Communication methods, devices, systems, storage media and software products

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method, device, system, storage medium, and program product. The communication method includes receiving first information sent by a network device, wherein the first information is used to indicate the time information for the activation or deactivation of first RACH configuration information. In this method, a terminal can obtain the time information for the activation or deactivation of the first RACH configuration information through the first information sent by the network device, ensuring that the terminal and the network device can determine a consistent state regarding the first RACH configuration information. Therefore, the terminal can initiate random access using the first RACH configuration information at an appropriate time, improving random access performance.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Network Energy Saving (NES) aims to reduce power consumption on the network side, thereby saving energy for network devices. For example, in NES, a Random Access Channel (RACH) resource configuration can be additionally configured for terminals that support NES features. This configuration can be dynamically enabled or disabled, thereby improving network energy saving gains. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When additional RACH resources are configured, the terminal may not be able to accurately know the status of the additional RACH resources.

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

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

[0006] Receive first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate the time information for activating or deactivating the first RACH configuration information.

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

[0008] Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the time information for the activation or deactivation of the first RACH configuration information.

[0009] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0010] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0011] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0012] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0013] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0014] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0016] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal can obtain the activation or deactivation time information of the first RACH configuration information through the first information sent by the network device, ensuring that the terminal and the network device can determine the same state of the first RACH configuration information, so that the terminal can apply the first RACH configuration information to initiate random access at an appropriate time, thereby improving the performance of random access. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figures 2A to 2C This is an exemplary interactive diagram of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figures 3A to 3D This is an exemplary interactive diagram of the method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, system, storage medium, and program product.

[0026] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0027] Receive first information sent by the network device, the first information being used to indicate the time information for activating or deactivating the first RACH configuration information.

[0028] In the above embodiments, the terminal can obtain the activation or deactivation time information of the first RACH configuration information through the first information sent by the network device, ensuring that the terminal and the network device can determine the same state of the first RACH configuration information, so that the terminal can apply the first RACH configuration information to initiate random access at an appropriate time, thereby improving the performance of random access.

[0029] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0030] The first time is used to indicate the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information;

[0031] The second time is used to indicate the time offset between the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information and the reception time of the first information.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the terminal can directly obtain the absolute time of deactivation of the first RACH configuration information through the first information, or indirectly determine the deactivation time based on the reception time of the first information, so that the terminal can apply the first RACH configuration information at an appropriate time to improve communication performance.

[0033] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, among a plurality of first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the first time corresponding to the plurality of first messages is the same.

[0034] In the above embodiments, when the first information indicates the absolute time of deactivation of the first RACH configuration information, the first time can be the same in the first information sent by the network device at different times. Different terminals receive the first information at different times and can determine the same deactivation time. Thus, different terminals can reasonably apply the first RACH configuration information according to the deactivation time understood by the network device, thereby improving the random access performance of different terminals.

[0035] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, among a plurality of first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the second time corresponding to the plurality of first messages is different.

[0036] In the above embodiments, when the first information indicates the second time, the second time in the first information sent by the network device at different times is adaptively changed. Thus, when different terminals receive the first information at different times, they can determine a consistent deactivation time based on the changing second time. Therefore, different terminals can reasonably apply the first RACH configuration information according to the deactivation time understood by the network device, thereby improving the random access performance of different terminals.

[0037] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0038] Before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated, information for random access is sent to the network device according to the first RACH configuration information.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the terminal initiates random access before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated, ensuring that the first RACH configuration information of the application is in an active state, thereby improving random access performance and communication performance.

[0040] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate whether the first RACH configuration information is in an active or deactivated state.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the terminal can clearly know the status of the first RACH configuration information based on the first information, which makes it easier for the terminal to initiate random access at an appropriate time, such as before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated, thereby improving the performance of random access.

[0042] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the retransmission of the first information is triggered when the activation or deactivation state of the first RACH configuration information changes.

[0043] In the above embodiments, when the state of the first RACH configuration information changes, the network device will be triggered to resend the first information. Thus, the terminal can promptly know that the state of the first RACH configuration information has changed by receiving the new first information, ensuring that the terminal can always determine the state of the first RACH configuration information that is consistent with the understanding of the network device.

[0044] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0045] Before sending information for random access to the network device, the first information sent by the network device is reacquired;

[0046] Specifically, when the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information changes, the network device does not resend the first information.

[0047] In the above embodiments, if the network device is not triggered to resend the first information when the state of the first RACH configuration information changes, the terminal can reacquire the first information before initiating random access, so as to know the state of the latest first RACH configuration information in a timely manner, thereby ensuring that the terminal applies the first RACH configuration information at the appropriate time and ensuring random access performance.

[0048] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the step of re-acquiring the first information sent by the network device includes:

[0049] Obtain new first information based on the period of the first information, or...

[0050] Send a second message to the network device, the second message being used to request the network device to send the first message.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the terminal can reacquire the first information in different ways, such as according to the period of the first information or by request, so as to ensure that the terminal can know the status of the latest first RACH configuration information in a timely manner.

[0052] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0053] Ignore the information in the first information that indicates the validity period of the first RACH configuration information.

[0054] In the above embodiments, when the terminal learns the activation or deactivation information of the first RACH configuration information through the first information, it can ignore the information on the inapplicable effective duration in the first information to avoid misunderstanding of the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information.

