Method, apparatus and system for transmitting multicast / broadcast services

Abstract

This application provides a multicast broadcast service transmission method, apparatus and system, so that when the receivers of the multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, the multicast broadcast service can be properly configured and transmitted, and the resource overhead can be reduced as much as possible. The method includes: an access network device receives indication information from a core network device, learns that the receivers of the target multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, transmits an MCCH to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals, and transmits the multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on a frequency domain resource corresponding to an MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service. The configuration information of the MTCH is carried in the MCCH. Correspondingly, after receiving the MCCH, the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals receive the target multicast broadcast service on a frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH. The first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or the scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202111488565.5, entitled "MULTICAST BROADCAST SERVICE SENDING METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM," filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 7, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communications, and in particular to a method, apparatus and system for transmitting multicast / broadcast services. [Background technology]

[0003] The application scenarios of the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technology mainly include the enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) scenario, the ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) scenario, and the massive machine type communications (mMTC) scenario.

[0004] In the eMBB scenario, broadband terminals are introduced. In the mMTC scenario, narrowband terminals are introduced. Narrowband terminals have lower bandwidth capabilities than broadband terminals.

[0005] As the scale of narrowband terminals increases, they also have higher requirements for multicast broadcast services (MBS). For example, a narrowband terminal is a smart watch in a wearable service. The system firmware may be upgraded multiple times during the life cycle of the smart watch. The upgrade package required for the firmware upgrade may be transmitted by the server in a broadcast or multicast format. Alternatively, the smart watch may need to receive warning messages of natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis, and the warning messages of natural disasters are usually transmitted in a broadcast or multicast format.

[0006] Since narrowband terminals have higher requirements for multicast broadcast services, there may be a scenario in which narrowband terminals and broadband terminals need to receive the same multicast broadcast service. In this scenario, how to configure and transmit the multicast broadcast service is currently an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a multicast broadcast service transmission method, apparatus, and system, which allows the multicast broadcast service to be appropriately configured and transmitted to reduce resource overhead when receivers of the multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals.

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a multicast broadcast service transmission method. The method may be executed by an access network device, or may be executed by a component of the access network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the access network device, or may be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes the steps of receiving indication information from a core network device, where the indication information indicates that receivers of a target multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, and transmitting a multicast control channel (MCCH) to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals, and transmitting the target multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on frequency domain resources corresponding to a multicast traffic channel (MTCH) of the target multicast broadcast service. The MCCH is utilized to carry configuration information of the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service. A first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or a scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed a maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminals.

[0009] According to this solution, there is a restriction that the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or the scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal. Therefore, the narrowband terminal can receive the MCCH, so that the access network device can transmit the MCCH once, and both the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal can receive the MCCH. Compared with the case where the access network device transmits the SIBX, MCCH, and MTCH separately to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, the resource overhead is reduced.

[0010] In relation to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH is the maximum bandwidth that can be occupied by the MCCH.

[0011] In relation to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first frequency domain resource is a common frequency resource CFR.

[0012] In relation to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the indication information includes at least one indicator, and a correspondence exists between the at least one indicator and an identifier of at least one multicast broadcast service, and the at least one multicast broadcast service includes a target multicast broadcast service.

[0013] Based on this possible implementation, one indicator may be designed to correspond to an identifier of one multicast broadcast service, in other words, a service-granular indicator is utilized, thereby more flexibly indicating the receiver type corresponding to each service and thereby implementing an indication that different services correspond to different receiver types. Alternatively, one indicator may be designed to correspond to identifiers of multiple multicast broadcast services, in other words, one indicator indicates the receiver types of multiple multicast broadcast services, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the indication information. In addition, because the access network device transmits the MCCH to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal once, one RNTI may be utilized to scramble the MCCH, in other words, the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal may share one RNTI to reduce the RNTI overhead.

[0014] In relation to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the total amount of configuration information that is of the MTCH and is carried by the MCCH does not exceed a threshold, the threshold being an upper limit on the number of MTCH configurations for broadband or narrowband terminals that are carried by the MCCH.

[0015] Because the TBS of the MCCH is limited, the total amount of configuration information that is of the MTCH and is carried by the MCCH cannot be increased infinitely. Based on this possible implementation, the amount of configuration information of the MTCH is limited, thereby satisfying the TBS limitation of the MCCH.

[0016] In relation to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the step of transmitting a targeted multicast broadcast service to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs includes a step of transmitting M targeted multicast broadcast services to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on frequency domain resources corresponding to N MTCHs, where N and M are positive integers.

[0017] Based on this possible implementation, the access network device may transmit the multicast broadcast service separately to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, improving the flexibility of transmitting the multicast broadcast service.

[0018] In relation to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, before transmitting the MCCH to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, the method further includes the step of determining the MCCH.

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for receiving a multicast broadcast service. The method may be executed by a terminal, or may be executed by a component of the terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the terminal, or may be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal. The terminal is a narrowband terminal or a broadband terminal. The method includes receiving a multicast control channel (MCCH) from an access network device, and receiving a target multicast broadcast service from the access network device on a frequency domain resource corresponding to a multicast traffic channel (MTCH) of the target multicast broadcast service. The MCCH is utilized to carry configuration information of the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service. A first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or a scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed a maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal.

[0020] In relation to the second aspect, in a possible implementation of the second aspect, the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH is the maximum bandwidth that can be occupied by the MCCH.

[0021] In relation to the second aspect, No. 2 In a possible implementation of this aspect, the first frequency domain resource is a common frequency resource CFR.

[0022] In relation to the second aspect, No. 2 In a possible implementation of this aspect, the total amount of configuration information that is of the MTCH and carried by the MCCH does not exceed a threshold, which is an upper limit on the number of MTCH configurations for broadband or narrowband terminals when the MCCH carries MTCH configurations for broadband or narrowband terminals.

[0023] For the technical effects provided by the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, please refer to the technical effects provided by the first aspect or the corresponding implementations, and the details will not be described again here.

[0024] According to a third aspect, there is provided a multicast broadcast service transmission method. The method may be executed by an access network device, or may be executed by a component of the access network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the access network device, or may be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functionality of the access network device. The method includes the steps of receiving indication information from a core network device, where the indication information indicates that receivers of a target multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals; transmitting a first multicast control channel (MCCH) to the narrowband terminals and a second MCCH to the broadband terminals; and transmitting the target multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on frequency domain resources corresponding to a multicast traffic channel (MTCH) of the target multicast broadcast service. The first MCCH is utilized to carry first configuration information of the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service, and the second MCCH is utilized to carry second configuration information of the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service. The frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information is the same as the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the second configuration information.

[0025] According to this solution, the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the configuration information of the MTCH transmitted to the narrowband terminal is the same as the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the configuration information of the MTCH transmitted to the broadband terminal, so that both the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal can receive the multicast broadcast service transmitted by the access network device on the frequency domain resource. Thus, the multicast broadcast service whose receivers include the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal can be transmitted once by the access network device. This can reduce resource overhead compared to the case where the access network device transmits the SIBX, the MCCH, and the MTCH separately to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal.

[0026] In relation to the third aspect, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the indication information includes at least one indicator, and there is a correspondence between the at least one indicator and an identifier of at least one multicast broadcast service, and the at least one multicast broadcast service includes a target multicast broadcast service.

[0027] In relation to the third aspect, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the first configuration information includes a first group radio network temporary identifier G-RNTI, the second configuration information includes a second G-RNTI, the first G-RNTI is the same as the second G-RNTI, and the first G-RNTI and the second G-RNTI are utilized to scramble the targeted multicast broadcast service.

[0028] Based on a possible implementation, when the same multicast broadcast service is transmitted to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on the same frequency domain resources, the narrowband terminals and broadband terminals share one G-RNTI, thereby saving available G-RNTI resources.

[0029] In relation to the third aspect, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the first configuration information includes a first identifier of the target multicast broadcast service, the second configuration information includes a second identifier of the target multicast broadcast service, and the first identifier is the same as the second identifier.

[0030] In relation to the third aspect, in a possible implementation thereof, the candidate frequency-domain locations of the first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap, the first PDCCH is utilized to carry first downlink control information (DCI), and the first DCI is utilized to schedule frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH for narrowband terminals, and the second PDCCH is utilized to carry second DCI, and the second DCI is utilized to schedule frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH for broadband terminals.

[0031] Based on this possible implementation, when the candidate frequency-domain locations of the second PDCCH and the candidate frequency-domain locations of the first PDCCH partially or completely overlap, the first DCI and the second DCI may occupy overlapping candidate frequency-domain locations. Specifically, the frequency-domain locations occupied by the DCIs for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCHs of the target multicast broadcast service for narrowband terminals may be the same as the frequency-domain locations occupied by the DCIs for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCHs of the target multicast broadcast service for broadband terminals, thereby reducing frequency-domain resource overhead.

