Communication methods and communication devices

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method can be applied to a first terminal device. The method includes transmitting first information to a network device, including an identifier of a second terminal device corresponding to a first index; transmitting second information to the network device, including an identifier of a second terminal device corresponding to a second index; updating the first index corresponding to a first sidelink setting to a second index; and performing sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting corresponding to the second index. The index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device is updated, thereby enabling the first terminal device to apply the sidelink setting corresponding to the updated index to ensure the reliability of sidelink communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to communication methods and communication devices.

Background Art

[0002] In a communication system, terminal devices may communicate directly with each other without a network device. The data transmitted between terminal devices may be called sidelink (SL) data. In order to reliably transmit SL data, the terminal device at the transmitting end needs to obtain an SL configuration for transmitting the SL data.

[0003] In existing solutions, the terminal device may report to the base station the identifier of at least one receiving end for transmitting SL data. Each identifier of the receiving ends in the at least one receiving end identifier corresponds to one index. Thereafter, the base station may send the SL configuration corresponding to one or more indexes to the terminal device. How the terminal device flexibly applies the SL configuration corresponding to one or more indexes to improve the reliability of sidelink communication is an issue that needs to be solved.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device to improve the reliability of sidelink communication between terminal devices.

[0005] A communication method is provided according to the first aspect. The method may be carried out by a first terminal device or a component of the first terminal device (e.g., a processor or chip). The method includes: transmitting first information to a network device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a first index; transmitting second information to a network device, the second information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a second index; updating the first index corresponding to a first sidelink setting to a second index; and performing sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, the second sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0006] Based on this technological solution, the index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device is updated, thereby allowing the first terminal device to apply the sidelink settings corresponding to the updated index (second index) and improve the reliability of sidelink communication between the first and second terminal devices.

[0007] In some implementations, it is determined to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, using the timestamp of the second sidelink setting and the first moment, where the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted.

[0008] In some implementations, if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second sidelink setting is later than the first moment, sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting.

[0009] In some implementations, if the first side link setting differs from the second side link setting, the second side link setting is sent to the second terminal device.

[0010] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0011] A communication method is provided according to the second aspect. The method may be carried out by a first terminal device or a component of the first terminal device (e.g., a processor or chip). The method includes: transmitting first information to a network device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a first index; transmitting second information to a network device, the second information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a second index; and determining to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, the identifier for the second terminal device, the first sidelink setting corresponding to a first index, and the second sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0012] Based on this technological solution, the first terminal device can improve the reliability of sidelink communication between the first and second terminal devices by applying the sidelink settings corresponding to the updated index, based on the identifier of the second terminal device, the first sidelink settings, and the second sidelink settings.

[0013] In some implementations, based on the second index and second information included in the second sidelink configuration, it is determined that the identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the second index is the identifier of the second terminal device, the first index is determined based on the determined identifier of the second terminal device and the first information, the first sidelink configuration is updated to the second sidelink configuration based on the first index, and sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink configuration.

[0014] In some implementations, it is determined to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, using the timestamp of the second sidelink setting and the first moment, where the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted.

[0015] In some implementations, if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second sidelink setting is later than the first moment, sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting.

[0016] In some implementations, if the first side link setting differs from the second side link setting, the second side link setting is sent to the second terminal device.

[0017] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0018] A communication method is provided according to the third aspect. The method may be carried out by a first terminal device or a component of the first terminal device (e.g., a processor or chip). The method includes: transmitting first information to a network device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a first index; transmitting second information to a network device, the second information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a second index; releasing a first sidelink setting, the first sidelink setting corresponding to a first index; and performing sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, the second sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0019] Based on this technological solution, the first sidelink setting is released, allowing the first terminal device to apply the second sidelink setting corresponding to the updated index (second index), thereby improving the reliability of sidelink communication between the first and second terminal devices.

[0020] In some implementations, a first instruction is received from a network device, and this first instruction instructs the deletion of the first sidelink configuration.

[0021] In some implementations, it is determined to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, using the timestamp of the second sidelink setting and the first moment, where the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted.

[0022] In some implementations, if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second sidelink setting is later than the first moment, sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting.

[0023] In some implementations, if the first side link setting differs from the second side link setting, the second side link setting is sent to the second terminal device.

[0024] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be implemented by a network device or a component of a network device (e.g., a processor or a chip). The method includes receiving first information from a first terminal device, where the first information includes an identifier of a second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to a first index; receiving second information from the first terminal device, where the second information includes the identifier of the second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to a second index; sending first instruction information to the first terminal device, where the first instruction information instructs to delete a first sidelink configuration, and the first sidelink configuration corresponds to the first index; and sending a second sidelink configuration to the first terminal device, where the second sidelink configuration is used by the first terminal device to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device, and the second sidelink configuration corresponds to the second index.

[0026] Based on this technical solution, since the network device instructs to delete the first sidelink configuration, the first terminal device releases the first sidelink configuration and applies the second sidelink configuration corresponding to the updated index (the second index), thereby improving the reliability of sidelink communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0027] Based on this technical solution, since the index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device is updated, the first terminal device applies the sidelink configuration corresponding to the updated index (the second index), thereby improving the reliability of sidelink communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0028] In some implementations, a timestamp of the second sidelink configuration is sent to the first terminal device, and the timestamp of the second sidelink configuration is for determining to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink configuration.

[0029] In some implementations, the sidelink configuration includes a sidelink measurement configuration or a sidelink discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be performed by a first terminal device or a component of the first terminal device (e.g., a processor or a chip). The method includes transmitting first information to a network device, where the first information includes an identifier of a second terminal device corresponding to a first index, and receiving a first correspondence from the network device, where the first correspondence includes a correspondence between the identifier of the second terminal device and a second index, and performing sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on a first sidelink configuration corresponding to the second index.

[0031] Based on this technical solution, the network device sets the correspondence between the identifier of the second terminal device and the second index, so that the first terminal device can apply the sidelink configuration corresponding to the second index based on this correspondence to improve the reliability of sidelink communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0032] In some implementations, based on a timestamp of the first sidelink configuration and a first moment, it is determined to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the first sidelink configuration, where the first moment is the time when the first information is generated or transmitted.

[0033] In some implementations, when a time corresponding to the timestamp of the first sidelink configuration is later than the first moment, the sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device based on the first sidelink configuration.

[0034] In some implementations, if the first side link setting differs from the second side link setting, the first side link setting is sent to the second terminal device, and the second side link setting corresponds to the first index.

[0035] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0036] A communication device is provided according to the sixth aspect. The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit first information to a network device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a first index. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information to a network device, the second information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a second index. The processing unit is configured to update the first index corresponding to a first sidelink setting to a second index. The processing unit is further configured to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on a second sidelink setting, the second sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0037] In some implementations, the processing unit is specifically configured to determine, based on the timestamp and first moment of the second sidelink setting, whether to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, where the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted.

[0038] In some implementations, if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second sidelink setting is later than the first moment, the processing unit is specifically configured to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting.

[0039] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to transmit the second sidelink setting to the second terminal device if the first sidelink setting differs from the second sidelink setting.

