Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and a communications apparatus, and relates to the field of wireless communications.SOLUTION: A first node may transmit first configuration information on a first frequency-hopping channel to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes (S501). The communication link includes a direct link between at least two second nodes, and the first node is a master node of at least one second node in the two second nodes corresponding to the direct link. In the method described above, the first node may configure a communication link between at least two second nodes. As such, conflicts between the resources of the direct link and the resources of the master and slave communication links can be avoided, thereby improving communication performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and more particularly to communication methods and devices. [Background technology]

[0002] With the continuous development of global communication technology, wireless communication technology is widely used in people's daily lives. For example, intelligent devices such as intelligent transportation devices, smart home devices, and robots all require the support of wireless communication technology. In a wireless communication scenario, a specific communication area or range may include multiple communication domains. A communication domain may include multiple communication nodes having a communication connection relationship. One of the multiple communication nodes is a master communication node (hereinafter referred to as the master node), and the other nodes are slave communication nodes (hereinafter referred to as the slave nodes). The master node may configure a master-slave communication link between the master node and the slave node to implement communication between the master node and the slave node.

[0003] In a communication domain, a slave node may communicate with other slave nodes in the communication domain in addition to the master node. Before a slave node communicates with other slave nodes, the slave node may configure a direct link between the slave node and the other slave nodes to implement communication between the slave nodes. As a result, conflicts may occur between resources of the direct link and resources of the master and slave communication links. For example, the same resources need to be used simultaneously for both the direct link and the master and slave communication links. As another example, a slave node needs to communicate simultaneously with both the master node and another slave node. If resources of the direct link conflict with resources of the master and slave communication links, communication will fail and communication performance will be degraded. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication device for avoiding contention between resources of a direct link and resources of a master communication link and a slave communication link, thereby improving communication performance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solutions are used in the embodiments of the present application.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a communication method, which will be described by using an example in which the execution body is a first node, including the steps of: transmitting first configuration information on a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes, the communication link including a direct link between the at least two second nodes, and the first node being a master node of at least one of the two second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

[0007] According to the method provided in the first method described above, a first node, acting as a master node of at least one second node, can communicate on a first frequency hopping channel by using a master and slave communication link to configure a direct link between at least two second nodes, thereby enabling direct communication between the at least two second nodes based on the configuration of the first node. This avoids contention between resources of the direct link and resources of the master and slave communication link, improving communication performance. Furthermore, in the above method, all resources in the communication domain are managed and maintained by the master node, and the slave nodes do not need to configure resources of the direct link, thereby reducing the complexity and power consumption of the slave nodes.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: generating or obtaining first configuration information. According to the above method, the first node may generate or obtain first configuration information, so that at least two second nodes can communicate with each other based on the first configuration information.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the first node is a master node of two second nodes corresponding to a direct link. According to the above-mentioned method, the first node can configure a direct link to the first node's two slave nodes, and the slave nodes do not need to configure resources for the direct link. This can reduce the complexity of the slave nodes and the power consumption of the slave nodes.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the first configuration information includes one or more of the following: a first communication link identifier, a node identifier, first communication link type information, communication link type information in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link. According to the above-described method, a first node may configure one or more of a first communication link identifier, a first communication link group identifier, a node identifier, first communication link type information, first communication link type information in the first communication link group, or frequency hopping channel information for at least two second nodes, thereby allowing the at least two second nodes to communicate with each other based on the above-described information. The first communication link identifier or the first communication link group identifier may be used to identify the link. For example, in a subsequent communication, after receiving a message, the second node may determine whether the message is a message transmitted on the first communication link or the first communication link group based on whether the message includes the first communication link identifier or the first communication link group identifier. The first communication link identifier or the first communication link group identifier may also be used as a frequency hopping randomization seed for the first communication link or the first communication link group. The second node determines a frequency hopping channel for transmitting and / or receiving messages transmitted in the first communication link or the first communication link group based on the identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information about a first start position. All of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information about the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group. According to the above method, the first node can configure at least one transmission opportunity group for at least two second nodes, whereby the at least two second nodes communicate with each other in the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information about a second start position. The transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources is configured to be used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities. The transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group. The second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information about the second start position includes a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving a direct transmission in a second transmission opportunity within the at least one transmission opportunity, where the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity. According to the above-described method, a first node may configure at least one transmission opportunity for nodes in at least two second nodes, whereby the nodes in the at least two second nodes communicate with each other in the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth transmission opportunity group is used for the communication link and that the fourth transmission opportunity group is included in time domain resources of the communication link. According to the above-described method, the first node can indicate to at least two second nodes by using the first message that the fourth transmission opportunity group can be used for the communication link. In this manner, the at least two second nodes can communicate in the fourth transmission opportunity group. It can be understood that the first configuration information can be semi-static configuration information used to configure potentially available resources for the communication link. Not all of these potentially available resources are necessarily used for the communication link. Therefore, the first node can transmit the first message to indicate whether the fourth transmission opportunity group in the configured potentially available resources for the communication link is available for the communication link. The first node can flexibly adjust resource usage based on changes in transmission and communication requirements of the master and slave communication links and / or the direct link, thereby more dynamically allocating resources to different links.

[0014] In a possible implementation, transmitting the first message includes starting transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group or transmitting the first message in time domain resources prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group. According to the above-described method, the first node can dynamically indicate whether the fourth transmission opportunity group can be used for a direct link by starting transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group or transmitting the first message in time domain resources prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group. Thus, the first node can configure the usage of the fourth transmission opportunity group based on the latest situation, so that the fourth transmission opportunity group can be more appropriately assigned to a different link.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: transmitting a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmission opportunity is used for the communication link and that the third transmission opportunity is included in time domain resources of the communication link. According to the above-described method, the first node can indicate to one of at least two second nodes that the third transmission opportunity can be used for the communication link by using the first message. In this manner, the at least two second nodes can communicate during the third transmission opportunity. It can be understood that the first configuration information can be semi-static configuration information used to configure potentially available resources for the communication link. Not all of these potentially available resources are necessarily used for the communication link. Therefore, the first node can transmit the first message to indicate whether the third transmission opportunity in the configured potentially available resources for the communication link is available for the communication link. The first node can flexibly adjust resource usage based on changes in transmission and communication requirements of the master and slave communication links and / or the direct link, thereby more dynamically allocating resources to different links.

[0016] In a possible implementation, transmitting the first message includes starting transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity or transmitting the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity. According to the above method, the first node may dynamically indicate whether the third transmit opportunity can be used for a direct link by starting transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity or transmitting the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity. Thus, the first node may configure how to use the third transmit opportunity based on the latest conditions, thereby more appropriately allocating the third transmit opportunity to different links.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the first message is further used to synchronize at least two second nodes. According to the above-mentioned method, the nodes in the at least two second nodes can be synchronized by using the first message. The transmission time of the first message is close to the time when the at least two second nodes transmit and / or receive messages in the fourth transmission opportunity group or the third transmission opportunity. Therefore, when the at least two second nodes transmit and / or receive messages in the fourth transmission opportunity group or the third transmission opportunity, the clock drift is small and the synchronization effect is good.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the method further includes receiving communication link configuration request information, the communication link configuration request information being used to request configuring a communication link. According to the above method, the first node can configure a communication link between at least two second nodes based on the communication link configuration request information.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the communication link configuration request information includes one or more of the following: link type information of the communication link; indication information of at least two second nodes; Periodicity information of the communication link, delay requirement information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, or resource requirement information of the communication link. According to the above method, the first node may appropriately configure the communication link between the at least two second nodes based on one or more of the link type information of the communication link, the indication information of the at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay requirement information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, or resource requirement information of the communication link, to optionally maximize resource utilization and avoid contention based on related information of master and slave link communications known by the first node.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the step of transmitting first configuration information over the first frequency hopping channel includes: transmitting the first configuration information over the first frequency hopping channel to a first slave node, where the first slave node is a node in at least two second nodes, and the first configuration information is used to configure a communication link between the first slave node and a node other than the first slave node in the at least two second nodes. The method further includes: transmitting second configuration information over the second frequency hopping channel to a second slave node, where the second slave node is a second node in the at least two second nodes and different from the first slave node, and the second configuration information is used to configure a communication link between the second slave node and a node other than the second slave node in the at least two second nodes. According to the above-mentioned method, the first node may individually transmit the first configuration information and the second configuration information to the first slave node and the second slave node in a unicast manner to allow the first slave node and the second slave node to individually configure a communication link between the at least two second nodes including the first slave node and the second slave node. The first frequency hopping channel for transmitting the first configuration information and the second frequency hopping channel for transmitting the second frequency hopping information may be the same frequency hopping channel or different frequency hopping channels, which is not limited in the present application.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the step of transmitting first configuration information over the first frequency hopping channel includes the following: transmitting the first configuration information over the first frequency hopping channel to a second group of nodes, the second group of nodes including at least two second nodes. According to the above-described method, the first node may transmit the first configuration information to the at least two second nodes in a multicast manner. Before transmitting the first configuration information, the at least two second nodes first form a second group of nodes and optionally establish a multicast link between the first node (master node) and the second group of nodes, and then transmit the first configuration information over the multicast link. The manner of forming the second group of nodes and establishing the multicast link may be pre-configured or may be configured by the first node. This is not a limitation in the present application.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the method includes the following steps: transmitting third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource, the third slave node being a node in at least two nodes, the third slave node being a control node in at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node. According to the above-described method, the first node may configure the third slave node with a specific direct link management or configuration function and a resource for transmitting corresponding management signaling (e.g., control information of the communication link), thereby allowing the third slave node to manage or configure the communication link between at least two second nodes. The direct link is managed by the node that uses the direct link for communication, thereby reducing the dependency of the slave node on the master node and the master and slave link, and improving the flexibility of resource configuration and the independence of the direct link. It can be understood that when the third slave node receives the third configuration information, the third slave node may transmit control information regarding the first resource based on the third configuration information. When a node other than the third slave node among the at least two second nodes receives the third configuration information, the node may receive control information transmitted by the third slave node regarding the first resource based on the third configuration information.

[0023] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method is described by using an example in which the execution body is a first slave node, and the first slave node is a node in at least two second nodes, and the method includes the following steps: receiving first configuration information from the first node over a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between the at least two second nodes, the at least two nodes including a target node, the communication link including a direct link between the target node and at least one second node in the at least two second nodes that is different from the target node, the first node being a master node of the target node; and communicating with at least one second node in the at least two second nodes that is different from the target node based on the first configuration information.

[0024] According to the method provided in the second aspect, a first slave node (i.e., a target node) communicates on a first frequency hopping channel by using a master-slave communication link as a slave node of the first node to receive first configuration information used by the first node to configure a direct link between at least two second nodes, and can communicate with nodes other than the first slave node among the at least two second nodes based on the first configuration information. This avoids contention between resources of the direct link and resources of the master-slave communication link and improves communication performance. Furthermore, in the above-described method, all resources in the communication domain are managed and maintained by the master node, and the slave nodes do not need to configure resources of the direct link, thereby reducing the complexity of the slave nodes and the power consumption of the slave nodes.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first node is a master node of two second nodes corresponding to a direct link. According to the above-mentioned method, the first node can configure a direct link to the first node's two slave nodes, and the slave nodes do not need to configure resources for the direct link. This can reduce the complexity of the slave nodes and the power consumption of the slave nodes.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the first configuration information includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information. The first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of the at least two second nodes, and the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates an available frequency hopping channel in the communication link. According to the above method, the nodes of the at least two second nodes: The second node communicates with the second node based on one or more of the identifier of the first communication link, the identifier of the first communication link group, the node identifier, the type information of the first communication link group, the type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, the initial time domain resource information, or the frequency hopping channel indication information. The identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group may be used to identify the link. For example, in a subsequent communication, after receiving a message, the second node may determine whether the message is a message transmitted in the first communication link or the first communication link group based on whether the message includes the identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group. The identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group may also be used as a frequency hopping randomization seed for the first communication link or the first communication link group. The second node determines a frequency hopping channel for transmitting and / or receiving a message transmitted in the first communication link or the first communication link group based on the identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information regarding a first start position. All of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group. According to the above method, at least two second nodes in the node may communicate with each other in the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position. The transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities is configured. The transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group. The second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity. The information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of transmission or reception of the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity. According to the above-mentioned method, nodes in the at least two second nodes may communicate in the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth transmission opportunity group is used for the communication link and that the fourth transmission opportunity group is included in time domain resources of the communication link. According to the above-described method, by using the first message, it can be determined that the fourth transmission opportunity group can be used for the communication link. In this manner, at least two nodes in the second node can communicate in the fourth transmission opportunity group. It can be understood that the first configuration information can be semi-static configuration information used to configure potentially available resources in the communication link. Not all of these potentially available resources are necessarily used for the communication link. Therefore, the first node can transmit the first message to indicate whether the fourth transmission opportunity group in the potentially available resources configured for the communication link is available for the communication link. The first node can flexibly adjust resource usage based on changes in transmission and communication requirements of the master and slave communication links and / or the direct link, thereby more dynamically allocating resources to different links.