[0032] With respect to the third aspect, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the candidate time domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate time domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap.

[0033] Based on this possible implementation, when the candidate time-domain positions of the second PDCCH and the candidate time-domain positions of the first PDCCH partially or completely overlap, the first DCI and the second DCI may occupy the overlapping candidate time-domain positions. Specifically, the time-domain positions occupied by the DCIs for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCHs of the target multicast broadcast service for narrowband terminals may be the same as the time-domain positions occupied by the DCIs for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCHs of the target multicast broadcast service for broadband terminals, thereby reducing the overhead of time-domain resources.

[0034] In relation to the third aspect, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the first DCI is the same as the second DCI. The method further includes transmitting the first DCI to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal on a first time-frequency resource. A frequency-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is arranged in an overlapping portion of a candidate frequency-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate frequency-domain location of the second PDCCH. A time-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is arranged in an overlapping portion of a candidate time-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate time-domain location of the second PDCCH.

[0035] Based on this possible implementation, the access network device may transmit DCI for scheduling frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on the same time-frequency resources. Specifically, the DCI for scheduling frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs for narrowband terminals and the DCI for scheduling frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs for broadband terminals are the same DCI, eliminating the need to transmit different DCIs to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on different time-frequency resources, thereby reducing scheduling resource overhead.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for receiving a multicast broadcast service. The method may be executed by a narrowband terminal, or may be executed by a component of the narrowband terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the narrowband terminal, or may be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functionality of the narrowband terminal. The method includes receiving a first multicast control channel (MCCH) from an access network device, and receiving a target multicast broadcast service from the access network device on frequency domain resources corresponding to a multicast traffic channel (MTCH) of the target multicast broadcast service. The first MCCH is utilized to carry first configuration information for the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information are the same as the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using second configuration information. The second configuration information is configuration information for the MTCH and for the broadband terminal.

[0037] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for receiving a multicast broadcast service. The method may be executed by a broadband terminal, or may be executed by a component of the broadband terminal, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the broadband terminal, or may be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the broadband terminal. The method includes receiving a second multicast control channel (MCCH) from an access network device, and receiving a target multicast broadcast service from the access network device on frequency domain resources corresponding to a multicast traffic channel (MTCH) of the target multicast broadcast service. The second MCCH is utilized to carry second configuration information for the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the second configuration information are the same as the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information. The first configuration information is configuration information for the MTCH and for the narrowband terminal.

[0038] In relation to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, the first configuration information includes a first group radio network temporary identifier G-RNTI, the second configuration information includes a second G-RNTI, the first G-RNTI is the same as the second G-RNTI, and the first G-RNTI and the second G-RNTI are utilized to scramble the targeted multicast broadcast service.

[0039] In relation to the fourth or fifth aspect, in a possible implementation of the fourth or fifth aspect, the first configuration information includes a first identifier of the target multicast broadcast service, the second configuration information includes a second identifier of the target multicast broadcast service, and the first identifier is the same as the second identifier.

[0040] In a possible implementation of the fourth or fifth aspect, the candidate frequency-domain locations of the first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap. The first PDCCH is utilized to carry first downlink control information (DCI), and the first DCI is utilized to schedule frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH for narrowband terminals. The second PDCCH is utilized to carry second DCI, and the second DCI is utilized to schedule frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH for broadband terminals.

[0041] In relation to the fourth or fifth aspect, in a possible implementation of the fourth or fifth aspect, the candidate time domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate time domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap.

[0042] Related to the fourth or fifth aspect, in a possible implementation of the fourth or fifth aspect, the first DCI is the same as the second DCI. The method further includes receiving the first DCI on a first time-frequency resource from the access network device. A frequency-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is positioned at an overlapping portion of a candidate frequency-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate frequency-domain location of the second PDCCH. A time-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is positioned at an overlapping portion of a candidate time-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate time-domain location of the second PDCCH.

[0043] For the technical effects provided by the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or any one of the possible implementations of either the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, please refer to the technical effects provided by the third aspect or the corresponding implementations, and the details will not be described again here.

[0044] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a multicast broadcast service transmission method. The method may be executed by a core network device, or may be executed by a component of the core network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the core network device, or may be implemented by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the core network device. The method includes the steps of generating indication information and transmitting the indication information to an access network device. The indication information indicates that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals.

[0045] In relation to the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the indication information includes at least one indicator, and a correspondence exists between the at least one indicator and an identifier of at least one multicast broadcast service, and the at least one multicast broadcast service includes a target multicast broadcast service.

[0046] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a communications device for implementing the above-described method. The communications device may be the access network device according to the first or third aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the access network device; the terminal according to the second, fourth, or fifth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the terminal; or the core network device according to the sixth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the core network device. The communications device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the above-described method. The modules, units, or means may be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0047] In a possible design, the communication device may include a receiving module and a transmitting module configured to respectively implement the receiving function and the transmitting function of any one of the above aspects and possible implementations of the above aspects. The receiving module may include a receiving circuit, a receiver, a receiver device, or an input interface. The transmitting module may include a transmitting circuit, a transmitter, a transmitter device, or an output interface.

[0048] In a possible design, the communication device may further include a processing module, which may be configured to perform processing functions in any one of the above aspects and possible implementations of the above aspects.

[0049] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a communications device, the communications device including a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions. When the processor executes the instructions, the communications device is capable of performing the method of any one of the above aspects. The communications device may be an access network device according to the first or third aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the access network device; a terminal according to the second, fourth, or fifth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the terminal; or a core network device according to the sixth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the core network device.

[0050] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a communications device, the communications device including a processor and a communications interface. The communications interface is configured to communicate with a module external to the communications device. The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to enable the communications device to perform the method of any one of the above aspects. The communications device may be an access network device according to the first or third aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the access network device; a terminal according to the second, fourth, or fifth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the terminal; or a core network device according to the sixth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the core network device.

[0051] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a communications device, the communications device including a logic circuit and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to acquire information to be processed and / or output processed information. The logic circuit is configured to execute the method of any one of the above aspects to process the information to be processed and / or generate processed information. The communications device may be the access network device of the first or third aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the access network device; the terminal of the second, fourth, or fifth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the terminal; or the core network device of the sixth aspect, or a device, such as a chip, included in the core network device.

[0052] According to an eleventh aspect, a communications device is provided, including an interface circuit and a processor. The interface circuit is a code / data read / write interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive computer-executable instructions (the computer-executable instructions may be stored in a memory and read from the memory directly or via another component) and transmit the computer-executable instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to enable the communications device to perform the method of any one of the above aspects. The communications device may be an access network device according to the first or third aspect, or a device, e.g., a chip, included in the access network device; a terminal according to the second, fourth, or fifth aspect, or a device, e.g., a chip, included in the terminal; or a core network device according to the sixth aspect, or a device, e.g., a chip, included in the core network device.

[0053] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a communications apparatus, the communications apparatus including at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to enable the communications apparatus to perform the method of any one of the above aspects. The communications apparatus may be an access network device according to the first or third aspect, or an apparatus, such as a chip, included in the access network device; a terminal according to the second, fourth, or fifth aspect, or an apparatus, such as a chip, included in the terminal; or a core network device according to the sixth aspect, or an apparatus, such as a chip, included in the core network device.

[0054] In a possible design, the communication device includes a memory configured to store necessary program instructions and data, and the memory may be coupled to the processor or may be separate from the processor.

[0055] In a possible design, the communications device may be a chip or a chip system. When the device is a chip system, the device may include the chip, or may include a chip and other separate components.

[0056] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, perform the method of any one of the above aspects.

[0057] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions, when the computer program product is executed on a communication device, to perform the method of any one of the above aspects.

[0058] It can be understood that when the communication device provided in any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects is a chip, the above sending action / function can be understood as outputting information, and the above receiving action / function can be understood as inputting information.

[0059] For the technical effects achieved by any one of the design methods in the seventh to fourteenth aspects, please refer to the technical effects achieved by the various design methods in the first to sixth aspects, and the details will not be described again here.

[0060] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a communication system, the communication system including the access network device of the above aspect, a narrowband terminal, and a broadband terminal.

[0061] In relation to the fifteenth aspect, in a possible design, the communication system may further include the core network device in the above aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0062] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a broadcast mechanism according to this application. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram of the DRX mechanism of MCCH according to this application. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication system according to this application; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to this application; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic flow chart of a multicast broadcast service transmission method according to the present application; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the types of MTCH configuration information carried by the MCCH according to this application. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram of the relationship between the CFR of the MCCH and the CFR of the MTCH according to this application. [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic flow chart of another multicast broadcast service transmission method according to the present application; [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram of configuration information carried by a first MCCH and configuration information carried by a second MCCH according to the present application. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram of candidate time domain locations for a first PDCCH and candidate time domain locations for a second PDCCH according to the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is another diagram of candidate time domain locations for a first PDCCH and candidate time domain locations for a second PDCCH according to the present application. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram of the structure of an access network device according to the present application. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a narrowband terminal according to this application; [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a broadband terminal according to this application. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a core network device according to this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that related objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In this application, "and / or" merely describes the association relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent three cases, namely, that only A exists, that both A and B exist, or that only B exists, and A and B may be singular or plural.

