Intermittent reception control method and apparatus

Abstract

To provide a discontinuous reception (DRX) control method and an apparatus configured to allow a communication apparatus to receive data when a transmission system on a network side dynamically changes.SOLUTION: A method includes: receiving first control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the first control information being for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner; and performing, by a communication apparatus, one or more of an action to start or restart a first timer, the first timer indicating duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data is scheduled, an action to stop a second timer, or start or restart a second timer, the second timer indicating duration in which the communication apparatus receives retransmitted data; and an action to start or restart a third timer, the third timer indicating waiting duration before the communication apparatus receives the retransmitted data. The timers are timers corresponding to DRX associated with multicast.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and particularly, to a discontinuous reception (DRX) control method and apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) or Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) may efficiently use communication resources, and in a communication network, provides a point-to-multipoint service in which a data source transmits data to multiple users, thereby realizing resource sharing and improving resource utilization, particularly the utilization of air interface resources. Generally, in an MBMS or MBS scenario, information may be broadcast to all users or may be transmitted to and viewed by a group of subscribed users. This helps an operator to execute multiple commercial applications such as multimedia advertisements, free and paid TV channels, and multimedia message group transmissions.

[0003] Regarding the multicast service, the user equipment (UE) side needs to support a DRX mechanism to save energy. Currently, there is no effective method to ensure that the UE can receive multicast data.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a discontinuous reception control method and apparatus, which solve the problem that a communication device cannot receive data when the transmission method on the network side dynamically changes.

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

[0006] According to a first embodiment, a DRX control method is provided. The method includes the steps of: receiving first control information transmitted by a communication device in a multicast manner, the first control information being for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or receiving first data by a communication device, the first data being transmitted in a unicast manner; and the communication device performing one or more of the following actions: starting or restarting a first timer indicating the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled; stopping or starting or restarting a second timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data; and starting or restarting a third timer indicating the waiting duration before the communication device receives retransmitted data, wherein the first timer, the second timer, and the third timer are timers corresponding to DRX associated with multicast.

[0007] Thus, the communication device receives first control information and / or data (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in a unicast manner, and the network device may subsequently transmit other control information and / or data in a multicast manner, or retransmit the data in a multicast manner. To ensure that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data subsequently transmitted in a multicast manner by the network device, the communication device may start a first timer (corresponding to the second HARQ process) corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other control information and / or data in a multicast manner or retransmits the data within the operating duration of the first timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and cannot receive the control information and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0008] Alternatively, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (e.g., corresponding to the first HARQ process) may be running (for example, since the communication device has previously received control information and / or data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in multicast or unicast, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be started or restarted by the communication device to ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device in multicast (or C+G transmission)), and the communication device receives control information and / or data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the second HARQ process) transmitted in unicast. To conserve energy in the communication device, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped. If data Y is retransmitted data X, it can be understood that this indicates that the retransmitted data X has been received and the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped. If data Y is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data X for the communication device, and the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped.

[0009] Alternatively, the communication device may receive control information and / or data transmitted by unicast, or data transmitted by the configured transmission method, and the network device may subsequently transmit other control information and / or data by multicast (or unicast), or retransmit the data by multicast (or unicast). To ensure that the communication device can receive control information and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device by multicast (or unicast), the communication device may start or restart a third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. Optionally, after the third timer has expired, the communication device may start or restart a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. Thus, when a network device transmits other control information and / or data in a multicast (or unicast) manner or retransmits data within the operating duration of the second timer (and / or the operating duration of the third timer), it is ensured that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device will be in a sleep state and unable to receive the control information and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission. Furthermore, the communication device starts or restarts the third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast, and after the third timer expires, starts or restarts the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. This also avoids listening for data retransmissions within the operating duration of the third timer, promoting energy savings for the communication device.

[0010] In a possible design, starting or restarting the first timer includes starting or restarting the first timer when the first data is newly transmitted data. Specifically, it is likely that the first data transmitted in a unicast manner has been received previously, and thereafter, newly transmitted data will continue to be received. Therefore, the first timer may be started or restarted to ensure the reception of subsequent data.