[0040] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0041] A communication device is provided according to the seventh aspect. The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit first information to a network device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a first index. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information to a network device, the second information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a second index. The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the identifier for the second terminal device, a first sidelink setting, and a second sidelink setting, to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, the first sidelink setting corresponding to a first index, and the second sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0042] In some implementations, the processing unit is specifically configured to determine, based on the second index and second information included in the second sidelink configuration, that the identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the second index is the identifier of the second terminal device; to determine the first index based on the determined identifier of the second terminal device and the first information; to update the first sidelink configuration to the second sidelink configuration based on the first index; and to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink configuration.

[0043] In some implementations, the processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the timestamp and first moment of the second sidelink setting, whether to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, where the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted.

[0044] In some implementations, the processing unit is specifically configured to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second sidelink setting is later than the first moment.

[0045] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the second sidelink setting to the second terminal device if the first sidelink setting differs from the second sidelink setting.

[0046] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0047] A communication device is provided according to the eighth aspect. The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit first information to a network device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a first index. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit second information to a network device, the second information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a second index, and to release a first sidelink setting, the first sidelink setting corresponding to a first index. The processing unit is configured to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on a second sidelink setting, the second sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0048] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first instruction from a network device, which instructs the removal of the first sidelink configuration.

[0049] In some implementations, the processing unit is specifically configured to determine, based on the timestamp and first moment of the second sidelink setting, whether to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, where the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted.

[0050] In some implementations, the processing unit is specifically configured to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second sidelink setting is later than the first moment.

[0051] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to transmit the second sidelink setting to the second terminal device if the first sidelink setting differs from the second sidelink setting.

[0052] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0053] A communication device is provided in accordance with the ninth aspect. The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive first information from a first terminal device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a first index, and to receive second information from the first terminal device, the second information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponding to a second index. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit first instruction information to the first terminal device, the first instruction information instructing the first terminal device to delete a first sidelink setting, the first sidelink setting corresponding to a first index. The transceiver unit is further configured to transmit a second sidelink setting to the first terminal device, the second sidelink setting being used by the first terminal device to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device, the second sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0054] In some implementations, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a timestamp of the second sidelink configuration to the first terminal device, which is used to determine whether to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink configuration.

[0055] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0056] A communication device is provided according to the tenth aspect. The device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit first information to a network device, the first information including an identifier for a second terminal device, the second terminal device corresponding to a first index. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first correspondence from the network device, the first correspondence including a correspondence between an identifier for a second terminal device and a second index. The processing unit is configured to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on a first sidelink setting, the first sidelink setting corresponding to a second index.

[0057] In some implementations, the processing unit is specifically configured to determine, based on the timestamp and first moment of the first sidelink setting, whether to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the first sidelink setting, where the first moment is when the first information is generated or transmitted.

[0058] In some implementations, the processing unit is specifically configured to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on the first sidelink setting if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the first sidelink setting is later than the first moment.

[0059] In some implementations, if the first sidelink setting differs from the second sidelink setting, the transceiver unit is further configured to send the first sidelink setting to the second terminal device, with the second sidelink setting corresponding to the first index.

[0060] In some implementations, the sidelink settings include either sidelink measurement settings or sidelink intermittent reception DRX settings.

[0061] A communication device including a processor is provided according to the eleventh aspect. The processor may be coupled to memory and configured to execute instructions in memory to implement a method in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of any one of these aspects. Optionally, the communication device further includes memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0062] In implementation, the communication device is the first terminal device. When the communication device is the first terminal device, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0063] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip within the first terminal device. When the communication device is a chip configured in the first terminal device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0064] Optionally, a transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, an input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0065] A communication device including a processor is provided according to the twelfth aspect. The processor may be coupled to memory and configured to execute instructions in memory to implement a method in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of any one of these aspects. Optionally, the communication device further includes memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0066] In practice, the communication device is a network device. When the communication device is a network device, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0067] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip within a network device. When the communication device is a chip configured within a network device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0068] Optionally, a transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, an input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0069] A processor is provided in accordance with the 13th aspect, including an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor can perform a method in any one of the possible implementations of the first through fifth aspects.

[0070] In a specific implementation process, the processor may be one or more chips, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, various logic circuits, etc. The input signal received by the input circuit may be received and input by a receiver, for example, but without limitation, and the signal output by the output circuit may be output to a transmitter and transmitted by a transmitter, for example, but without limitation, and the input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, in which case the circuit is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The specific implementation of the processor and various circuits is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0071] In accordance with the fourteenth aspect, a processing device including a processor and memory is provided. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in memory, receive signals using a receiver, and transmit signals using a transmitter, thereby performing a method in any one of the possible implementations of the first through fifth aspects.

[0072] Arbitrarily, there is one or more processors and one or more memory locations.

[0073] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor may be arranged separately.

[0074] In the specific implementation process, memory is non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). ) may be the case. The memory and processor may be integrated on the same chip, or they may be arranged separately on different chips. The type of memory and the arrangement of the memory and processor are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0075] It should be understood that related data exchange processes, such as the transmission of instruction information, may be processes that output instruction information from the processor, and the reception of capability information may be processes in which the processor receives input capability information. Specifically, the data output by the processor may be output to a transmitter, and the input data received by the processor may be from a receiver. Transmitters and receivers are sometimes collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0076] The processing unit in the 14th aspect may be one or more chips. The processor within the processing unit may be implemented by hardware or by software. When the processor is implemented by hardware, it may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When the processor is implemented by software, it may be a general-purpose processor and is implemented by reading software code stored in memory. Memory may be built into the processor or may be located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0077] A computer program product is provided in accordance with Aspect 15. A computer program product includes a computer program (which may also be called code or instructions). When the computer program is executed, the computer can perform a method in any one of the possible implementations of Aspects 1 through 5.

[0078] A computer-readable storage medium is provided in accordance with the sixteenth aspect. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program (which may also be called code or instructions). When the computer program is executed, a method in any one of the possible implementations of the first through fifth aspects is performed.

[0079] In accordance with the 17th aspect, a communication system is provided which includes at least one of the aforementioned first terminal device, network device, and second terminal device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0080] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a communication scenario applied to the technical solution of this invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart outlining the method for setting up side links. [Figure 3] This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the structure of a possible device according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the structure of a possible device according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the structure of a possible device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0081] The following describes the technical solution of this application with reference to the attached drawings.

[0082] The technical solutions in embodiments of this application may be applied to a variety of communication systems, such as fifth-generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, cellular systems associated with the third-generation partnership project (3GPP), communication systems supporting coverage of multiple wireless technologies, and future-oriented advanced systems, etc. This is not limited to these applications.

[0083] With the development of communication technology, mobile communication systems not only support conventional communication but also support, for example, device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication (also known as Internet of Vehicles communication), such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication (also known as vehicle-to-vehicle communication), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication (also known as vehicle-to-infrastructure communication), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication (also known as vehicle-to-pedestrian communication), and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication (also known as vehicle-to-network communication).

[0084] Figure 1 is a diagram of the architecture of a communication system applied to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application mainly includes terminal devices, for example, terminal devices 121 and 122 shown in Figure 1, and a network device, for example, network device 110 shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the communication system mainly includes two types of communication interfaces, for example, a communication interface between terminal device 121 and network device 110 (Uu interface) and a communication interface between terminal device 121 and terminal device 122 (PC5 interface). The Uu interface is used for communication between terminal devices and network devices, and the PC5 interface is used for sidelink communication between terminal devices. The link used by terminal devices to send data to network devices over the Uu interface is called an uplink, and the link used by terminal devices to receive data sent by network devices is called a downlink. The link that transmits data between terminal devices over the PC5 interface is called a sidelink or straight-through link. Sidelinks are generally used in scenarios where devices can communicate with each other, for example, device-to-device (D2D). In this scenario, data transmission between devices does not need to go through a network device. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication can be considered the same as D2D communication.

