on the first time domain resource, the capacity of the network side to access the first device is improved.

[0013] In another possible implementation, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: if the first device is a device with a first capability, starting to send the first message at the start time of the first time-domain resource.

[0014] In another possible implementation, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: if the first device is a device with second capability, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource.

[0015] By adopting this method, it can be specified that the device with the second capability sends the first message on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource, so as to avoid collision with the time-domain resource selected by the device with the first capability, thereby improving the success rate of random access.

[0016] Alternatively, the device with the second capability can also send the first message on one of the X time-domain resources.

[0017] In another possible implementation, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: if the first device is a device with a second capability, the second device is capable of sending the first message for a period exceeding the second threshold.

[0018] In yet another possible implementation, where the first device is a device with a second capability, the first information is further used to instruct the first device to send the first message on the first time domain resource.

[0019] In other words, if the first device is a device with a second capability, the first information is also used to instruct the first device to send the first message on the first time domain resource.

[0020] Using this method, the first device can be instructed by the first information whether it can send the first message on the first time domain resource. Only when the first information indicates that the first device can send the first message on the first time domain resource can the first device send the first message on the first time domain resource.

[0021] In another possible implementation, the first capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the second capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is greater than the second threshold.

[0022] Alternatively, the first capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is less than the second threshold, and the second capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is greater than or equal to the second threshold; or, the first capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is less than the second threshold, and the second capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is greater than the second threshold.

[0023] Using this method, sending the first message on time-domain resources exceeding the second threshold requires the first device to have strong timing capabilities. A device with strong timing capabilities, i.e., a device with timing capabilities less than or equal to the second threshold, sends the first message on first time-domain resources between the first and second thresholds; a device with timing capabilities greater than the second threshold can send the first message on time-domain resources exceeding the second threshold.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the first capability indicates that the first device does not have the capability to send the first message using any of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource, and the second capability indicates that the first device has the capability to send the first message using any of the X time-domain resources or any of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource.

[0025] In yet another possible implementation, the first message is message 1 in the random access process.

[0026] In yet another possible implementation, the first information is used to trigger the first device to send the message 1.

[0027] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a second device, which may be a reader or a communication module in a reader, or a circuit or chip applied to the reader (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core). Taking the application of this method to a reader as an example.

[0028] In this method, a second device sends first information, which indicates X time-domain resources, where X is a positive integer greater than 1; and receives a first message from a first device on one of the X time-domain resources; wherein a first time interval between the start time of the first time-domain resource among the X time-domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information is the smallest among the time intervals between the start time of all time-domain resources among the X time-domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information, and the first time interval is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0029] Alternatively, the first time interval may also be greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0030] Alternatively, the first time interval may also be greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0031] Alternatively, the first time interval may also be greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0032] In one possible implementation, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: if the first device is a device with a first capability, receiving the first message on the first time-domain resource.

[0033] In another possible implementation, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: if the first device is a device with second capability, receiving the first message on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource.

[0034] In yet another possible implementation, where the first device is a device with a second capability, the first information is further used to instruct the first device to send the first message on the first time domain resource.

[0035] In other words, if the first device is a device with a second capability, the first information is also used to instruct the first device to send the first message on the first time domain resource.

[0036] In another possible implementation, the first capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the second capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is greater than the second threshold.

[0037] In another possible implementation, the first capability indicates that the first device does not have the capability to send the first message using any of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource, and the second capability indicates that the first device has the capability to send the first message using any of the X time-domain resources or any of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource.

[0038] In yet another possible implementation, the first message is message 1 in the random access process.

[0039] In yet another possible implementation, the first information is used to trigger the first device to send the message 1.

[0040] For the beneficial effects of the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect or the corresponding embodiment of the first aspect.

[0041] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can perform the methods described in any of the embodiments of the first to second aspects. The communication device can be a first device or a second device, or it can be a module (e.g., a chip) applied to a first device or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to a second device.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit performs the receiving and / or transmitting operations in the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or any one of the first to second aspects described above; the processing unit performs the processing operations in the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or any one of the first to second aspects described above.

[0043] In another possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions in the channel state information reporting method described above. The memory, coupled to the processor, stores necessary computer programs (or computer-executable instructions) and / or data for the device. Optionally, the communication device may further include a communication interface for supporting communication between the device and other network elements, such as the transmission or reception of data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface. Optionally, the memory may be located internally within the communication device and integrated with the processor; alternatively, it may be located externally to the communication device.

[0044] In another possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor and a transceiver, the processor being coupled to the transceiver. The processor executes computer programs or instructions to control the transceiver to receive and transmit information. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions, it is also used to implement the above method through logic circuits or execution code instructions. The transceiver can be a transceiver circuit, a transceiver module, or an input / output interface, used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. When the communication device is a chip, the transceiver is a transceiver circuit or an input / output interface.

[0045] When the communication device is a chip, the transmitting unit can be an output unit, such as an output circuit or a communication interface; the receiving unit can be an input unit, such as an input circuit or a communication interface. When the communication device is a terminal device, the transmitting unit can be a transmitter or a receiver; the receiving unit can be a receiver or a receiver.

[0046] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions thereon, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect, or implement the method as described in the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0047] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided that, when executed on a communication device, implements the method as described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect, or implements the method as described in the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0048] A sixth aspect provides a communication system including a first device and a second device, the first device being configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect, and the second device being configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figures 2a-2e A schematic diagram of the network topology provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a contention-based random access procedure.