[0011] In a possible design, starting or restarting a third timer includes the communication device transmitting first feedback information, which indicates whether the communication device has successfully received or failed to receive first data, or, at the first feedback time, after the first feedback time, or before the first feedback time, where the first feedback time is the time-domain position where the first feedback resource is located, and the first feedback resource is associated with the first data, and starting or restarting a third timer by the communication device. Thus, the communication device starts or restarts the third timer, and after the third timer has expired, the communication device may start or restart a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. This also avoids listening for data retransmissions within the operating duration of the third timer, thus promoting energy savings for the communication device.

[0012] In a possible design, the method further includes the step of having a communication device perform one or more of the following actions: starting or restarting a fourth timer indicating the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled; stopping or starting or restarting a fifth timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data; and starting or restarting a sixth timer indicating the waiting duration before the communication device receives retransmitted data, wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth timers are all timers corresponding to DRX associated with unicast.

[0013] For example, a communication device receives control information and / or data transmitted via unicast, or receives data transmitted via a configured transmission method, and a network device may subsequently transmit other control information and / or data via unicast, or retransmit data via unicast. To ensure that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device via unicast, the communication device may start a fourth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other control information and / or data via unicast or retransmits data within the operating duration of the fourth timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and cannot receive the control information and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0014] Alternatively, for example, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast (e.g., corresponding to the first HARQ process) may be running (for example, because the communication device has previously received control information and / or data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted by multicast or unicast, or has received data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted by a configured transmission method, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be started or restarted by the communication device to ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device by unicast), the communication device may receive control information and / or data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted by unicast, or receive data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted by a configured transmission method. To conserve energy in the communication device, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be stopped. If data Y is a retransmission of data X, it can be understood that this indicates the retransmission of data X has been received and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped. If data Y is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data X for the communication device and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped.

[0015] Alternatively, the communication device may receive control information and / or data transmitted by unicast, and the network device may subsequently transmit other control information and / or data by unicast, or retransmit data by unicast. To ensure that the communication device can receive control information and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device by unicast, the communication device may start or restart a sixth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. Optionally, after the sixth timer has expired, the communication device may start or restart a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other control information and / or data by unicast or retransmits data within the operating duration of the fifth timer (and / or the sixth timer), it is ensured that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and unable to receive control information and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission. Furthermore, the communication device starts or restarts a sixth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast, and after the sixth timer expires, starts or restarts a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. This also helps to conserve energy in the communication device by avoiding listening for data retransmissions within the operating duration of the sixth timer.

[0016] In a possible design, one or more of the first control information, first data, second timer, and third timer correspond to the first hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ) process, and / or one or more of the first control information, first data, fifth timer, and sixth timer correspond to the first HARQ process.

[0017] A second embodiment provides a DRX control method, the method comprising: receiving first control information transmitted by a communication device in a multicast manner, the first control information being for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or receiving first data by a communication device, the first data being transmitted in a unicast manner; and the communication device performing one or more of the following actions: starting or restarting a fourth timer indicating the duration after a newly transmitted control channel or newly transmitted data has been scheduled; and stopping or starting or restarting a fifth timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, the fourth and fifth timers both being timers in a DRX associated with a unicast service.

[0018] Thus, the communication device receives control information and / or data transmitted by multicast, and the network device may subsequently transmit other control information and / or data by unicast, or retransmit the data by unicast. To ensure that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device by unicast, the communication device may start a fourth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other control information and / or data by unicast or retransmits the data within the operating duration of the fourth timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the control information and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and cannot receive the control information and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0019] Alternatively, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast (e.g., corresponding to the first HARQ process) may be running (for example, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be started or restarted by the communication device to ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device in a unicast manner, since the communication device has previously received control information and / or data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in a multicast or unicast manner, or has received data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in a configured transmission manner), and the communication device receives control information and / or data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in a unicast manner, or receives data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in a configured transmission manner. To conserve energy in the communication device, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be stopped. If data Y is a retransmission of data X, it can be understood that this indicates the retransmission of data X has been received and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped. If data Y is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data X for the communication device and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped.

[0020] In a possible design, starting or restarting the fourth timer includes starting or restarting the fourth timer when the communication device determines that the first data is newly transmitted data.

[0021] In a possible design, the method further includes the step of having a communication device perform one or more of the following actions: starting or restarting a first timer indicating the duration after a newly transmitted control channel or newly transmitted data has been scheduled; and stopping a second timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, or starting or restarting the second timer, wherein the first and second timers are timers corresponding to DRX associated with multicast. The beneficial effects here are similar to those of the first embodiment. Specifically, the operation of the timers in the multicast scheme can be further controlled.