[0086] In future communications, the names Uu interface or PC5 interface may remain unchanged, or they may be replaced by different names. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0087] In embodiments of this application, terminal devices may be simply referred to as terminals. A terminal device may be a device having wireless transceiver functionality. A terminal device may be mobile or stationary. A terminal device may be located on the ground, in which case the location includes indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted locations, on water (e.g., on a ship), or in the air (e.g., on an airplane, balloon, or satellite). Terminal devices may include mobile phones, pads, computers with wireless transceiver functionality, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminal devices in industrial control, wireless terminal devices in self-driving, wireless terminal devices in remote medical care, wireless terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminal devices in transportation safety, wireless terminal devices in smart cities, and / or wireless terminal devices in smart homes. Alternatively, terminal devices may include cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5th generation (5G) networks, and terminal devices in more advanced public land mobile networks (PLMNs). Terminal devices are sometimes referred to as user equipment (UE). Optionally, terminal devices may communicate with multiple access network devices using different technologies.For example, a terminal device may communicate with an access network device that supports LTE, or with an access network device that supports 5G, or with LTE. Access network devices that support and access network devices that support 5G may be dual-connected. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0088] In this application, the device configured to implement the functions of a terminal device may be a terminal device, or a device capable of supporting a terminal device in implementing its functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuitry, software modules, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software modules. The device may be installed on the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application, an example in which the device configured to implement the functions of a terminal device is a terminal device and the terminal device is a UE is used to describe the technical solutions provided herein.

[0089] In this application, the chip system may include a chip, or it may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0090] In this application, the receiving terminal device used when SL communication is performed between terminal devices may also be called the receiving end (destination).

[0091] The network device in the embodiment of this application may also be called a radio access network (RAN) device.

[0092] A RAN device is a node or device that connects terminal devices to a wireless network, and a RAN device is sometimes also called a base station. Examples of RAN devices include, but are not limited to, base stations, next-generation node B (gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved node B or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), transmission reception point (TRP), transmission point (TP), and / or mobile switching center. Alternatively, the access network device may be at least one of the following: a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU control plane (CU-CP) node, a CU user plane (CU-UP) node, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB), or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the access network device may be a relay station, an access point, an in-vehicle device, a terminal device, a wearable device, an access network device in a 5G network, or an access network device in a future advanced public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0093] Alternatively, the network device in the embodiments of the present application may be an open-radio access network (O-RAN) device (open RAN or ORAN). The O-RAN device may include an open-distributed unit (O-DU) and an open-central unit (O-CU). In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of the network device may be performed by modules (e.g., chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the functions of the network device. The control subsystem that includes the functions of the network device may be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transport, and smart cities. The specific technology and specific device configurations used for the network device are not limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0094] In this application, the device configured to implement the functions of an access network device may be an access network device, or a device capable of supporting a network device in implementing its functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuitry, software modules, or a combination of hardware circuitry and software modules. The device may be installed on an access network device, or may be used in conjunction with an access network device. In this application, an example in which the device configured to implement the functions of an access network device is an access network device, and the access network device is a base station, is used to describe the technical solutions provided herein.

[0095] The architecture shown in Figure 1, which is applicable to embodiments of the present invention, is merely an illustrative example, and the architectures applicable to embodiments of the present invention are not limited to that. Any architecture capable of implementing the functions of the aforementioned device is applicable to embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] Furthermore, it should be understood that the aforementioned names are defined solely to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation on the present invention. The present invention does not preclude the possibility of using different names in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the aforementioned devices may use the names used in 5G, or they may use different names, etc. The names of the interfaces between devices in Figure 1 are merely examples. In specific implementations, the names of the interfaces may be different. This is not particularly limited in the present invention. Moreover, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the aforementioned devices are merely examples and should not constitute any limitation on the function of the messages.

[0097] SL communication between terminal devices requires the transmitting terminal (Tx UE) to acquire resources before sending data. There are two modes in which the Tx UE acquires resources.

[0098] (1) Network device scheduling mode (scaled resource allocation): Before transmitting SL data, the Tx UE may report a sidelink-buffer status report (SL-BSR) to the gNB. The SL-BSR is to inform the gNB how much data needs to be transmitted. Based on the SL-BSR, the gNB allocates a sidelink grant (SL grant) to the Tx UE for SL transmission. Alternatively, for periodic services, the Tx UE reports the attributes of the periodic service (e.g., start time, periodicity, and packet size). The gNB sets a periodic SL grant for the UE, and thereafter the UE does not need to report SL-BSRs frequently to obtain an SL grant.

[0099] (2) Autonomous competition mode (UE autonomous resource selection): In this mode, the UE does not have to depend on network device scheduling. The UE may receive SL resource pool settings from a network device or obtain SL resource pool settings from a preconfiguration. The UE selects SL resources from the SL resource pool to send. Specifically, the selection may be made randomly or based on the results of sensing or partial sensing.

[0100] A UE in RRC Connected Mode may report destinations of interest to network devices using sidelink user device information (SUI). These destinations can be understood as indicating the receiving end of corresponding SL communication, SL discovery, and SL relay. Specifically, a SUI message may contain a list of destinations (or more than one list), and each destination in the list has a corresponding index number (destination index). For example, the destination index for the first destination in the list is #0, the destination index for the second destination is #1, and so on. If there are multiple destination lists, the destinations may be combined and numbered sequentially. For example, the number of the first destination in the second destination list is equal to the number of the last destination in the first destination list plus 1.

[0101] After a UE (e.g., Tx UE) sends an SUI message to a network device, the network device may then send an SL configuration to the UE using an RRC message, as shown in Figure 2.

[0102] For example, in R16, a sidelink-reference signal received power (SL-RSRP) measurement mechanism is introduced for two UEs in SL unicast communication. The SL settings in Figure 3 are the SL measurement settings, and the SL measurement settings are associated with a destination index to indicate the destination to which the SL measurement settings are used. The SL measurement settings are as follows:

number

[0103] In other words, the SL measurement setting SL-MeasconfigInfo-r16 is associated with the destination index (sl-DestinationIndex-r16).

[0104] As another example, R17 introduces a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism for SL unicast communication for two UEs. Alternatively, the SL configuration in Figure 3 may be an SL DRX configuration. The SL DRX configuration is associated with a destination index and indicates the destination to which the SL DRX configuration is used. The SL DRX configuration is as follows:

number

[0105] In other words, the SL DRX configuration SL-DRX-ConfigUC-Info-r17 is associated with the destination index (sl-DestinationIndex-r17).

[0106] The Tx UE can maintain SL configuration information provided by network devices based on destination indexes. The SL measurement configuration information introduced in R16 is used as an example. If the SL measurement configuration information indicates an SL measurement configuration release list, and the destination index included in the SL measurement configuration release list corresponds to the index of the UE's current configuration, then the SL measurement configuration matching the destination index is removed from the stored SL measurement configuration. If the SL measurement configuration information indicates an SL measurement configuration add or change list, and the destination index included in the received SL measurement configuration add or change list is a currently stored SL measurement configuration, then the SL measurement configuration corresponding to the destination index in the stored SL measurement configuration is reconfigured, or if the destination index included in the received SL measurement configuration add or change list is not a currently stored SL measurement configuration, then the SL measurement configuration item corresponding to the destination index is added to the stored SL measurement configuration.