[0064] Additionally, in this description, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following items (moieties)" or similar expressions refers to any combination of those items, including a singular item (moiety) or any combination of multiple items (moieties). For example, at least one item (moiety) of a, b, or c can refer to a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0065] In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between the same or similar items that provide essentially the same function or purpose in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate clear distinctions.

[0066] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "example" or "for example" are utilized to denote providing an example, illustration, or explanation. In the embodiments of this application, any embodiment or design scheme described as an "example" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design schemes. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as "example" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0067] The term "embodiment" used throughout this specification may be understood to mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to this embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, embodiments throughout the specification are not necessarily the same embodiment. In addition, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Sequence numbers of processes may be understood not to imply an execution order in the embodiments of this application. The execution order of processes should be determined based on the functions and internal logic of the processes and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0068] In this application, both "when" and "if" may be understood to mean that the corresponding processing is performed in an objective situation, without intending to limit the time, without requiring any decisive action in implementation, and without implying any other limitations.

[0069] It can be understood that in some scenarios, some optional features in the embodiments of this application may be implemented independently to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects, without relying on other features, for example, solutions on which the optional features are currently based. Alternatively, in some scenarios, optional features may be combined with other features based on requirements. Correspondingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of this application may also implement these features or functions accordingly. Details will not be described herein.

[0070] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts in the embodiments shall be mutually referenced. In the embodiments and implementations / methods / implementation methods in the embodiments of this application, the terms and / or descriptions shall be consistent and may be mutually referenced between different embodiments and between implementations / methods / implementation methods in the embodiments, unless otherwise specified or logical conflicts arise. The technical features in different embodiments and implementations / methods / implementation methods in the embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments, implementations, methods, or implementation methods based on the internal logical relationships of the technical features. The following implementations of this application shall not constitute limitations on the protection scope of this application.

[0071] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the following first provides a brief description of the technologies related to this application.

[0072] 1. Narrowband and broadband terminals: The bandwidth capability of a narrowband terminal is lower than that of a broadband terminal. A narrowband terminal is also referred to as a reduced capability (RedCap) terminal. The "bandwidth" in the embodiments of this application may be understood to be a frequency domain bandwidth.

[0073] 2. Common frequency resource (CFR): A CFR is a segment of contiguous common frequency resources configured or defined by an access network device on a group-common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) / physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for multicast / broadcast services.

[0074] 3. Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS): MBS is a point-to-multipoint service. MBS services include broadcast and multicast services, in which data is transmitted from a single source entity to multiple receivers, to all users within a broadcast service area, or to users within a multicast group.

[0075] For ease of description, MBS is referred to as multicast broadcast service in the embodiment of this application, and MBS and multicast broadcast service are interchangeable, which is not particularly limited in this application.

[0076] 4. Broadcast Mechanism in NR As shown in Figure 1, in the broadcast mechanism in NR, configuration information for a multicast control channel (MCCH) is carried in a system information block type X (SIBX), and configuration information for one or more multicast traffic channels (MTCHs) is carried in the MCCH. Generally, there is a correspondence between a particular multicast broadcast service and an MTCH. For example, there is a one-to-one correspondence between a multicast broadcast service and an MTCH.

[0077] The MCCH is scrambled by a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). The MCCH carries neighbor cell support status and MTCH configuration information for the cell's multicast broadcast service. The configuration information of the MTCH and carried on the MCCH is mapped to the PDSCH for transmission.

[0078] The MCCH utilizes the concept of modification periods, during which the content carried by the MCCH remains unchanged and is transmitted multiple times based on a recurrence period, allowing a terminal to acquire the MCCH as soon as possible whenever it accesses a cell. The scheduling and reception of the MCCH utilizes a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism, which is controlled using a DRX cycle, an onDurationTimer, and a DRX-InactivityTimer.

[0079] Figure 2 shows the DRX mechanism of the MCCH. During the operation of the duration timer and the DRX inactivity timer, the terminal monitors the PDCCH using the MCCH radio network temporary identifier (MCCH-RNTI) to obtain the scheduling information of the MCCH.

[0080] (1) The on-duration timer is started periodically based on the configured DRX cycle.

[0081] (2) The DRX inactivity timer is started or restarted in the last subframe of transmission on the PDSCH carrying the MCCH and is stopped after the terminal receives the scheduling information of the MCCH and carried on the PDCCH.

[0082] The MTCH configuration information is The information includes a mapping relationship (or correspondence relationship) between a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI) or a session ID corresponding to a multicast broadcast service and a group radio network temporary identifier (G-RNTI), DRX parameters (such as a DRX cycle, an on-duration timer, or a DRX inactivity timer) used by the MTCH, the configuration of a carrier on which the MTCH is located, and the configuration of a search space of a PDCCH. In other words, the information carried on the MTCH is mapped to a PDSCH for transmission. The PDCCH is used to carry scheduling information for the MTCH. The information carried on the MTCH is a multicast broadcast service.

[0083] The MTCH is scrambled using the G-RNTI. Transmission may be performed on different MTCHs on different carriers. Scheduling and reception of the MTCH may use the same DRX mechanism and DRX parameters as those for scheduling and reception of the MCCH. Specifically, scheduling and reception of the MTCH are controlled using parameters such as the DRX cycle, on-duration timer, and DRX inactivity timer. During the operation of the on-duration timer and DRX inactivity timer, the terminal monitors the PDCCH using the corresponding G-RNTI to obtain scheduling information for the MTCH.

[0084] With the expansion of the requirements of narrowband terminals for multicast broadcast services, there may be scenarios where narrowband terminals and broadband terminals need to receive the same multicast broadcast service. Based on this, this application provides a multicast broadcast service transmission method. In a scenario where narrowband terminals and broadband terminals need to receive the same multicast broadcast service, the multicast broadcast service can be properly configured and transmitted, thereby reducing resource overhead as much as possible.

[0085] The solutions of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems. The communication system may be a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) communication system, such as an NR system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system, an LTE and 5G hybrid networking system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, or an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system, or other next-generation communication system. Alternatively, the communication system may be a non-3GPP communication system, without being limited thereto.

[0086] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application may be applied to various communication scenarios, for example, one or more of the following communication scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), machine type communication (MTC), massive machine type communications (mMTC), D2D, V2X, M2M, or IoT.

[0087] The above-mentioned communication systems and communication scenarios applicable to this application are merely examples for explanation, and the communication systems and communication scenarios applicable to this application are not limited thereto, which are uniformly described herein, and the details will not be described again below.

[0088] 3 shows a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes a core network device 301, an access network device 302, a narrowband terminal 303, and a broadband terminal 304.

[0089] The number of narrowband terminals and the number of broadband terminals are not particularly limited in this application, and the system can be understood to include at least two narrowband terminals and at least two broadband terminals.

[0090] Optionally, the core network device 301 may be a device responsible for mobility management in a mobile network, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element in NR. Alternatively, the core network device 301 may be a device responsible for session management in a mobile network, such as a session management function (SMF) network element in NR.

[0091] Optionally, the access network device 302 is a device for connecting a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device 302 may be a node in a wireless access network. The access network device 302 may be referred to as a base station or a radio access network (RAN) node (or device). For example, the access network device may be a next generation NodeB (gNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved NodeB or Home NodeB, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a baseband pool, a BBU pool, or a Wi-Fi access point (AP) in a 5G system. Alternatively, the access network device may be a central unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (Cloud RAN) system. Alternatively, the access network device may be a device implementing base station functionality in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Alternatively, the access network device may be a device implementing a base station function in IoT, or a device implementing a base station function in V2X, D2D, or M2M, which is not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0092] Optionally, the narrowband terminal 303 may be a device having a small bandwidth capability and configured to implement a wireless communication function. For example, the narrowband terminal may be a wearable device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home. Alternatively, the narrowband terminal may be a terminal in IoT, a terminal in D2D communication, or a terminal in M2M communication, etc.

[0093] Optionally, the broadband terminal 304 may be a device having large bandwidth capabilities and configured to implement wireless communication functionality. For example, the broadband terminal may be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities (e.g., a smartphone), a computing device, other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, or a wireless terminal in remote medical.

[0094] The functions related to the terminal, the access network device, and the core network device in this application may be realized by one device, may be realized jointly by multiple devices, may be realized by one or more functional modules in one device, or may be realized by one or more chips, a system-on-chip (SoC), or a chip system. A chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and other separate components. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0095] It may be understood that the above functions may be network elements within a hardware device, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtual functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0096] For example, the functions related to the terminal, the access network device, and the core network device in this application may be the same as those of the communication device in FIG. Device 400. Device 400. Device 400 includes one or more processors 401 and at least one communication interface (FIG. 4 is merely an example, and an example including a communication interface 404 and one processor 401 is used for illustrative purposes), and may optionally further include a communication line 402 and a memory 403.