[0022] In a possible design, both the first data and the fifth timer correspond to the same Hybrid Auto-Retransmit Request (HARQ) process.

[0023] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a transceiver configured to receive first control information transmitted in a multicast manner, the first control information being for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or a transceiver configured to receive first data, the first data being transmitted in a unicast manner, and a processor configured to perform one or more of the following actions: an action to start or restart a first timer indicating the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled; an action to stop a second timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, or to start or restart a second timer, and an action to start or restart a third timer indicating the waiting duration before the communication device receives retransmitted data, wherein the first timer, the second timer and the third timer are timers corresponding to DRX associated with multicast. For the beneficial effects of the third aspect, refer to the beneficial effects of the first aspect.

[0024] In a possible design, the processor is configured to start or restart a first timer when the first data is newly transmitted data.

[0025] In a possible design, the transceiver is configured to transmit first feedback information, which indicates whether the communication device has successfully received or failed to receive first data, or at a first feedback time, after a first feedback time, or before a first feedback time, where the first feedback time is the time-domain position where a first feedback resource is located, and the first feedback resource is associated with first data, and the processor is configured to start or restart a third timer.

[0026] In a possible design, the processor is further configured to perform one or more of the following actions: starting or restarting a fourth timer indicating the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled; stopping or starting or restarting a fifth timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data; and starting or restarting a sixth timer indicating the waiting duration before the communication device receives retransmitted data, wherein the fourth, fifth, and sixth timers are all timers corresponding to DRX associated with unicast.

[0027] In a possible design, one or more of the first control information, first data, second timer, and third timer correspond to the first hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ) process, and / or one or more of the first control information, first data, fifth timer, and sixth timer correspond to the first HARQ process.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is a transceiver configured to receive first control information transmitted in a multicast manner. The first control information is for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner. The transceiver and / or the communication device receives the first data, and the first data is transmitted in a unicast manner. The following actions are performed: an action of starting or resuming a fourth timer indicating a duration after a newly transmitted control channel or newly transmitted data is scheduled; and an action of stopping or starting or resuming a fifth timer indicating a duration during which the communication device receives retransmission data. The fourth timer and the fifth timer are both timers in DRX associated with the unicast service. The fourth aspect includes a processor configured to perform one or more of the above actions. For the beneficial effects of the fourth aspect, refer to the beneficial effects of the second aspect.

[0029] In a possible design, the processor is configured to start or resume the fourth timer when it determines that the first data is newly transmitted data.

[0030] In a possible design, the transceiver is further configured to transmit first feedback information. The first feedback information indicates whether the communication device has successfully received the first data or has failed to receive it, or at the first feedback time or after the first feedback time. The first feedback time is the maximum duration during which the communication device transmits data feedback to the network device. The processor is further configured to start or resume a sixth timer.

[0031] In a possible design, the processor is further configured to perform one or more of the following actions: starting or restarting a first timer indicating the duration after a newly transmitted control channel or newly transmitted data has been scheduled; and stopping or starting or restarting a second timer indicating the duration for which a communication device receives retransmitted data, wherein the first and second timers are timers corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0032] In a possible design, both the first data and the fifth timer correspond to the same Hybrid Auto-Retransmit Request (HARQ) process.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect, an intermittent receive DRX control method is provided, which includes the steps of: receiving first control information and / or first data by a communication device, wherein the first control information is for scheduling first data, and the first data is multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner; and / or determining by the communication device that a first timer has expired, wherein the first timer indicates a waiting period before the communication device receives retransmitted data; and starting or restarting a second timer by the communication device that indicates a period for the communication device to receive retransmitted data. Thus, in a multicast scheme, the second timer is started regardless of whether the first data has been successfully received or not, and the active period of the communication device that feeds back an ACK (or has been successfully received) is aligned with the active period of the communication device that feeds back a NACK (or has been unsuccessfully received). Thus, if a transmitting device (e.g., a network device or terminal device) transmits new data within the operating duration of the retransmission timer, the communication device that provides feedback (or successfully receives) the ACK can also receive the newly transmitted data because the communication device providing feedback is active during the ACK feedback period.