[0107] SL configuration information may include at least one SL measurement setting. SL configuration information may be an SL setting corresponding to an SL setting release list or an SL measurement setting add or modify list. For ease of description, one SL measurement setting in the following solution may be an item in the SL measurement setting release list or an item in the SL measurement setting add or modify list.

[0108] If the content of the SUI message changes, that is, if the information about the destinations included in the destination list changes, for example, if the destination identification (ID) changes, or if the destination indicated by the destination index changes, the UE reports the updated SUI to the network device again. The network device sends SL configuration information based on the updated SUI. In this case, if the UE maintains the SL configuration based on the destination index, the SL configuration associated with the destination index does not need to be applied to the corresponding destination.

[0109] For example, as shown in Table 1, in the previous SUI, destination indices #0 to #2 corresponded to destination IDs #x to #z, respectively. In the updated SUI, the destination ID represented by destination index #1 changes from destination ID #y to destination ID #z, and the destination ID represented by destination index #2 changes from destination ID #z to destination ID #m. [Table 1]

[0110] When SL configuration information provided by a network device is determined by an updated SUI, and the UE understands the destination index associated with the SL configuration based on the updated SUI: If the SL setting provided by the network device is associated with destination index #1, and the UE locally releases the SL setting for destination index #1, the UE will treat the SL setting as a newly added setting according to the existing solution. However, in reality, the network device may only be providing a modified SL setting for destination ID #z (because the destination index for destination ID #z changes from #2 to #1), and in this case, the UE will treat the modified setting as a newly added setting, which may cause the SL setting for destination ID #z to fail, or... If the SL setting provided by the network device is associated with destination index #2, the UE will understand that SL setting as the modified SL setting given to destination ID #m. However, in reality, the network device may provide a newly added SL setting for destination ID #m, in which case the UE will use the newly added setting as the modified setting, which can lead to a misunderstanding about applying the SL setting to destination ID #m.

[0111] In conclusion, how to flexibly apply SL settings that correspond to one or more indices on a terminal device is a challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0112] In light of this, the present invention provides a communication method to help resolve the aforementioned problems.

[0113] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following description is provided.

[0114] Firstly, in embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise stated or a logical contradiction arises, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments are consistent, cross-referential, and technical features in different embodiments may be combined on the basis of their internal logical relationships to form a new embodiment.

[0115] Secondly, the designations "First," "Second," and various numerical numbers (such as "#1" and "#2") used in this application are merely for ease of description and are used to distinguish between objects, but are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, "First," "Second," and various numerical numbers are used to distinguish between different terminal devices, but are not used to indicate a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that objects described in this way are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances and can describe solutions other than the embodiments of this application.

[0116] Thirdly, in the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding,” “relevant,” and “associate” are sometimes used synonymously. It should be noted that the meanings expressed by these terms are consistent when differences are not emphasized.

[0117] Fourth, in the embodiments of the present application, “A is associated with B” may be understood as “B needs to be used to determine A,” or as “A is determined based on B.”

[0118] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] In the interaction flowcharts of this application, examples in which network devices and terminal devices are used as implementing entities for interaction are used to illustrate the corresponding methods. However, the implementing entities for interaction are not limited in this application. For example, the network device in the figures may alternatively be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device when implementing the corresponding method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or some of the functions of the network device, and the terminal device in the figures may alternatively be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device when implementing the corresponding method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or some of the functions of the terminal device. The method may include at least the following steps:

[0120] S310. The first terminal device transmits the first information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the first information from the first terminal device.

[0121] The first information may include an identifier for a second terminal device, the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to the first index, and the second terminal device is a terminal device capable of sidelink communication, sidelink discovery, or sidelink relay with the first terminal device.

[0122] For example, the first piece of information may be SUI. The identifier of the second terminal device is destination ID #z, and the index corresponding to destination ID #z is index #1.

[0123] The first information may further include identifiers of at least one third terminal device, and it can be understood that each identifier of at least one third terminal device corresponds to a different index. The at least one third terminal device is a terminal device that can communicate with the first terminal device via sidelink. For example, one identifier of the at least one third terminal device is destination ID #x, and the index corresponding to destination ID #x is index #0.

[0124] Optionally, the network device sends the first sidelink configuration to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first sidelink configuration from the network device.

[0125] The first sidelink setting may be one item in sidelink setting information #1. The first sidelink setting includes the first index; that is, the first sidelink setting is associated with (corresponds to) the first index. The first sidelink setting is used by the first terminal device to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device.

[0126] Optionally, the first terminal device stores the first side link configuration. In other words, the first terminal device applies the first side link configuration.

[0127] For example, side link setting information #1 is a side link setting release list. If the first terminal device has a side link setting corresponding to the first index (e.g., side link setting #0), the first terminal device deletes the side link setting corresponding to the first index (e.g., side link setting #0).

[0128] As another example, side link setting information #1 is a list of side link setting additions or changes. If the first terminal device remembers the side link setting corresponding to the first index (side link setting #0), the first terminal device will reconfigure side link setting #0 corresponding to the first index based on the first side link setting, or if the first terminal device does not remember the side link setting corresponding to the first index, the first terminal device will add the first side link setting to the first index.

[0129] Optionally, the sidelink configuration information may further include at least one third sidelink configuration, which is used by the first terminal device to perform sidelink communication with at least one third terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device stores the third sidelink configuration. For details, please refer to the above description of storing the first sidelink configuration.

[0130] S320. The first terminal device transmits the second information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the second information from the first terminal device.

[0131] The second piece of information may include an identifier for the second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to the second index.

[0132] For example, the second piece of information may be SUI. The identifier of the second terminal device is destination ID #z, and the index corresponding to destination ID #z is index #2.

[0133] Specifically, when the first terminal device sends an updated SUI to a network device, the index corresponding to destination ID #z changes from index #1 to index #2.

[0134] Optionally, the second information may further include identifiers of some or all of at least one third terminal device, some or all of which correspond to different indices. If the index corresponding to at least one third terminal device changes, for example, if the index corresponding to destination ID #x changes from index #0 to index #3, refer to that of the second terminal device for the subsequent process of applying the sidelink setting to destination ID #x.

[0135] Optionally, the second information may further include an identifier for a fourth terminal device, the identifier for the fourth terminal device includes at least one terminal device, and at least one terminal device corresponds to a different index. The fourth terminal device is a newly added terminal device. For example, the identifier for the fourth terminal device is destination ID #m, and the index corresponding to destination ID #m is index #4.

[0136] S330. The first terminal device updates its first side link settings from corresponding to the first index to corresponding to the second index.

[0137] Specifically, the first terminal device stores the first side link setting, and the first side link setting corresponds to the first index (see explanation in S310). Based on the first information, the first terminal device determines that the identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first index is the identifier of the second terminal device. Based on the second information, the first terminal device determines that the index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device is the second index. The first terminal device updates the index corresponding to the stored first side link setting (first index) to the second index.

[0138] For example, the identifier for the second terminal device is destination ID #z. In the first information, the index corresponding to destination ID #z is index #1, and the first terminal device stores the side link setting (first side link setting) corresponding to index #1. When the first terminal device sends the second information, the index corresponding to destination ID #z changes from index #1 to index #2, and the first terminal device updates the index corresponding to the first side link setting from index #1 to index #2.