[0055] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0056] According to the second RACH configuration information, information for random access is sent to the network device, wherein the terminal does not receive downlink control information (DCI) for activating the first RACH configuration information.

[0057] In the above embodiments, when a terminal misses a DCI signaling indicating the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information, it can initiate random access based on the second RACH configuration information to improve communication performance.

[0058] In conjunction with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent via one of the following:

[0059] System Information Block (SIB);

[0060] Terminal-specific Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the terminal can receive the first information in different ways to determine the activation or deactivation information of the first RACH configuration information in a timely manner, thereby ensuring random access performance.

[0062] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising:

[0063] Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the time information for the activation or deactivation of the first RACH configuration information.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the network device informs the terminal of the activation or deactivation time information of the first RACH configuration information through the first information, ensuring that the terminal and the network device can determine the same state of the first RACH configuration information, so that the terminal can apply the first RACH configuration information to initiate random access at an appropriate time, thereby improving the performance of random access.

[0065] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0066] The first time is used to indicate the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information;

[0067] The second time is used to indicate the time offset between the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information and the reception time of the first information.

[0068] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, among a plurality of first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the first time corresponding to the plurality of first messages is the same.

[0069] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, among a plurality of first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the second time corresponding to the plurality of first messages is different.

[0070] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0071] According to the first RACH configuration information, information for random access sent by the terminal is received, wherein the information for random access is sent before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated.

[0072] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate whether the first RACH configuration information is in an active or deactivated state.

[0073] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the activation or deactivation state of the first RACH configuration information changes, the first information is resent to the terminal.

[0074] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0075] If the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information changes, the first information will not be resent.

[0076] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] Before receiving information for random access, retransmit the first information according to the period of the first information, or...

[0078] Before receiving information for random access, the system receives second information sent by the terminal, the second information being used to request the network device to send the first information.

[0079] In conjunction with embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes information for indicating the validity period of the first RACH configuration information.

[0080] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0081] According to the second RACH configuration information, the terminal receives information for random access sent by the terminal, wherein the terminal does not receive downlink control information (DCI) for activating the first RACH configuration information.

[0082] In conjunction with the embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent via one of the following:

[0083] System Information Block (SIB);

[0084] Terminal-specific radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0085] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0086] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including a terminal and a network device, wherein,

[0087] The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in the first aspect;

[0088] The network device is configured to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0089] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, wherein...

[0090] When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0091] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein when the program and instructions are executed by a communication device, they implement the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0092] It is understood that the aforementioned communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, and program product are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0093] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0094] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0095] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0096] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0099] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0100] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0101] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0102] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0103] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0105] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0106] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0107] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriberstation, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, and client can be used interchangeably.

[0109] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0112] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0113] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0114] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0116] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0118] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0120] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0121] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), and Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0122] In some embodiments, core network equipment includes network elements with specific functions, such as Access Management Function (AMF) and Service Management Function (SMF).

[0123] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0124] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown, or a part thereof, but not limited to it. Figure 1 The entities shown are illustrative; a communication system may include... Figure 1 All or part of the main body, or may include Figure 1 Other entities besides the main body, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, each entity can be physical or virtual, the connection relationship between the entities is illustrative, the entities can be unconnected or connected, and the connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0125] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Futuregeneration radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0126] In some implementations, communication systems such as 5G can meet users' demands for speed, latency, high-speed mobility, energy efficiency, and the diverse and complex communication needs of future services. The main application scenarios of 5G include Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC). eMBB, targeting users' access to multimedia content, services, and data, is experiencing rapid demand growth. eMBB may be deployed in different scenarios, such as indoors, urban areas, and rural areas, with significant differences in capabilities and requirements, requiring detailed analysis based on specific deployment scenarios. Typical applications of URLLC include industrial automation, power automation, remote medical operations (surgery), and traffic safety assurance. Typical characteristics of mMTC include high connection density, small data volume, latency-insensitive services, low module cost, and long module lifespan.

[0127] In some implementations, 5G base stations consume four times the energy of LTE base stations, making network energy saving an important means of reducing the cost of operating 5G systems.

[0128] In some implementations, Release 16 (R16) introduces a Wake-Up Signal (WUS) to achieve power saving for RRC-CONNECTED terminals. An offset is defined before the on-duration of ConnectedDRX (C-DRX) in the terminal's connected state to define the duration of WUS transmission. During this transmission period, WUS, i.e., DCI 2-6, is transmitted, scrambled with Power Saving RNTI (PS-RNTI), to indicate whether the terminal should wake up and listen to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) during the subsequent C-DRX on-duration.

[0129] In some implementations, R17 introduces paging WUS to power-up terminals in RRC idle or inactive states (RRC_IDLE / INACTIVE). Paging WUS is sent at a certain time before the PO (Point of Purchase), and PEI (Paging Information Indicator) is used to indicate whether the terminal is listening for paging scheduling information at that PO. The PEI is DCI 2-7, scrambled via PEI-RNTI.

[0130] In some implementations, in Release 18 (R18), to reduce network power consumption, the network can enter Network Energy Saving mode (NES mode), where cells periodically perform discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) and / or discontinuous reception (cell DRX) at certain intervals. However, in cell DTX or cell DRX, the Master Information Block (MIB), SIB, paging, and RACH can be transmitted and received.