[0052] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing relationship between multiple time-domain resources as exemplified in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing relationship between the first piece of information and X time-domain resources, as exemplified in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figures 7-8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The scheme of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G (5th generation mobile communication technology), future evolution systems, or multiple communication convergence systems, as well as existing communication systems. The application scenarios of the technical solutions provided in this application can include various scenarios, such as machine-to-machine (M2M), macro-micro communication, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (uRLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). These scenarios may include, but are not limited to, communication scenarios between terminal devices, communication scenarios between network devices, and communication scenarios between network devices and terminal devices. Among these, network devices include access network devices and core network devices.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 1000 may also include core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Communication system 1000 may also include Internet 300.

[0059] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), or it can be a WiFi system. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0060] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission and reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0061] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0062] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0063] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0064] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0065] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0066] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0067] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0068] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0069] With the development of communication technology, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) rd The Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines A-IoT technology. A-IoT technology can be applied to logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, environmental monitoring, and more.

[0070] I. A-IoT:

[0071] Passive IoT technology refers to IoT without a "source," where "source" refers to a power source. Currently, the most common and mature passive IoT technology is radio frequency identification (RFID), which uses radio frequency to read and write data to recording media (electronic tags or RFID cards). The basic principle of RFID is to use backscattering to complete energy conversion and communication. An RFID system generally includes a reader and an RFID tag. The reader transmits electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency through its antenna; when the RFID tag enters the working range of the transmitting antenna, it is activated by an induced current, and then transmits its stored information through its internal antenna; the transmission process involves load modulation of the received electromagnetic waves. The reader's antenna receives the carrier signal from the RFID tag and transmits it back to the reader.

[0072] Traditional RFID has several drawbacks, such as short transmission distance and a limited reading range of only a few meters. It typically requires handheld scanning, leading to labor-intensive and time-consuming operations. Furthermore, the lack of interference management solutions results in severe interference and capacity issues between RFID readers, especially in densely deployed scenarios, making it difficult for RFID to support seamless, large-scale networks.

[0073] Therefore, A-IoT was proposed to support backscatter communication technology in cellular systems.

[0074] A-IoT, also known as passive IoT, offers lower power consumption and lower cost compared to NB-IoT within the 3GPP standard framework. In non-3GPP frameworks, A-IoT targets the market demand for RFID, providing comparable and even more advantageous technical solutions.

[0075] The demand for A-IoT stems from addressing scenarios not covered by current 3GPP technologies, such as the following three scenarios:

[0076] 1) Under extreme environmental conditions, such as high pressure, extremely high / low temperature, and humid environments.

[0077] 2) Scenarios such as ultra-low complexity, very small device size / shape factor (e.g., thickness in millimeters), maintenance-free (e.g., traditional batteries that do not require device replacement) and longer life cycle.

[0078] 3) Device scenarios where traditional battery-powered devices are not applicable.

[0079] A-IoT can provide Internet of Things (IoT) services and features characteristics such as battery-free operation, low power consumption, low complexity, low cost, small size, and long lifespan. Compared to traditional IoT technologies, an A-IoT system includes A-IoT devices and readers. For example, a reader can also be called an interrogator. For example, an A-IoT device can also be called an A-IoT terminal, A-IoT, or a device with A-IoT functionality identified by a tag.

[0080] A-IoT devices are powered by energy harvesting, allowing them to operate without batteries or with limited energy storage (i.e., using capacitors). They can communicate with other devices without traditional power sources or avoid human intervention for charging or replacement. A-IoT devices can harvest energy from radio waves or, in specific use cases, from any other form of energy. For example, in some scenarios, A-IoT devices can harvest energy from radio waves, which may originate from 5G New Radio (NR) network entities or UEs. In other scenarios, A-IoT devices can harvest energy from solar energy, light, motion / vibration, heat, pressure, or any other source.

[0081] II. Device types of A-IoT devices:

[0082] In one possible example, an A-IoT device can have the following two characteristics:

[0083] A-IoT device 1 has a peak power consumption of around 1 microwatt, energy storage capabilities, and a sampling clock frequency offset (SFO) of up to 10. X ppm, without signal amplification capability, where ppm represents parts per million. Device-to-reader (D2R) transmission of A-IoT device 1 is based on backscatter transmission using a carrier frequency provided externally. D2R refers to the transmission process from the A-IoT device to the reader (such as a network device or terminal device), which is described in detail below.

[0084] A-IoT device 2, with peak power consumption in the hundreds of microwatts, has energy storage capabilities and an SFO of up to 10. Xppm indicates signal amplification capability. Furthermore, based on the source of the carrier frequency used for transmission, A-IoT device 2 can be divided into A-IoT device 2a and A-IoT device 2b. Specifically, A-IoT device 2a's D2R transmission is based on backscatter transmission using an externally provided carrier frequency, while A-IoT device 2b's D2R transmission is based on a carrier frequency generated internally within the device.

[0085] In another possible example, an A-IoT device can have the following three characteristics:

[0086] A-IoT device A: No energy storage, no independent signal generation / amplification, such as backscattering.

[0087] A-IoT device B: It has energy storage but does not generate independent signals, such as backscattering. The stored energy can be used to amplify the feedback signal.

[0088] A-IoT device C: It has energy storage and independent signal generation, such as the transmission of active radio frequency components.

[0089] III. Network Topology of A-IoT:

[0090] 3GPP defines several A-IoT topologies, which can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 2a-2e As shown.