[0030] In a possible implementation, receiving the first message includes starting reception of the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group or receiving the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group. According to the above-described method, whether the fourth transmission opportunity group can be used for a direct link can be determined by starting reception of the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group or receiving the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group. Therefore, the first node can configure the usage of the fourth transmission opportunity group based on the latest situation, so that the fourth transmission opportunity group can be more appropriately assigned to a different link.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the method further includes receiving a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmission opportunity is to be used for the communication link and that the third transmission opportunity is included in time domain resources of the communication link. According to the above-described method, by using the first message, it can be determined that the third transmission opportunity can be used for the communication link. In this manner, at least two nodes in the second node can communicate during the third transmission opportunity. It can be understood that the first configuration information can be semi-static configuration information used to configure potentially available resources in the communication link. Not all of these potentially available resources are necessarily used for the communication link. Therefore, the first node can transmit the first message to indicate whether the third transmission opportunity in the potentially available resources configured for the communication link is available for the communication link. The first node can flexibly adjust resource usage based on changes in transmission and communication requirements of the master and slave communication links and / or the direct link. This allows resources to be more dynamically allocated to different links.

[0032] In a possible implementation, receiving the first message includes starting reception of the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity or receiving the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity. According to the above-described method, whether the third transmit opportunity is available for the direct link can be determined by starting reception of the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity or receiving the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity. Thus, the first node can configure how to use the third transmit opportunity based on the latest situation, so that the third transmit opportunity can be more appropriately allocated to a different link.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: synchronizing with at least two second nodes based on the first message. According to the above-described method, the at least two second nodes can be synchronized by using the first message. The transmission time of the first message is close to the time when the at least two second nodes transmit and / or receive messages in the fourth transmission opportunity group or the third transmission opportunity. Therefore, when the at least two second nodes transmit and / or receive messages in the fourth transmission opportunity group or the third transmission opportunity, the clock drift is small and the synchronization effect is good.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the method further includes the step of transmitting communication link configuration request information, where the communication link configuration request information is used to request configuring a communication link. According to the above-mentioned method, the communication link configuration request information can be transmitted to a first node, whereby the first node can configure a communication link between at least two second nodes based on the communication link configuration request information.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the communication link configuration request information includes one or more of the following: link type information of the communication link, indication information of at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay requirement information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, and resource requirement information of the communication link. According to the above-mentioned method, one or more of the link type information of the communication link, indication information of the at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay requirement information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, and resource requirement information of the communication link may be transmitted to the first node. In this way, the first node may appropriately configure the communication link between the at least two second nodes based on the above-mentioned information and optionally based on related information of master and slave link communication known by the first node, thereby making optimal use of resources and avoiding contention.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the method further includes receiving third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource, the third slave node being a node in at least two nodes, the third slave node being a control node in at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node. According to the above-mentioned method, the third configuration information can be received, whereby the control information of the communication link can be transmitted on the first resource indicated by the third configuration information to manage or configure the communication link between the at least two second nodes. The direct link is managed by the node that uses the direct link for communication, thereby reducing the dependency of the slave node on the master node and the master and slave link, and improving the flexibility of resource configuration and the independence of the direct link.

[0037] According to a third aspect, there is provided a communication method. The method will be described by using an example in which an execution subject is a third slave node. The method includes: receiving third configuration information, where the third configuration information includes instruction information of the third slave node and / or instruction information of a first resource; and transmitting, on the first resource, control information of a communication link to a second node other than the third slave node among at least two second nodes, where the communication link includes a direct link between the at least two second nodes.

[0038] According to the method provided in the third aspect, a first node may configure a third slave node to manage or configure a direct link and resources for transmitting corresponding management signaling (e.g., control information, etc.), thereby allowing the third slave node to manage or configure a communication link between at least two second nodes to avoid resource contention and improve communication performance. Furthermore, after the first node determines the third slave node, the communication link between the at least two second nodes may be configured by the third slave node and does not need to be configured by the first node. This reduces the complexity of resource management by the first node. Also, the direct link is managed by the node that uses the direct link for communication, thereby reducing the dependency of the slave node on the master node and the master and slave link, and improving the flexibility of resource configuration and the independence of the direct link.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the control information of the communication link includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link. According to the above-described method, the third slave node may configure one or more of an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information for the nodes in at least two second nodes, thereby allowing the at least two second nodes to communicate with each other based on the above-described information. The identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group may be used to identify the link. For example, in a subsequent communication, after receiving a message, the second node may determine whether the message is a message transmitted in the first communication link or the first communication link group based on whether the message includes the identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group. The identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group may also be used as a frequency hopping randomization seed for the first communication link or the first communication link group.The second node determines a frequency hopping channel for transmitting and / or receiving messages transmitted in the first communication link or the first communication link group based on the identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information about a first start position. All of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information about the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group. According to the above method, the third slave node can configure at least one transmission opportunity group for nodes in the at least two second nodes, so that the nodes in the at least two second nodes communicate with each other at least one time.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position, where the transmission opportunities comprise the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, the transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of the transmission or reception of the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, where the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity. According to the above-described method, the third slave node may configure at least one transmission opportunity for nodes in the at least two second nodes, whereby the nodes in the at least two second nodes communicate with each other in the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a communications device, the communications device including: a transmitting module configured to transmit first configuration information on a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure communications links between at least two second nodes, the communications links including direct links between the at least two second nodes, and a first node corresponding to the communications device being a master node of at least one of the second nodes corresponding to the direct links. The communications device corresponding to the first node may be understood to be the first node itself, or a component, chip, integrated circuit, or the like within the first node.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a processing module, the processing module configured to generate or obtain the first configuration information.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the first node is the master node of two second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the first configuration information includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of the at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information regarding a first start position, where all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position, where the transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities is configured, the transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of the transmission or reception of the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the transmission module is further configured to transmit a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth transmission opportunity group is used for the communication link and that the fourth transmission opportunity group is included in time domain resources of the communication link.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the transmission module is specifically configured to: start transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group, or transmit the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the transmission module is further configured to transmit a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmission opportunity is used for the communication link and that the third transmission opportunity is included in a time domain resource of the communication link.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the transmission module is specifically configured to: start transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity, or transmit the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the first message is further used to synchronize at least two second nodes.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a receiving module configured to receive communication link configuration request information, which is used to request configuring a communication link.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the communication link configuration requirement information includes one or more of the following: link type information of the communication link, indication information of at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay requirement information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, or resource requirement information of the communication link.

[0055] In a possible implementation, the transmitting module is specifically configured to transmit first configuration information over a first frequency hopping channel to a first slave node, the first slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between the first slave node and a node other than the first slave node in the at least two second nodes. The transmitting module is further configured to transmit second configuration information over a second frequency hopping channel to a second slave node, the second slave node being a second node in the at least two second nodes and different from the first slave node, the second configuration information being used to configure a communication link between the second slave node and a node other than the second slave node in the at least two second nodes.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the transmission module is specifically configured to transmit the first configuration information over a first frequency hopping channel to a second group of nodes, the second group of nodes including at least two second nodes.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the transmitting module is further configured to transmit third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of the first resource, the third slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the third slave node being a control node in the at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect, a communications device is provided. The communications device includes a receiving module and a processing module. The receiving module is configured to receive first configuration information from a first node over a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure a communications link between at least two second nodes, the at least two nodes including a target node, the communications link including a direct link between the target node and at least one second node among the at least two second nodes that is different from the target node, the first node being a master node of the target node. The processing module is configured to communicate with the at least one second node among the at least two second nodes that is different from the target node based on the first configuration information.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the first node is the master node of two second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the first configuration information includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of the at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information regarding a first start position, where all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position, where the transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, where the same sequence of resources acted upon by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities is configured, the transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of the transmission or reception of the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, where the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth transmission opportunity group is used for the communication link and that the fourth transmission opportunity group is included in time domain resources of the communication link.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is specifically configured to: start receiving the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group, or receive the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmission opportunity is to be used for the communication link and that the third transmission opportunity is included in a time domain resource of the communication link.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is specifically configured to: start receiving the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity, or receive the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to synchronize the nodes in at least two second nodes based on the first message.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transmitting module, which is configured to transmit communication link configuration request information, and the communication link configuration request information is used to request configuring a communication link.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the communication link configuration requirement information includes one or more of the following: link type information of the communication link, indication information of at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay requirement information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, or resource requirement information of the communication link.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource, the third slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the third slave node being a control node in the at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node.

[0071] According to a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a receiving module and a transmitting module. The receiving module is configured to receive third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node corresponding to the communication device and / or indication information of a first resource. The transmitting module is configured to transmit, over the first resource, control information of the communication link to a second node other than the third slave node of at least two second nodes, the communication link including a direct link between the at least two second nodes. When the communication device corresponds to the third slave node, it may be understood that the communication device is a component, chip, integrated circuit, or the like within the third slave node.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the control information of the communication link includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information regarding a first start position, where all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position, where the transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities are configured, the transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of the transmission or reception of the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

[0075] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a communications device, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and configured to read instructions in the memory and then perform a method according to any one of the preceding aspects. The communications device may be the first node of the first aspect or a device including the first node. Alternatively, the communications device may be the first slave node of the second aspect or a device including the first slave node. Alternatively, the communications device may be the third slave node of the third aspect or a device including the third slave node.

[0076] Regarding the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory configured to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0077] Regarding the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may include a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0078] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a communications device, the communications device including a processor and an interface circuit configured to receive a computer program or instructions and to transmit the computer program or instructions to the processor, the processor configured to execute the computer program or instructions to enable the communications device to perform a method according to any one of the above aspects.

[0079] Regarding the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may include a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0080] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform a method according to any one of the above aspects.

[0081] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to carry out a method according to any one of the above aspects.

[0082] For technical effects achieved by any one of the possible implementations of the fourth to tenth aspects, please refer to the technical effects achieved by any one of the first to third aspects or the technical effects achieved by possible different implementations of any one of the above aspects, and the details will not be described again in this specification.

[0083] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a communication system comprising a first node configured to perform the method according to the first aspect and a first slave node configured to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0084] Regarding the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication system further includes a third slave node configured to perform the method according to the third aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0085] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multipoint-to-multipoint communication link according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 1B] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multipoint-to-multipoint communication link according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transmission opportunity group according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transmission opportunity according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transmission pattern of a transmission opportunity according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wide area wireless communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a local area wireless communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3D] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication scenario in an intelligent terminal according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 3E] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a V2X communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic flowchart 1 illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic flowchart 2 illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 9] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] First, in order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, technical terms in the embodiments of the present application will be explained.

[0087] 1. Communication Links and Communication Link Groups

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, the communication link may be used for communication between nodes. For example, a master node and a slave node may communicate with each other by using a master-slave communication link. Two slave nodes may communicate with each other by using a slave-slave communication link. The slave-slave communication link in the present embodiment of the present application refers to a direct link between slave nodes. That is, the slave nodes may communicate with each other directly without being forwarded by the master node. This communication method may be referred to as direct communication, and a communication link corresponding to direct communication may be referred to as a direct link, and the direct link may alternatively be referred to as a direct communication link, a slave-slave link, or a direct communication link. This is not limited thereto.

[0089] In this embodiment of the present application, communication links can be classified into multiple types, such as, for example, point-to-point communication links, point-to-multipoint communication links, or multipoint-to-multipoint communication links. A point-to-point communication link is a communication link between two nodes, such as a communication link between a master node and a slave node, or a direct link between two slave nodes. A point-to-multipoint communication link is a communication link between one node and multiple nodes, such as a communication link between a master node and multiple slave nodes, or a communication link between a slave node and multiple other slave nodes. A multipoint-to-multipoint communication link can include a bidirectional communication link or a mesh communication link.

[0090] A bidirectional communication link may be a communication link between two node groups. When both nodes in the two node groups are slave nodes, the bidirectional communication link may alternatively be referred to as a bidirectional direct link. As shown in FIG. 1A, the bidirectional communication link is a communication link between node group 1 and node group 2. Node group 1 includes slave node 1, slave node 2, and slave node 3, and node group 2 includes slave node 4, slave node 5, and slave node 6. In FIG. 1A, the nodes in node group 1 may communicate with nodes in node group 2. For example, slave node 1 may communicate with one or more nodes in node group 2, and slave node 5 may communicate with one or more nodes in node group 1.