[0131] Several NES functions include: SSB-less SCell, cell DTX / DRX, antenna port adaptation, and PDSCH transmission power adaptation.

[0132] In some implementations, the NES Study Item (SI) may introduce cascaded common channel signal adaptation. These signals may include SSBs, signalalling radio bearers (SRBs), paging, common PDCCHs, and RACHs. Adaptive aspects may include periodicity, time resource locations, and omitting of specific signals / channels. Adaptive triggering can be semi-static or dynamically altered transmission.

[0133] In some implementations, RACH adaptation or Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) adaptation involves time-domain adaptation of RACH resources, for example, supporting additional RACH resource configurations. Taking the configuration of two sets of RACH resource configurations as an example, this includes an existing or legacy RACH resource configuration and an additional RACH resource configuration. The legacy RACH configuration can be broadcast via SIB1 or configured to the terminal via dedicated signaling.

[0134] Optionally, for adaptive PRACH in the time domain, for at least 4-step RACH, and for at least DCI format 1_0 (DCI 1_0) scrambled by the Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier (P-RNTI), it is supported to configure additional PRACH resources within the same random access channel configuration common information (RACH-ConfigCommon) used to configure legacy PRACH resources in SIB1.

[0135] Optionally, the legacyPRACH resource used for “additional RO verification before Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) - Random Access Occasion (RO) mapping” is configured in RACH-ConfigCommon.

[0136] In some implementations, the additional PRACH configuration can be dynamically activated or deactivated via DCI, such as through P-RNTI scrambling. Furthermore, to avoid missed DCI detections, the additional PRACH configuration may include a valid duration, which is configured via higher-layer signaling.

[0137] Optionally, for DCI-based adaptive additional PRACH resources, the following 1-bit field in the DCI1_0 scrambled via P-RNTI is used for adaptive indication:

[0138] Use 1 bit from bits 5 to 8 of the short message from higher-level signaling;

[0139] The use of this 1 bit is confirmed based on the protocol.

[0140] Optionally, the above applies to cells that send DCI to terminals in idle or inactive states, and connected states.

[0141] Optionally, for DCI-based adaptive additional PRACH resources, the available information for additional PRACH resources indicated by DCI 1_0 scrambled via P-RNTI is: the effective duration is configured via higher-layer signaling.

[0142] In some implementations, the DCI scrambled by P-RNTI can be used for paging terminals or to indicate system message changes, such as through the short message field in the DCI. The paging DCI is used for system update notifications, such as through the short message indicator field included in the DCI. As shown in Table 1-1, the short message indicator field indicates whether the paging DCI contains only short messages or only paging scheduling messages. The paging scheduling message is the PDSCH scheduled by the paging DCI, which may include a terminal record list. The short message indicator field can occupy 2 bits: "00" is a reserved field; "01" indicates that the DCI is only used for paging scheduling; "10" indicates that the DCI contains only a short message field; and "11" indicates that both paging scheduling information and short messages exist in the DCI. For "10" and "11," that is, when the paging DCI is used for system information update notifications, the short messages field is valid.

[0143] Table 1-1

[0144]

[0145] In some implementations, as shown in Table 1-2, short messages can be used to indicate system message changes. Specifically, if the short message indicates that only paging scheduling messages exist in the paging DCI, the short message can be retained. A short message can occupy 8 bits.

[0146] Table 1-2

[0147]

[0148]

[0149] In some implementations, a paging DCI is used to instruct terminals to activate the additional RACH configuration. If some terminals do not receive this paging DCI, or if some terminals select or reselect to the cell and the paging DCI used to indicate the activation of the additional RACH configuration is no longer sent, these terminals cannot know the activation status of the additional RACH configuration. Therefore, these terminals may not be able to accurately know the status of the additionally configured RACH resources. Furthermore, how to ensure that the terminals and network devices have a consistent understanding of the activation status of the additional RACH configuration is also a problem that needs to be clarified. In addition, if the activation status of the additional RACH changes, it is unclear whether it will trigger system message changes.

[0150] Figure 2A This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2A As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0151] In step S2101, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0152] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives first information sent by network device 102.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the time information for the activation or deactivation of the first RACH configuration information.

[0154] Optionally, the first information is used to indicate the time information for deactivating the first RACH configuration information, and based on this time information, the terminal can determine when the first RACH configuration information is deactivated.

[0155] Optionally, the first information is used to indicate the time information for the activation of the first RACH configuration information, such as indicating the start time and / or duration of activation, and / or indicating the end time of activation. Based on this time information, the terminal can determine the activation period of the first RACH configuration information or when to deactivate it.

[0156] Optionally, the first RACH configuration information can be RACH configuration information used for RACH resource adaptation or PRACH resource adaptation. For example, the first RACH configuration information can be called first RACH resource configuration, or first RACH resource configuration information, or additional RACH (or additional PRACH) configuration information. Optionally, the first RACH configuration information can be used to configure first RACH resources, additional RACH resources, or additional PRACH resources.