[0091] Network Topology 1: Interaction between Network Devices and A-IoT Devices

[0092] Please refer to Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of a topology provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2a In this system, A-IoT devices and network devices communicate bidirectionally. The network device can send reader-to-device (R2D) signals to the A-IoT device; the A-IoT device receives the R2D signals sent by the network device; optionally, the A-IoT device sends a corresponding response signal to the network device (this response signal can be a backscattered signal). Conversely, the A-IoT device can send D2R signals to the network device; the network device receives the D2R signals from the A-IoT device; optionally, the network device sends a corresponding response signal to the A-IoT device.

[0093] It should be noted that, in Figure 2a In this context, transmission from network devices to A-IoT devices can be called "R2D" transmission, while transmission from A-IoT devices to network devices can be called "D2R" transmission. Figure 2a Optionally, the reader / writer can be a network device.

[0094] In some possible implementations, a network device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. In some implementations, the network device may be responsible for air interface-side radio resource management (RRM), quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, and data transmission and reception.

[0095] In some possible implementations, network devices may include base stations (BS) in a communication system or devices deployed in a radio access network (RAN) to provide wireless communication functions; that is, network devices may include devices in the RAN. For example, devices in the RAN may include evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE communication system, next-generation evolved node B (ng-eNB) in an NR communication system, next-generation node B (gNB) in an NR communication system, master node (MN) in a dual-connectivity architecture, and secondary node (SN) in a dual-connectivity architecture, etc., without specific limitations.

[0096] In some possible implementations, network devices may include devices in the core network (CN). For example, devices in the CN may include access and mobility management functions (AMF), user plane functions (UPF), session management functions (SMF), etc.

[0097] In some possible implementations, network devices can also be access points (APs) in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), relay stations, communication devices in future evolved PLMN networks, and communication devices in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs).

[0098] In some possible implementations, the network device may include means for providing wireless communication capabilities to terminal devices, such as a chip system, a chip, or a chip module. For example, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include other discrete devices.

[0099] In some possible implementations, network devices can communicate with Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet, private IP networks, or other data networks.

[0100] In some possible implementations, the network device may include a single node to perform the functions of the aforementioned base station, or it may include two or more independent nodes to perform the functions of the aforementioned base station. For example, the network device includes centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs), such as gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0101] In some possible implementations, the network device can be any of the multiple sites that perform coherent joint transmission (CJT) with the terminal device, or other sites outside of the multiple sites, or other network devices that communicate with the terminal device, without any specific restrictions.

[0102] In some possible implementations, the network device can have mobility characteristics; for example, the network device can be a mobile device. Optionally, the network device can be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite can be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. Optionally, the network device can also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations.

[0103] In some possible implementations, network devices can provide services to a cell, and terminal devices within that cell can communicate with the network devices via transmission resources (such as spectrum resources). This cell can be a macrocell, small cell, metro cell, microcell, pico cell, or femto cell, etc.

[0104] In some possible implementations, the network device described in the embodiments of this application may be a chip, chip module, device, unit, etc., and there are no specific limitations on it.

[0105] Network Topology 2: Network devices interact with A-IoT devices through intermediate nodes:

[0106] Please refer to Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of another topology provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2b In this context, since network devices and A-IoT devices cannot communicate directly, intermediate nodes can relay communication between them. Figure 2b In this context, the transmission from the intermediate node to the A-IoT device can be called "R2D" transmission, and the transmission from the A-IoT device to the intermediate node can be called "D2R" transmission. Figure 2b In this context, the reader / writer can optionally refer to an intermediate node.

[0107] Specifically, the network device sends R2D data to the intermediate node. The intermediate node then assembles the R2D data into an R2D signal and sends it directly to the A-IoT device, or processes the R2D data to assemble an R2D signal before sending it to the A-IoT device. The R2D data can be the data portion of the R2D signal. Correspondingly, the A-IoT device receives the R2D signal. Optionally, the A-IoT device sends a corresponding response signal to the intermediate node (this response signal can be a backscattered signal). Optionally, the intermediate node forwards the response signal to the network device, or processes the response signal before sending it to the network device. The network device and the intermediate node can communicate via the Uu interface. The A-IoT device sends a D2R signal to the intermediate node. The intermediate node then forwards the D2R data from the signal to the network device, or processes the D2R data before sending it to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the D2R data, which can be the data portion of the D2R signal. Optionally, the network device sends a corresponding response signal to the intermediate node. Alternatively, the intermediate node forwards the response signal to the A-IoT device, or processes the response signal before sending it to the A-IoT device. The network device and the intermediate node can communicate via a Uu interface.

[0108] In some possible implementations, an intermediate node is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, an intermediate node could be a terminal device. For example, intermediate nodes can be eNBs, eNodeBs, gNodeBs, gNBs, multi-transmission receiving points (M-TRPs), base stations in subsequent evolution systems, access nodes in WLAN systems, mobile phones, terminals, remote UEs, relay UEs, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless devices in industrial control, wireless devices in autonomous driving, wireless devices in remote medical care, wireless devices in smart grids, wireless devices in transportation safety, wireless devices in smart cities, and wireless devices in smart homes. Wireless devices in the home, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, or terminal devices in future public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc.

[0109] For a detailed description of the network equipment, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2a The description will not be repeated here.

[0110] Network Topology 3: Interaction between network devices and auxiliary nodes, A-IoT devices:

[0111] “Network Topology 3” is divided into R2D-assisted network topology and D2R-assisted network topology.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 2c , Figure 2cThe topology described herein can be referred to as an R2D-assisted network topology, and is another topology diagram provided in this application embodiment. In an R2D-assisted network topology, network devices cannot directly send R2D signals to A-IoT devices, while A-IoT devices can directly send D2R signals to network devices and receive R2D signals from the auxiliary node. Optionally, for R2D, the reader / writer can be an auxiliary node; for D2R, the reader / writer can be a network device.