[0091] A mesh communication link may mean that each node in a node group can communicate with another node in the node group. If the nodes in two node groups are slave nodes, the mesh communication link may alternatively be referred to as a mesh direct link. As shown in FIG. 1B , a node group includes slave node 1, slave node 2, slave node 3, and slave node 4. Slave node 1 may communicate with slave node 2, slave node 3, and slave node 4. Slave node 2 may communicate with slave node 1, slave node 3, and slave node 4. Slave node 3 may communicate with slave node 1, slave node 2, and slave node 4. Slave node 4 may communicate with slave node 1, slave node 2, and slave node 3.

[0092] When a link is understood as a communication connection relationship between two nodes, it can be understood that a point-to-multipoint communication link or a multipoint-to-multipoint communication link can be understood as a communication link group including multiple communications. Using FIG. 1A as an example, the communication link between slave node 1 and slave node 4, the communication link between slave node 2 and slave node 5, and the communication link between slave node 3 and slave node 6 can form a communication link group. Using FIG. 2A as an example, the communication link between slave node 3 and slave node 2, the communication link between slave node 3 and slave node 1, and the communication link between slave node 3 and slave node 4 can form a communication link group.

[0093] 2. Messages and Direct Communication Messages

[0094] A message in this embodiment of the present application includes a predefined signal and / or a configured signal and control information. Alternatively, a message in this embodiment of the present application includes a predefined signal and / or a configured signal, control information, and data information. The predefined signal may be a signal defined in a protocol or specification, or may be a signal predefined in a specific manner. The above-mentioned signals may be used by a receiving node to perform operations such as dynamic gain control, synchronization, or channel estimation. The control information has one or more functions of assisting a receiving node in receiving data information in a message, providing feedback on whether a message previously received by a transmitting node was received or not, and controlling a transmission flow, for example, assisting a receiving node in demodulating and decoding data information in a message, filtering out and removing useless content, retransmitting and combining data information, etc. The data information may be used to control the transmission of service data and / or signaling.

[0095] In this embodiment of the present application, a direct communication message may be one of the messages described above and may be a message transmitted and / or received between slave nodes. For example, a direct communication message may be a message transmitted by a slave node over a continuous time domain resource (e.g., one or more continuous time units) on a frequency hopping channel and used for reception by at least one slave node.

[0096] 3. Transmission Opportunity Groups and Transmission Opportunities

[0097] In this embodiment of the present application, a transmission opportunity group may be a segment of contiguous time domain resources that is configured or preconfigured and used by one communication link or one communication link group to transmit messages. For example, a transmission opportunity group may include at least one time unit. In this embodiment of the present application, the time unit may be a slot, a mini-slot, or a time unit including multiple slots (e.g., a subframe or a frame). This is not limited thereto. In the time domain, different transmission opportunity groups may be contiguous or discontinuous.

[0098] 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a transmission opportunity group according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2A illustrates three transmission opportunity groups, which are transmission opportunity group 201, transmission opportunity group 202, and transmission opportunity group 203, respectively. Each transmission opportunity group includes 10 milliseconds (ms), and the interval between two adjacent transmission opportunity groups is 50 ms. When transmission opportunity group 201 is configured for a communication link between node 1 and node 2, node 1 and node 2 can communicate by using transmission opportunity group 201.

[0099] In this embodiment of the present application, a transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, where each transmission opportunity includes resources used to transmit at least one message in a communication link, and transmission opportunities in a transmission opportunity group that are used for the same communication link have the same transmission pattern. That is, different transmission opportunities configured in a transmission opportunity group and used for a communication link or a communication link group have the same sequence of resources used by the same node to transmit and / or receive messages. In other words, in different transmission opportunities in a transmission opportunity group, the node transmitting a message is the same, and in different transmission opportunities, the node transmits and / or receives messages in the same order. For example, in different transmission opportunities in a transmission opportunity group, the object transmitting and / or receiving a message on the i-th resource is the same, and the transmission scheme of the message (such as uplink or downlink) transmitted and / or received on the i-th resource is the same, where i is a positive integer. One resource includes one or more consecutive time units.

[0100] 2B is a schematic diagram showing transmission opportunities in the above-described transmission opportunity group 201. In FIG. 2B, transmission opportunity group 201 includes transmission opportunity 2011 and transmission opportunity 2012. Transmission opportunity 2011 and transmission opportunity 2012 each include four slots. Transmission opportunity 2011 starts at slot 2 and ends at slot 5 in transmission opportunity group 201. Transmission opportunity 2012 starts at slot 12 and ends at slot 15 in transmission opportunity group 201. Transmission opportunity 2011 and transmission opportunity 2012 are separated by six slots.

[0101] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram showing the transmission pattern of transmission opportunity 2011 and the transmission pattern of transmission opportunity 2012. In FIG. 2C, transmission opportunity 2011 and transmission opportunity 2012 can be used for communication link 1 to communication link 3 to transmit messages. Communication link 1 is used for communication between slave node 1 (T1) and slave node 2 (T2), communication link 2 is used for communication between slave node 1 and slave node 3 (T3), and communication link 3 is used for communication between slave node 1 and slave node 4 (T4). The transmission pattern of transmission opportunity 2011 shown in FIG. 2C is explained as follows: Slave node 1 transmits messages to slave node 2, slave node 3, and slave node 4 on resource 1. Slave node 2 transmits messages to slave node 1, slave node 3, and slave node 4 on resource 2. Slave node 3 transmits messages to slave node 1, slave node 2, and slave node 4 on resource 3. Slave node 4 sends messages to slave node 1, slave node 2, and slave node 3 on resource 4. The transmission pattern of transmit opportunity 2012 is the same as the transmission pattern of transmit opportunity 2011 and can be specifically described as follows: slave node 1 sends messages to slave node 2, slave node 3, and slave node 4 on resource 5. slave node 2 sends messages to slave node 1, slave node 3, and slave node 4 on resource 6. slave node 3 sends messages to slave node 1, slave node 2, and slave node 4 on resource 7. slave node 4 sends messages to slave node 1, slave node 2, and slave node 3 on resource 8.

[0102] It can be understood that the time lengths of two transmission opportunities having the same transmission pattern may be the same or different, and this is not a limitation in the present application. In this embodiment of the present application, a transmission opportunity group may alternatively be referred to as an event, and a transmission opportunity may alternatively be referred to as a subevent.

[0103] 4. Frequency hopping and frequency hopping channels

[0104] In this embodiment of the present application, the nodes may communicate with each other based on a frequency hopping technique. The nodes may be master nodes or slave nodes. That is, communication may be performed between the master node and the slave nodes based on a frequency hopping technique. Alternatively, communication may be performed between the slave nodes based on a frequency hopping technique.

[0105] A frequency band used for communication may be divided into multiple frequency hopping channels, each corresponding to a center frequency. A frequency hopping channel is sometimes referred to as a frequency hopping frequency. Generally, a node uses a frequency hopping channel when transmitting and / or receiving a message and does not change the frequency hopping channel during the transmission and / or reception of a message. When a node transmits and / or receives multiple messages, the frequency hopping channel used changes over time. (The change over time is only used to reflect the change in the frequency hopping channel, but is not limited to every time.)

[0106] In a possible implementation, both parties to a message may determine a frequency hopping channel for transmitting the message by using a predefined frequency hopping algorithm based on a frequency hopping randomization seed and information about time-domain resources for transmitting the message. The frequency hopping randomization seed may be a frequency hopping identifier of the link on which the message exists. The time-domain resource information for transmitting the message may be, for example, the slot number in which the start of a transmission opportunity for transmitting the message is located, or the slot number in which the start of a group of transmission opportunities for transmitting the message is located. Furthermore, to avoid frequency hopping channels with strong interference or frequency hopping channels with poor transmission performance due to other reasons, some frequency hopping channels may be set as unavailable, and available frequency hopping channels may be used for frequency hopping. This technique is called adaptive frequency hopping. In the adaptive frequency hopping technique, both parties to a message may determine a frequency hopping channel for transmitting the message by using a predefined frequency hopping algorithm based on the following three types of information: the frequency hopping identifier of the link on which the message exists, information about time-domain resources for transmitting the message, and available frequency hopping channels.

[0107] In a possible implementation, frequency hopping channels are classified into general-purpose frequency hopping channels and broadcast-only frequency hopping channels based on whether the frequency hopping channel can be used to transmit messages other than broadcast-type messages (also called connectionless transmission messages). For example, a frequency hopping channel that can be used to transmit messages other than broadcast-type messages may be referred to as a general-purpose frequency hopping channel, and a frequency hopping channel that cannot be used to transmit messages other than broadcast-type messages may be referred to as a broadcast-only frequency hopping channel.

[0108] 5.Type of communication link

[0109] In this embodiment of the present application, the types of communication links may include a point-to-point communication link, a point-to-multipoint communication link, a multipoint-to-multipoint communication link, a communication link with high guaranteed reliability, a communication link with low guaranteed reliability, a communication link with feedback support, a communication link without feedback support, a communication link based on code block group (CBG) feedback, or a communication link based on transport block (TB), etc.

[0110] For descriptions of point-to-point communication links, point-to-multipoint communication links, and multipoint-to-multipoint communication links, please refer to the above descriptions regarding communication links and communication link groups. A communication link with guaranteed high reliability may mean that, for a message, a transmitting node transmits a next message only after a receiving node successfully receives the message by using the communication link. A communication link with guaranteed low reliability may be a communication link that allows a transmitting node to abandon transmission of a specific data packet (e.g., a data packet whose number of transmission failures exceeds a threshold) when a specific condition is met, such as when the number of consecutive transmission failures exceeds a threshold. A communication link with feedback support may be a link in which a receiving node may transmit feedback information corresponding to one or more messages to a transmitting node after receiving one or more messages by using the communication link. A communication link without feedback support may be a link in which a receiving node does not transmit feedback information to a transmitting node after receiving a message by using the communication link. A communication link based on CBG feedback may be a link in which a receiving node transmits feedback information to a transmitting node, the feedback information including information on whether a CBG in a TB transmitted by the transmitting node was transmitted correctly. A communication link based on TB feedback may be a link in which a receiving node transmits feedback information to a transmitting node, where the feedback information includes information regarding whether the TB transmitted by the transmitting node was transmitted correctly or not (but does not include information regarding whether the CBG in the TB was transmitted correctly or not).

[0111] It can be understood that in this embodiment of the present application, the receiving node may add feedback information to a message and send the message to the sending node. In addition to the feedback information, the message may further include other information, for example, data sent by the receiving node to the sending node.

[0112] Hereinafter, implementations of the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0113] 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a communication system 30 according to one embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 3A, the communication system 30 may include one or more master nodes 301 (only one is shown), a slave node 302, and a slave node 303. Optionally, the communication system 30 further includes a slave node 304.

[0114] In FIG. 3A , the master node and the slave nodes may communicate with each other wirelessly or wired, and the slave nodes may also communicate with each other wirelessly or wired. The master node and the slave nodes may be understood as two types of communication devices with communication capabilities, distinguished based on logical functions. In a possible example, the master node and the slave nodes belong to the same communication domain. The master node may manage resources (e.g., time domain resources or frequency domain resources) in the communication domain and have the function of scheduling resources on the communication link between the master node and the slave nodes and / or on the communication link between the slave nodes. The slave nodes communicate with the master node or other nodes by using the time-frequency resources allocated by the master node according to the scheduling of the master node. Messages sent by the master node may be received by pre-configured slave nodes or designated slave nodes, and the messages are unicast messages on the master and slave communication links. Similarly, a message sent by a slave node may be received by a preconfigured slave node or by a designated slave node, and the message is a unicast message on the direct link. A message sent by a master node may be received by multiple preconfigured slave nodes or by a designated slave node, and the message is a multicast message on the master-slave communication link. Similarly, a message sent by a slave node may be received by multiple preconfigured slave nodes or by a designated slave node, and the message is a multicast message on the direct link. A message sent by a master node may be received by any node, and the message is a broadcast message sent by the master node.Similarly, a message sent by a slave node may be received by any node; the message is a broadcast message sent by the slave node.

[0115] The information transmitted between the master node and the slave node or between the slave nodes includes service data and / or signaling. The information transmitted between the master node and the slave node is transmitted by a message transmitted between the master node and the slave node, and the information transmitted between the slave nodes is transmitted by a message transmitted between the slave nodes.