[0157] Optionally, the first RACH configuration information can be dynamically enabled or disabled compared to the legacy RACH configuration information. For example, for terminals supporting R19 NES features, or for terminals supporting R19 PRACH adaptation, the first RACH configuration can be used to initiate RACH (initiate random access); while for terminals that do not support R19 PRACH adaptation, the legacy RACH configuration can be used to initiate RACH. By dynamically enabling or disabling the first RACH configuration, network devices can reduce the number of RACHs received, thus improving energy efficiency. For example, network device 102 can activate or deactivate the first RACH configuration information through paging DCI; activating the first RACH configuration information or having it in an active state indicates that the first RACH configuration information is enabled; deactivating the first RACH configuration information or having it in a deactivated state indicates that the first RACH configuration information is disabled.

[0158] It is worth noting that related implementations of RACH adaptation can also be found in the description of the foregoing embodiments, such as the description of the RACH adaptation part in the time domain.

[0159] In this embodiment, terminal 101 determines the timing for activating the first RACH configuration information based on the time information for activating the first RACH configuration information indicated by the first information, or determines the timing for deactivating the first RACH configuration information based on the time information for deactivating the first RACH configuration information indicated by the first information.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first information is sent via one of the following:

[0161] SIB;

[0162] Terminal-specific RRC signaling.

[0163] Optionally, network device 102 sends the first information through a first SIB, which can be SIB1 or other SIBs. Optionally, network device 102 sends the first information through a periodically broadcast SIB, and the terminal can receive the first information in any period, and different terminals can receive the first information in different periods.

[0164] Optionally, network device 102 sends UE-specific RRC signaling to terminal 101, which carries first information. At this time, the terminal can be in RRC connected state.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the time information for deactivating the first RACH configuration information, wherein the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0166] The first time is used to indicate the activation time of the first RACH configuration information;

[0167] The second time is used to indicate the time offset between the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information and the reception time of the first information.

[0168] Optionally, the first time can indicate the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information. For example, the first time can be an absolute time, used to directly indicate the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information. The first time can be a time period, a System Frame Number (SFN), a timeslot, or a symbol, etc. For example, the end time of the first time is the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information.

[0169] In one example, the first time is represented by an absolute SFN. The time information includes an SFN used to indicate the deactivation of the first RACH configuration information. The value of the SFN ranges from 0 to 1023, and the end time of the SFN is the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information. For example, the first time is SFN10, which indicates that the end time of SFN10 is the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information.

[0170] Optionally, the second time can be a relative time, such as a time offset, which indirectly indicates the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information. For example, the reception time of the first information after this time offset is the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information.

[0171] In one example, the second time is represented by a relative SFN. The time information includes a relative SFN, such as an SFN offset, indicating the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information and the SFN at which the first information is received. Based on the SFN at which the first information is received, the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information is obtained by the SFN offset. For example, if the SFN at which the first information is received is SFN1, and the SFN offset indicated by the second time is 4 SFNs, then the end time of SFN5 is the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information.

[0172] Optionally, the first information includes a first parameter, which is used to indicate the time information for activating or deactivating the first RACH configuration information, such as indicating the time information for deactivation.

[0173] Optionally, the first parameter is used to indicate the aforementioned first time and / or second time. Alternatively, the first parameter may also be used to indicate the time information when the first RACH configuration information is activated.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first information may be included in the first RACH configuration information.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first time, among multiple first information that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the first time corresponding to the multiple first information is the same. For a terminal or different terminals, the first information received at different receiving times may contain the same first time or the same first parameter.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first time is an absolute time and is not affected by the first information reception time. The reception time of the first time is different. For example, if different terminals receive the first information at different times, they can still obtain the same first time.

[0177] Optionally, before the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information, the first information sent by network device 102 does not need to change the first time or does not need to change the first parameter indicating the first time, such as the first time being the same in the first information sent before the deactivation time.

[0178] In one example, network device 102 sends the first information at SFN1, with the first time being SFN10; network device 102 sends the first information at SFN3, with the first time still being SFN10. Any terminal receiving the first information can know that the first RACH configuration information is deactivated at SFN10. If it is deactivated at the end of SFN10, the terminal can use the first RACH configuration information before that deactivation time.

[0179] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a second time, among a plurality of first information that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the second times corresponding to the plurality of first information are different.

[0180] In this embodiment, the second time is a relative time, such as a time offset relative to the time the first information was received. Different reception times of the first information result in different second times indicated in the first information. For a single terminal or different terminals, the first information received at different reception times contains different second times. Each terminal can determine the same deactivation time based on its own reception time of the first information and the second time in the received first information.

[0181] Optionally, before the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information, the first information sent by the network device 102 needs to change the second time or the first parameter indicating the second time according to the sending time of each first information transmission, so that the first information obtained at different receiving times can determine the same deactivation time.

[0182] In one example, network device 102 sends the first information at SFN1, with the second time indication SFN offset being 4 SFNs. Network device 102 sends the first information at SFN3, with the second time indication SFN offset being 2 SFNs. The terminal receiving the first information at SFN1 can determine that the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information is SFN(1+4) = SFN5; the terminal receiving the first information at SFN3 can determine that the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information is SFN(3+2) = SFN5.

[0183] In some embodiments, the number of bits occupied by the first information is not specifically limited.

[0184] In some embodiments, when the first information further indicates the activation time of the first RACH configuration information, the time information includes a third time and / or a fourth time. The third time is used to indicate the activation time of the first RACH configuration information, or the end time of activation. The fourth time is used to indicate the time offset between the activation time or the end time of activation of the first RACH configuration information and the reception time of the first information. For specific implementation methods, please refer to the aforementioned indication method of the deactivation time information of the first RACH configuration information. Wherein, when the third time or the fourth time indicates the activation time, the network device can configure the effective duration or duration of activation, or the protocol defines the effective duration or duration, so that the terminal can determine the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information through the first information and apply the first RACH configuration information at an appropriate time.