[0113] Specifically, the network device sends R2D data to the auxiliary node; then, the auxiliary node can either assemble the R2D data into an R2D signal and directly forward it to the A-IoT device, or process the R2D data to assemble an R2D signal before sending it to the A-IoT device. The R2D data can be the data portion of the R2D signal. Correspondingly, the A-IoT device receives the R2D signal from the auxiliary node. The A-IoT device can also directly send D2R signals to the network device. The network device and the auxiliary node can communicate via the Uu interface.

[0114] exist Figure 2c In this context, the transmission from auxiliary nodes to A-IoT devices can be called "R2D" transmission, and the transmission from A-IoT devices to network devices can be called "D2R" transmission.

[0115] Please refer to Figure 2d , Figure 2d The topology described herein can be referred to as a D2R-assisted network topology, and is another topology diagram provided in this application embodiment. In a D2R-assisted network topology, A-IoT devices cannot directly send D2R signals to network devices, but A-IoT devices can receive R2D signals from network devices and then send D2R signals to the auxiliary node. Optionally, for R2D, the reader / writer can be a network device; for D2R, the reader / writer can be an auxiliary node.

[0116] Specifically, network devices can send R2D signals to A-IoT devices. Correspondingly, after receiving the R2D signal from the network device, the A-IoT device can optionally send a D2R signal to the auxiliary node. The auxiliary node then forwards the D2R data from the D2R signal to the network device, or processes the D2R data in the D2R signal before sending it to the network device. The D2R data can be the data portion of the D2R signal. The network device and the auxiliary node can communicate via the Uu interface.

[0117] exist Figure 2d In this context, the transmission from network devices to A-IoT devices can be called "R2D" transmission, and the transmission from A-IoT devices to auxiliary nodes can be called "D2R" transmission.

[0118] In some possible implementations, an auxiliary node is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, an auxiliary node can be an eNB, eNodeB, gNodeB, gNB, M-TRP, a base station in a subsequent evolution system, an access node in a WLAN system, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a VR terminal, an AR terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a vehicle terminal, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a wearable terminal, etc.

[0119] Network Topology 4: Interaction between Terminal Devices and A-IoT Devices

[0120] Please refer to Figure 2e This is a schematic diagram of another topological structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2e In this context, A-IoT devices communicate directly and bidirectionally with terminal devices. The reader / writer can refer to the terminal device.

[0121] Specifically, the terminal device sends an R2D signal to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device receives the R2D signal sent by the terminal device. Optionally, the A-IoT device sends a corresponding response signal to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the A-IoT device sends a D2R signal to the terminal device; the terminal device receives the D2R signal sent by the A-IoT device, and optionally, the terminal device sends a corresponding response signal to the A-IoT device (this response signal can be a backscattered signal).

[0122] The terminal device in this application is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, and may be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The terminal device can be fixed or mobile. It should be noted that the terminal device can support at least one wireless communication technology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR). For example, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, in-vehicle terminals, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in future mobile communication networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc. In some embodiments of this application, the terminal device may also be a device with transceiver functions, such as a chip system. The chip system may include a chip, and may also include other discrete components.

[0123] In the above description, "direct" means that the signal transmission does not pass through auxiliary nodes or intermediate nodes. However, in actual transmission, it may need to pass through other devices, such as routers in the communication link.

[0124] In summary, in this embodiment of the application, the A-IoT system may include network nodes and A-IoT devices, and the network node may be... Figures 2a to 2e It is one of the following: network device, intermediate node, or auxiliary node. Among them, the intermediate node or auxiliary node plays a relay role in the transmission process between the network device and the A-IoT device.

[0125] IV. D2R / R2D Transmission:

[0126] In this embodiment, the communication between the reader / writer and the A-IoT device is referred to as R2D, which can also be called R2D transmission, R2D communication, R2D signal transmission, or R2D information transmission. Optionally, the R2D signal can also be called the A-IoT R2D signal, and the data portion therein can be called R2D data or A-IoT R2D data. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0127] Communication between A-IoT devices and readers is referred to as D2R, or D2R transmission, D2R communication, D2R signal transmission, or D2R information transmission. Optionally, the D2R signal can be called an A-IoT D2R signal, and the data portion can be called D2R data or A-IoT D2R data; this application does not limit the specific terminology used in the embodiments.

[0128] Optionally, the signal transmission between the reader and the A-IoT device can be D2R and / or R2D for any of the above network topologies, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0129] against Figure 2a In the network topology shown, R2D signal transmission refers to network devices directly sending R2D signals to A-IoT devices, and A-IoT devices directly receiving R2D signals from network devices. D2R signal transmission refers to A-IoT devices directly sending D2R signals to network devices, and network devices directly receiving D2R signals from A-IoT devices.

[0130] against Figure 2b In the network topology shown, R2D signal transmission refers to network devices sending R2D data to intermediate nodes, which then assemble the R2D data into R2D signals and send them to A-IoT devices. The A-IoT devices then receive the R2D signals from the intermediate nodes. D2R signal transmission refers to A-IoT devices sending D2R signals to intermediate nodes, which then forward the D2R data from the D2R signals to network devices. The network devices then receive the D2R data from the intermediate nodes.

[0131] against Figure 2cIn the network topology shown, R2D signal transmission refers to the network device sending R2D data to the auxiliary node, the auxiliary node assembling the R2D data into an R2D signal and sending it to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device receiving the R2D signal from the auxiliary node. D2R signal transmission refers to the A-IoT device sending a D2R signal to the network device, and the network device receiving the D2R signal from the A-IoT device.