[0116] Based on the communication system architecture shown in FIG. 3A, the communication system may be applied to a wide-area wireless communication scenario (see FIG. 3B below). For example, the wide-area wireless communication scenario may include communication between a network device and multiple terminal devices. Alternatively, the communication system architecture may be applied to a local-area wireless communication scenario (see FIG. 3C below). For example, the local-area wireless communication scenario may include communication between an access point (AP) and multiple stations. Alternatively, the communication system architecture may be applied to an in-vehicle wireless communication scenario (see FIG. 3D below). For example, the in-vehicle wireless communication scenario may include communication between a head unit (e.g., a cockpit domain controller (CDC)) and a speaker, microphone, display, or mobile phone, communication between a mobile phone and a wearable device such as a headset, or communication between a passive entry / passive start (PEPS) system and a mobile phone key or vehicle key.

[0117] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a wide-area wireless communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. In this application scenario, one network device and two terminal devices are used as an example. The terminal device communicates with the network device in a wireless manner. The network device may function as a master node, and the two terminal devices may function as slave nodes. The network device may allocate time-frequency resources to the terminal device, and the terminal device may follow scheduling by the network device. Referring to the communication system architecture shown in FIG. 3A, the network device may be a master node 301, and the two terminal devices may be any two nodes among slave nodes 302 to 304.

[0118] The network equipment is an access device through which a terminal device wirelessly accesses a communication system and can provide wireless communication functions to the terminal device. The network equipment may be a base station, an evolved Node B (eNodeB), a transmission (transmission / reception) point (TRP), a next-generation Node B (gNB) in a 5G communication system, a base station in a future communication system, or an access node in a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, or may be a module or unit base station that complements some functions of a base station, such as a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). In the embodiments of the present application, the specific technology and the specific device form used by the network equipment are not limited.

[0119] The terminal device may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, or mobile terminal. The terminal device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with a wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality terminal device, an augmented reality terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a terminal in remote surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grids, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart cities, or a wireless terminal in smart homes. This application does not limit the specific technology and the specific device form used for the terminal device.

[0120] FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating a local area wireless communication scenario, i.e., another possible application scenario, according to an embodiment of the present application. In this application scenario, one access point (AP) and two stations are used as an example. The AP functions as a master node, and the stations function as slave nodes. The stations can access the AP by using wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). In FIG. 3C, a mobile phone is used as an example of a station. Referring to the communication system architecture shown in FIG. 3A, the AP can be the master node 301, and the two stations can be any two nodes in the slave node 302 to the slave node 304.

[0121] 3D is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication scenario in an intelligent terminal, i.e., another possible application scenario, according to an embodiment of the present application. The intelligent terminal may be, for example, a vehicle. The vehicle may include, but is not limited to, an unmanned vehicle, an intelligent vehicle (e.g., an automated guided vehicle (AGV)), an electric vehicle, a digital vehicle, or a smart manufacturing vehicle. In the in-vehicle wireless communication scenario, there may be multiple communication domains, and one communication domain may include one master node and at least one slave node.

[0122] In FIG. 3D, the mobile phone, headset, and wearable device belong to a communication domain called the first communication domain. The mobile phone functions as a master node, and the headset and wearable device function as slave nodes. Referring to the communication system architecture shown in FIG. 3A, the mobile phone may be the master node 301, and the headset and wearable device may be any two nodes, slave node 302 or slave node 304. The CDC, display, microphone, sound box, and mobile phone belong to one communication domain, for example, called the second communication domain. The CDC functions as the master node, and the display, microphone, sound box, and mobile phone function as slave nodes. Referring to the communication system architecture shown in FIG. 3A, the CDC may be the master node 301. The display, microphone, sound box, and mobile phone may be slave nodes of the master node 301. The PEPS system, mobile phone key, and vehicle key belong to one communication domain, for example, called the third communication domain. The PEPS system is used as the master node, and the mobile phone key and vehicle key are used as slave nodes. Referring to the communication system architecture shown in FIG. 3A, the PEPS system may be the master node 301, and the mobile phone key and vehicle key may be any two nodes in the slave node 302 to slave node 304.

[0123] When onboard devices in a vehicle are divided into multiple communication domains, it can be understood that there can be multiple factors for the division. For example, the onboard devices may be divided based on the functions implemented by the onboard devices. Furthermore, when multiple onboard devices cooperate with each other to implement a function (e.g., a power function), these onboard devices may be divided into communication domains. As another example, the onboard devices may be divided based on the spatial location of the onboard devices in the vehicle. As another example, the onboard devices may be divided based on factors such as the spatial location of the onboard devices in the vehicle and the function completed by the onboard devices in cooperation with each other. As another example, the communication domain may be divided in terms of resources. For example, resources allocated by a node and used by the node to communicate with another node may be referred to as a communication domain. In this case, the node is a master node in the communication domain, and another node that communicates with the node by using the communication domain (resources) is a slave node in the communication domain. It should be understood that the communication domains shown in FIG. 3D are merely an example. Furthermore, each communication domain may further include other onboard devices. For example, the third communication domain may further include a body control module (BCM).

[0124] It should be noted that a master node in a communication domain can also be used as a slave node in another communication domain, for example, a mobile phone in a first communication domain can be used as a slave node in a second communication domain.

[0125] It should be noted that the above-described system architecture and application scenario are merely illustrative examples and do not constitute any limitation of the technical solution provided in the present application. For example, the system architecture shown in FIG. 3A may be further applied to a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication scenario. A schematic diagram of a V2X communication scenario may be shown in FIG. 3E. An example is used in which the application scenario includes three terminal devices. The three terminal devices may communicate with each other by using a side link (SL). In this scenario, the terminal device configured to schedule resources may be used as a master node, and the terminal device configured to listen to the resource scheduling may be used as a slave node. Referring to the communication system architecture shown in FIG. 3A, the terminal device configured to schedule resources may be the master node 301, and the terminal device configured to listen to the resource scheduling may be a slave node of the master node 301.

[0126] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, a master node may alternatively be referred to as a grant (G) node, and a slave node may alternatively be referred to as a terminal (T) node.

[0127] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, each node (e.g., a master node or a slave node, etc.) in Fig. 3A may alternatively be referred to as a communication device, and the node may be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device, which is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0128] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the related functions of all the nodes in Figure 3A may be implemented by one device, or may be implemented jointly by multiple devices, or may be implemented by one or more function modules in one device. This is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application. It may be understood that the above-mentioned functions may be network elements in hardware devices, or may be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or may be a combination of hardware and software, or may be virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform, etc.).

[0129] In a specific implementation, all the nodes in Fig. 3A may have the configuration shown in Fig. 4 or may include the components shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 40 includes at least one processor 401 and at least one communication interface 404, and is configured to implement the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 40 may further include a communication line 402 and a memory 403.

[0130] The processor 401 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to control the execution of programs of the solutions in the present application.

[0131] The communication lines 402 may include paths, such as buses, for transmitting information between the components described above.

[0132] The communication interface 404 is configured to communicate with another device or a communication network, and may be any transceiver-type device, such as an Ethernet interface, a Radio Access Network (RAN) interface, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) interface, a transceiver, a pin, a bus, or a transceiver circuit.

[0133] The memory 403 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, or a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions. Alternatively, the memory 403 may be, but is not limited to, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or another compact disc storage device, an optical disc storage device (including a compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, or Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disc storage medium or another magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to transmit or store expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible by a computer. The memory may exist independently or be coupled to the processor 401 via communication line 402. Alternatively, the memory 403 may be integrated with the processor 401. The memory provided in the embodiments of the present application may typically be non-volatile.

[0134] The memory 403 is configured to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, and the processor 401 controls the execution of the computer-executable instructions. The processor 401 is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403 to implement the methods provided in the following embodiments of the present application. Alternatively, optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the processor 401 may perform processing-related functions in the methods provided in the following embodiments of the present application, and the communication interface 404 is responsible for communication with another device or a communication network, which is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0135] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in this embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as application program code, although this is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0136] A coupling in this embodiment of the present application may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules in an electrical, mechanical, or other form, used for exchanging information between the devices, units, or modules.

[0137] In one embodiment, processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, for example, CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG.

[0138] In one embodiment, communication device 40 may include multiple processors, such as processor 401 and processor 407 in FIG. 4. Each of the processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor herein may be one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions, etc.).

[0139] In one embodiment, communication device 40 may further include output device 405 and / or input device 406. Output device 405 is coupled to processor 401 and may display information in multiple ways. For example, output device 405 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or a projector. Input device 406 is coupled to processor 401 and may receive input from a user in multiple ways. For example, input device 406 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen device, or a sensor device.

[0140] It may be understood that the configuration shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on the communications device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, the communications device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or some components may be combined, or a different arrangement of components may be used.

[0141] The following describes a communication method in an embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. The network element in the following embodiment may have the components shown in Figure 4. Details will not be described again.

[0142] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to multiple fields, such as the unmanned driving field, the autonomous driving field, the driving assistance field, the smart driving field, the Internet of vehicles field, the smart Internet of vehicles field, and the vehicle sharing field.

[0143] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of the present application, the names of messages between nodes, the names of parameters in messages, etc. are merely examples, and may be replaced with other names in specific implementations, which are not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0144] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "and / or" can indicate three relationships between related objects. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, expressions similar to "one or more of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, or C" generally refer to one of the following: only A exists, both A and B exist, both A and C exist, both B and C exist, and all A, B, and C exist. In the above, a total of three elements, A, B, and C, are used as an example to explain the options of this item. If the expression contains more elements, the meaning of the expression can be obtained according to the rules described above.

[0145] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used in the embodiments of the present application to distinguish between technical features having the same or similar functions. Terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate clear differences. In the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "example" or "for example" indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" or "for example" should not be described as being preferred or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. The use of terms such as "example" or "for example" is intended to present relative concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0146] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, for the technical features, "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C", and "D" are used to distinguish between the technical features in the technical features, and there is no sequence order or size order between the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C", and "D".

[0147] It can be understood that the same procedures, or procedures or technical features having the same function in the embodiments of the present application may be cross-referenced in different embodiments.

[0148] It may be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the first node or the second node may perform some or all of the procedures in the embodiments of the present application. These procedures are merely exemplary. In the embodiments of the present application, other procedures or variations of various procedures may alternatively be performed. Furthermore, these procedures may be performed in an order different from that presented in the embodiments of the present application, and all of the procedures in the embodiments of the present application need not be performed.

[0149] 5 shows a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication method includes S501 and S502.

[0150] S501: A first node transmits first configuration information to a first slave node on a first frequency hopping channel, and in response, the first slave node receives the first configuration information from the first node on the first frequency hopping channel.

[0151] The first node may be a master node of the first slave node, and the first slave node may be a slave node of the first node. That is, the first node may transmit first configuration information to the slave node of the first node on a first frequency hopping channel. For example, the communication system 30 shown in FIG. 3A is used as an example, and the first node may be the master node 301 in the communication system 30. The first slave node may be the slave node 302, the slave node 303, or the slave node 304.

[0152] The first frequency hopping channel may be a general-purpose frequency hopping channel, so as to avoid congestion of the broadcast-only frequency hopping channel caused by the first node's use of the broadcast-only frequency hopping channel. For a description of frequency hopping and frequency hopping channels, please refer to the above description of technical terms in the embodiments of the present application. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the first frequency hopping channel is configured by the first node or another node before step S501 and is used for a communication link between the first node and the first slave node, or is used to transmit communication messages between the first node and the first slave node.

[0154] The first configuration information may be used to configure a communication link between the first slave node and another slave node. The other slave node may be a slave node of the first node or may not be a slave node of the first node. In other words, the first configuration information may be used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes. The at least two second nodes include the first slave node, and the other slave node is a node other than the first slave node among the at least two second nodes. All of the at least two second nodes may be slave nodes of the first node. Alternatively, some of the at least two second nodes may be slave nodes of the first node, and other of the at least two second nodes may not be slave nodes of the first node. In this embodiment of the present application, the number of other slave nodes is not limited. The communication link between the at least two second nodes includes a direct link between the at least two second nodes, i.e., a direct link between the first slave node and another slave node. The direct link may include one or more of the following direct links: That is, a point-to-point direct link, a point-to-multipoint direct link, or a multipoint-to-multipoint direct link. For the description of the point-to-point direct link, the point-to-multipoint direct link, and the multipoint-to-multipoint direct link, please refer to the above description of the technical terms in the embodiments of the present application. The details will not be described again in this specification.