[0097] The processor 401 may be an integrated circuit configured to control program execution of the solution of this application, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor.

[0098] In a specific implementation, in an embodiment, processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG.

[0099] The communication interface 404 is configured to communicate with other devices or communication networks. The communication interface 404 may be a device such as a transceiver or a transceiver machine. Alternatively, the communication interface 404 may be a transceiver circuit located within the processor 401 configured to implement signal input and output for the processor.

[0100] The communication lines 402 are configured to provide communication between the different components included in the communication device 400 .

[0101] Memory 403 may be any device having storage capabilities. For example, memory 403 may be read-only memory (ROM), other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), other compact disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be configured to carry or store expected program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. However, memory 403 is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently or be connected to the processor via communication lines 402. Alternatively, the memory may be integrated into the processor.

[0102] Optionally, the memory 403 is configured to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solutions in this application, and the processor 401 controls the execution thereof. The processor 401 is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403 to implement the methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0103] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in this embodiment of the application may also be referred to as application program code, although this is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0104] In a specific implementation, in an embodiment, Device 400 may further include an output device 405 and an input device 406. The output device 405 communicates with the processor 401 and may display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 405 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. The input device 406 communicates with the processor 401 and may accept user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 406 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen device, or a sensor device.

[0105] It should be noted that the configuration shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on the communications device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, the communications device may include more or fewer components than those shown, some components may be combined, or different component arrangements may be utilized.

[0106] With reference to the communication system shown in FIG. 3, the following describes in detail the multicast broadcast service transmission method provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0107] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of this application, the names of messages between devices, the names of each parameter, the names of each piece of information, etc. are merely examples, and may be other names in other embodiments, and this is not particularly limited in the method provided in this application.

[0108] In the embodiments of this application, each device may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application, and it can be understood that these steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of this application, other operations or various modifications of operations may also be performed. In addition, the steps may be performed in various orders provided in the embodiments of this application, and all of the operations in the embodiments of this application may not be performed.

[0109] 5 shows a multicast broadcast service transmission method according to this application. The method may be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 3, and includes the following steps:

[0110] S501: A core network device generates indication information.

[0111] The indication information indicates whether receivers of the multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals. In other words, the indication information indicates the type of receivers of the multicast broadcast service. The type of receivers may include narrowband terminals, broadband terminals, and narrowband and broadband terminals. This application will be described using an example in which the indication information indicates that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals.

[0112] S502: The core network device sends indication information to the access network device, and in response, the access network device receives indication information from the core network device.

[0113] Optionally, the core network device may send indication information to the access network device in signaling including the multicast broadcast service. For example, the core network device may send the multicast broadcast service to the access network device in the following two service transmission modes: Mode 1: As shown in Table 1, one signaling contains a single multicast broadcast service. Mode 2: As shown in Table 2, one signaling contains multiple multicast broadcast services.

[0114] [Table 1]

[0115] [Table 2]

[0116] The multicast broadcast service identifier identifies the multicast broadcast service, where one multicast broadcast service corresponds to one identifier, and different multicast broadcast services have different identifiers.

[0117] Optionally, the indication information may include at least one indicator, where there is a correspondence between the at least one indicator and an identifier of the at least one multicast broadcast service, where the at least one multicast broadcast service includes a target multicast broadcast service.

[0118] Optionally, different values ​​of the indicator represent different cases of receivers of the multicast broadcast service corresponding to the indicator. For example, when the value of the indicator is a first value, it represents that receivers of the multicast broadcast service corresponding to the indicator include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals. When the value of the indicator is a second value, it represents that receivers of the multicast broadcast service corresponding to the indicator are narrowband terminals. When the value of the indicator is a third value, it represents that receivers of the multicast broadcast service corresponding to the indicator are broadband terminals.

[0119] Alternatively, when the value of the indicator is a first value, it indicates that the receiver of the multicast broadcast service corresponding to the indicator includes a narrowband terminal and a broadband terminal. When the value of the indicator is a second value, it indicates that the receiver of the multicast broadcast service corresponding to the indicator is a narrowband terminal or a broadband terminal. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0120] In a possible implementation, the indication information includes one indicator. The indicator corresponds to one specific targeted multicast broadcast service and indicates that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals. For example, as shown in Table 3, the indicator may include the specific targeted multicast broadcast service and be carried in signaling sent by the core network device to the access network device.

[0121] [Table 3]

[0122] In another possible implementation, the indication information includes a plurality of indicators. There is a correspondence between the plurality of indicators and identifiers of a plurality of multicast broadcast services. The plurality of multicast broadcast services includes a target multicast broadcast service. The plurality of indicators includes an indicator corresponding to the target multicast broadcast service. For example, as shown in Table 4, the plurality of indicators may include the target multicast broadcast service and be carried in signaling sent by the core network device to the access network device.

[0123] [Table 4]

[0124] In a possible example, the correspondence between the plurality of indicators and the identifiers of the plurality of multicast broadcast services may be one-to-one. Specifically, one indicator corresponds to the identifier of one multicast broadcast service, and different indicators correspond to different identifiers of the multicast broadcast service. An indicator indicates whether receivers of the multicast broadcast service corresponding to the indicator include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals.

[0125] For example, the identifier list of a multicast broadcast service in Table 4 may include K identifiers, and the indicator list may include K indicators. The K multicast broadcast services may include one or more target multicast broadcast services. K is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0126] For example, the correspondence between the indicators and the identifiers of the multicast broadcast services may be a cross correspondence. For example, the first indicator corresponds to the identifier of the last multicast broadcast service, and the second indicator corresponds to the identifier of the penultimate multicast broadcast service. Alternatively, the correspondence between the indicators and the identifiers of the multicast broadcast services is an ordered correspondence. For example, the kth indicator corresponds to the identifier of the kth multicast broadcast service, where k is a positive integer from 2 to K.

[0127] For example, K is equal to 4, and the identifier of the multicast broadcast service is TMGI. Assuming that the identifier list of the multicast broadcast service is {TMGI#1, TMGI#2, TMGI#3, TMGI#4}, the corresponding indicator list may be {indicator 1, indicator 2, indicator 3, indicator 4}. The correspondence between the identifiers and indicators may be as follows: Indicator 1 corresponds to TMGI#1, indicating the type of receiver of the multicast broadcast service identified by TMGI#1. Indicator 2 corresponds to TMGI#2, indicating the type of receiver of the multicast broadcast service identified by TMGI#2. Indicator 3 corresponds to TMGI#3, indicating the type of receiver of the multicast broadcast service identified by TMGI#3. Indicator 4 corresponds to TMGI#4, indicating the type of receiver of the multicast broadcast service identified by TMGI#4.

[0128] In another possible example, the indicators correspond to some of the identifiers of the multicast broadcast services. For example, the identifier list of the multicast broadcast service in Table 4 may include K identifiers, and the indicator list may include J indicators, where J is less than K. The J indicators correspond to J identifiers among the K identifiers, for example, the first J identifiers, the last J identifiers, or any J identifiers in between. This is not limiting. Receivers of multicast broadcast services identified by identifiers that do not correspond to indicators may be broadband or narrowband terminals by default.

[0129] Based on the above solution, indication information with service granularity is utilized, which can more flexibly indicate the type of receiver corresponding to each service, thereby realizing the indication that different services correspond to different receiver types.

[0130] In yet another possible implementation, the indication information includes an indicator, and there is a correspondence between the indicator and identifiers of the plurality of multicast broadcast services, each of which is a target multicast broadcast service.

[0131] For example, as shown in Table 5, the indicator may include the targeted multicast broadcast service and be carried in signaling sent by the core network device to the access network device. The multicast broadcast service identifier list may include X identifiers. The indicator indicates that receivers of the X multicast broadcast services identified by the X identifiers include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals.

[0132] [Table 5]

[0133] Optionally, the X multicast broadcast services may be multiple multicast broadcast services of a single cell. Alternatively, the X multicast broadcast services may be multicast broadcast services of multiple cells managed by an access network device. Alternatively, the X multicast broadcast services may be multicast broadcast services of multiple cells managed by multiple access network devices related to a core network device. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0134] According to this solution, one indicator indicates the receiver types of multiple multicast broadcast services, which can reduce the signaling overhead of the indication information.

[0135] S503: The access network device transmits the MCCH to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, and correspondingly, the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal receive the MCCH from the access network device.

[0136] The MCCH is used to carry configuration information of the MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service. When the indication information indicates that the receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, the MCCH satisfies one or more of the following restrictions:

[0137] (1) The first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal.