[0132] against Figure 2d In the network topology shown, R2D signal transmission refers to network devices directly sending R2D signals to A-IoT devices, and A-IoT devices directly receiving R2D signals from network devices. D2R signal transmission refers to A-IoT devices sending D2R signals to auxiliary nodes, which forward the D2R data in the D2R signals to network devices, and network devices receiving D2R data from auxiliary nodes.

[0133] against Figure 2e The network topology shown indicates that R2D signal transmission refers to the terminal device directly sending R2D signals to the A-IoT device, and the A-IoT device directly receiving R2D signals from the terminal device. D2R signal transmission refers to the A-IoT device directly sending D2R signals to the terminal device, and the terminal device directly receiving D2R signals from the A-IoT device.

[0134] In the above description, "direct" means that the signal transmission does not pass through auxiliary nodes or intermediate nodes. However, in actual transmission, it may need to pass through other devices, such as routers in the communication link.

[0135] For example, both A-IoT devices and readers can be implemented based on cellular network infrastructure. In other words, both A-IoT devices and readers can be devices within a cellular network. For instance, an A-IoT device can be implemented by a terminal within a cellular network, such as an ultra-low power, ultra-low complexity IoT terminal. The functionality of a reader can be implemented by network devices, such as base stations. Non-contact data communication can be performed between the network device and the terminal, thereby reading information from the terminal and / or writing information that needs to be stored into the terminal.

[0136] A-IoT technology can be used to implement one or more of the following functions: inventory management, location tracking, sensing, and commands. Command functions can be understood as implementing write or lock processes. In terms of application scope, A-IoT technology can be applied to scenarios such as logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identity recognition, or environmental monitoring.

[0137] The 3GPP plenary meeting defined an extremely low-power, extremely low-complexity Internet of Things (IoT) technology. It can be understood as an extension of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in 3GPP. Although it shares some principles with RFID, such as similar inventory management processes, it introduces more value scenarios in 3GPP.

[0138] The inventory management process involves using readers to connect A-IoT devices within the coverage area. Once connected, each device needs to send its unique identifier (which the network can recognize, such as the electronic product code (EPC) in RFID) to the reader.

[0139] Positioning is the process of using location signals to pinpoint the location of A-IoT devices.

[0140] Sensing involves A-IoT devices reporting sensor data to the base station, such as temperature data.

[0141] The command can be some operation instructions, such as write and lock. The write process is that the BS sends a downlink command and data, instructing the A-IoT device to write the data into its own storage area. The lock process is that a downlink command is sent to instruct the A-IoT device to lock the location at a specified address in the storage area, and the contents of that storage area cannot be modified and / or read.

[0142] Random access:

[0143] Random access is a necessary process for establishing a radio link between the UE and the network. Through the random access process, the UE establishes uplink synchronization with the NR cell and obtains uplink resources. There are two types of random access: contention-based and non-contention-based. This application mainly relates to the contention-based random access method.

[0144] Contention-based random access:

[0145] like Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates a contention-based random access procedure. This procedure includes the following steps:

[0146] S300. The network device sends a message to the A-IoT device that triggers the A-IoT device to send Msg1. The A-IoT device receives the message that triggers it to send Msg1.

[0147] S301. The A-IoT device sends Msg1 to the network device. The purpose of the A-IoT device sending Msg1 is to inform the network device of the A-IoT device's random access request. Msg1 can carry a random identifier (ID) generated by the A-IoT device, a temporary ID, or a random number. Msg1 is carried on the physical device-to-reader channel (PDRCH).

[0148] S302. The network device sends message 2 (Msg2) to the A-IoT device. If the network device successfully receives Msg1 from the A-IoT device, the Msg2 sent to the A-IoT device carries the random ID, temporary ID, or random number contained in Msg1. Msg2 is carried on the physical reader-to-device channel (PRDCH).

[0149] S303. The A-IoT device sends Msg3 to the network device. After step S302, the A-IoT device receives Msg2 and confirms whether the random ID, temporary ID, or random number contained in Msg2 is the same as the random ID, temporary ID, or random number it generates. If they are the same, the A-IoT sends Msg3 to the network device. Msg3 is carried on the PDRCH.

[0150] During the random access process of A-IoT devices, a single R2D trigger random access message can indicate X time-domain resources. Each Msg1 D2R transmission occupies one of these X time-domain resources.

[0151] Where X can be equal to 1, greater than 1, or greater than or equal to 1. When the reader is configured with X > 1 time-domain resource, the implementation complexity of the A-IoT device, the device power consumption, the resource utilization efficiency affected by the sampling frequency offset (SFO), and the disk storage latency should be considered.

[0152] The processing time of A-IoT devices follows a defined timing sequence:

[0153] For an R2D transmission and its corresponding subsequent D2R transmission, the minimum time interval between an R2D transmission and its corresponding subsequent D2R transmission is defined as T. R2D_min There are two options for the time interval between an R2D transmission and the corresponding subsequent D2R transmission:

[0154] Option 1: Define the maximum time interval between an R2D transmission and the corresponding subsequent D2R transmission as T.R2D_max Then, the D2R transmission corresponding to one R2D transmission sent by the A-IoT device is in [T R2D_min, T R2D_max Within the time frame.

[0155] Option 2: The time interval T between subsequent D2R transmissions corresponding to one R2D transmission. R2D Control information based on R2D transmission is determined, where T R2D Satisfy T R2D ≥T R2D_min .