[0139] Optionally, the network device sends the second sidelink configuration to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the second sidelink configuration from the network device.

[0140] The second sidelink setting may be one item in sidelink setting information #2. The second sidelink setting includes a second index; that is, the second sidelink setting information is associated with (corresponds to) the first index. The second sidelink setting is used by the first terminal device to establish sidelink communication with the second terminal device.

[0141] Optionally, the first terminal device stores the second side link configuration. In other words, the first terminal device applies the second side link configuration information.

[0142] For example, the first terminal device receives the second sidelink setting from the network device, and the first terminal device determines that the index corresponding to the second sidelink setting is index #2 (an example of the second index). If sidelink setting information #2 is a sidelink setting addition or modification list, the first terminal device reconfigures the stored sidelink setting (first sidelink setting) corresponding to index #2 based on the second sidelink setting. If sidelink setting information #2 is a sidelink setting release list, the first terminal device releases the sidelink setting (first sidelink setting) corresponding to index #2.

[0143] Optionally, sidelink configuration information #2 may further include sidelink configuration #4. Sidelink configuration #4 is used by the first terminal device to perform sidelink communication with the fourth terminal device. The first terminal device adds sidelink configuration #4. For example, sidelink configuration #4 may include index #4, and the first terminal device adds a new sidelink configuration corresponding to index #4. Sidelink configuration #4 is used by the first terminal device to perform sidelink communication with the terminal device corresponding to destination ID #m.

[0144] The aforementioned sidelink settings may be settings for sidelink communication. The sidelink settings may be sidelink measurement settings, sidelink DRX settings, or other sidelink settings. This is not limited to the present invention.

[0145] Sidelink configurations can be generated by network devices. Network devices can generate sidelink configurations in multiple implementations; this is not limited to the present invention.

[0146] For example, if the sidelink setting is a sidelink measurement setting, the sidelink setting may be generated by the CU and sent by the CU to the DU (for example, by using an RRC message), and the sidelink setting may be sent by the DU to the first terminal device.

[0147] As another example, if the sidelink configuration is a sidelink DRX configuration, the sidelink configuration may be generated by the DU. The DU may first send the sidelink configuration to the CU, the CU may process the sidelink configuration and send the processed sidelink configuration to the DU, and the DU may send the processed sidelink configuration to the first terminal device.

[0148] The operation or features of the network device in this embodiment of the present application may be implemented in multiple ways, for example, by one or more of CU, DU, O-CU, or O-DU. This is not specifically limited. Descriptions of the same or similar cases are omitted below.

[0149] S340. The first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via sidelink based on the second sidelink configuration.

[0150] In a feasible implementation, the first terminal device decides to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the first identification information and the second sidelink configuration.

[0151] For example, the first identification information may be the timestamp of the second side link setting.

[0152] Specifically, if the timestamp of the second sidelink setting (denoted as timestamp #1) corresponds to a later time than the first moment, and the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted, then sidelink communication will be conducted with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting.

[0153] Timestamp #1 may be carried in the second sidelink configuration, or timestamp #1 and the second sidelink configuration may be carried with the same information and sent to the first terminal device by the network device. Timestamp #1 may be the timestamp corresponding to when the second sidelink configuration is generated or sent.

[0154] In another example, the primary identifier is the transaction identifier (RRC-TransactionIdentifier). The RRC-TransactionIdentifier is the RRC-TransactionIdentifier corresponding to the RRC message carrying the secondary sidelink configuration.

[0155] Specifically, if the RRC-TransactionIdentifier is the same as the transaction identifier corresponding to the second piece of information, the first terminal device decides to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink configuration.

[0156] Optionally, before the first terminal device initiates sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink configuration, the first terminal device may send the second sidelink configuration to the second terminal device.

[0157] In a possible implementation, the first terminal device determines whether the first sidelink setting is the same as the second sidelink setting, and if the first sidelink setting is different from the second sidelink setting, the first terminal device transmits the second sidelink setting to the second terminal device.

[0158] In accordance with the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application, when the index corresponding to the second terminal device changes (for example, from index #1 to index #2), the index corresponding to the stored sidelink settings of the second terminal device is updated to the changed index (index #2), thereby allowing the first terminal device to apply the sidelink settings corresponding to index #2 based on index #2.

[0159] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method may include at least the following steps.

[0160] S410. The first terminal device transmits the first information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the first information from the first terminal device.

[0161] The first piece of information may include an identifier for the second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to the first index.

[0162] For example, the identifier for the second terminal device is destination ID #z, and the index corresponding to destination ID #z is index #1.

[0163] For information regarding the first item, please refer to the explanation in S310.

[0164] Optionally, the network device sends the first sidelink configuration to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first sidelink configuration from the network device.

[0165] The first side link configuration includes the first index. In other words, the first side link configuration is associated with (corresponds to) the first index. Optionally, the first terminal device remembers (applies) the first side link configuration. For details, see the explanation in S310.

[0166] S420. The first terminal device transmits the second information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the second information from the first terminal device.

[0167] The second piece of information may include an identifier for the second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to the second index.

[0168] For example, the identifier for the second terminal device is destination ID #z, and the index corresponding to destination ID #z is index #2.

[0169] Optionally, the network device sends the second sidelink configuration to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the second sidelink configuration from the network device.

[0170] The second sidelink configuration includes the second index. In other words, the second sidelink configuration information can correspond to (be associated with) the second index. The second sidelink configuration is used by the first terminal device to establish sidelink communication with the second terminal device.

[0171] S430. The first terminal device decides to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting, using the identifier of the second terminal device, the first sidelink setting, and the second sidelink setting.

[0172] Specifically, the first terminal device determines, based on the second index and second information contained in the second configuration information, that the identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the second index is the identifier of the second terminal device. The first terminal device determines the first index based on the determined identifier of the second terminal device and the first information. Based on the first index, the first terminal device updates the first sidelink setting to the second sidelink setting and performs sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink.

[0173] For example, the identifier of the second terminal device is destination ID #z. The first terminal device determines that the second sidelink setting is associated with index #2 (an example of the second index). Based on the second information, the first terminal device determines that index #2 corresponds to destination ID #z. If the first terminal device determines in the first information that the index corresponding to destination ID #z is index #1, the first terminal device resets the stored sidelink setting (first sidelink setting) corresponding to destination ID #z based on the second sidelink setting, and performs sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting.

[0174] Optionally, prior to S430, the method further includes the network device sending a second sidelink configuration to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the second sidelink configuration from the network device and stores (applies) the second sidelink configuration.

[0175] The second sidelink configuration includes the second index. In other words, the second sidelink configuration information can correspond to (be associated with) the second index. The second sidelink configuration is used by the first terminal device to establish sidelink communication with the second terminal device.

[0176] For example, the second side link setting may be one item in side link setting information #2. If side link setting information #2 is a side link setting addition or modification list, the first terminal device reconfigures the stored side link setting corresponding to index #2 based on the second side link setting. If side link setting information #2 is a side link setting release list, the first terminal device releases the stored side link setting corresponding to index #2.

[0177] Optionally, the method further includes the first terminal device deciding to perform sidelink communication with a second terminal device based on a second sidelink setting, based on first identification information and a first moment, where the first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted.

[0178] For further details, please refer to the explanation in S340.