[0034] In a possible design, the method further includes the steps of: the communication device successfully receiving first downlink control information or first data, wherein the first data is multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner, before the communication device determines that the first timer has expired; and the communication device starting the first timer. In other words, to maintain consistency with the active time of a communication device that provides NACK feedback, a communication device that provides ACK feedback also starts the first timer, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0035] In a possible design, the method further includes the steps of: receiving first information by a communication device, the first information instructing the communication device to receive first control information and / or first data; and / or determining that a first timer has expired by the communication device; and starting or restarting a second timer by the communication device. In other words, whether or not to start the first timer may be determined by the network device.

[0036] A DRX control method is provided according to a sixth aspect of the present invention. The method includes the steps of: a network device determining that a first timer on the communication device side is operating, the first timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data; and the network device determining not to transmit first control information and / or first data, the first control information being for scheduling first data, the first data being multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner.

[0037] The network device determines that newly transmitted multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner (e.g., PDSCH scrambled using G-RNTI) needs to be sent to all communication devices in the multicast. If at least one communication device in the multicast is operating under the first timer, then at least one communication device in the multicast does not need to be operating under the first timer, but considering that it is in a sleep period (other timers related to the active time corresponding to the DRX associated with the multicast are not operating), in this case the network device does not need to send the newly transmitted data to all communication devices in the multicast. Conversely, if none of the communication devices in the multicast are operating under the RetransmissionTimer, the network device may consider all communication devices to be in an active period, i.e., the active periods of all communication devices are aligned. In this case the network device sends the newly transmitted data to the communication devices in the multicast only when all communication devices in the multicast are in an active period, so that all communication devices in the multicast can receive the newly transmitted data.

[0038] In a possible design, before the network device decides not to transmit new data to the communication device, the method further includes the step of the network device determining that none of the second, third, and fourth timers of the communication device are operating, the second timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, the third timer indicating the waiting duration before the communication device receives control information, and the fourth timer indicating the duration for which the communication device waits after being woken up to receive control information. In other words, the network device does not transmit new data only when the first timer is operating.

[0039] According to a seventh aspect, an intermittent receiving DRX control method is provided. The method includes the steps of: a communication device determining that a first downlink BWP does not contain a first resource, where the first resource is a resource for transmitting control information and / or data in a multicast manner, a common frequency resource or a common frequency resource corresponding to multicast, or a resource used for a common physical downlink control channel and a common physical downlink data channel, wherein the first downlink BWP is either a downlink BWP activated by the communication device or the communication device will switch to the first downlink BWP; and the communication device controlling the first DRX to enter a sleep period or not listening to control information associated with multicast, wherein the first DRX is associated with multicast.

[0040] Therefore, when a communication device initiates random access, if it determines that the downlink BWP to be switched or the switched downlink BWP does not contain the first resource, the communication device may enter a sleep period to skip receiving downlink control information or downlink data transmitted in multicast, or it may not listen to downlink control information associated with multicast. In this way, the communication device can be prevented from listening to unnecessary downlink control information, and power consumption by using the communication device is reduced.

[0041] In a possible design, controlling the first DRX to enter a sleep period by a communication device includes stopping the timer corresponding to the first DRX by the communication device.

[0042] In a possible design, the method further includes the step of the communication device switching to the first downlink BWP before the communication device determines that the first downlink BWP does not contain resources for transmitting DCI or data in a multicast manner. In other words, if the communication device has switched to the first BWP and has determined that the first downlink BWP does not contain the first resources, the communication device controls the first DRX to enter a sleep period to reduce power consumption, or does not listen to control information associated with multicast, and the first DRX is associated with multicast.

[0043] In a possible design, the method further includes the steps of: initiating random access by a communication device; and switching by the communication device to a first downlink BWP, the first downlink BWP being a downlink BWP corresponding to an active uplink BWP, the first downlink BWP being an initial downlink BWP, and the first uplink BWP being an initial uplink BWP, or the identifier of the first downlink BWP being the same as the identifier of the first uplink BWP.

[0044] In a possible design, the method includes the steps of: the communication device sending message 3 in a random access procedure, where message 3 is used for scheduled transmission and carries the identifier of the communication device; or the communication device determining that the random access was successful; or the communication device switching to a second downlink BWP, where the second BWP includes the first resource; and the communication device controlling the first DRX to enter an active period, or listening for downlink control information to schedule multicast data based on the first DRX. Thus, the communication device does not need to be in a sleep period at all times, does not need to be constantly listening on the control channel, and continues to receive downlink data based on the first DRX.