[0155] In a possible implementation, the first node may be a master node of at least one of a plurality of second nodes corresponding to the direct link, or the first node may be a master node of a plurality of second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

[0156] For example, if the at least two second nodes include a first slave node, a slave node 2, and a slave node 3, the direct links between the at least two second nodes may include one or more of the following direct links: a direct link between the first slave node and the slave node 2, a direct link between the first slave node and the slave node 3, and a direct link between the first slave node, the slave node 2, and the slave node 3. The first node may be a master node of one or more of the first slave node, the slave node 2, and the slave node 3. For example, for the direct link between the first slave node and the slave node 2, the first node is the master node of at least one of the first slave node and the slave node 2 corresponding to the direct link. For the direct link between the first slave node, the slave node 2, and the slave node 3, the first node is the master node of at least one of the first slave node, the slave node 2, and the slave node 3 corresponding to the direct link.

[0157] It may be understood that the first node may also transmit configuration information to another slave node, if the other slave node is a slave node of the first node, used to configure a communication link between the first slave node and the other slave node. This configuration information may be transmitted by the first node in a unicast manner or may be transmitted by the first node in a multicast manner.

[0158] For example, the other slave node is a second slave node, and the configuration information is transmitted by the first node in a unicast manner. The first node may transmit the first configuration information to the first slave node on a first frequency hopping channel and the second configuration information to the second slave node on a second frequency hopping channel. That is, the first node may transmit the configuration information to the first slave node and the second slave node separately to configure a communication link between the first slave node and the second slave node. The second frequency hopping channel is a general-purpose frequency hopping channel. The second frequency hopping channel is configured by the first node or another node before the first node transmits the second configuration information, and is used for the communication link between the first node and the second slave node, or for transmitting messages for communication between the first node and the second slave node. The first frequency hopping channel and the second frequency hopping channel may be the same or different. For a description of the second configuration information, see the description of the first configuration information below. The second configuration information and the first configuration information may be the same or different.

[0159] In an embodiment of the present application, the second configuration information being different from the first configuration information means that the content included in the second configuration information is different from the content included in the first configuration information. For example, if both the first configuration information and the second configuration information include a node identifier, the node identifier included in the second configuration information is different from the node identifier included in the first configuration information. Specifically, the node identifier included in the second configuration information is the identifier of a first slave node in at least two second nodes, and the node identifier included in the first configuration information is the identifier of a second slave node in at least two second nodes.

[0160] For example, the first slave node and other slave nodes are included in a second node group, and the configuration information is transmitted by the first node in a multicast manner, with the first node transmitting the first configuration information to the second node group on a first frequency hopping channel. It can be understood that, before transmitting the first configuration information, at least two second nodes may first form a second node group and optionally establish a multicast link between the first node and the second node group, and then transmit the first configuration information over the multicast link. The manner of forming the second node group and establishing the multicast link may be pre-configured or configured by the first node. This is not a limitation of the present application.

[0161] Optionally, before step S501, the first node generates or obtains first configuration information. For example, the first node generates or obtains the first configuration information based on a current channel status. As another example, the first node generates or obtains the first configuration information based on communication link configuration request information described later in step S500.

[0162] In a possible implementation, the first configuration information includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information.

[0163] The contents included in the first configuration information will be described in detail below.

[0164] 1. Identifier of a first communication link and an identifier of a first communication link group

[0165] The identifier of the first communication link or the identifier of the first communication link group may be used to identify the link, for example, the identifier of the first communication link is used to identify the first communication link, and the identifier of the first communication link group is used to identify the link in the first communication link group.

[0166] In one example, in a subsequent communication process between at least two second nodes, after the second node receives a direct communication message, it may be determined whether the direct communication message is a message to be transmitted on the first communication link or the first communication link group based on whether the direct communication message includes an identifier of the first communication link or an identifier of the first communication link group.

[0167] In a design, an identifier of the first communication link or an identifier of the first communication link group may alternatively be used as a frequency hopping randomization seed for the first communication link or the first communication link group. For example, the identifier of the first communication link is used as a frequency hopping randomization seed for the first communication link. In a subsequent communication process between at least two second nodes, before the second node transmits or receives a direct communication message by using the first communication link, the frequency hopping channel communication link through which the direct communication message is transmitted or received by using the first communication link may be determined based on the identifier of the first communication link and the time domain resource information of the first communication link by using a predefined frequency hopping algorithm.

[0168] The first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes among the at least two second nodes. The first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes. The first communication link or the first communication link group is included in the communication links between the at least two second nodes. For specific descriptions of the communication link and the communication link group, please refer to the above description of technical terms in the embodiments of the present application. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0169] It may be understood that if a first communication link is configured in the first configuration information, the first configuration information may include an identifier of the first communication link, or if a first communication link group is configured in the first configuration information, the first configuration information may include an identifier of the first communication link group.

[0170] 2. Node Identifier

[0171] The node identifier is used to identify at least one node among at least two second nodes and does not associate nodes other than the at least two second nodes. Therefore, the identifier can be short. The identifier then indicates the node in direct communication messages and / or link configuration / reconfiguration or other link management signaling. This helps shorten the length of messages / signaling.

[0172] In one example, the node identifier may include an identifier of a first slave node in the at least two second nodes, and / or an identifier of a node other than the first slave node in the at least two second nodes within the at least two second nodes.

[0173] After receiving the node identifier, the first slave node may determine an identifier of the first slave node among the at least two second nodes, and / or determine an identifier of a node other than the first slave node among the at least two second nodes, whereby it may be understood that the first slave node then communicates with a node other than the first slave node among the at least two second nodes.

[0174] 3. Type information of the first communication link and type information of the communication link in the first communication link group

[0175] The type information of the first communication link may indicate the type of the first communication link. The type information of the communication links in the first communication link group may indicate the type of the communication links in the first communication link group. For a description of the type of the first communication link or the type of the communication links in the first communication link group, please refer to the above description of the type of communication link. Details will not be described again in this specification.

[0176] It may be understood that when the first communication link is configured in the first configuration information, the first configuration information may include type information of the first communication link. After receiving the type information of the first communication link, the first slave node may communicate with nodes other than the first slave node in the at least two second nodes based on the type of the first communication link. When the first communication link group is configured in the first configuration information, the first configuration information may include type information of communication links in the first communication link group. After receiving the type information of communication links in the first communication link group, the first slave node may communicate with nodes other than the first slave node in the at least two second nodes based on the type of communication links in the first communication link group.

[0177] 4. Initial time domain resource information

[0178] The initial time domain resource information indicates time domain resources of the communication link configured in the first configuration information. The time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group. All of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain. Specifically, for a description of the transmission opportunity group, please refer to the above description of technical terms in the embodiments of the present application.

[0179] In a possible implementation, the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of a transmission opportunity group, a first time length information, or information about a first starting position.

[0180] The transmission opportunity group periodicity information may indicate a transmission opportunity group period of the at least one transmission opportunity group, i.e., a time unit of an interval between two adjacent transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group. The transmission opportunity group shown in FIG. 2A is used as an example. The at least one transmission opportunity group includes transmission opportunity group 201, transmission opportunity group 202, and transmission opportunity group 203, and the transmission opportunity group period of the at least one transmission opportunity group is 60 ms.

[0181] The first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group. The first transmission opportunity group is included in the at least one transmission opportunity group. In other words, the first time length information may indicate a time domain length of one or more transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0182] It may be understood that the first time length information may indicate one time domain length when the time domain lengths of the transmission opportunity groups in at least one transmission opportunity group are the same or the transmission opportunity groups in at least one transmission opportunity group are periodic. When the time domain lengths of the transmission opportunity groups in at least one transmission opportunity group are different or the transmission opportunity groups in at least one transmission opportunity group are not periodic, the first time length information may indicate multiple time domain lengths. The multiple time domain lengths are the time domain lengths of different transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0183] For example, the at least one transmission opportunity group includes transmission opportunity group 1, transmission opportunity group 2, and transmission opportunity group 3. If the time domain lengths of transmission opportunity group 1, transmission opportunity group 2, and transmission opportunity group 3 are all 10 ms, the first time length information may indicate 10 ms. If the time domain length of transmission opportunity group 1 is 10 ms, the time domain length of transmission opportunity group 2 is 12 ms, and the time domain length of transmission opportunity group 3 is 14 ms, the first time length information may indicate 10 ms, 12 ms, and 14 ms, respectively.

[0184] The information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second transmission opportunity group being included in the at least one transmission opportunity group, i.e., the information regarding the first start position may indicate a time domain start position of one or more transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0185] It may be understood that if the transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group are periodic, the information about the first start position may indicate a time domain start position of one of the at least one transmission opportunity group. After receiving the information about the first start position, the first slave node may determine the time domain start positions of all of the at least one transmission opportunity group based on the information about the first start position and the transmission opportunity group periodicity. If the transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group are not periodic, the information about the first start position may indicate the time domain start positions of all of the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0186] In one example, if the transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group are periodic, the information regarding the first start location includes time units of interval between the first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group and a reference time domain location. If the transmission opportunity groups in the at least one transmission opportunity group are not periodic, the information regarding the first start location includes time units of interval between each of the at least one transmission opportunity group and the reference time domain location. The reference time domain location may be preconfigured or predefined, or may be configured by the first node. For example, the reference time domain location may be a time domain location of the first configuration information.

[0187] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity. The transmission opportunity can be used by the second node to transmit at least one direct communication message and / or receive at least one direct communication message. When the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, the same sequence of resources used by the second node to transmit at least one direct communication message and / or receive at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities is configured, and the source sequence can be configured by the first node or can be predefined. Specifically, for a description of the transmission opportunity, please refer to the above description of technical terms in the embodiments of the present application.

[0188] In a possible implementation, the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information about a second starting position.

[0189] The number of transmission opportunities information may include a number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the third transmission opportunity group being included in the at least one transmission opportunity group, i.e., the number of transmission opportunities information may indicate a number of transmission opportunities in one or more transmission opportunity groups within the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0190] It may be understood that if the number of transmission opportunities in different transmission opportunity groups within the at least one transmission opportunity group is the same, the number of transmission opportunities information may indicate the number of transmission opportunities in one transmission opportunity group. If the number of transmission opportunities in different transmission opportunity groups within the at least one transmission opportunity group is different, the number of transmission opportunities information may indicate the number of transmission opportunities in each of the at least one transmission opportunity group.

[0191] The second time length information may include a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity among the at least one transmission opportunity. The first transmission opportunity is included in the at least one transmission opportunity. In other words, the second time length information may indicate a time domain length of one or more transmission opportunities among the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0192] It may be understood that if the time domain lengths of the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are the same or the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are periodic, the second time length information may indicate one time domain length. If the time domain lengths of the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are different or the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are not periodic, the second time length information may indicate multiple time domain lengths, each of which is a different time domain length of the transmission opportunity in the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0193] For example, the at least one transmission opportunity includes transmission opportunity 1, transmission opportunity 2, and transmission opportunity 3. If the time domain length of transmission opportunity 1, the time domain length of transmission opportunity 2, and the time domain length of transmission opportunity 3 are all 5 slots, the second time length information may indicate 5 slots. If the time domain length of transmission opportunity 1 is 5 slots, the time domain length of transmission opportunity 2 is 4 slots, and the time domain length of transmission opportunity 3 is 6 slots, the second time length information may indicate 5 slots, 4 slots, and 6 slots, respectively.

[0194] The information about the second start position includes a time domain start position used to transmit or receive one direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity. The second transmission opportunity is included in the at least one transmission opportunity. In other words, the information about the second start position may indicate a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving one direct communication message in one or more of the at least one transmission opportunities.

[0195] It may be understood that if the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are periodic, the information about the second start position may indicate a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving a direct communication message in one of the at least one transmission opportunity. After receiving the information about the second start position, the first slave node may determine a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving a direct communication message each time in each of the at least one transmission opportunity based on the information about the second start position, the transmission opportunity number information, and the second time length information. If the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are not periodic, the information about the second start position may indicate a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving a direct communication message in each of the at least one transmission opportunity.

[0196] In one example, if the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are periodic, the information about the second start location includes time units of an interval between a reference time domain location and a time domain location at which a direct communication message is transmitted or received for the first time in one of the at least one transmission opportunities. If the transmission opportunities in the at least one transmission opportunity are not periodic, the information about the second start location includes time units of an interval between a time domain start location and a reference time domain location at which a direct communication message is transmitted or received for the first time in each of the at least one transmission opportunity. The reference time domain location may be preconfigured, predefined, or configured by the first node. For example, the reference time domain location may be a time domain location of the first configuration information.

[0197] In this embodiment of the present application, the first transmission opportunity group, the second transmission opportunity group, and the third transmission opportunity group may be the same or different, and the first transmission opportunity may be the same or different from the second transmission opportunity.