[0179] Optionally, before the first terminal device initiates sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink configuration, the first terminal device sends the second sidelink configuration to the second terminal device. See the explanation in S340.

[0180] According to the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application, when the index corresponding to a second terminal device changes (for example, from index #1 to index #2), the second terminal device can be determined based on the index corresponding to the sidelink setting, and the sidelink setting corresponding to the index of the second terminal device before the change (index #1) can be determined, thereby allowing the updated sidelink setting to be applied to the second terminal device, and thus improving the reliability of sidelink communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0181] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method may include at least the following steps.

[0182] S510. The first terminal device transmits the first information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the first information from the first terminal device.

[0183] The first information includes the identifier of the second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to the first index. For details of the first information, please refer to the explanation in S310. Details are not explained here.

[0184] Optionally, the first terminal device receives the first sidelink configuration from the network device and stores the first sidelink configuration. For details, please refer to the description in S310.

[0185] S520. The first terminal device transmits the second information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the second information from the first terminal device.

[0186] The second information includes the identifier of the second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to the second index. For details on the second information, please refer to the explanation in S320.

[0187] S530. The first terminal device releases the first side link setting.

[0188] "Release" can also be understood as "cancellation," "deletion," or "destruction."

[0189] In a possible implementation, the first terminal device determines that the index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device has changed, and the first terminal device deletes the first side link setting.

[0190] Specifically, based on the first information, the UE determines the identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first index, i.e., the identifier of the second terminal device, and releases the side link setting corresponding to the second terminal device, i.e., the first side link setting.

[0191] In another possible implementation, the first terminal device decides to delete the first sidelink configuration based on instructions from the network device.

[0192] For example, if a network device receives second information and then determines that the index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device has changed, the network device sends instruction #1 to the terminal device, instructing it to delete the first sidelink setting. The first terminal device then deletes the first sidelink setting based on the received instruction #1.

[0193] Optionally, the network device sends the second sidelink configuration to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the second sidelink configuration.

[0194] For information on setting the second side link, please refer to the explanation in S330.

[0195] For example, the second side link setting may be one item in side link setting information #2, and side link setting information #2 is a list of side link setting additions or changes.

[0196] It is important to understand that instruction information #1 and the second side link setting may be sent simultaneously. For example, instruction information #1 and the second side link setting may be carried in the same message.

[0197] Optionally, the first terminal device determines, based on the second information, the identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the second index, i.e., the identifier of the second terminal device. The first terminal device adds a side link setting corresponding to the second terminal device, i.e., adds a second side link setting.

[0198] S540. The first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via sidelink based on the second sidelink setting.

[0199] This step is similar to S340, and the details will not be explained again.

[0200] Optionally, the method further includes the first terminal device sending a second sidelink configuration to the second terminal device. See the description in S340 for further details.

[0201] According to the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application, when the index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device changes (for example, from index #1 to index #2), the stored sidelink settings of the second terminal device are released, so that the first terminal device can accurately apply the sidelink settings corresponding to index #2, thereby improving the reliability of sidelink communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0202] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method may include at least the following steps.

[0203] S610. The first terminal device transmits the first information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the first information from the first terminal device.

[0204] The first information may include an identifier for the second terminal device, and the second terminal device corresponds to the first index. For details of the first information, please refer to the explanation in S310.

[0205] Optionally, the first information may further include identifiers for at least one third terminal device, where the identifiers for at least one third terminal device correspond to different indices (referred to as the third index).

[0206] S620. The network device sends a first response to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first response from the network device.

[0207] The first correspondence includes a correspondence between the identifier of the second terminal device and the second index. Specifically, after receiving the first information from the first terminal device, the network device may set an index corresponding to the identifier of the second terminal device. This index may be different from the first index corresponding to the second terminal device in the first information.

[0208] Optionally, the first correspondence may further include a correspondence between at least one third terminal device and a fourth index, the fourth index including at least one index, and at least one index corresponding one-to-one with at least one third terminal device.

[0209] For example, a network device may send a first response to a first terminal device by using RRC reconfiguration. For example, a network device may send a first response by using the sl-ConfigDedicated information element in the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0210] Optionally, the network device sends a first sidelink configuration to the first terminal device, and the first sidelink configuration includes a second index.

[0211] Optionally, the first sidelink configuration and the first correspondence may be sent simultaneously. For example, the first sidelink configuration may include the first correspondence, or the first correspondence may be configured within the first sidelink configuration. Alternatively, the first sidelink configuration and the first correspondence may be carried in the same message.

[0212] S630. The first terminal device communicates with the first terminal device via sidelink based on the first sidelink setting.

[0213] For example, the first side link setting may be a setting within the SL setting information. The SL setting information may be an SL setting addition or modification list, or an SL release list.

[0214] If the SL setting is an SL setting add or change list, and the index included in the SL setting add or change list is included in the SL settings currently stored on the first terminal device, the UE resets the index's SL setting (or the destination ID corresponding to the index). If the index included in the SL setting add or change list is not included in the SL settings currently stored, the UE adds the index's SL setting (or the destination ID corresponding to the index).

[0215] For example, if the second index is included in the SL settings currently stored on the first terminal device, the SL settings corresponding to the second index will be reconfigured based on the first sidelink settings. If the second index is not included in the SL settings currently stored on the first terminal device, the SL settings corresponding to the second index will be newly added as the first sidelink settings.

[0216] If the SL setting information is an SL setting release list, and an index included in the SL setting release list is included in the currently stored SL setting, the UE will release the SL setting for the index (or the destination ID corresponding to the index).

[0217] Optionally, the first terminal device may further decide to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the first sidelink setting, based on the timestamp of the first sidelink setting and the first moment, where the first moment is when the first information is generated or transmitted. See the explanation in S340 for further details.

[0218] Optionally, the method further includes the first terminal device sending a first sidelink configuration to the second terminal device. See the description in S340 for details. The first sidelink configuration is similar to the second sidelink configuration in S340, and the SL configuration currently stored in the first terminal device is similar to the first sidelink configuration in S340.

[0219] According to the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application, when the index corresponding to a second terminal device changes (for example, from index #1 to index #2), the network device transmits the correspondence between the identifier of the second terminal device and the index, so that the first terminal device can accurately apply the sidelink setting corresponding to index #2.

[0220] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method may include at least the following steps:

[0221] S710. The first terminal device transmits the first information to the network device. Accordingly, the network device receives the first information from the first terminal device.

[0222] The first piece of information may include an identifier for the second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to the first index.

[0223] For example, the identifier for the second terminal device is destination ID #z, and the index corresponding to destination ID #z is index #1.

[0224] For information regarding the first item, please refer to the explanation in S310.

[0225] S720. The network device sends the first sidelink configuration to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first sidelink configuration from the network device.

[0226] The first side link configuration includes the first index. In other words, the first side link configuration is associated with (corresponds to) the first index. Optionally, the first terminal device remembers (applies) the first side link configuration. For details, see the explanation in S310.

[0227] S730. The first terminal device decides to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the first identification information and the first sidelink setting.

[0228] In one example, the first identification information may be the timestamp of the first side link setting.

[0229] Specifically, if the time corresponding to the timestamp of the first sidelink setting (denoted as timestamp #1) is later than the first moment, and the first moment is when the first information is generated, then sidelink communication will be conducted with the second terminal device based on the first sidelink setting.