[0045] In a possible design, controlling the first DRX to enter an active period by a communication device includes starting a timer corresponding to the first DRX by the communication device.

[0046] In a possible design, the timers corresponding to the first DRX include one or more of the following: a first timer, a second timer, a third timer, and a fourth timer. The first timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled. The second timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data. The third timer indicates the waiting duration before the communication device receives retransmitted data. The timing duration of the fourth timer indicates the duration for which the communication device waits after being woken up to receive control information.

[0047] In a possible design, the downlink control information for scheduling multicast data includes one or more of the following: downlink control information transmitted in a multicast manner, downlink control information for scheduling data transmitted in a multicast manner, and downlink control information for scheduling multicast data transmitted in a unicast manner.

[0048] According to the eighth aspect, an intermittent receiving DRX control method is provided. The method includes the steps of: switching by a communication device from a first downlink BWP to a second downlink BWP, the first and second BWPs being for transmitting downlink control information or data in a unicast manner; and controlling by the communication device to enter a sleep period in order to stop receiving downlink control information or downlink data transmitted in a unicast manner, or to stop receiving downlink control information for scheduling unicast data, the first DRX being associated with unicast.

[0049] Thus, when a communication device initiates random access, and once it has determined which downlink BWP should be switched to or which has been switched, the communication device may enter a sleep period to skip receiving downlink control information or downlink data transmitted via unicast, or it may not listen to downlink control information associated with unicast. This prevents the communication device from listening to unnecessary downlink control information, thereby helping to reduce the power consumption of the communication device.

[0050] In a possible design, controlling the first DRX to enter a sleep period by a communication device includes stopping the timer corresponding to the first DRX by the communication device.

[0051] In a possible design, switching from a first downlink BWP to a second downlink BWP by the communication device includes initiating contention-based random access by the communication device and switching from the first BWP to the second downlink BWP, where the second downlink BWP is the downlink BWP corresponding to the active first uplink BWP, the second downlink BWP is the initial downlink BWP, the first uplink BWP is the initial uplink BWP, or the identifier of the second downlink BWP is the same as the identifier of the active uplink BWP.

[0052] In a possible design, the method further includes the steps of: the communication device sending message 3 in a random access procedure, where message 3 is used for scheduled transmission and carries the identifier of the communication device; and the communication device controlling a first DRX to be active, or listening for downlink control information to schedule unicast data based on the first DRX. In this way, the communication device can continue to receive downlink control information and / or data.

[0053] In a possible design, controlling the first DRX to enter an active period by a communication device includes starting a timer corresponding to the first DRX by the communication device.

[0054] In a possible design, the timers corresponding to the first DRX include one or more of the following: a first timer, a second timer, a third timer, and a fourth timer. The first timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled. The second timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data. The third timer indicates the waiting duration before the communication device receives retransmitted data. The timing duration of the fourth timer indicates the duration for which the communication device waits after being woken up to receive control information.

[0055] In a possible design, the downlink control information for scheduling unicast data includes one or more of the following: downlink control information transmitted in a unicast manner, downlink control information for scheduling data transmitted in a unicast manner, and downlink control information for scheduling unicast data transmitted in a unicast manner.

[0056] According to the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device becomes capable of performing a DRX control method according to any one of the above aspects and possible implementations.

[0057] According to a tenth aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is operated on an electronic device, the electronic device becomes capable of performing a DRX control method according to any one of the above aspects and possible implementations.

[0058] According to the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a system. The system may include a communication device and a network device in any possible implementation of any one of the above aspects. The communication device and network device may perform a DRX control method in any one of the above aspects and possible implementations.

[0059] According to a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided that includes at least one processor and memory. The at least one processor is connected to a transceiver and is configured to read and execute a program stored in memory, thereby enabling the device to perform the above method or a method according to a possible design of either method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0060] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the DRX cycle according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of random access signal interaction according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of random access signal interaction according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart of the DRX control method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 6] This is a schematic flowchart of the DRX control method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the inconsistency during the active period of the communication device according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 8] This is a schematic flowchart of the DRX control method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic flowchart of the DRX control method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic flowchart of the DRX control method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 11] This is a schematic flowchart of the DRX control method according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the UE according to the embodiment of this application. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this application. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to the embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0061] For the sake of understanding, illustrative descriptions of some concepts relating to embodiments of this application are provided below for reference.