[0156] When X=1, a single R2D transmission and subsequent D2R transmissions follow the timing rules of Option 1. Therefore, A-IoT devices have low requirements for time counter functionality, or may not even require it. Furthermore, the implementation of A-IoT devices does not require additional registers or memory; it only needs to operate within a defined time range [T]. R2D_min ,T R2D_max Sending a D2R transmission is sufficient. For D2R transmissions of Msg1 triggered by R2D random access, within the time range [T]... R2D_min ,T R2D_max Send Msg1.

[0157] When X>1, a single R2D transmission and subsequent D2R transmissions follow the timing rules of Option 2. Therefore, the A-IoT device requires additional timing functionality, demanding strong timing capabilities. Furthermore, the implementation of the A-IoT device requires additional registers and memory, and needs to count the time T determined by the R2D control information. R2D Time-based D2R transmission is performed. For D2R transmission of Msg1 triggered by R2D random access, the A-IoT device selects the Nth time domain resource from the 1st to the Xth time domain resources to send Msg1.

[0158] Therefore, when the message indicating that random access is triggered is greater than one time-domain resource, A-IoT devices with weak timing capabilities cannot perform random access based on the time-domain resources configured by the message that triggers random access. That is, when the R2D indication is X > one time-domain resource, A-IoT devices with weak timing capabilities cannot use the time-domain resources in X > one time-domain resource for access, and the capacity of A-IoT devices accessed on the network side may be limited.

[0159] In view of this, how to enable readers to uniformly configure multiple time-domain resources for the access of multiple A-IoT devices, thereby increasing the capacity of A-IoT devices accessed on the network side, is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0160] To this end, this application provides a communication method that, by performing timing design on X time-domain resources, enables the second device to uniformly configure X>1 time-domain resources to enable random access of A-IoT devices with strong timing capabilities, weak timing capabilities, or no timing capabilities, thereby increasing the capacity of the A-IoT system to access the first device.

[0161] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0162] S401. The second device sends the first information.

[0163] This embodiment relates to the interaction between a second device and one or more first devices, and is described using the interaction between a second device and one first device as an example. The first device can be an A-IoT device or a communication module within an A-IoT device, or a circuit or chip applied to an A-IoT device (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core). The second device can be a reader or a communication module within a reader, or a circuit or chip applied to a reader (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core). This embodiment is described using the example of an A-IoT device as the first device and a reader as the second device.

[0164] The A-IoT random access process is based on the time-slotted ALOHA (an anti-collision algorithm) mechanism and frequency division multiplexing access (FDMA).

[0165] The second device sends a first message. For example, the second device broadcasts the first message, which may be received by any first device within its coverage area. This first message is used to trigger random access by the first device; for instance, it triggers the first device to send Msg1. This first message can also be referred to as R2D-triggered random access information. The first message indicates X time-domain resources, which are X positive integers greater than 1. The first device can select from these X time-domain resources and send Msg1 on the selected resource. These X time-domain resources can be referred to as candidate resources for the first device.

[0166] In this embodiment, for a first time-domain resource among X time-domain resources, the first time interval between the start time of the first time-domain resource and the end time of receiving the first information is the smallest among the time intervals between the start time and the end time of receiving the first information for all time-domain resources among the X time-domain resources. For example, the first time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource among the X time-domain resources, or the first time-domain resource is the time-domain resource among the X time-domain resources closest to the end time of receiving the first information. Wherein, the first time interval is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold; or, the first time interval is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold; or, the first time interval is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold; or, the first time interval is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold. Exemplarily, the first threshold can be the aforementioned T. R2D_min The second threshold can be the aforementioned T. R2D_max .

[0167] Furthermore, the time interval between the end time of the preceding time domain resource and the start time of the next time domain resource in the X time domain resources is increasing. For example, as... Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the timing relationship between multiple time-domain resources in an embodiment of this application. The first time interval is T. R2D_1 ,T R2D_1 Belongs to T R2D_min and T R2D_max The first time interval is defined as a value between the start time of all X time-domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information, where the first time interval is the smallest or the first smallest among the time intervals between the start time and the end time of receiving the first information. For example, the first time-domain resource is the first time-domain resource among the X time-domain resources, or the first time-domain resource is the time-domain resource among the X time-domain resources closest to the end time of receiving the first information. The second time interval between the start time of the second time-domain resource and the end time of receiving the first information is defined as the second smallest among the time intervals between the start time and the end time of receiving the first information among the X time-domain resources, for example, T. R2D_2 For example, the second time-domain resource is the second of X time-domain resources, or the second time-domain resource is the second closest to the end time of receiving the first information among the X time-domain resources. The time interval between the end time of the first time-domain resource and the start time of the second time-domain resource is a third time interval T3, which is greater than the first time interval, T3>T. R2D_1 Optionally, the third time interval T3 is equal to the second time interval T. R2D_2 Subtract the first time interval T R2D_1The duration of the first time domain resource. Optionally, the third time interval T3 is associated with the duration of the first time domain resource and the SFO of the first device.

[0168] Optionally, the first threshold and the second threshold are predefined. Alternatively, the first threshold and / or the second threshold are associated with one or more of the R2D chip length, the D2R chip length, and the SFO of the first device. Alternatively, the first threshold is associated with one or more of the processing time of the first device for receiving downlink, the preparation time of the first device for transmitting uplink, and the switching time of the first device from receiving in the downlink band to transmitting in the uplink band.

[0169] For the other time-domain resources among the X time-domain resources besides the first time-domain resource mentioned above, the time interval between the start time of the other time-domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information can be greater than the second threshold, but not necessarily greater than the second threshold.

[0170] S402. After receiving the first information, the first device sends the first message on one of the X time-domain resources.