[0198] Information included in the first time domain resource information (e.g., periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, information about the first start position, number of transmission opportunities information, second time length, information about the second start position, etc.) may be predefined (e.g., defined in a protocol) or may be configured by using another message, but this is not limited thereto.

[0199] 5. Frequency hopping channel indication information

[0200] The frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link configured in the first configuration information. The available frequency hopping channels are frequency hopping channels that can be used for the communication link. The frequency hopping channels may represent frequency domain resources. For specific descriptions, please refer to the above description of technical terms in the embodiments of the present application.

[0201] In one example, the frequency hopping channel indication information includes identifiers of frequencies corresponding to at least two available frequency hopping channels. Alternatively, the frequency hopping channel indication information includes identifiers of frequencies corresponding to unavailable frequency hopping channels. An unavailable frequency hopping channel is a frequency hopping channel that cannot be used for a communication link. In this case, the first slave node may determine an available frequency hopping channel based on the configured frequency hopping channel list and the frequency hopping channel indication information. The frequency hopping channel list may indicate multiple frequencies. The frequency hopping channel list may be pre-set (e.g., defined in a protocol) or configured by the first node. For example, the frequency hopping channel list indicates frequency 1, frequency 2, and frequency 3. If the frequency hopping channel indication information includes the identifier of frequency 1, the available frequency hopping channels are the frequency hopping channel corresponding to frequency 2 and the frequency hopping channel corresponding to frequency 3.

[0202] In another example, the frequency hopping channel indication information includes N bits. Each of the N bits corresponds to one frequency hopping channel and indicates whether the frequency hopping channel is available. For example, if the value of a bit in the N bits is 0, it indicates that the frequency hopping channel corresponding to that bit is unavailable. If the value of a bit is 1, it indicates that the frequency hopping channel corresponding to that bit is available, and vice versa. For example, the frequency hopping channel indication information includes four bits, where the first bit corresponds to frequency hopping channel 1, the second bit corresponds to frequency hopping channel 2, the third bit corresponds to frequency hopping channel 3, and the fourth bit corresponds to frequency hopping channel 4. If the values ​​of the four bits are "0101," it indicates that frequency hopping channel 1 and frequency hopping channel 3 are unavailable frequency hopping channels, and frequency hopping channel 2 and frequency hopping channel 4 are available frequency hopping channels.

[0203] S502: The first slave node performs communication based on the first configuration information.

[0204] In a possible implementation, a first slave node communicates with another slave node on time domain resources and available frequency hopping channels configured in the first configuration information.

[0205] It can be understood that there are typically multiple available frequency hopping channels indicated by the above-mentioned frequency hopping channel indication information, and the first slave node can determine one frequency hopping channel from the multiple available frequency hopping channels according to a specific rule and communicate with another slave node on the frequency hopping channel. Thereafter, over time, the first slave node can further determine a new frequency hopping channel according to the rule and communicate with another slave node on the new frequency hopping channel. For details, please refer to the above description of frequency hopping and frequency hopping channels. Details will not be described again herein.

[0206] According to the method shown in FIG. 5, a first node may communicate on a first frequency hopping channel by using a communication link between the first node and a first slave node, and configure a communication link between the first slave node and another slave node, thereby allowing the first slave node to perform direct communication with another slave node based on the configuration of the first node. This avoids contention between resources of the direct link and resources of the master and slave communication link, and improves communication performance. Also, in the method shown in FIG. 5, all resources in the communication domain are managed and maintained by the master node, and the slave node does not need to configure resources of the direct link. This reduces the complexity of the slave node and the power consumption of the slave node.

[0207] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in FIG. 5, the first configuration information is semi-static configuration information and is used to configure potentially available resources in the communication link. Not all of these potentially available resources may be used for the communication link between the first slave node and another slave node. That is, the first node configures at least one transmission opportunity group (or at least one transmission opportunity) for the first slave node, but not all of the transmission opportunity groups (or all transmission opportunities) may be used for the communication link between the first slave node and another slave node. In this case, the first node may indicate to the first slave node by using the first message that the transmission opportunity group (or transmission opportunity) is available for the communication link between the first slave node and another slave node. In the above-described process, the first node may flexibly adjust resource usage based on changes in the transmission and communication requirements of the master and slave communication link and / or the direct link, thereby more dynamically allocating resources to different links. For example, the method shown in FIG. 5 may further include step S503.

[0208] S503: The first node sends a first message to the first slave node, and in response, the first slave node receives the first message from the first node.

[0209] The first message may indicate that a fourth group of transmission opportunities is to be used for the above-mentioned communication link. In this manner, after receiving the first message, the first slave node may determine, based on the first message, that the fourth group of transmission opportunities can be used for the above-mentioned communication link. Alternatively, the first message may indicate that a third transmission opportunity is to be used for the communication link. In this manner, after receiving the first message, the first slave node may determine, based on the first message, that the third transmission opportunity can be used for the above-mentioned communication link.

[0210] The fourth group of transmission opportunities is included in the time domain resources of the communication link, or the fourth group of transmission opportunities is included in at least one group of transmission opportunities. The third group of transmission opportunities is included in the time domain resources of the communication link, or the third group of transmission opportunities is included in at least one group of transmission opportunities.

[0211] In one example, if the first message indicates that a fourth transmission opportunity group is to be used for the above-mentioned communication link, the first node starts transmitting the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group or transmits the first message in a time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group, with no resources used for transmitting another message between the fourth transmission opportunity group and the time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group.

[0212] In another example, if the first message indicates that a third transmit opportunity is to be used for the communication link, the first node begins transmitting the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity, or transmits the first message once in a time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the third transmit opportunity, with no resources used to transmit another message between the third transmit opportunity and the time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the third transmit opportunity.

[0213] In design, if the first slave node does not receive the first message, the first slave node will not use the fourth transmission opportunity group or the third transmission opportunity to communicate with another slave node.

[0214] In yet another design, after receiving the first message, the first slave node synchronizes with another slave node based on the first message. In other words, the first message may be further used for synchronization between the first slave node and another slave node, or the first message may be used as a timing reference between the first slave node and another slave node. For example, the first message may include a synchronization signal. After receiving the first message, the first slave node and another slave node may perform time-frequency synchronization based on the synchronization signal. The transmission time of the first message is close to the time when the first slave node or another slave node transmits and / or receives a message in the fourth transmission opportunity group or the third transmission opportunity group. Therefore, when the first slave node or another slave node transmits and / or receives a message in the fourth transmission opportunity group or the third transmission opportunity, the clock drift is small and the synchronization effect is good.

[0215] Optionally, the first node transmits a second message to the first slave node. In response, the first slave node receives a second message from the first node. The second message may indicate that the fifth transmission opportunity group will not be used for the above-mentioned communication link. In this manner, after receiving the second message, the first slave node may determine, based on the second message, that the fifth transmission opportunity group cannot be used for the above-mentioned communication link. Alternatively, the second message may indicate that the fourth transmission opportunity will not be used for the above-mentioned communication link. In this manner, after receiving the second message, the first slave node may determine, based on the second message, that the fourth transmission opportunity cannot be used for the above-mentioned communication link.

[0216] The fifth group of transmission opportunities is included in the time domain resources of the communication link, or the fifth group of transmission opportunities is included in at least one group of transmission opportunities. The fourth group of transmission opportunities is included in the time domain resources of the communication link, or the fourth group of transmission opportunities is included in at least one group of transmission opportunities.

[0217] In one example, if the second message indicates that the fifth transmission opportunity group is not used for the communication link, the first node starts transmitting the second message from a time domain start of the fifth transmission opportunity group or transmits the second message in a time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the fifth transmission opportunity group, with no resources used for transmitting another message between the fifth transmission opportunity group and the time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the fifth transmission opportunity group.

[0218] In another example, if the second message indicates that the fourth transmit opportunity is not to be used for the communication link, the first node starts transmitting the second message from a time domain start of the fourth transmit opportunity or transmits the second message in a time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the fourth transmit opportunity, where there are no resources used to transmit another message between the fourth transmit opportunity and the time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the fourth transmit opportunity.

[0219] Optionally, in a possible implementation of the method shown in Fig. 5, the first slave node sends communication link configuration request information to the first node, so that the first node can appropriately configure a communication link for the first slave node based on the communication link configuration request information to maximize resource utilization and avoid contention. For example, the method shown in Fig. 2 may further include step S500.

[0220] S500: The first slave node transmits communication link configuration request information to the first node, which in response receives communication link configuration request information from the first slave node.

[0221] The communication link configuration request information may be used to request that a communication link be configured.

[0222] In a possible implementation, the communication link configuration requirement information includes one or more of the following: link type information of the communication link, indication information of at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay requirement information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, or resource requirement information of the communication link.

[0223] The link type information of the communication link may indicate a type of the communication link. For an explanation of the type of the communication link, please refer to the above explanation of technical terms in the embodiments of the present application. The indication information of the at least two second nodes may indicate at least two second nodes, where the at least two second nodes include nodes corresponding to the communication link. The periodicity information of the communication link may indicate a periodicity of a resource requirement of the communication link. The delay requirement information of the communication link may indicate a delay requirement of the communication link. The traffic volume information of the communication link may indicate a traffic volume of the communication link. The resource requirement information of the communication link may indicate a resource requirement of the communication link, for example, an amount of time units or a length of time units required by the communication link.

[0224] It can be understood that the above-mentioned communication link setting request information is requested by the first slave node from the first node, or the first slave node instructs the first node of information requested by the first slave node. After receiving the communication link configuration request information, the first configuration information sent by the first node to the first slave node may be configured based on the information in the communication link configuration request information, or may not be configured based on the information in the communication link configuration request information. This is not limited.

[0225] The operations of the first node or the first slave node in S500 to S503 may be performed by the processor 401 in the communication device 40 shown in Fig. 4. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0226] In the method shown in Figure 5, a communication link between at least two second nodes is configured by a first node. In certain applications, the first node may alternatively determine one node from the at least two second nodes, and the communication link between the at least two second nodes may alternatively be configured by the node determined by the first node. In this way, the complexity of resource management by the first node can be reduced.

[0227] 6 shows yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application, which includes steps S601 and S602.

[0228] S601: The first node transmits third configuration information to the third slave node, and in response, the third slave node receives the third configuration information from the first node.

[0229] The first node may be a master node of a third slave node, and the third slave node is a slave node of the first node. The third slave node is one node among at least two second nodes. The third slave node is a control node of the at least two second nodes and may transmit control information of the communication link to nodes other than the third slave node among the at least two second nodes. In this embodiment of the present application, the third slave node may be referred to as a node that manages slave nodes. That is, the third slave node may manage at least two second nodes, and may, for example, configure a communication link between at least two second nodes.

[0230] For example, the communication system 30 shown in FIG. 3A is used as an example, and the first node may be the master node 301 in the communication system 30. The at least two second nodes include at least two of the slave node 302, the slave node 303, or the slave node 304. If the at least two second nodes include the slave node 302 and the slave node 303, the third slave node may be the slave node 302 or the slave node 303. If the at least two second nodes include the slave node 302 and the slave node 304, the third slave node may be the slave node 303 or the slave node 304. If the at least two second nodes include the slave node 302, the slave node 303, and the slave node 304, the third slave node may be the slave node 302, the slave node 303, or the slave node 304.

[0231] In a possible implementation, the third configuration information includes indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource. The indication information of the third slave node may indicate the third slave node. For example, the indication information of the third slave node includes an identifier of the third slave node. The first resource may be used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node. The communication link is a communication link between at least two second nodes. For a description of the communication link, please refer to the corresponding description in step S501. Details will not be described again in this specification. The control information of the communication link may be used to configure the communication link between at least two second nodes. The communication link includes a direct link between at least two second nodes.

[0232] Optionally, the first node may further transmit third configuration information to a node other than the third slave node among the at least two second nodes (e.g., a fourth slave node, etc.) to instruct these nodes about the third slave node and the first resource. Alternatively, after receiving the third configuration information, the third slave node may transmit the third configuration information to a node other than the third slave node among the at least two second nodes (e.g., a fourth slave node, etc.) using a second communication link or a second communication link group between the third slave node and the node other than the third slave node among the at least two second nodes. The second communication link or the second communication link group may be configured by the first node, the third slave node, or another node before the third slave node transmits the third configuration information. Thereafter, the node other than the third slave node among the at least two second nodes may receive communication link control information from the third slave node on the first resource.

[0233] In a possible implementation, the first node or the third slave node may transmit the third configuration information in a unicast or multicast manner.

[0234] S602: A third slave node transmits control information of a communication link on a first resource.

[0235] In a possible implementation, the third slave node generates or obtains control information for the communication link and transmits the control information for the communication link to a second node other than the third slave node (e.g., a fourth slave node) among at least two second nodes over the first resource.