[0230] Timestamp #1 may be carried in the first sidelink setting, or timestamp #1 and the second sidelink setting may be carried with the same information and sent to the first terminal device by the network device. Timestamp #1 may be the timestamp corresponding to when the first sidelink setting is generated or sent.

[0231] In another example, the primary identifier is the transaction identifier (RRC-TransactionIdentifier). The RRC-TransactionIdentifier is the RRC-TransactionIdentifier corresponding to the RRC message carrying the primary sidelink configuration.

[0232] Specifically, when the RRC-TransactionIdentifier is the same as the transaction identifier corresponding to the first piece of information, the first terminal device decides to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting.

[0233] According to the communication method provided in this embodiment of the present application, a first terminal device can improve the reliability of sidelink communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device by determining, based on first identification information, whether to apply the sidelink settings transmitted by the network device.

[0234] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 3 and 7. The following describes the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application in detail with reference to Figures 8 to 10. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for details not described here, please refer to the method embodiment described above. For brevity, further details will not be described again here.

[0235] Figure 8 shows a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The device 800 includes a transceiver unit 810. The transceiver unit 810 may be configured to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 810 may also be called a communication interface or communication unit.

[0236] Optionally, the apparatus 800 may further include a processing unit 820, which may be configured to perform data processing.

[0237] Optionally, the device 800 further includes a storage unit, which may be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 820 may read instructions and / or data from the storage unit so that the device can implement the operation of various devices in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0238] In possible designs, the device 800 may be the first terminal device in the embodiments described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) of the first terminal device. The device 800 may implement steps or procedures performed by the first terminal device corresponding to the embodiments of the method described above. The transceiver unit 810 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting operations of the first terminal device in the embodiments of the method described above. The processing unit 820 may be configured to perform the processing operations of the first terminal device in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0239] In another possible design, the device 800 may be the network device in the embodiments described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) of the network device. The device 800 may implement steps or procedures performed by the network device corresponding to the embodiments of the method described above. The transceiver unit 810 may be configured to perform the receive and transmit operations of the network device in the embodiments of the method described above. The processing unit 820 may be configured to perform the processing operations of the network device in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0240] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. The device 900 includes a processor 910, which is coupled to a memory 920. Optionally, the device further includes a memory 920. The memory 920 is configured to store computer program instructions or instructions and / or data. The processor 910 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 920, or to read data stored in the memory 920, and to execute the method in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0241] There may be one or more processors 910.

[0242] There is arbitrarily one or more memory 920s.

[0243] The memory 920 and processor 910 may be integrated or arranged separately.

[0244] Optionally, as shown in Figure 9, the device 900 further includes a transceiver 930. The transceiver 930 is configured to receive and / or transmit signals. For example, the processor 910 is configured to control the transceiver 930 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0245] In the solution, the device 900 is configured to implement the operations performed by the first terminal device in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0246] For example, the processor 910 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory 920 to implement the relevant operations of the terminal device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0247] In the solution, the device 900 is configured to implement the operations performed by the network device in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0248] For example, the processor 910 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 920 to implement the relevant operations of the network device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0249] In the implementation process, the steps of the method described above may be implemented by using hardware integrated logic circuits within the processor 910 or by using instructions in software form. The methods disclosed with reference to embodiments of the present application may be performed and completed directly by a hardware processor, or by using a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules may reside in a storage medium of the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. The storage medium is located in memory 920, and the processor 910 reads information from memory 920 and, in combination with the processor's hardware, completes the steps of the method described above. To avoid repetition, further details are not described again here.

[0250] It should be understood that, in embodiments of the present application, the processor may be one or more integrated circuits configured to execute a relevant program and to perform embodiments of the method of the present application.

[0251] A processor (e.g., processor 910) may include one or more processors and be implemented as a combination of computing devices. The processor may individually include one or more of the following: microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gate logic, transistor logic, discrete hardware circuits, processing circuits, other suitable hardware or firmware, and / or combinations of hardware and software, and may be configured to perform various functions described herein. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, processor 910 may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. A baseband processor may be configured to process communication protocols or communication data. A central processing unit may be configured to enable the device to execute software programs and process data in the software programs. Furthermore, a portion of the processor may include non-volatile random-access memory. For example, the processor may further store information about the device type.

[0252] The term "program" in this application is used to represent software in a broad sense. Examples of software that are not limited to this include program code, programs, subprograms, instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, software modules, application programs, software application programs, and so on. A program may run on a processor and / or computer so that the device performs the various functions and / or processes described herein.

[0253] Memory (e.g., memory 920) may store data required by the processor (e.g., processor 910) during software execution. Memory may be implemented using any suitable storage technology. For example, memory may be any available storage medium accessible to the processor and / or computer. Examples of storage media that are not limited to this include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (electrically EPROM, EEPROM), compact disc-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM, CD-ROM), static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR). This includes RAM, removable media, optical disk memory, magnetic disk storage media, magnetic storage devices, flash memory, registers, state memory, remotely implemented memory, local or remote memory components, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing software, data, or information that is accessible to a processor / computer. It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these types of memory and any other suitable types of memory.

[0254] Memory (e.g., memory 920) and the processor (e.g., processor 910) may be located separately or integrated together. Memory may be configured to connect to the processor, thereby allowing the processor to read instructions from memory, store information in memory, and / or write information to memory. Memory may be integrated into the processor. Memory and the processor may be located in an integrated circuit (e.g., the integrated circuit may be located in a UE or another network node).

[0255] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a chip system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 1000 (or may also be called a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1010 and an input / output interface 1020.

[0256] The logic circuit 1010 may be a processing circuit within the chip system 1000. The logic circuit 1010 is coupled to and connected to a memory unit and can call instructions within the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1000 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present invention. The input / output interface 1020 may be an input / output circuit within the chip system that outputs information processed by the chip system 1000 or inputs data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1000 for processing.

[0257] In the solution, the chip system 1000 is configured to implement the operations performed by the first terminal device in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0258] For example, the logic circuit 1010 is configured to implement the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiment of the method described above, and the input / output interface 1020 is configured to implement the transmission and / or reception-related operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0259] In another solution, the chip system 1000 is configured to implement the operations performed by the network device in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0260] For example, the logic circuit 1010 is configured to implement processing-related operations performed by the network device in the embodiment of the method described above, and the input / output interface 1020 is configured to implement transmission and / or reception-related operations performed by the terminal device in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0261] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer instructions for implementing the method performed by a communication device (e.g., a first terminal device and a network device) in the embodiments of the method described above.

[0262] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer program product including instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the method executed by a communication device (e.g., a terminal device, a network device, or a positioning server) in the embodiments of the method described above is implemented.

[0263] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a communication system, which includes one or more of the first terminal device, network device, or second terminal device described in the embodiments above.

[0264] For a description of the relevant aspects and advantageous effects of any of the above-mentioned devices, please refer to the corresponding embodiments of the method described above. Further details are not provided here.

[0265] It should be understood that in some embodiments provided herein, the disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments of the apparatus described above are merely examples. For example, the division into units described above is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, other division patterns may exist. For example, multiple units or components may be coupled or integrated into other systems, or some features may be ignored or not performed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection described or discussed may be implemented by some interface. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatus or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

[0266] The aforementioned units, described as separate parts, may or may not be physically separated, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on the actual requirements to implement the solution provided herein.

[0267] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into a single unit, each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit.