[0171] Sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources can also be understood as selecting one time-domain resource from the X time-domain resources to send the first message.

[0172] The first device can be a device with a first capability or a device with a second capability. The first capability means that the timing capability of the first device is less than or equal to a second threshold, and the second capability means that the timing capability of the first device is greater than the second threshold.

[0173] Alternatively, "first capability" indicates that the first device has no timing capability, a weak timing capability, or no timing module. A device with first capability cannot time the period from the end of receiving the first information to the start of sending the first message, and can only send the first message on a first time domain resource between the first and second thresholds. "Second capability" indicates that the first device has timing capability, a strong timing capability, or a timing module. A device with second capability can time the period from the end of receiving the first information to the start of sending the first message, and can send the first message on time domain resources exceeding the second threshold. Here, "weak timing capability" means it can only count a small number of clock samples, such as only clock samples with time intervals within the second threshold; similarly, "strong timing capability" means it can count clock samples with time intervals greater than the second threshold. "No timing capability" means the first device has no ability to count clock samples. That is, the first device does not count clock samples. If the first device receives the first information and sends the first message on one of X time domain resources, then the following condition can be met: the time interval between the end of receiving the first information and the start of sending the first message is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0174] Alternatively, the first capability may also indicate that the timing capability of the first device is less than the second threshold, and the second capability may also indicate that the timing capability of the first device is greater than or equal to the second threshold; or, the first capability may also indicate that the timing capability of the first device is less than the second threshold, and the second capability may also indicate that the timing capability of the first device is greater than the second threshold.

[0175] Based on the capabilities of the first device, the following cases will be discussed separately:

[0176] When the first device is a device with first capability, a first message is sent on a first time-domain resource. Specifically, the first device sends the first message on the first time-domain resource, or the first device selects a first time-domain resource to send the first message. That is, when the first device is a device without timing capability or with weak timing capability, the first device only sends the first message on the first time-domain resource among X time-domain resources, or the first device can only select the first time-domain resource among X time-domain resources to send the first message. The first time interval between the start time of the first time-domain resource and the end time of receiving the first information is the smallest among the time intervals between the start time of all time-domain resources among the X time-domain resources. The device with first capability sends the first message on the first time-domain resource between the first threshold and the second threshold. It does not need to have timing capability and can not time the time from the end time of receiving the first information to the start time of sending the first message. The device with first capability selects the first time-domain resource to send the first message according to its own capability, that is, it satisfies the condition that the time interval [T] is the smallest. R2D_min, T R2D_maxWithin [a certain time domain], the first message is sent. It can be seen that "first capability" can also mean that the first device does not have the ability to send the first message on any of the X time domain resources other than the first time domain resource. By specifying that the first device sends the first message on the first time domain resource, the network-side access capacity for the first device is increased; that is, devices with the first capability can also access the network side.

[0177] When the first device is a device with a second capability, it can be further implemented in the following three ways:

[0178] In the first embodiment, when the first device is a device with second capabilities, the first message is sent on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource, or the first message is sent on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource. The time-domain resource other than the first time-domain resource can be any one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource, and the first device determines this time-domain resource through contention. By specifying that the device with second capabilities sends the first message on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource, collisions with the time-domain resource selected by the device with first capabilities (i.e., the first time-domain resource) can be avoided, thus improving the success rate of random access.

[0179] In the second embodiment, when the first device is a device with a second capability, the aforementioned first information is further used to indicate whether the first device can send a first message on a first time-domain resource. In other words, when the first device is a device with a second capability, the first information is further used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to send a first message on a first time-domain resource. Specifically, if the aforementioned first information indicates that the first message can be sent on the first time-domain resource, or that the first device is allowed to send a first message on the first time-domain resource, the first device can choose to send the first message on the first time-domain resource, or choose to send the first message on other time-domain resources among X time-domain resources; if the aforementioned first information indicates that the first message cannot be sent on the first time-domain resource, or that the first device is not allowed to send a first message on the first time-domain resource, the first device can choose to send the first message on other time-domain resources among X time-domain resources, or send the first message on other time-domain resources among X time-domain resources. For example, the first information includes one bit. When the value of this one bit is a first value, it indicates that the first message can be sent on the first time domain resource, or that the first device is allowed to send the first message on the first time domain resource. When the value of this one bit is a second value, it indicates that the first message cannot be sent on the first time domain resource, or that the first device is not allowed to send the first message on the first time domain resource. The first information can indicate whether the first device can send the first message on the first time domain resource. Only when the first information indicates that the first device can send the first message on the first time domain resource can the first device send the first message on the first time domain resource.

[0180] In the third embodiment, when the first device is a device with second capability, the device with second capability can also send the first message on one of the X time-domain resources. Here, the one of the X time-domain resources can be any one of the X time-domain resources, including the first time-domain resource. By specifying that the device with second capability can also send the first message on one of the X time-domain resources, resource utilization is improved.

[0181] It can be seen that the second capability can also mean that the first device has the ability to send a first message in any one of the X time-domain resources or in any one of the time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource.

[0182] It can be seen that sending the first message on time-domain resources exceeding the second threshold requires a strong timing capability from the first device. A device with a first capability, i.e., a timing capability less than or equal to the second threshold, sends the first message on first time-domain resources between the first and second thresholds; a device with a timing capability greater than the second threshold can send the first message on time-domain resources exceeding the second threshold.

[0183] Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that both the device with the first capability and the device with the second capability can send the first message in X time-domain resources.

[0184] For example, the first message mentioned above is Msg1 in the random access process.

[0185] For example, the first message is carried on the physical device-to-reader channel (PDRCH).