[0236] In a possible implementation, the control information of the communication link includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information. For details, please refer to the description of the first configuration information in the method shown in Figure 5. Details will not be described again in this specification. That is, unlike the method shown in Figure 5, in the method shown in Figure 6, the communication link between at least two second nodes is configured by a third slave node.

[0237] It can be understood that before step S602, resources can be pre-configured for the third slave node to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes. The resources can be set by the first node or defined in the protocol. This is not limited to this. In this way, conflicts between resources configured by the third slave node and resources configured by another node can be avoided.

[0238] Optionally, after step S602, the third slave node sends a third message to nodes other than the third slave node in at least two second nodes to indicate that a transmission opportunity group or a transmission opportunity in the time domain resource configured by using the control information of the communication link can be used for the communication link. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in step S503. For details, this specification will not be repeated.

[0239] According to the method shown in FIG. 6, a first node may configure a third slave node with specific direct link management or configuration capabilities and resources for transmitting corresponding management signaling (e.g., control information for the communication link, etc.), thereby allowing the third slave node to manage or configure a communication link between at least two second nodes. For example, the third slave node may allocate resources to the communication link between at least two second nodes among the resources allocated to the at least two second nodes to avoid resource contention and improve communication performance. Also, compared with the method shown in FIG. 5, after the first node determines the third slave node, the communication link between the at least two second nodes may be configured by the third slave node, and does not need to be configured by the first node. This reduces the complexity of resource management by the first node. In the method shown in FIG. 6, the direct link is managed by the node using the direct link for communication, thereby reducing the dependency of the slave node on the master node and the master and slave link, and improving the flexibility of resource configuration and the independence of the direct link.

[0240] The operations of the first node or the third slave node in steps S601 and S602 may be performed by the processor 401 in the communication device 40 shown in Fig. 4 by calling application program code stored in the memory 403. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0241] It may be understood that the method shown in FIG. 5 and the method shown in FIG. 6 may be combined with each other. For example, in the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application, steps S501 and S502 may be performed first, and then steps S601 and S602 may be performed. In other words, a first node may first configure a communication link between at least two second nodes. After the first node determines a third slave node, the third slave node may configure a communication link between at least two second nodes. In an embodiment in which the method shown in FIG. 5 is combined with the method shown in FIG. 6, it may be understood that the first slave node and the third slave node may be the same or different. The communication link between the at least two second nodes configured by the first node may be the same as or different from the communication link between the at least two second nodes configured by the third slave node. For example, the initial time domain resource information and / or frequency hopping channel indication information included in the first configuration information in step S501 is different from the initial time domain resource information and / or frequency hopping channel indication information included in the control information of the communication link in step S602.

[0242] In the above-described embodiments, it may be understood that the methods and / or procedures implemented by the first node may alternatively be implemented by components (e.g., chips, circuits, etc.) used in the first node. The methods and / or procedures implemented by the first slave node may alternatively be implemented by components (e.g., chips, circuits, etc.) used in the first slave node. The methods and / or procedures implemented by the third slave node may alternatively be implemented by components (e.g., chips, circuits, etc.) used in the third slave node.

[0243] The above description mainly discusses solutions provided in embodiments of the present application from the perspective of interactions between nodes. Correspondingly, embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device. The communication device may be the first node in the above-described method embodiment, a device including the first node, or a component usable for the first node. Alternatively, the communication device may be the first slave node in the above-described method embodiment, a device including the first slave node, or a component usable for the first slave node. Alternatively, the communication device may be the third slave node in the above-described method embodiment, a device including the third slave node, or a component usable for the third slave node. It can be understood that to implement the above-described functions, the first node, the first slave node, the third slave node, etc., include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for performing each function. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present application can be implemented by hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software, in combination with the example units and algorithm operations described in the embodiments disclosed herein. Whether the functions are implemented by hardware or hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be deemed to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0244] In this embodiment of the present application, the division of the functional modules may be performed on the first node, the first slave node, or the third slave node based on the above-described exemplary method. For example, each functional module may be obtained by division based on the corresponding functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the division into modules is an example and is merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementation, other division modes may be used.

[0245] 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device 70, for example, when each functional module is obtained by division in an integrated manner. The communication device 70 includes a transmitting module 701. The transmitting module 701 is also known as a transmitting unit and is configured to implement a transmitting function, and may be, for example, a transmitting circuit, a transmitter, a transmitter, or a communication interface. Optionally, the communication device 70 further includes a receiving module 702. The receiving module 702 is also known as a receiving unit and is configured to implement a receiving function, and may be, for example, a receiving circuit, a receiver, a receiver, or a communication interface.

[0246] For example, the communication device 70 is configured to implement the functionality of a first node, e.g., the first node in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 or the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

[0247] The transmitting module 701 is configured to transmit first configuration information on a first frequency hopping channel. The first configuration information is used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes. The communication link includes a direct link between the at least two second nodes. The first node corresponding to the communication device 70 is a master node of at least one of the two second nodes corresponding to the direct link. When the communication device 70 corresponds to the first node, it may be understood that the communication device 70 is the first node itself, or a component, chip, integrated circuit, or the like within the first node.

[0248] In a possible implementation, the first node is the master node of two second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

[0249] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the first configuration information includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of the at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information regarding a first start position, where all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group.

[0251] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position, where the transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities is configured, the transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

[0252] In a possible implementation, the transmitting module 701 is further configured to transmit a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth transmission opportunity group is used for the communication link and that the fourth transmission opportunity group is included in time domain resources of the communication link.

[0253] In a possible implementation, the transmission module 701 is specifically configured to: start transmitting the first message at a time domain start position of the fourth transmission opportunity group, or transmit the first message in a time domain resource that precedes and is adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group.

[0254] In a possible implementation, the transmitting module 701 is further configured to transmit a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmission opportunity is to be used for the communication link and that the third transmission opportunity is included in a time domain resource for the communication.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the transmission module 701 is specifically configured to: start transmitting the first message at a time domain start position of the third transmit opportunity, or transmit the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the first message is further used to synchronize at least two second nodes.

[0257] In a possible implementation, the communication device 70 further includes a receiving module 702. The receiving module 702 is configured to receive communication link configuration request information, which is used to request configuring a communication link.

[0258] In a possible implementation, the communication link configuration request information includes one or more of the following: link type information of the communication link, indication information of at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay request information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, and resource request information of the communication link.

[0259] In a possible implementation, the transmitting module 701 is specifically configured to transmit first configuration information to a first slave node over a first frequency hopping channel, the first slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between the first slave node and a node other than the first slave node in the at least two second nodes. The transmitting module 701 is further configured to transmit second configuration information to a second slave node over a second frequency hopping channel, the second slave node being a second node in the at least two second nodes and different from the first slave node, the second configuration information being used to configure a communication link between the second slave node and a node other than the second slave node in the at least two second nodes.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the transmitting module 701 is specifically configured to transmit the first configuration information to a second group of nodes on a first frequency hopping channel, the second group of nodes including at least two second nodes.

[0261] In a possible implementation, the transmitting module 701 is further configured to transmit third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource, the third slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the third slave node being a control node in the at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node.

[0262] When the communication device 70 is configured to implement the functions of the first node, for other functions that can be implemented by the communication device 70, reference may be made to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 or the embodiment shown in Fig. 6. Details will not be described again.

[0263] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the communication device 70 may use the configuration shown in Figure 4. For example, the processor 401 in Figure 4 may invoke computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403 to enable the communication device 70 to perform the method in the method embodiments described above.

[0264] For example, the functions / implementation processes of the transmitting module 701 and the receiving module 702 in Figure 7 may be implemented by the processor 401 in Figure 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the transmitting module 701 and the receiving module 702 in Figure 7 may be implemented by the communication interface 404 in Figure 4.

[0265] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device 80, for example, when each functional module is obtained by division in an integrated manner. The communication device 80 includes a receiving module 801 and a processing module 802. The receiving module 802, also known as a receiving unit, is configured to implement a receiving function and may be, for example, a receiving circuit, a receiver, a receiver, or a communication interface. Optionally, the communication device 80 further includes a transmitting module 803. The transmitting module 803, also known as a transmitting unit, is configured to implement a transmitting function and may be, for example, a transmitting circuit, a transmitter, a transmitter, or a communication interface.

[0266] For example, the communication device 80 is configured to implement the functionality of a first slave node, e.g., the first slave node in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0267] The receiving module 801 is configured to receive first configuration information from a first node over a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes, the at least two second nodes including a target node, the communication link including a direct link between the target node and at least one second node within the at least two second nodes and different from the target node, and the first node being a master node of the target node.

[0268] The processing module 802 is configured to communicate with at least one second node among the at least two second nodes, the second node being different from the target node, based on the first configuration information.

[0269] In a possible implementation, the first node is the master node of two second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

[0270] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the first configuration information includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of the at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link.

[0271] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information regarding a first start position, where all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group.

[0272] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position, where the transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities, the transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of the transmission or reception of the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

[0273] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 801 is further configured to receive a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth transmission opportunity group is used for the communication link and that the fourth transmission opportunity group is included in the time domain resources of the communication link.

[0274] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 801 is specifically configured to: start receiving the first message at a time domain start position of the fourth transmission opportunity group, or receive the first message in a time domain resource that is before and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group.

[0275] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 801 is further configured to receive a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmission opportunity is to be used for the communication link and that the third transmission opportunity is included in a time domain resource of the communication link.

[0276] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 801 is specifically configured to: start receiving the first message at a time domain start position of the third transmit opportunity, or receive the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity.

[0277] In a possible implementation, the processing module 802 is further configured to synchronize with the nodes in at least two second nodes based on the first message.

[0278] In a possible implementation, the communication device 80 further includes a sending module 803. The sending module 803 is configured to send communication link configuration request information, where the communication link configuration request information is used to request configuring a communication link.

[0279] In a possible implementation, the communication link configuration request information includes one or more of the following: link type information of the communication link, indication information of at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay request information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, and resource request information of the communication link.

[0280] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 801 is further configured to receive third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource, the third slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the third slave node being a control node in the at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node.

[0281] When the communication device 80 is configured to implement the functions of the first slave node, reference may be made to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 for other functions that can be implemented by the communication device 80. Details will not be described again.

[0282] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the communication device 80 may use the configuration shown in Figure 8. For example, the processor 401 in Figure 4 may invoke computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403 to enable the communication device 80 to perform the method in the method embodiments described above.

[0283] For example, the functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 801, the processing module 802, and the transmitting module 803 in Figure 8 may be implemented by the processor 401 in Figure 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 802 in Figure 8 may be implemented by the processor 401 in Figure 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403, and the functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 801 and the transmitting module 803 in Figure 4 may be implemented by the communication interface 404 in Figure 4.

[0284] 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device 90, in which each functional module is obtained by division in an integrated manner. The communication device 90 includes a receiving module 901 and a transmitting module 902. The receiving module 901, also known as a receiving unit, is configured to implement a receiving function and may be, for example, a receiving circuit, a receiver, a receiver, or a communication interface. The transmitting module 902, also known as a transmitting unit, is configured to implement a transmitting function and may be, for example, a transmitting circuit, a transmitter, a transmitter, or a communication interface.

[0285] For example, the communication device 90 is configured to implement the functionality of a third slave node, e.g., the third slave node in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0286] The receiving module 901 is configured to receive third configuration information, and the third configuration information includes indication information of a third slave node corresponding to the communication device 90 and / or indication information of a first resource. That the third slave node corresponds to the communication device 90 may be understood as meaning that the communication device 90 is the first node itself, or a component, chip, integrated circuit, or the like within the first node.

[0287] The transmitting module 902 is configured to transmit control information of the communication link to a second node other than a third slave node in at least two second nodes on the first resource, the communication link including a direct link between the at least two second nodes.

[0288] In a possible implementation, the communication link includes a first communication link or a first communication link group, and the control information of the communication link includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first communication link, an identifier of the first communication link group, a node identifier, type information of the first communication link, type information of the communication link in the first communication link group, initial time domain resource information, or frequency hopping channel indication information, where the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates available frequency hopping channels in the communication link.

[0289] In a possible implementation, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information includes one or more of the following: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group, first time length information, or information regarding a first start position, where all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are contiguous in the time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group.

[0290] In a possible implementation, the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resources of the communication link include at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information further includes one or more of the following: transmission opportunity number information, second time length information, or information regarding a second start position, where the transmission opportunity is used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities, the transmission opportunity number information includes the number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of the transmission or reception of the direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity of the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

[0291] When the communication device 90 is configured to implement the functions of a third slave node, reference may be made to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 for other functions that can be implemented by the communication device 90. Details will not be described again.