[0138] Optionally, the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH may be a maximum bandwidth that can be occupied by the MCCH. For example, the first frequency domain resource may be a CFR, and the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH is the CFR of the MCCH. The CFR of the MCCH may be understood as the maximum bandwidth that can be occupied by the MCCH.

[0139] (2) The scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal.

[0140] The scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH is the actual bandwidth occupied by the MCCH. The scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH is part or all of the bandwidth of the CFR of the MCCH. When the scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH is part of the bandwidth of the CFR of the MCCH, the CFR of the MCCH may exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal.

[0141] Optionally, before step S503, the method may further include: the access network device determining an MCCH.

[0142] According to this solution, in this application, a restriction is imposed that the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or the scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal. Therefore, the narrowband terminal can receive the MCCH. Therefore, under this restriction, the access network device can transmit the MCCH once, and both the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal can receive the MCCH. Compared with the case where the access network device transmits the SIBX, the MCCH, and the MTCH separately to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, the resource overhead is reduced.

[0143] In addition, since the access network device transmits the MCCH only once to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, one RNTI may be used to scramble the MCCH; in other words, the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal may share one RNTI, reducing RNTI overhead.

[0144] Optionally, the MCCH may carry configuration information for multiple MTCHs. Terminal Assume that a multicast broadcast service whose receivers include broadband terminals and no narrowband terminals is denoted as a first type service, a multicast broadcast service whose receivers include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals is denoted as a second type service, and a multicast broadcast service whose receivers include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals is denoted as a third type service. In this case, as shown in Figure 6, there are four possible cases for multiple MTCHs:

[0145] (1) The plurality of MTCHs includes an MTCH of a second type of service and an MTCH of a third type of service.

[0146] (2) The plurality of MTCHs includes an MTCH of a first type of service and an MTCH of a third type of service.

[0147] (3) The plurality of MTCHs includes an MTCH of a first type of service, an MTCH of a second type of service, and an MTCH of a third type of service.

[0148] (4) The plurality of MTCHs includes an MTCH of a third type of service.

[0149] Optionally, when the configuration information of the MTCH and carried by the MCCH satisfies any one of the above four cases, the total amount of the configuration information of the MTCH does not exceed a threshold, which is an upper limit of the number of MTCH configurations for broadband terminals or narrowband terminals carried by the MCCH. Specifically, if the upper limit of the number of configurations is X when the MCCH only carries the configuration information of the MTCH of a first type service or only carries the configuration information of the MTCH of a second type service, the upper limit of the configuration data when the configuration information of the MTCH and carried by the MCCH satisfies one of the above four cases is also X.

[0150] Optionally, the threshold may be determined based on the transport block size (TBS) of the MCCH and the data packet size of the configuration information that is of the MTCH and is carried by the MCCH.

[0151] Since the TBS of the MCCH is limited, the amount of configuration information that is of the MTCH and is carried by the MCCH cannot be increased infinitely. According to this solution, the amount of configuration information of the MTCH is limited, thereby satisfying the TBS limitation of the MCCH.

[0152] It can be understood that the configuration information of the MTCH in FIG. 6 is only for illustration of the type of receiver of the multicast broadcast service, and the amount of configuration information of the MTCH is not limited to three.

[0153] Optionally, the CFR of the MCCH may be the same as or different from the CFR of the MTCH. This is not particularly limited in this application. As shown in Figure 7, the CFR of the MCCH is the same as the CFR of MTCH#2 and is different from the CFR of MTCH#1 and the CFR of MTCH#3. When the CFR of the MCCH is the same as the CFR of the MTCH, the radio frequency (RF) return of the terminal may be reduced.

[0154] S504: The access network device transmits the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH. Correspondingly, the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal receive the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH.

[0155] The MTCH may be understood to be the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service in step S503. The MTCH is mapped to the PDSCH for transmission, and the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH is the frequency domain resource in the PDSCH.

[0156] Optionally, after receiving the MCCH, the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal may obtain configuration information that is of the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service and is carried on the MCCH, so that the target multicast broadcast service can be received on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH based on the configuration information.

[0157] Optionally, the access network device transmitting the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal on frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH may include the access network device transmitting M targeted multicast broadcast services to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal on frequency domain resources corresponding to N MTCHs, where N and M are positive integers.

[0158] In a possible implementation, the values ​​of N and M may be equal to 1. In this scenario, the MCCH may carry configuration information for one MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service. The bandwidth of the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the configuration information does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal. With this in mind, when the access network device transmits the targeted multicast broadcast service on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH, both narrowband terminals and broadband terminals may receive the targeted multicast broadcast service. In other words, in this possible implementation, a multicast broadcast service whose receivers include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals is transmitted only once, thereby further reducing resource overhead.

[0159] In another possible implementation, the value of N and the value of M may be equal to 2. In this scenario, the MCCH may carry two pieces of configuration information for the MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service, which are denoted as MTCH configuration information A and MTCH configuration information B.

[0160] A frequency domain resource corresponding to an MTCH and configured using configuration information A is referred to as frequency domain resource A. Frequency domain resource A does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of a narrowband terminal. A frequency domain resource corresponding to an MTCH and configured using configuration information B is referred to as frequency domain resource B. Frequency domain resource B does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of a broadband terminal.

[0161] Correspondingly, the access network device transmits the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminal on frequency domain resource A, and the narrowband terminal receives the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on frequency domain resource A. In addition, the access network device transmits the targeted multicast broadcast service to the broadband terminal on frequency domain resource B, and the broadband terminal receives the targeted multicast broadcast service on frequency domain resource B from the access network device.

[0162] In other words, in this possible implementation, the access network device may transmit the multicast broadcast service separately to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, improving the flexibility of transmitting the multicast broadcast service.

[0163] In yet another possible implementation, the number of N and the number of M may not be equal. For example, the value of N is smaller than the value of M. For example, N is equal to 1 and M is equal to 2. In other words, the access network device may transmit two targeted multicast broadcast services on frequency domain resources corresponding to one MTCH. Alternatively, the value of N may be greater than the value of M. The relationship between the values ​​of N and M is not particularly limited in this application.

[0164] In the above solution, the MCCH is limited to be transmitted once, thereby reducing resource overhead. In addition, this application further provides another multicast / broadcast service transmission method for reducing resource overhead by limiting the MTCH to be transmitted once.

[0165] 8 illustrates another multicast broadcast service transmission method according to this application. The method may be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 3, and includes the following steps:

[0166] S801: A core network device generates indication information.

[0167] S802: The core network device sends indication information to the access network device, and in response, the access network device receives indication information from the core network device.

[0168] For detailed descriptions of step S801 and step S802, please refer to the related descriptions of step S501 and step S502, and the details will not be described again here.

[0169] S803: The access network device transmits a first MCCH to the narrowband terminal, and the narrowband terminal correspondingly receives the first MCCH from the access network device.

[0170] The first MCCH is used to carry first configuration information of an MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service, where the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information is the same as the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using second configuration information, where the second configuration information is configuration information of the MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service for the broadband terminal.

[0171] For example, the first configuration information and the second configuration information may be used to configure the same carrier for the MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service, so that the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information and the second configuration information are the same.

[0172] It may be understood that the CFR or scheduling bandwidth of the first MCCH does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal.

[0173] S804: The access network device transmits the second MCCH to the broadband terminal. Correspondingly, the broadband terminal receives the second MCCH from the access network device.

[0174] The second MCCH is used to carry second configuration information of the MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the second configuration information are the same as the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information. The first configuration information is configuration information of the MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service for narrowband terminals.

[0175] It may be understood that the CFR or scheduling bandwidth of the second MCCH does not exceed the maximum bandwidth capability of the broadband terminal. There is no limitation on the relationship between the CFR of the second MCCH and the maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal.

[0176] Optionally, the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service may include some or all of the overlapping resources between the CFRs that are for the MTCH and are for narrowband terminals and the CFRs that are for the MTCH and are for broadband terminals.

[0177] Optionally, as shown in Figure 9, there may be an overlapping portion between the frequency domain resources occupied by the first MCCH and the frequency domain resources occupied by the second MCCH. The overlapping portion in the first MCCH may carry first configuration information (represented by configuration information A in Figure 9) of the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service, and the overlapping portion in the second MCCH may carry second configuration information (represented by configuration information B in Figure 9) of the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service. In addition, the non-overlapping portion in the first MCCH may carry configuration information (represented by configuration information C in Figure 9) of the MTCH of the first type of service, and the non-overlapping portion in the second MCCH may carry configuration information (represented by configuration information D in Figure 9) of the MTCH of the second type of service. For the first type of service and the second type of service, please refer to the related description of step S503. Details will not be described again here.

[0178] It should be noted that the execution order of step S803 and step S804 is not limited in this application. For example, step S803 may be executed first, and then step S804 may be executed, or step S804 may be executed first, and then step S803 may be executed, or step S803 and step S804 may be executed simultaneously. This is not limited.

[0179] S805: The access network device transmits the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal on a frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service, and the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal correspondingly receive the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on a frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH.