[0062] 1. MBS

[0063] MBS transmission method: For MBS service / data transmission, one or more of the following transmission methods, namely dynamic transmission methods and / or configured transmission methods, may be present.

[0064] Dynamic transmission methods include point-to-point (PTP) transmission methods and / or point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission methods.

[0065] PTP transmission method: In this transmission method, the transmitting end sends one piece of data to the receiving end. The PTP transmission method can be understood as scheduling (by network devices) using a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) / Downlink control information (DCI) scrambled using a UE-specific Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI) (e.g., Cell-RNTI, C-RNTI) or a first RNTI), and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) scrambled using a UE-specific RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI or a first RNTI) (for terminal devices). The PTP transmission method may also be called a C+C transmission method.

[0066] In this application, DCI may be replaced with PDCCH, and PDCCH may be replaced with DCI.

[0067] In this application, scrambling PDCCH / DCI / control information by using RNTI may be understood as scrambling the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) of PDCCH / DCI / control information by using RNTI, or scrambling the CRC of PDCCH / DCI / control information by using RNTI (PDCCH / DCI / control information having a CRC scrambled by RNTI).

[0068] PTM transmission method: In the PTM transmission method, the transmitting end may transmit one data to multiple receiving ends.

[0069] The PTM transmission method may include a first PTM transmission method and / or a second PTM transmission method.

[0070] The first PTM transmission method can be understood as scheduling (by network devices) using a PDCCH / DCI scrambled by using a common RNTI (e.g., a group RNTI (G-RNTI) or a second RNTI), and a PDSCH scrambled by using a common RNTI (e.g., a G-RNTI or a second RNTI) (for terminal devices). Alternatively, this can be understood as the network side scrambling one DCI by using a common RNTI, and the DCI scheduling one data scrambled by using a common RNTI. In this case, multiple communication devices receive the same one DCI, and the data received by multiple communication devices is the same.

[0071] The first PTM transmission method may also be called the G+G transmission method.

[0072] The second PTM transmission method can be understood as scheduling (by network devices) using a PDCCH / DCI scrambled by using a UE-specific RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI or first RNTI), and a PDSCH scrambled by using a common RNTI (e.g., G-RNTI or second RNTI) (for terminal devices). Alternatively, this can be understood as each of multiple communication devices receiving one DCI scrambled by using a specific RNTI, but the multiple DCIs are for scheduling the same single data. In other words, the multiple DCIs received by the communication devices are different, but the data received by the multiple communication devices is the same.

[0073] The second PTM transmission method may also be called the C+G transmission method.

[0074] For example, PDSCH can also be understood as data.

[0075] The configured transmission method can be understood as either (by a network device) transmitting data / multicast data over a configured resource (to a terminal device), or (by a terminal device) receiving data / multicast data (sent by a network device) over a configured resource.

[0076] The configured transmission method may also be called a semi-persistent transmission method.

[0077] Configuration resources may also be called semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) resources.

[0078] MB HARQ:NR MBS supports Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ).

[0079] 2. Multicast and Unicast

[0080] Multicast may include one or more of the following: broadcast in MBMS or MBS, multicast in MBMS or MBS, multicast in MBMS or MBS, multicast in Vehicle To Everything (V2X), multicast in V2X, broadcast in V2X, multicast, broadcast, multicast, groupcast, and broadcast.

[0081] A multicast service may include / be replaced by one or more of the following: broadcast service, multicast service, MBS service, MBS broadcast service, MBS multicast service, V2X multicast service, and V2X broadcast service.

[0082] Data that corresponds to a multicast service may also be called multicast data.

[0083] Unicast may include one or more of the following: unicast in V2X and unicast. Optionally, unicast may be understood as unicast transmission.

[0084] The indication of the waiting period before a communication device receives retransmitted data may be understood to include one or more of the following: indicating the waiting period (e.g., minimum duration) before the communication device receives / receives retransmitted data (e.g., DL data or SL data), and indicating the waiting period (e.g., minimum duration) before the communication device assumes / receives retransmitted data (e.g., DL data or SL data).