[0185] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0186] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0187] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0188] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0189] In step S2102, before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated, the terminal 101 sends information for random access to the network device 102 according to the first RACH configuration information.

[0190] In some embodiments, network device 102 receives information for random access sent by terminal 101 according to first RACH configuration information.

[0191] In some embodiments, terminal 101 determines the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information based on the first information, thereby determining the timing when the first RACH configuration information is in an active state, and sends information for random access to network device 102 based on the activated first RACH configuration information.

[0192] Optionally, the terminal 101 determines that the first RACH configuration information has changed from a deactivated state to an activated state based on the first information resent by the network device 102.

[0193] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2102. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S2101 and S2102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0194] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0195] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0196] Figure 2B This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2B As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0197] In step S2201, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0198] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2201 may refer to Figure 2A The implementation method of step S2101 will not be described in detail here.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first information is further used to indicate whether the first RACH configuration information is in an active or deactivated state.

[0200] Optionally, the first information includes a second parameter, which is used to indicate whether the first RACH configuration information is in an active or deactivated state.

[0201] Optionally, the second parameter includes 1 bit, indicating that the first RACH configuration information is enabled or activated.

[0202] In one example, when the first information is configured with a second parameter, it is used to indicate that the first RACH configuration information is in an active state; when the first information is not configured with a second parameter, it implicitly indicates that the first RACH configuration information is in an inactive state.

[0203] Optionally, the second parameter includes a 1-bit value, indicating whether the first RACH configuration information is disabled or deactivated.

[0204] In one example, when the first information is configured with a second parameter, it is used to indicate that the first RACH configuration information is in a deactivated state; when the first information is not configured with a second parameter, it implicitly indicates that the first RACH configuration information is in an activated state.

[0205] Optionally, the second parameter includes one or more bits, and different values ​​of the second parameter indicate different states.

[0206] In one example, taking 1 bit as an example, when the second parameter takes the first value, it indicates that the first RACH configuration information is in an active state; when the second parameter takes the second value, it indicates that the first RACH configuration information is in a deactivated state. Specifically, the first value is 1 and the second value is 0, or the first value is 0 and the second value is 1.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first information implicitly indicates whether the first RACH configuration information is in an active or deactivated state through the aforementioned first parameter.

[0208] In one example, the first RACH configuration information is in a deactivated state before the activation time of the first RACH configuration information; and in an activated state after the activation time of the first RACH configuration information.

[0209] In another example, the first RACH configuration information is active before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time; and deactivated after the first RACH configuration information deactivation time.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first information may include only the first parameter, or only the second parameter, or the first information may include both the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first RACH configuration information may also include information indicating the valid duration of the first RACH configuration information.

[0212] Optionally, the validity period only applies to terminals whose first RACH configuration information is active when obtained through the first RNTI or paging DCI. For example, the first RNTI is a P-RNTI, which contains indication information of the active status of the first RACH configuration information. Within the validity period of the first RACH configuration information, terminal 101 can initiate RACH according to the first RACH configuration information; after the validity period of the first RACH configuration information expires, the first RACH configuration information becomes invalid, and terminal 101 cannot initiate RACH according to the first RACH configuration information.

[0213] Optionally, in embodiments where the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information is indicated by the second parameter in the first information, the activation status of the first RACH configuration information is not applicable to the above-mentioned effective duration parameter.

[0214] In step S2202, network device 102 sends new first information.

[0215] In one embodiment, the first information is SIB1 or the first information is sent via SIB1.

[0216] In the first embodiment, a change in the activation or deactivation state of the first RACH configuration information will trigger a system information change. For example, when the state of the first RACH configuration information changes, the network device 102 resends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0217] In this embodiment, when the activation or deactivation state of the first RACH configuration information changes, the network device is triggered to retransmit the first information. The terminal 101 can receive the first information retransmitted by the network device 102, thereby knowing or determining the state change of the first RACH configuration information in a timely manner.

[0218] Optionally, the change in the activation or deactivation state of the first RACH configuration information includes: the first RACH configuration information changing from a deactivation state to an activation state, or the first RACH configuration information changing from an activation state to a deactivation state.

[0219] Optionally, the second parameter in the resent first message changes.

[0220] In one example, when the first RACH configuration information changes from a deactivated state to an active state, the second parameter in the first information before the state change is used to indicate that the first RACH configuration information is in a deactivated state, and the second parameter in the first information resent after the state change is used to indicate that the first RACH configuration information is in an active state.

[0221] In another example, when the first RACH configuration information changes from an active state to a deactivated state, the second parameter in the first information before the state change is used to indicate that the first RACH configuration information is in an active state, and the second parameter in the first information resent after the state change is used to indicate that the first RACH configuration information is in a deactivated state.

[0222] Alternatively, the change in the first parameter can also indirectly indicate the change in the active or deactivated state. For example, the first parameter in the retransmitted first message changes when the state changes.