[0292] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the communication device 90 may use the configuration shown in Figure 4. For example, the processor 401 in Figure 4 may invoke computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403 to enable the communication device 90 to perform the method in the method embodiments described above.

[0293] For example, the functions / implemented processes of the receiving module 901 and the transmitting module 902 in Figure 9 may be implemented by the processor 401 in Figure 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403. Alternatively, the functions / implemented processes of the receiving module 901 and the transmitting module 902 in Figure 9 may be implemented by the communication interface 404 in Figure 4.

[0294] It should be noted that one or more of the above-mentioned modules or units may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. When any of the above-mentioned modules or units is implemented by software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions and is stored in a memory. A processor may be configured to execute the program instructions and implement the above-mentioned method steps. The processor may be incorporated in an SoC (System on Chip) or an ASIC, or may be an independent semiconductor chip. In addition to the core used to execute software instructions and perform operations or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a logic circuit that implements dedicated logical operations.

[0295] When the above-described modules or units are implemented using hardware, the hardware may be any one or combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, dedicated digital circuit, hardware accelerator, non-integrated discrete device, or terminal equipment, and the hardware may execute necessary software or may not depend on software to perform the above-described method steps. The terminal equipment may be, for example, an intelligent terminal, an intelligent wearable device, an intelligent manufacturing device, an intelligent transportation device, or an intelligent home device.

[0296] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system. The chip system includes at least one processor and an interface. The at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface. When the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, a method according to any one of the above-described method embodiments is performed. In a possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and another discrete component. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0297] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the procedures in the above-described method embodiments may be implemented by a computer program that instructs associated hardware. The program may be stored in the above-described computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, the procedures in the above-described method embodiments may be performed. The computer-readable storage medium may be an internal storage device of any one of the above-described embodiments, such as a hard disk or memory of the communication device. Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium may be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a SmartMedia Card (SMC), a Secure Digital (SD) card, or a flash card configured in the communication device. Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium may include both the internal storage device and the external storage device of the communication device. The computer-readable storage medium is configured to store the computer program as well as other programs and data required by the communication device. The computer-readable storage medium may further be configured to temporarily store data that is being output or that is to be output.

[0298] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product. All or part of the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by a computer program that instructs related hardware. The program can be stored in the above-mentioned computer program product. When the program is executed, the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiments can be included.

[0299] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides computer instructions. Related hardware (e.g., a computer, a processor, an access network device, a mobility management network element, or a session management network element, etc.) can be instructed to complete all or part of the procedures in the above-mentioned method embodiments through the computer instructions. This program can be stored in the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium or the above-mentioned computer program product.

[0300] The above description of the implementation allows those skilled in the art to understand that for the purpose of convenient and concise description, the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is taken as an example for illustration. In actual application, the above-mentioned functions can be allocated and implemented in different modules according to requirements, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to implement all or part of the above-mentioned functions.

[0301] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division into modules or units is merely a logical division of function, and other divisions may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some functions may be ignored or not performed. Furthermore, the shown or described mutual or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0302] Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and components shown as units may be one or more physical units, or may be located in one location or distributed in different locations. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0303] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0304] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application, but is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a first node, comprising: transmitting first configuration information over a first frequency hopping channel, said first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes; Equipped with the communication link includes a direct link between the at least two second nodes, and the first node is a master node of at least one second node among the two second nodes corresponding to the direct link; method.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first node is a master node of the two second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

3. the communication link comprises a first communication link or a first communication link group; The first configuration information is an identifier of the first communication link; an identifier of the first communication link group; Node identifier, type information of the first communication link; type information of the communication link in the first communication link group; Initial time domain resource information, or Frequency hopping channel indicator including one or more of the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of the at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the initial time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates an available frequency hopping channel in the communication link; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the initial time domain resource information comprises: periodicity information of the transmission opportunity group; First duration information, or Information about the first starting position including one or more of all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are continuous in a time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group; The method of claim 3.

5. The transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resource of the communication link includes at least two transmission opportunities, and the initial time domain resource information is the number of transmission opportunities information; second duration information, or Information about the second starting position and further comprising one or more of: The transmission opportunities are used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting the at least one direct communication message and / or receiving the at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities are configured, the number information of the transmission opportunities includes a number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity in the at least one transmission opportunity, the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving a direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity in the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity. The method of claim 4.

6. transmitting a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth transmission opportunity group is to be used for the communication link and that the fourth transmission opportunity group is included in time domain resources of the communication link; The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. The step of transmitting a first message comprises: commencing transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group or transmitting the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group. The method of claim 6, comprising:

8. transmitting a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmit opportunity is to be used for the communication link and that the third transmit opportunity is included in a time domain resource of the communication link; The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

9. The step of transmitting a first message comprises: commencing transmission of the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity or transmitting the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity. The method of claim 8, comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the first message is further used to synchronize the at least two second nodes.

11. receiving communication link configuration request information, the communication link configuration request information being used to request that the communication link be configured; The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. The communication link configuration request information includes link type information of the communication link, instruction information of the at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay request information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, or resource request information of the communication link. The method of claim 11 , comprising one or more of:

13. said step of transmitting first configuration information on a first frequency hopping channel comprising: transmitting the first configuration information on the first frequency hopping channel to a first slave node, the first slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between the first slave node and a node other than the first slave node in the at least two second nodes; Including, The method comprises: transmitting second configuration information over a second frequency hopping channel to a second slave node, the second slave node being a node within the at least two second nodes and different from the first slave node, the second configuration information being used to configure a communication link between the second slave node and a node within the at least two second nodes other than the second slave node; Further provided with 13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. said step of transmitting first configuration information on a first frequency hopping channel comprising: transmitting the first configuration information on the first frequency hopping channel to a second group of nodes, the second group of nodes including the at least two second nodes; 13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:

15. transmitting third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource, the third slave node being a node among the at least two second nodes, the third slave node being a control node among the at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to transmit control information of the communication link from the control node; 15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising:

16. 1. A communication method comprising: receiving first configuration information from a first node over a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes, the at least two nodes including a target node, the communication link including a direct link between the target node and at least one second node within the at least two second nodes that is different from the target node, the first node being a master node of the target node; communicating with at least one second node among the at least two second nodes, the at least one second node being different from the target node, based on the first configuration information; A method comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first node is a master node of the two second nodes corresponding to the direct link.

18. the communication link comprises a first communication link or a first communication link group; The configuration information is an identifier of the first communication link; an identifier of the first communication link group; Node identifier, type information of the first communication link; type information of the communication link in the first communication link group; first time domain resource information, or Frequency hopping channel indicator including one or more of the first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes of the at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node of the at least two second nodes, the first time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates an available frequency hopping channel in the communication link; 18. The method of claim 16 or 17.

19. The time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first time domain resource information comprises: duration information of the transmission opportunity group; First duration information, or Information about the first starting position including one or more of all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are continuous in a time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group; 20. The method of claim 18.

20. the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resource of the communication link includes at least two transmission opportunities, and the first time domain resource information is the transmission opportunity number information; second duration information, or Information about the second starting position and further comprising one or more of: The transmission opportunities are used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting the at least one direct communication message and / or receiving the at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities are configured, the quantity information of the transmission opportunities includes a number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity in the at least one transmission opportunity, the information regarding the second start position includes a time domain start position of transmission or reception of a direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity within the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

20. The method of claim 19.

21. receiving a first message, the first message indicating that a fourth group of transmission opportunities is to be used for a communication link and that the fourth group of transmission opportunities is included in the time domain resources of the communication link; 21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising:

22. The step of receiving a first message comprises: starting reception of the first message at a time domain start of the fourth transmission opportunity group or receiving the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the fourth transmission opportunity group.

22. The method of claim 21, comprising:

23. receiving a first message, the first message indicating that a third transmit opportunity is to be used for the communication link and that the third transmit opportunity is included in the time domain resource of the communication link; 21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising:

24. The step of receiving a first message comprises: Starting reception of the first message at a time domain start of the third transmit opportunity or receiving the first message in a time domain resource prior to and adjacent to the third transmit opportunity.

24. The method of claim 23, comprising:

25. synchronizing the nodes in the at least two second nodes based on the first message; 25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising:

26. transmitting communication link configuration request information, the communication link configuration request information being used to request that the communication link be configured; 26. The method of any one of claims 16 to 25, further comprising:

27. The communication link configuration request information includes link type information of the communication link, instruction information of the at least two second nodes, periodicity information of the communication link, delay request information of the communication link, traffic volume information of the communication link, or resource request information of the communication link.

27. The method of claim 26, comprising one or more of:

28. receiving third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource, the third slave node being a node in the at least two second nodes, the third slave node being a control node in the at least two second nodes, and the first resource being used to carry control information of the communication link from the control node; 28. The method of any one of claims 16 to 27, further comprising:

29. 1. A communication method comprising: receiving third configuration information, wherein the third configuration information includes indication information of a third slave node and / or indication information of a first resource; transmitting, on the first resource, control information for a communication link to a second node other than the third slave node among at least two second nodes, the communication link including a direct link between the at least two second nodes; A method comprising:

30. the communication link comprises a first communication link or a first communication link group; The control information for the communication link includes: an identifier of the first communication link; an identifier of the first communication link group; Node identifier, type information of the first communication link; type information of the communication link in the first communication link group; first time domain resource information, or Frequency hopping channel indicator including one or more of The first communication link is a communication link between two second nodes in the at least two second nodes, the first communication link group includes a plurality of communication links between the at least two second nodes, the node identifier is used to identify at least one node in the at least two second nodes, the first time domain resource information indicates a time domain resource of the communication link, and the frequency hopping channel indication information indicates an available frequency hopping channel in the communication link.

30. The method of claim 29.

31. The time domain resources of the communication link include at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first time domain resource information comprises: duration information of the transmission opportunity group; First duration information, or Information about the first starting position including one or more of all of the at least one transmission opportunity group are continuous in a time domain, the first time length information includes information indicating a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, the information regarding the first start position includes information indicating a time domain start position of a second transmission opportunity group in the at least one transmission opportunity group, and the first transmission opportunity group is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity group; 31. The method of claim 30.

32. the transmission opportunity group includes at least one transmission opportunity, the time domain resource of the communication link includes at least two transmission opportunities, and the first time domain resource information is the transmission opportunity number information; second duration information, or Information about the second starting position including one or more of The transmission opportunities are used by the second node for transmitting at least one direct communication message and / or receiving at least one direct communication message, and the same sequence of resources used by the second node for transmitting the at least one direct communication message and / or receiving the at least one direct communication message in different transmission opportunities are configured, the quantity information of the transmission opportunities includes a number of transmission opportunities in a third transmission opportunity group within the at least one transmission opportunity group, the second time length information includes a time domain length of a first transmission opportunity in the at least one transmission opportunity, the information on the second start position includes a time domain start position for transmitting or receiving a direct communication message in a second transmission opportunity in the at least one transmission opportunity, and the first transmission opportunity is the same as or different from the second transmission opportunity.

32. The method of claim 31 .

33. 1. A communication device, the communication device comprising: a transmitting module; the transmitting module is configured to transmit first configuration information over a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes; the communication link includes a direct link between the at least two second nodes, and the first node corresponding to the communication device is a master node of at least one second node among the two second nodes corresponding to the direct link; Communication equipment.

34. A communication device, the communication device comprising: a receiving module and a processing module; the receiving module is configured to receive first configuration information from a first node over a first frequency hopping channel, the first configuration information being used to configure a communication link between at least two second nodes, the at least two nodes including a target node, the communication link including a direct link between the target node and at least one second node within the at least two second nodes that is different from the target node, the first node being a master node of the target node; the processing module is configured to communicate with at least one second node among the at least two second nodes, the second node being different from the target node, based on the first configuration information; Communication equipment.

35. A communication device, the communication device comprising: a receiving module and a transmitting module; The receiving module is configured to receive third configuration information, the third configuration information including indication information of a third slave node corresponding to the communication device and / or indication information of a first resource; the transmitting module is configured to transmit, over the first resource, control information of a communication link to a second node other than a third node among at least two second nodes, the communication link including a direct link between the at least two second nodes; Communication equipment.

36. 19. A communications device comprising at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive computer programs or instructions and to transmit the computer programs or instructions to the at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute the computer programs or instructions, whereby the communications device performs a method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, a method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, or a method according to any one of claims 29 to 32.

37. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which when executed enables a computer to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, a method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, or a method according to any one of claims 29 to 32.

38. A terminal device comprising a communication device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or a communication device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, or a communication device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 29 to 32.

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