[0085] Indicating the duration for which a communication device receives retransmitted data may include / may be understood to include indicating the duration for which the communication device receives / will receive retransmitted data (e.g., DL data or SL data) (e.g., maximum duration).

[0086] 3. DRX

[0087] DRX is used to control the behavior of terminal devices in listening to the PDCCH, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal device and enabling efficient data transmission. When DRX is configured for a terminal device, the terminal device may be able to enter a sleep period at a certain time. In this case, the terminal device is in a "sleep state" and does not need to continuously listen to the PDCCH. When the terminal device needs to listen to the PDCCH, it wakes up from the "sleep state" to enter the "active state," i.e., enters the active period. In this way, the terminal device can save power. A typical DRX cycle may be shown in Figure 1. One DRX cycle includes onDuration (equivalent to the active period), a duration controlled by a timer (not shown in Figure 1), and Opportunity for DRX (sleep period).

[0088] onDuration: This is the duration the terminal device waits for a PDCCH to be received after it has woken up. If the terminal device successfully decodes the PDCCH, it remains in the wake-up state and extends the wake-up time by using a control timer (e.g., inactivity timer, retransmission timer, or RTT timer). Opportunity for DRX: This period is the sleep time in DRX, i.e., the time the terminal device enters a sleep period to conserve power and does not listen for a PDCCH. A longer sleep time in DRX indicates lower power consumption by the terminal device.

[0089] DRX Cycle: A DRX cycle can be understood as a repeating cycle of onDuration. One DRX cycle consists of onDuration, a time portion of the duration controlled by a possible subsequent timer, and Opportunity for DRX.

[0090] DRX in Unicast

[0091] In existing DRX systems, timers used to control terminal devices to become active (the timers are described using the following as examples) may include an OnDuration Timer, an InactivityTimer, and a RetransmissionTimer.

[0092] The RetransmissionTimer is configured for each downlink HARQ process and can be understood as the maximum duration for which a terminal device is expected to receive downlink retransmission data in a retransmission scenario, i.e., the maximum duration for which a terminal device needs to listen to the PDCCH.

[0093] The HARQ-RTT-Timer is also configured for each downlink HARQ process and can be understood as the minimum duration that a terminal device must wait before receiving the expected downlink retransmitted data.

[0094] When DRX is configured for a terminal device, in the case of a statically configured assignment, the specific steps by which the terminal device executes DRX may be as follows:

[0095] (1) If the terminal device receives downlink data on the configured downlink assignment during the active period, the terminal device sends feedback to the network device and then starts the HARQ-RTT-Timer. If the received downlink data is successfully decoded, the terminal device stops the drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL timing.

[0096] (2) If the HARQ-RTT-Timer expires and there is data that has not been properly decoded in the HARQ process, the terminal device will start RetransmissionTimerDL after the HARQ-RTT-Timer expires in order to receive the retransmitted data.

[0097] When DRX is configured for a terminal device, in the case of dynamic scheduling, the specific processing steps for the terminal device to execute DRX may be as follows:

[0098] (1) The terminal device listens to the PDCCH during the active period. If the PDCCH indicates that downlink transmission is present, the terminal device may start the HARQ-RTT-Timer after sending feedback to the network device. If the received downlink data is successfully decoded, the terminal device stops the drx-HARQ-RTT-TimerDL timing.

[0099] (2) The terminal device listens to the PDCCH during the active period. If the PDCCH indicates that there is a new transmission (a new uplink transmission or a new downlink transmission), the terminal device starts or restarts the InactivityTimer after receiving the PDCCH in order to receive the new data within the InactivityTimer.

[0100] DRX in LTE MBMS

[0101] In LTE, SC-PTM DRX and unicast DRX are independent, and SC-PTM DRX is configured separately for each multicast. In this case, the active period of the terminal device includes the duration of the On duration and the InactivityTimer. When the terminal device accesses the PDCCH corresponding to a specific G-RNTI, the terminal device starts the Inactivity Timer. Since LTE SC-PTM does not involve retransmission, SC-PTM in LTE MBMS does not involve HARQ-RTT-Timer and RetransmissionTimer.

[0102] 4. V2X

[0103] V2X is a key technology in intelligent transportation systems and is considered one of the areas with the most industrial potential and clearest market demand in IoT systems. The Internet of Vehicles means that vehicle information is provided by using sensors, in-vehicle terminal devices, etc., mounted on vehicles to realize communication networks for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-network (V2N), and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication.