[0223] In one example, when the first RACH configuration information changes from an active state to a deactivated state, the first parameter in the first information before the state change is used to indicate the time information of the first RACH configuration information being deactivated (such as the deactivation time), and the first parameter in the first information resent after the state change is used to indicate the time information of the first RACH configuration information being activated (such as the activation time).

[0224] In the second embodiment, changes in the activation or deactivation state of the first RACH configuration information will not trigger system information changes. For example, when the state changes, the network device 102 will not actively resend the first information (SIB1).

[0225] In one implementation of this embodiment, the network device 102 resends the first information to the terminal 101 according to the period of the first information.

[0226] In this implementation, changes in the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information will not trigger the network device 102 to resend the first information.

[0227] In this implementation, before initiating random access, such as before sending information for random access to network device 102, terminal 101 obtains the first information sent by network device 102 according to the period of the first information. For example, before each random access is initiated, the terminal re-obtains the first information according to the period of the first information to know the current or latest state of the first RACH configuration information.

[0228] In one example, the period for network device 102 to send the first information is T. The time when terminal 101 receives the first information is t1. Terminal 101 needs to initiate RACH at time t2. Assuming that the time of the most recent first information after time t2 is (t1+T), then terminal 101 first receives the first information at time t1+T to obtain the status of the first RACH configuration information, and then initiates random access.

[0229] In this embodiment, changes in the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information do not trigger network device 102 to retransmit the first information. Before sending information for random access to network device 102, terminal 101 re-acquires the first information to obtain the latest activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration. For example, terminal 101 can obtain new first information from network device 102 according to the period of the first information to know the latest activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information.

[0230] This implementation is applicable to the case where SIB1 sends the first information periodically.

[0231] In another implementation of this embodiment, terminal 101 requests network device 102 to send new first information.

[0232] In this embodiment, step S2202 may include the following steps S2202-11 to S2202-12:

[0233] In step S2202-11, terminal 101 sends the second information to network device 102.

[0234] Optionally, network device 102 receives second information sent by terminal 101.

[0235] Optionally, terminal 101 sends second information before sending information for random access to network device 102.

[0236] Optionally, the second information is used to request network device 102 to send the first information, or in other words, to request network device 102 to send SIB1.

[0237] Optionally, the second information may be referred to as the first information request information, or the on-demand request information.

[0238] For example, the second information is a preamble, which terminal 101 requests SIB1 by initiating the RACH procedure.

[0239] In step S2202-12, network device 102 sends new first information to terminal 101 based on the second information.

[0240] Optionally, the method of sending the first information based on the terminal request in this embodiment can be On-demandSIB1.

[0241] In step S2203, terminal 101 determines the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information based on the new first information.

[0242] In some embodiments, before each random access operation, the terminal 101 determines the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information based on new first information.

[0243] Optionally, in conjunction with the description of step S2202, the new first information may be actively sent by network device 102, obtained by terminal 101, or requested by terminal 101.

[0244] In some embodiments, in conjunction with step S2201, if the first RACH configuration information also includes information for indicating the effective duration of the first RACH configuration information, in this embodiment, the terminal 101 may ignore the information on the effective duration.

[0245] In step S2204, terminal 101 sends information for random access to network device 102 according to the first RACH configuration information in the active state.

[0246] In some embodiments, terminal 101 determines that the first RACH configuration information is in an active state based on the new first information, and can send information for random access to network device 102 according to the first RACH configuration information.

[0247] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2204. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps S2201, S2203 to S2204 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0248] In some embodiments, steps S2202, S2203, and S2204 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0249] In some embodiments, step S2202 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0250] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0251] Figure 2C This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2C As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0252] In step S2301, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0253] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S2301 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The implementation method of step S2101 will not be described in detail here.

[0254] In step S2302, terminal 101 sends information for random access to network device 102 according to the second RACH configuration information.

[0255] In some embodiments, network device 102 receives information for random access sent by terminal 101 according to second RACH configuration information.

[0256] In some embodiments, if terminal 101 does not receive DCI for activating first RACH configuration information, it sends information for random access to network device 102 according to second RACH configuration information.

[0257] In some embodiments, terminal 101 obtains first information, terminal 101 determines that the first information contains a first RACH configuration, terminal 101 does not receive DCI for activating the first RACH configuration information, and terminal 101 sends information for random access to network device 102 according to the second RACH configuration information.

[0258] Optionally, the DCI used to activate the first RACH configuration information, such as a paging DCI, is scrambled by the first RNTI, such as by P-RNTI.

[0259] Optionally, the second RACH configuration information is existing RACH configuration information, such as legacy RACH configuration information.

[0260] Optionally, the second RACH configuration information may overlap with the first RACH configuration information in the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0261] Optionally, the second RACH configuration information and the first RACH configuration information may not overlap in the time domain.

[0262] Optionally, the second RACH configuration information and the first RACH configuration information may not overlap in the frequency domain.

[0263] Optionally, the second RACH configuration information and the first RACH configuration information may not overlap in the time domain and frequency domain.

[0264] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2302. For example, step S2301 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S2302 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0265] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0266] Figure 3A This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0267] In step S3101, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0268] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3101 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The implementation method of step S2101 will not be described in detail here.

[0269] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] Figure 3B This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3B As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0271] In step S3201, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0272] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3201 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The implementation method of step S2101 will not be described in detail here.