[0180] Optionally, after receiving the first MCCH, the narrowband terminal may obtain first configuration information that is for an MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service and that is carried on the first MCCH, so as to receive the target multicast broadcast service on frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH based on the first configuration information. The broadband terminal may obtain second configuration information that is for the target multicast broadcast service and that is carried on a second MCCH, so as to receive the target multicast broadcast service on frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH based on the second configuration information.

[0181] According to this solution, the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the configuration information of the MTCH transmitted to the narrowband terminal is the same as the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the configuration information of the MTCH transmitted to the broadband terminal, so that both the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal can receive the multicast broadcast service transmitted by the access network device on the frequency domain resource. Thus, a multicast broadcast service whose receivers include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals can be transmitted once by the access network device. Compared with the case where the access network device transmits the SIBX, MCCH, and MTCH separately to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, resource overhead can be reduced.

[0182] Optionally, the first configuration information includes a first G-RNTI, and the second configuration information includes a second G-RNTI. The first G-RNTI and the second G-RNTI are used to scramble the targeted multicast broadcast service. The first G-RNTI and the second G-RNTI may be the same.

[0183] According to this solution, when the same multicast broadcast service is transmitted to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on the same frequency domain resources, the narrowband terminals and broadband terminals share one G-RNTI, thereby saving available G-RNTIs.

[0184] Optionally, the first configuration information is for a targeted multicast broadcast service and is a first G- RNTI and the second configuration information may include a first identifier for the targeted multicast / broadcast service and a second identifier corresponding to the second G-RNTI. The first identifier and the second identifier may be the same.

[0185] Optionally, frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service are scheduled using downlink control information (DCI) carried by the PDCCH. For example, frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service are scheduled for narrowband terminals using a first DCI, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service are scheduled for broadband terminals using a second DCI. The first DCI is carried using the first PDCCH. In other words, the first PDCCH is used to carry the first DCI. The second DCI is carried using the second PDCCH. In other words, the second PDCCH is used to carry the second DCI. DCI It is used to transport.

[0186] Optionally, the candidate frequency-domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate frequency-domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap, for example, the plurality of candidate frequency-domain locations of the second PDCCH may include at least one candidate frequency-domain location of the first PDCCH.

[0187] Optionally, when the candidate frequency-domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate frequency-domain locations of the second PDCCH are represented using control channel elements (CCEs), a mapping scheme of the CCEs corresponding to the first PDCCH and the second PDCCH to resource element groups (REGs) may be any non-interleaved scheme, which may be configured using parameters in a control resource set (CORESET).

[0188] According to this solution, when the candidate frequency-domain locations of the second PDCCH and the candidate frequency-domain locations of the first PDCCH partially or completely overlap, the first DCI and the second DCI may occupy the overlapping candidate frequency-domain locations. Specifically, the frequency-domain locations occupied by the DCI for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service for narrowband terminals may be the same as the frequency-domain locations occupied by the DCI for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service for broadband terminals, thereby reducing frequency-domain resource overhead.

[0189] Optionally, the candidate time-domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate time-domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap, and further, the overlap between the candidate time-domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate time-domain locations of the second PDCCH includes at least two consecutive symbols in one slot.

[0190] For example, the monitoring slots may be configured using parameters such as a monitoring period, a monitoring duration, and a search space offset, so that at least one overlapping slot exists between the monitoring slots of the first PDCCH and the monitoring slots of the second PDCCH. As shown in Figure 10, the monitoring slots of the first PDCCH include slot 0, slot 1, slot 3, slot 4, slot 6, slot 7, and slot 9. The monitoring slots of the second PDCCH include slot 1, slot 2, slot 5, slot 6, and slot 9. The overlapping slots include slot 1, slot 6, and slot 9.

[0191] Furthermore, the monitoring mode in a single slot may be configured using the intra-slot symbol monitoring mode of the search space and the duration of CORESET, so that at least two consecutive symbols overlap in the overlapping slot. As shown in Figure 11, symbols in slot 1 are used as an example. The monitoring symbols of the first PDCCH and in slot 1 include symbol 0, symbol 1, symbol 4, symbol 5, symbol 8, symbol 9, symbol 12, and symbol 13. The monitoring symbols of the second PDCCH and in slot 1 include symbol 0, symbol 1, symbol 2, symbol 5, symbol 6, symbol 7, symbol 10, symbol 11, and symbol 12. The two consecutive overlapping symbols are symbol 0 and symbol 1.

[0192] According to this solution, when the candidate time-domain locations of the second PDCCH and the candidate time-domain locations of the first PDCCH partially or completely overlap, the first DCI and the second DCI may occupy the overlapping candidate time-domain locations. Specifically, the time-domain locations occupied by the DCI for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service for narrowband terminals may be the same as the time-domain locations occupied by the DCI for scheduling frequency-domain resources corresponding to the MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service for broadband terminals, thereby reducing the overhead of time-domain resources.

[0193] Optionally, the first DCI and the second DCI are utilized to schedule the same frequency domain resources for narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, respectively. Thus, the first DCI and the second DCI may be the same. In this scenario, the access network device may transmit the first DCI (or the second DCI) to the narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on the first time-frequency resources. Correspondingly, the narrowband terminals and broadband terminals receive the first DCI (or the second DCI) from the access network device on the first time-frequency resources.

[0194] The frequency-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located at an overlapping portion of the candidate frequency-domain location of the first PDCCH and the candidate frequency-domain location of the second PDCCH. The time-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located at an overlapping portion of the candidate time-domain location of the first PDCCH and the candidate time-domain location of the second PDCCH.

[0195] According to this solution, the access network device may transmit DCI for scheduling frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on the same time-frequency resources. Specifically, the DCI for scheduling frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs for narrowband terminals and the DCI for scheduling frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs for broadband terminals are the same DCI, and there is no need to transmit different DCIs on different time-frequency resources to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, respectively, thereby reducing scheduling resource overhead.

[0196] In the above embodiments, it may be understood that the methods and / or steps performed by the core network device may alternatively be performed by components available in the core network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software), the methods and / or steps performed by the access network device may alternatively be performed by components available in the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software), and the methods and / or steps performed by the terminal may alternatively be performed by components available in the terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software).

[0197] The above mainly describes the solution provided in this application from the viewpoint of interactions between devices. Correspondingly, this application further provides a communication device. The communication device is configured to implement the above method. The communication device may be an access network device in the above method embodiment or a component usable in the access network device, a terminal (narrowband terminal or broadband terminal) in the above method embodiment or a component usable in the terminal, or a core network device in the above method embodiment or a component usable in the core network device.

[0198] To implement the above functions, the communication device may be understood to include corresponding hardware structures and / or corresponding software modules for performing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that the example units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification can be combined to implement this application in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to deviate from the scope of this application.

[0199] In the embodiments of this application, a communication device may be divided into functional modules based on the above method embodiments. For example, each functional module may be obtained through division based on each corresponding function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the module division is an example and is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0200] In the implementation scenario, the communication device is an access network device in the above method embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram of the structure of the access network device 120. The access network device 120 includes a receiving module 1201 and a sending module 1202.

[0201] In some embodiments, the access network device 120 may further include a processing module 1203. Additionally, the access network device 120 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 12) configured to store program instructions and data.

[0202] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1202 may be collectively referred to as a transceiver module. The receiving module 1201 may include a receiving circuit, a receiver, a receiver device, or an input interface. The transmitting module 1202 may include a transmitting circuit, a transmitter, a transmitter device, or an output interface.

[0203] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1202 may be configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps, respectively, performed by the access network device in the method embodiments described above and / or may be configured to support other processes of the techniques described herein. The processing module 1203 may be configured to perform the processing (e.g., determining) steps performed by the access network device in the method embodiments described above and / or may be configured to support other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0204] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 1201 is configured to receive indication information from a core network device, where the indication information indicates that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals. The transmitting module 1202 is configured to transmit an MCCH to the narrowband terminals and broadband terminals, where the MCCH is utilized to carry configuration information of an MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service, and a first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or a scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed a maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminals. The transmitting module 1202 is further configured to transmit the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH.

[0205] Optionally, being configured by the transmitting module 1202 to transmit the targeted multicast broadcast service to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on frequency domain resources corresponding to MTCHs includes being configured by the transmitting module 1202 to transmit M targeted multicast broadcast services to narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on frequency domain resources corresponding to N MTCHs, where N and M are positive integers.

[0206] Optionally, the processing module 1203 is configured to generate an MCCH.

[0207] In another possible implementation, the receiving module 1201 is configured to receive indication information from a core network device, the indication information indicating that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals. The transmitting module 1202 is configured to transmit a first MCCH to narrowband terminals and a second MCCH to broadband terminals, the first MCCH being used to carry first configuration information of an MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service, and the second MCCH being used to carry second configuration information of the MTCH. The frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information is the same as the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the second configuration information. The transmitting module 1202 is further configured to transmit the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and broadband terminals on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH.