[0186] After receiving Msg1 from the first device, the second device can send Msg2 to the first device.

[0187] like Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the timing relationship between the first information and X time-domain resources, as exemplified in an embodiment of this application. A second device sends the first information, which indicates X time-domain resources. These X time-domain resources can be used to send X Msg1 messages, representing X access opportunities. The first device can select the Nth time-domain resource from the 1st to the Xth time-domain resources to send Msg1. The first time interval between the start time of the first time-domain resource and the end time of receiving the first information is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0188] It is understood that the first message mentioned above can also be Msg3, etc., that is, the idea of ​​this application embodiment is also applicable to the timing relationship setting between Msg2 and Msg3.

[0189] According to an embodiment of this application, a communication method is provided that, by performing timing design on X time-domain resources, the second device can uniformly configure X>1 time-domain resources to enable random access of A-IoT devices with strong timing capabilities, weak timing capabilities, or no timing capabilities, thereby increasing the capacity of the A-IoT system to access the first device.

[0190] In this application, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., the first device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the first device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the first device. Similarly, the phrase "receiving information from... (e.g., the first device)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., the first device)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source of the information being the first device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the first device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0191] It is understood that this application uses the first device and the second device as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution of the interaction. For example, the first device in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the first device, or it can be a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device; the second device in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the second device, or it can be a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device.

[0192] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the second device and the first device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0193] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first or second device in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1 One of the terminals 120a-120j shown can also be as follows: Figure 1 The base station 110a or 110b shown can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the first device or the second device.

[0194] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes a processing unit 710 and a transceiver unit 720. The communication device 700 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 The function of the first or second device in the method embodiments shown.

[0195] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the function of the first device: the transceiver unit 720 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 At least one step performed by the first device in S401 and S402 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0196] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the function of the second device: the transceiver unit 720 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 At least one step performed by the second device in S401 and S402 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0197] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 710 and the transceiver unit 720, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0198] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the first device, the first device chip implements the functions of the first device in the above method embodiments. The first device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first device, which is sent to the first device by the second device; or, the first device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first device, which is sent to the second device by the first device.

[0199] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the second device, the second device chip implements the functions of the second device in the above method embodiments. The second device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the second device, which is information sent from the first device to the second device; or, the second device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the second device, which is information sent from the second device to the first device.

[0200] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned transceiver unit and / or processing unit can be implemented through virtual modules. For example, the processing unit can be implemented through software functional units or virtual devices, and the transceiver unit can be implemented through software functions or virtual devices. Alternatively, the processing unit or transceiver unit can also be implemented through physical devices. For example, if the device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing unit is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0201] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 includes a processor 810 and may also include interface circuitry 820. The processor 810 and interface circuitry 820 are coupled to each other. It is understood that interface circuitry 820 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 800 may also include a memory 830. Figure 8 (represented by dashed lines) is used to store instructions executed by the processor 810, or to store input data required by the processor 810 to run instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 810 runs instructions.

[0202] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the first device: the interface circuit 820 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 At least one step performed by the first device in S401 and S402 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0203] When the communication device 800 is used to implement the function of the second device: the interface circuit 820 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 At least one step performed by the second device in S401 and S402 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0204] For a more detailed description of the processor 810 and interface circuit 820 mentioned above, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0205] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from the base station, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the base station, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0206] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a base station, the base station chip implements the functions of the base station in the above method embodiments. The base station chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. The base station chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules in the base station (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0207] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0208] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index, or indirectly indicating the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or agreed upon in advance. For example, the instruction of specific information can also be achieved by using the arrangement order of various information in advance (e.g., as specified by a protocol), thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0209] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0210] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, optical discs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0211] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0212] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0213] Depending on whether the specification uses "optional": In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0214] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the method includes: Receive first information, which indicates X time-domain resources, where X is a positive integer greater than 1; Send a first message on one of the X time-domain resources; Wherein, the first time interval between the start time of the first time domain resource among the X time domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information is the smallest among the time intervals between the start time of all time domain resources among the X time domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information, and the first time interval is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: when the first device is a device with a first capability, sending the first message on the first time-domain resource.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: when the first device is a device with second capability, sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource.

4. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case where the first device is a device with second capability, the first information is also used to instruct the first device to send the first message on the first time domain resource.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The first capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is less than or equal to the second threshold or that the first device does not have a timing capability, while the second capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is greater than the second threshold or that the first device has a timing capability.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first message is message 1 in the random access process.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first information is used to trigger the first device to send the message 1.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, the method includes: Send a first message, which indicates X time-domain resources, where X is a positive integer greater than 1; Receive a first message from the first device on one of the X time-domain resources; Wherein, the first time interval between the start time of the first time domain resource among the X time domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information is the smallest among the time intervals between the start time of all time domain resources among the X time domain resources and the end time of receiving the first information, and the first time interval is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: if the first device is a device with a first capability, receiving the first message on the first time-domain resource.

10. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Sending the first message on one of the X time-domain resources includes: when the first device is a device with second capability, receiving the first message on one of the X time-domain resources other than the first time-domain resource.

11. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, In the case where the first device is a device with second capability, the first information is also used to instruct the first device to send the first message on the first time domain resource.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is less than or equal to the second threshold, and the second capability indicates that the timing capability of the first device is greater than the second threshold.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8-12, characterized in that, The first message is message 1 in the random access process.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The first information is used to trigger the first device to send the message 1.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 8-14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8-14, through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8-14.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes relevant program instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8-14.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first device and a second device, the first device being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, and the second device being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 8-14.

Images