[0273] In step S3202, the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information changes, and the network device 102 resends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0274] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3202 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The implementation method of step S2102 will not be described in detail here.

[0275] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0276] Figure 3C This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3C As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0277] In step S3301, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0278] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3301 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The implementation method of step S2101 will not be described in detail here.

[0279] In step S3302, before sending information for random access to network device 102, terminal 101 re-acquires the first information sent by network device 102.

[0280] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3302 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2B In step S2202 or Figure 2C The implementation method of step S2302 will not be described in detail here.

[0281] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0282] Figure 3D This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3D As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0283] In step S3401, network device 102 sends first information to terminal 101.

[0284] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3401 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A The implementation method of step S2101 will not be described in detail here.

[0285] In step S3402, before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated, the terminal 101 sends information for random access to the network device 102 according to the first RACH configuration information.

[0286] In some embodiments, the implementation of step S3401 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2A intermediate step S2103 or Figure 2B In step S2203 or Figure 2C The implementation method of step S2304 will not be described in detail here.

[0287] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0288] This disclosure provides a communication method that indicates the activation status of an additional PRACH configuration through higher-layer signaling, such as through SIB1, providing a way to indicate adaptive RACH resources and clarifying whether a change in the activation status of the additional PRACH triggers a system message change. By indicating the activation status and valid duration of the additional PRACH configuration through SIB1, a way to indicate adaptive RACH resources is provided, ensuring that terminals reading SIB1 at different times have a consistent understanding of the activation status of the additional PRACH configuration.

[0289] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, some embodiments are listed below:

[0290] Example 1: The network device indicates the time when the first RACH configuration is deactivated by using the first parameter.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first RACH configuration is an additional RACH configuration, and the first parameter is included in the first RACH configuration. The first parameter is used to indicate the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration.

[0292] Optionally, the first RACH configuration is configured via the first SIB and / or dedicated RRC signaling.

[0293] Optionally, the first SIB corresponds to the first information in the foregoing embodiments, and the first RACH configuration corresponds to the first RACH configuration information in the foregoing embodiments.

[0294] In one example, the first SIB is SIB1.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first parameter indicates an absolute time.

[0296] Optionally, the first parameter indicates an absolute SFN, such as 0-1023.

[0297] In one example, when the absolute time is SFN, it indicates the SFN that the first RACH configuration deactivates. For example, the end of the SFN is the time when the first RACH configuration deactivates.

[0298] Optionally, the first parameter is an absolute time, and the first SIB sent before the first RACH configuration is deactivated does not need to change the first parameter.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first parameter indicates a relative time.

[0300] Optionally, the first parameter indicates relative to the SFN.

[0301] Optionally, the relative time is the offset relative to the SFN of the first SIB (SFN offset).

[0302] In one example, the moment when the first RACH configuration is deactivated is calculated by receiving the SFN and SFN offset of the first SIB, for example, by receiving the SFN + SFN offset of the first SIB to calculate the end of the SFN.

[0303] Optionally, the first parameter is a relative time, and the first parameter needs to be changed for each first SIB sent before the first RACH configuration is deactivated.

[0304] In some embodiments, the number of bits occupied by the first parameter is not specifically limited in how the first parameter indicates the time when the first RACH configuration is deactivated.

[0305] Example 2: Before the terminal executes the RACH procedure, it obtains the first SIB to determine the activation status of the first RACH configuration.

[0306] In some embodiments, the first SIB indicates the activation and / or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration via a second parameter. The activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration triggers a system message change.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first SIB indicates the activation and / or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration via a second parameter. The activation / deactivation status of the first RACH configuration does not trigger system message changes.

[0308] Optionally, the terminal determines to trigger RACH. Before executing the RACH process, the terminal first obtains the first SIB and determines the activation and / or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration through the first SIB.

[0309] Optionally, if the terminal determines that the first SIB contains the first RACH configuration, the terminal determines to trigger RACH. Before executing the RACH process, the terminal first obtains the first SIB and determines the activation and / or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration through the first SIB.

[0310] Optionally, the first SIB is obtained based on a request. In one example, if the first SIB is SIB1, which is broadcast periodically, the terminal obtains the first SIB during the transmission cycle of SIB1. In another example, the first SIB is obtained based on a request, and the terminal executes the On-demand SIB1 procedure to obtain the first SIB.

[0311] In some embodiments, terminals that obtain the activation and / or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration through the first SIB ignore the valid duration of the first RACH configuration in the first SIB.

[0312] Optionally, the valid duration applies only to terminals that acquire the first RACH configuration activation state via the first RNTI. In one example, the first RNTI is a P-RNTI, which contains an indication of the first RACH configuration activation state.

[0313] Example 3: If the terminal does not receive the first RNTI, the terminal uses the second RACH resource.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first SIB contains a first RACH configuration. The terminal determines that the first SIB contains the first RACH configuration, but the terminal does not receive a first RNTI that activates the first RACH configuration. The terminal then uses the second RACH resource to perform the RACH procedure.

[0315] Optionally, the second RACH resource is an existing RACH resource, such as a legacy RACH configuration.

[0316] Optionally, the second RACH resource corresponds to the second RACH configuration information in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0317] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a common channel is implemented based on paging DCI, and the signal period is adaptive.