[0208] Optionally, the transmitting module 1202 is further configured to transmit the first DCI to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on the first time-frequency resource. A frequency-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is arranged in an overlapping portion of a candidate frequency-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate frequency-domain location of the second PDCCH. A time-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is arranged in an overlapping portion of a candidate time-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate time-domain location of the second PDCCH.

[0209] All relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments can be cited in the functional descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and the details will not be described again here.

[0210] In this application, the access network device 120 is provided in the form of functional modules obtained through division in an integrated manner, where a "module" may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other component capable of providing the functionality described above.

[0211] In some embodiments, in a hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the access network device 120 may be in the form of a communications apparatus 400 shown in FIG.

[0212] In one example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1203 in FIG. 12 may be implemented by the processor 401 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403. The functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1202 in FIG. 12 may be implemented through the communication interface 404 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4.

[0213] In some embodiments, when the access network device 120 of FIG. 12 is a chip or chip system, the functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1202 may be implemented through an input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1203 may be implemented through a processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0214] Since the access network device 120 provided in this embodiment can implement the above method, please refer to the above method embodiments for the technical effects that can be obtained by the access network device 120. The details will not be described again here.

[0215] In the implementation scenario, an example is taken in which the communication device is a narrowband terminal in the above method embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram of the structure of the narrowband terminal 130. The narrowband terminal 130 includes: a receiving module 1301;

[0216] In some embodiments, the narrowband terminal 130 may further include a processing module 1302. Additionally, the narrowband terminal 130 may further include a storage module and a transmission module (not shown in FIG. 13). The storage module is configured to store program instructions and data, and the transmission module is configured to perform the transmitting step.

[0217] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1301 may include a receiving circuit, a receiver, a receiver device, or an input interface.

[0218] In some embodiments, receiving module 1301 may be configured to perform the receiving steps performed by the narrowband terminal in the method embodiments described above and / or to support other processes of the techniques described herein, respectively. Processing module 1302 may be configured to perform the processing (e.g., determining) steps performed by the narrowband terminal in the method embodiments described above and / or to support other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0219] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 1301 is configured to receive an MCCH from an access network device, where the MCCH is utilized to carry configuration information of an MTCH of a target multicast broadcast service, and a first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or a scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed a maximum bandwidth capability of a narrowband terminal. The receiving module 1301 is further configured to receive the target multicast broadcast service from the access network device on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH.

[0220] In another possible implementation, the receiving module 1301 is configured to receive a first MCCH from an access network device, where the first MCCH is utilized to carry first configuration information of an MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service. Frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured utilizing the first configuration information are the same as frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured utilizing second configuration information, where the second configuration information is configuration information of the MTCH for the broadband terminal. The receiving module 1301 is further configured to receive the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH.

[0221] Optionally, the receiving module 1301 is further configured to receive a first DCI from the access network device on a first time-frequency resource, where the frequency-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located at an overlapping portion of a candidate frequency-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate frequency-domain location of the second PDCCH, and the time-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located at an overlapping portion of a candidate time-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate time-domain location of the second PDCCH.

[0222] All relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments can be cited in the functional descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and the details will not be described again here.

[0223] In this application, the narrowband terminal 130 is provided in the form of functional modules obtained through division in an integrated manner, where a "module" may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other component capable of providing the functionality described above.

[0224] In some embodiments, in a hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will appreciate that narrowband terminal 130 may be in the form of a communications device 400 shown in FIG.

[0225] In one example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1302 in FIG. 13 may be implemented by the processor 401 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403. The functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 1301 and the transmitting module in FIG. 13 may be implemented through the communication interface 404 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4.

[0226] In some embodiments, when the narrowband terminal 130 of FIG. 13 is a chip or chip system, the functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 1301 and the transmitting module may be implemented through an input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1302 may be implemented through a processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0227] Since the narrowband terminal 130 provided in this embodiment can perform the above method, please refer to the above method embodiment for the technical effects that can be obtained by the narrowband terminal 130. The details will not be described again here.

[0228] In the implementation scenario, an example is taken in which the communication device is a broadband terminal in the above method embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram of the structure of a broadband terminal 140. The broadband terminal 140 includes a receiving module 1401.

[0229] In some embodiments, broadband terminal 140 may further include a processing module 1402. Additionally, broadband terminal 140 may further include a storage module and a transmission module (not shown in FIG. 14). The storage module is configured to store program instructions and data, and the transmission module is configured to perform the transmitting step.

[0230] In some embodiments, the receiving module 1401 may include a receiving circuit, a receiver, a receiver device, or an input interface.

[0231] In some embodiments, receiving module 1401 may be configured to perform the receiving steps performed by the broadband terminal in the method embodiments described above, respectively, and / or may be configured to support other processes of the techniques described herein. Processing module 1402 may be configured to perform the processing (e.g., determining) steps performed by the broadband terminal in the method embodiments described above, and / or may be configured to support other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0232] In a possible implementation, the receiving module 1401 is configured to receive an MCCH from an access network device, where the MCCH is utilized to carry configuration information of an MTCH of a targeted multicast broadcast service, and a first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or a scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed a maximum bandwidth capability of the broadband terminal. The receiving module 1401 is further configured to receive the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH.

[0233] In another possible implementation, the receiving module 1401 is configured to receive a second MCCH from the access network device, where the second MCCH is utilized to carry second configuration information of an MTCH of the targeted multicast broadcast service. The frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the second configuration information are the same as the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information, where the first configuration information is configuration information of the MTCH for a narrowband terminal. The receiving module 1401 is further configured to receive the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on the frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH.

[0234] Optionally, the receiving module 1401 is further configured to receive a first DCI from the access network device on a first time-frequency resource, where the frequency-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located at an overlapping portion of a candidate frequency-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate frequency-domain location of the second PDCCH, and the time-domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located at an overlapping portion of a candidate time-domain location of the first PDCCH and a candidate time-domain location of the second PDCCH.

[0235] All relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments can be cited in the functional descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and the details will not be described again here.

[0236] In this application, broadband terminal 140 is provided in the form of functional modules obtained through division in an integrated manner, where a "module" may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other component capable of providing the functionality described above.

[0237] In some embodiments, in a hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will appreciate that broadband terminal 140 may be in the form of communication device 400 shown in FIG.

[0238] In one example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1402 in FIG. 14 may be implemented by the processor 401 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403. The functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 1401 and the transmitting module in FIG. 14 may be implemented through the communication interface 404 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4.

[0239] In some embodiments, when the broadband terminal 140 of FIG. 14 is a chip or chip system, the functions / implementation processes of the receiving module 1401 and the transmitting module may be implemented through an input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1402 may be implemented through a processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0240] Since the broadband terminal 140 provided in this embodiment can perform the above method, please refer to the above method embodiment for the technical effects that can be obtained by the broadband terminal 140. The details will not be described again here.

[0241] In the implementation scenario, an example is taken in which the communication device is a core network device in the above method embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram of the structure of a core network device 150. The core network device 150 includes a processing module 1501 and a transceiver module 1502.

[0242] In some embodiments, the core network device 150 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 15) configured to store program instructions and data.

[0243] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1502 may be referred to as a transceiver unit. The transceiver module 1502 may include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver machine, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0244] In some embodiments, transceiver module 1502 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps, respectively, performed by the core network device in the method embodiments described above and / or may be configured to support other processes of the techniques described herein. Processing module 1501 may be configured to perform the processing (e.g., generating) steps performed by the core network device in the method embodiments described above and / or may be configured to support other processes of the techniques described herein.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the processing module 1501 is configured to generate indication information, where the indication information indicates that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals. The transceiver module 1502 is configured to transmit the indication information to the access network device.

[0246] All relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments can be cited in the functional descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and the details will not be described again here.

[0247] In some embodiments, in a hardware implementation, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the core network device 150 may be in the form of a communications apparatus 400 shown in FIG.

[0248] In one example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1501 in FIG. 15 may be performed by the processor 401 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403. The functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1502 in FIG. 15 may be performed through the communication interface 404 in the communication device 400 shown in FIG. 4.

[0249] In some embodiments, when the core network device 150 of FIG. 15 is a chip or chip system, the functions / implemented processes of the transceiver module 1502 may be implemented through an input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the functions / implemented processes of the processing module 1501 may be implemented through a processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0250] Since the core network device 150 provided in this embodiment can implement the above method, please refer to the above method embodiment for the technical effects that can be obtained by the core network device 150. The details will not be described again here.

[0251] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device, the communication device including a processor configured to perform the method in any one of the above method embodiments.

[0252] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store necessary program instructions and necessary data. The processor can call the program code stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to perform the method in any one of the above method embodiments. Of course, the communication device may not include a memory.