[0268] Those skilled in the art will notice, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, that the units and algorithmic steps can be implemented by electronic hardware or by a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed in hardware or in software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but it should not be considered that the implementation will exceed the scope of this application.

[0269] When software is used to implement an embodiment, all or some embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When a computer program instruction is loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of a procedure or function according to the embodiment of this application is generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by a wired method (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless method (e.g., infrared, radio waves, microwaves, etc.). See the above description for computer-readable storage media.

[0270] The above description merely outlines a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection. Any modification or substitution that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive within the technical scope disclosed herein should fall within the scope of protection. Accordingly, the scope of protection should be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

[0271] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310541338.7, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on 12 May 2023, with the title of the invention being "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS," and the prior Chinese Patent Application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A communication method applicable to a first terminal device, The first information is transmitted to a network device, the first information includes an identifier for a second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to a first index. The first side link setting is received and stored from the network device, and the first side link setting corresponds to the first index. The second information is transmitted to the network device, the second information includes the identifier of the second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to the second index. Updating the first index corresponding to the first side link setting to the second index, The process involves receiving a second sidelink setting from the aforementioned network device, wherein the second sidelink setting corresponds to the second index. Based on the second sidelink setting, sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device. A method of having.

2. Performing side-link communication with the second terminal device based on the aforementioned second side-link setting is: This includes determining, based on the timestamp and first moment of the second side link setting, to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. The first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted. The method according to claim 1.

3. Based on the timestamp and first moment of the second side link setting described above, it is determined to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. The method includes performing side-link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side-link setting when the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second side-link setting is later than the first moment. The method according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned method, The system further includes transmitting the second side link setting to the second terminal device if the first side link setting is different from the second side link setting. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned side link settings include side link measurement settings or side link intermittent reception DRX settings. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A communication method applicable to a first terminal device, The first information is transmitted to a network device, the first information includes an identifier for a second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to a first index. The first side link setting is received and stored from the network device, and the first side link setting corresponds to the first index. The second information is transmitted to the network device, the second information includes the identifier of the second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to the second index. The process involves receiving a second sidelink setting from the aforementioned network device, wherein the second sidelink setting corresponds to the second index. Based on the identifier of the second terminal device, the first sidelink setting, and the second sidelink setting, it is decided to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device based on the second sidelink setting. A method of having.

7. Based on the identifier of the second terminal device, the first side link setting, and the second side link setting, it is determined to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. Based on the second index and the second information corresponding to the second side link setting, it is determined that the identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the second index is the identifier of the second terminal device, Determining the first index based on the determined identifier of the second terminal device and the first information, Based on the first index, the first side link setting is updated to the second side link setting, and based on the second side link setting, side link communication is performed with the second terminal device. including, The method according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned method, The process further includes determining, based on the timestamp and first moment of the second side link setting, that side link communication be performed with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. The first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted. The method according to claim 6 or 7.

9. Based on the timestamp and first moment of the second side link setting described above, it is determined to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. The method includes performing side-link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side-link setting when the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second side-link setting is later than the first moment. The method according to claim 7.

10. The aforementioned method, The system further includes transmitting the second side link setting to the second terminal device if the first side link setting is different from the second side link setting. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. The aforementioned side link settings include side link measurement settings or side link intermittent reception DRX settings. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. A communication method applicable to a first terminal device, The first information is transmitted to a network device, the first information includes an identifier for a second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to a first index. The first side link setting is received and stored from the network device, and the first side link setting corresponds to the first index. The second information is transmitted to the network device, the second information includes the identifier of the second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to the second index. Releasing the first side link setting, The process involves receiving a second sidelink setting from the aforementioned network device, wherein the second sidelink setting corresponds to the second index. Based on the second sidelink setting, sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device. A method of having.

13. The aforementioned method, The system further includes receiving first instruction information from the aforementioned network device. The first instruction information instructs to delete the first side link setting. The method according to claim 12.

14. Performing side-link communication with the second terminal device based on the aforementioned second side-link setting is: This includes determining, based on the timestamp and first moment of the second side link setting, to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. The first moment is when the second information is generated or transmitted. The method according to claim 12 or 13.

15. Based on the timestamp and first moment of the second side link setting described above, it is determined to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. The method includes performing side-link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side-link setting when the time corresponding to the timestamp of the second side-link setting is later than the first moment. The method according to claim 14.

16. The aforementioned method, The system further includes transmitting the second side link setting to the second terminal device if the first side link setting is different from the second side link setting. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. The aforementioned side link settings include side link measurement settings or side link intermittent reception DRX settings. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

18. A method of communication, The process involves receiving first information from a first terminal device, wherein the first information includes an identifier for a second terminal device, and the identifier for the second terminal device corresponds to a first index. The first side link setting is transmitted to the first terminal device, and the first side link setting corresponds to the first index. The process involves receiving second information from the first terminal device, wherein the second information includes the identifier of the second terminal device, and the identifier of the second terminal device corresponds to the second index. The first instruction information is transmitted to the first terminal device, and the first instruction information instructs the device to delete the first side link setting. The second sidelink setting is transmitted to the first terminal device, the second sidelink setting is used by the first terminal device to perform sidelink communication with the second terminal device, and the second sidelink setting corresponds to the second index. A method of having.

19. The aforementioned method, The method further includes transmitting a timestamp of the second side link setting to the first terminal device. The timestamp of the second side link setting is for determining whether to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the second side link setting. The method according to claim 18.

20. The aforementioned side link settings include side link measurement settings or side link intermittent reception DRX settings. The method according to claim 18 or 19.

21. A communication method, wherein the method is applied to a first terminal device. The first information is transmitted to a network device, the first information includes an identifier for a second terminal device, and the second terminal device corresponds to a first index. The first correspondence is received from the network device, and the first correspondence includes a correspondence between the identifier of the second terminal device and the second index. The first side link setting is received and stored from the network device, and the first side link setting corresponds to the second index. Based on the first sidelink setting, sidelink communication is performed with the second terminal device. A method of having.

22. Performing side-link communication with the second terminal device based on the first side-link setting described above means that This includes determining, based on the timestamp and first moment of the first side link setting, to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the first side link setting. The first moment is when the first information is generated or transmitted. The method according to claim 21.

23. Based on the timestamp and first moment of the first side link setting described above, it is determined to perform side link communication with the second terminal device based on the first side link setting. The system includes performing side-link communication with the second terminal device based on the first side-link setting when the time corresponding to the timestamp of the first side-link setting is later than the first moment. The method according to claim 22.

24. The aforementioned method, The system further includes transmitting the first side link setting to the second terminal device if the first side link setting is different from the second side link setting. The second side link setting corresponds to the first index, The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

25. The aforementioned side link settings include side link measurement settings or side link intermittent reception DRX settings. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

26. A communication device configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. A communication device having at least one processor, The at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory, and the at least one processor executes a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory, enabling the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25. Communication device.

28. It has a processor and a communication interface, The communication interface is configured to receive data and / or information and to transmit the received data and / or information to the processor. The processor processes the data and / or the information to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25. Tip.

29. It stores computer instructions, When the computer instruction is executed by the computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is performed. Computer-readable storage medium.

30. Includes computer program code, When the computer program code is executed on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is performed. Computer program products.

31. Including the first terminal device and network devices, The first terminal device is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the method according to any one of claims 6 to 11, the method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, or the method according to any one of claims 21 to 25. The network device is configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 18 to 20. Communication system.

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