[0318] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0319] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0320] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0321] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0322] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0323] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Terminal 4100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 4A As shown, terminal 4100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4101, a processing module 4102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4101 is used to receive first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate the time information for activation or deactivation of the first random access channel (RACH) configuration information.

[0324] Optionally, the transceiver module 4101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 4102 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0325] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Network device 4200 is used to perform any of the above methods. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 4B As shown, network device 4200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 4201, a processing module 4202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 4201 is used to send first information to a terminal, the first information being used to indicate the time information for activation or deactivation of the first random access channel (RACH) configuration information.

[0326] Optionally, the transceiver module 4201 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 4202 is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0327] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0328] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0329] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0330] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 5100 proposed in this embodiment. The communication device 5100 can be a network device, a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 5100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0331] like Figure 5A As shown, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 includes one or more processors 5101. The processor 5101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 5100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 5100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0332] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more transceivers 5102. When the communication device 5100 includes one or more transceivers 5102, the transceiver 5102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method, and the processor 5101 performs at least one of the other steps. In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0333] In some embodiments, the communication device 5100 further includes one or more memories 5103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 5101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 5103 to cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 5103 may also be located outside the communication device 5100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 5100 may include one or more interface circuits 5104. Optionally, the interface circuit 5104 is connected to the memory 5103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 5103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 5103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 5103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5101.

[0334] The communication device 5100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 5100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 5100 may vary. Figure 5A The limitations. The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0335] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 5200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 5100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to... Figure 5B The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of chip 5200, but it is not limited to this.

[0336] Chip 5200 includes one or more processors 5201. Chip 5200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0337] In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more interface circuits 5202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 5200 further includes one or more memories 5203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 5203 may be located outside of chip 5200. Optionally, the interface circuit 5202 is connected to the memories 5203, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memories 5203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 5202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memories 5203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 5202 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memories 5203 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 5201.

[0338] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 5202 performs at least one of the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 5202 performing the communication steps, such as sending and / or receiving, in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 5202 performs data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 5201, the chip 5200, the memory 5203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 5201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0339] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0340] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 5100, cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0341] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by the communication device 5100, cause the communication device 5100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0342] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0343] Industrial applicability

[0344] The terminal can obtain the activation or deactivation time information of the first RACH configuration information through the first information sent by the network device, ensuring that the terminal and the network device can determine the same state of the first RACH configuration information. Thus, the terminal can apply the first RACH configuration information to initiate random access at the appropriate time, thereby improving the performance of random access.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: The system receives first information sent by a network device, the first information being used to indicate the time information for activating or deactivating the first random access channel (RACH) configuration information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The time information includes at least one of the following: The first time is used to indicate the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information; The second time is used to indicate the time offset between the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information and the reception time of the first information.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, Among the multiple first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the first times corresponding to the multiple first messages are the same.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, Among the multiple first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the second times corresponding to the multiple first messages are different.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The method further includes: Before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated, information for random access is sent to the network device according to the first RACH configuration information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first information is also used to indicate whether the first RACH configuration information is in an active or deactivated state.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first information is resent when its activation or deactivation status changes.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further includes: Before sending information for random access to the network device, the first information sent by the network device is reacquired; Specifically, when the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information changes, the network device does not resend the first information.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The step of re-acquiring the first information sent by the network device includes: Obtain new first information based on the period of the first information, or... Send a second message to the network device, the second message being used to request the network device to send the first message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The method further includes: Ignore the information in the first RACH configuration information that indicates the effective duration.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The method further includes: According to the second RACH configuration information, information for random access is sent to the network device, wherein the terminal does not receive downlink control information (DCI) for activating the first RACH configuration information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The first information is sent via one of the following: System Information Block (SIB); Terminal-specific radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

13. A communication method performed by a network device, the method comprising: Send first information to the terminal, the first information being used to indicate the time information for activation or deactivation of the first random access channel (RACH) configuration information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The time information includes at least one of the following: The first time is used to indicate the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information; The second time is used to indicate the time offset between the deactivation time of the first RACH configuration information and the reception time of the first information.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, Among the multiple first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the first times corresponding to the multiple first messages are the same.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, Among the multiple first messages that are received at different times before the first RACH configuration information deactivation time, the second times corresponding to the multiple first messages are different.

17. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The method further includes: According to the first RACH configuration information, information for random access sent by the terminal is received, wherein the information for random access is sent before the first RACH configuration information is deactivated.

18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The first information is also used to indicate whether the first RACH configuration information is in an active or deactivated state.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: When the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information changes, the first information is resent to the terminal.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: If the activation or deactivation status of the first RACH configuration information changes, the first information will not be resent.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further includes: Before receiving information for random access, retransmit the first information according to the period of the first information, or... Before receiving information for random access, the system receives second information sent by the terminal, the second information being used to request the network device to send the first information.

22. The method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein, The first RACH configuration information includes information for indicating the effective duration.

23. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein, The method further includes: According to the second RACH configuration information, the terminal receives information for random access sent by the terminal, wherein the terminal does not receive downlink control information (DCI) for activating the first RACH configuration information.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein, The first information is sent via one of the following: System Information Block (SIB); Terminal-specific radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

25. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or any one of claims 13 to 24.

26. A communication system comprising a terminal and network equipment, wherein, The terminal is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; The network device is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

27. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 or any one of claims 13 to 24.

28. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, wherein, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 or any one of claims 13 to 24.

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