[0253] In another possible implementation, the communication device further includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit configured to receive computer-executable instructions (which may be stored in a memory and read from the memory directly or via another component) and transmit the computer-executable instructions to the processor.

[0254] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, the communication interface being configured to communicate with modules other than the communication device.

[0255] It can be understood that the communication device may be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may include a chip, or may include a chip and other separate components. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0256] This application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any one of the above method embodiments.

[0257] This application further provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions in any one of the above method embodiments.

[0258] Those skilled in the art may understand that for convenient and concise description, the detailed operation processes of the above systems, devices and units may refer to the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments, and the details will not be described again here.

[0259] It will be understood that the systems, devices, and methods described in this application may alternatively be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely examples. For example, the division into units is merely a logical functional division, and other division methods may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into other systems, or some features may be omitted or not implemented. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0260] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, i.e., they may be located together in one place or distributed over multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0261] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, each of the units may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0262] All or part of the above embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When a software program is used to implement an embodiment, the embodiment may be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the described procedures or functions are generated, in whole or in part, according to the embodiments of this application. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from a computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wire (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio wave, or microwave) transmission. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or may be a data storage device that integrates one or more available media, such as a server or a data center. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)). In an embodiment of this application, the computer may include the above-mentioned device.

[0263] Although this application has been described with reference to embodiments, in the process of implementing this application for which protection is claimed, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments, by studying the accompanying figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "one" does not exclude the case of "plurality." A single processor or other unit may implement several functions recited in a claim. Although several measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce advantageous effects.

[0264] Although this application has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is clear that various modifications and combinations can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, the specification and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary descriptions of this application as defined by the appended claims, and any or all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents are considered to cover the scope of this application. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, this application intends to cover these modifications and variations of this application as long as they fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of this application and their equivalent technologies.

Claims

1. 1. A method for transmitting a multicast broadcast service, the method comprising: receiving, by the communication device, indication information from a core network device, the indication information indicating that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals; transmitting, by the communication device, a multicast control channel MCCH to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, wherein the MCCH is utilized to carry configuration information of a multicast traffic channel MTCH of the target multicast broadcast service, and a first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or a scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed a maximum bandwidth capability of the narrowband terminal; transmitting, by the communication device, the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on a frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH; A method comprising:

2. the indication information includes at least one indicator, and there is a correspondence between the at least one indicator and an identifier of at least one multicast broadcast service, and the at least one multicast broadcast service includes the target multicast broadcast service; The method of claim 1.

3. a total amount of configuration information of the MTCH and carried by the MCCH does not exceed a threshold, the threshold being an upper limit on the number of MTCH configurations for the broadband terminal or the narrowband terminal carried by the MCCH; The method of claim 1.

4. The step of transmitting, by the communication device, the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on a frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH, comprising: transmitting, by the communication device, M targeted multicast broadcast services to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on frequency domain resources corresponding to N MTCHs, where N and M are positive integers; The method of claim 1.

5. the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH is a maximum bandwidth that can be occupied by the MCCH; The method of claim 1.

6. 1. A method for transmitting a multicast broadcast service, the method comprising: receiving, by the communication device, indication information from a core network device, the indication information indicating that receivers of the targeted multicast broadcast service include narrowband terminals and broadband terminals; transmitting, by the communication device, a first multicast control channel (MCCH) to the narrowband terminals and a second MCCH to the broadband terminals, wherein the first MCCH is utilized to carry first configuration information of a multicast traffic channel (MTCH) of the target multicast broadcast service, the second MCCH is utilized to carry second configuration information of the MTCH, and frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information are the same as frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the second configuration information; transmitting, by the communication device, the targeted multicast broadcast service to the narrowband terminals and the broadband terminals on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH; A method comprising:

7. the indication information includes at least one indicator, and there is a correspondence between the at least one indicator and an identifier of at least one multicast broadcast service, and the at least one multicast broadcast service includes the target multicast broadcast service; The method of claim 6.

8. the first configuration information includes a first Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), the second configuration information includes a second G-RNTI, the first G-RNTI is the same as the second G-RNTI, and the first G-RNTI and the second G-RNTI are used to scramble the targeted multicast broadcast service; The method of claim 6.

9. the candidate frequency domain locations of the first physical downlink control channel PDCCH and the candidate frequency domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap; the first PDCCH is utilized to carry first downlink control information (DCI), and the first DCI is utilized to schedule the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH for the narrowband terminal; the second PDCCH is utilized to carry a second DCI, and the second DCI is utilized to schedule the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH for the broadband terminal. The method of claim 6.

10. the candidate time domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate time domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap.

10. The method of claim 9.

11. the first DCI is the same as the second DCI, and the method comprises: transmitting, by the communication device, the first DCI on a first time-frequency resource to the narrowband terminal and the broadband terminal, wherein a frequency domain location of the first time-frequency resource is arranged in an overlapping portion of the candidate frequency domain location of the first PDCCH and the candidate frequency domain location of the second PDCCH, and a time domain location of the first time-frequency resource is arranged in an overlapping portion of the candidate time domain location of the first PDCCH and the candidate time domain location of the second PDCCH. The method of claim 10.

12. 1. A method for receiving a multicast broadcast service, the method comprising: receiving, by a terminal, a multicast control channel MCCH from an access network device, wherein the MCCH is utilized to carry configuration information of a multicast traffic channel MTCH of a target multicast broadcast service, and a first frequency domain resource corresponding to the MCCH or a scheduling bandwidth occupied by the MCCH does not exceed a maximum bandwidth capability of a narrowband terminal; receiving, by the terminal, the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH; Including, A method in which the total amount of configuration information of the MTCH and carried by the MCCH does not exceed a threshold, the threshold being an upper limit on the number of MTCH configurations for the broadband terminal or the narrowband terminal when the MCCH carries an MTCH configuration for the broadband terminal or the narrowband terminal.

13. A multicast broadcast service receiving method, the method being applied to a narrowband terminal, the method comprising: receiving a first multicast control channel MCCH from an access network device, the first MCCH being utilized to carry first configuration information of a multicast traffic channel MTCH of a target multicast broadcast service, a frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the first configuration information being the same as a frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH and configured using second configuration information, the second configuration information being configuration information of the MTCH and for a broadband terminal; receiving the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH; A method comprising:

14. A multicast broadcast service receiving method, the method being applied to a broadband terminal, the method comprising: receiving a second multicast control channel MCCH from an access network device, the second MCCH being utilized to carry second configuration information of a multicast traffic channel MTCH of a targeted multicast broadcast service, frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using the second configuration information being the same as frequency domain resources corresponding to the MTCH and configured using first configuration information, the first configuration information being configuration information for the MTCH and for a narrowband terminal; receiving the targeted multicast broadcast service from the access network device on the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH; A method comprising:

15. the first configuration information includes a first Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI), the second configuration information includes a second G-RNTI, the first G-RNTI is the same as the second G-RNTI, and the first G-RNTI and the second G-RNTI are used to scramble the targeted multicast broadcast service; The method of claim 13.

16. the candidate frequency domain locations of the first physical downlink control channel PDCCH and the candidate frequency domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap; the first PDCCH is utilized to carry first downlink control information (DCI), and the first DCI is utilized to schedule the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH for the narrowband terminal; the second PDCCH is utilized to carry a second DCI, and the second DCI is utilized to schedule the frequency domain resource corresponding to the MTCH for the broadband terminal. The method of claim 13.

17. the candidate time domain locations of the first PDCCH and the candidate time domain locations of the second PDCCH partially or completely overlap.

17. The method of claim 16.

18. the first DCI is the same as the second DCI, and the method comprises: receiving a first DCI from the access network device on a first time-frequency resource, wherein a frequency domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located in an overlapping portion of the candidate frequency domain location of the first PDCCH and the candidate frequency domain location of the second PDCCH, and a time domain location of the first time-frequency resource is located in an overlapping portion of the candidate time domain location of the first PDCCH and the candidate time domain location of the second PDCCH.

18. The method of claim 17.

19. A communication device, said communication device comprising a module configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Communication equipment.

20. 1. A communications device, the communications device including at least one processor; The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11. Communication equipment.

21. A computer-readable storage medium containing instructions, which when executed on a communication device, perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11. A computer-readable storage medium.

22. A communication system, said communication system comprising an access network device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a terminal configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18. Communication system.

23. A computer program comprising computer instructions, the computer program performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when part or all of the computer instructions are executed on a computer. Computer program.

24. An apparatus to be applied to a terminal, the apparatus including a module configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 12 to 18.

25. An apparatus for application to a terminal, the apparatus including at least one processor; Apparatus, wherein the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 18.

26. A computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed on a device, perform a method according to any one of claims 12 to 18.

27. ​​A computer program comprising computer instructions, wherein when some or all of the computer instructions are executed on a computer, a method according to any one of claims 12 to 18 is performed.

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