[0104] Generally, in V2X scenarios, the communication link for direct communication between terminals may be called a sidelink (sidelink SL) or side link.

[0105] Unicast, multicast, and broadcast are supported in NR V2X.

[0106] 5. Bandwidth Part (BWP)

[0107] BWP may also be called the bandwidth portion.

[0108] A subset of the total cell bandwidth of a cell is called a BWP (Bandwidth Utility). In NR R15, a network device may configure multiple BWPs for a terminal device, but a terminal device can only operate on one BWP, i.e., an active BWP or initial BWP.

[0109] In this specification, BWP is used for illustrative purposes, but it should be noted that the name is not necessarily limited to BWP and may be other. For example, BWP may be understood as a subset of cell bandwidth. For example, BWP may be understood as part of cell bandwidth. Alternatively, cell bandwidth includes BWP. For example, BWP may be equivalent to cell bandwidth as an alternative.

[0110] 6. Random Access (RA)

[0111] An example in which the terminal device is the UE and the network device is the base station is used to illustrate contention-based random access (CBRA) procedures and contention-free random access (Contention-Free Random Access) procedures.

[0112] The CBRA procedure is shown in Figure 2 and includes the following steps:

[0113] (1) The UE transmits a preamble sequence (i.e., MSG(message)1) to the base station.

[0114] (2) After receiving the preamble, the base station sends a random access response (RA response), i.e., MSG 2, to the UE.

[0115] (3) The UE transmits a MSG (Scheduled Transmission) to the base station.

[0116] (4) After the base station has successfully received MSG 3, the base station sends a Contention resolution message, i.e., MSG 4, to the UE.

[0117] The CFRA procedure is shown in Figure 3 and includes the following steps:

[0118] (1) The base station assigns a random access preamble sequence (RA preamble assignment) to the UE.

[0119] (2) The UE transmits a preamble to the base station, and the preamble (MSG 1) transmitted to the base station by the UE is dedicated to this purpose.

[0120] (3) After receiving the preamble, the base station sends a random access response (RA response), i.e., MSG 2, to the UE.

[0121] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, " / " means "or" unless otherwise specified. For example, A / B may represent A or B. In this specification, "and / or" may describe only the relating relationship for the purpose of describing the relevant subjects and indicate that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: that only A exists, that both A and B exist, and that only B exists. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0122] Hereafter, the terms “First” and “Second” are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features described. Therefore, features defined in “First” and “Second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of embodiments, unless otherwise specified, “multiple” means two or more.

[0123] In embodiments of this application, terms such as “example” or “for example” are used to indicate that an example, illustration, or explanation is being given. No embodiment or design described as “example” or “for example” in embodiments of this application should be described as being preferable to or having more advantages than other embodiments or design designs. More precisely, the use of terms such as “example” or “for example” is intended to present relative concepts in a particular manner for ease of understanding.

[0124] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application may be used in various communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, and future mobile communication systems.

[0125] The methods provided in embodiments of this application cover the following fields: MBMS, SC-PTM, multicast broadcast services, MBSFN, dual-channel intelligent unicast (DC-IU), broadcast, multicast, multicast broadcast (Multicast Broadcast), Groupcast, V2X, public safety, mission critical, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, software delivery over wireless, group communication, Internet of Things (IoT), TV Video, television, linear TV, live, radio service, device to device (D2D), unmanned driving, automated driving (ADS), driver assistance (ADAS), intelligent driving, and connected driving. This method is applicable to, but not limited to, driving, intelligent network driving, car sharing, etc. As shown in Figure 4, the method provided in this embodiment of this application may be applied to communication between communication devices, or to communication between a communication device and a network device.

[0126] The network device in this embodiment of the application may be a device having wireless transceiver functionality, or a chip that may be placed in the device, and may be deployed in a wireless access network to provide wireless communication services to terminal devices. The device includes, but is not limited to, an evolved node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NodeB NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home node B (e.g., a home evolved node B or home node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), or an access point (AP), radio relay node, radio backhaul node, transmission reception point (TRP) or transmission point (TP) in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. Alternatively, the network device may be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G system such as an NR system, or one antenna panel or group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or distributed unit (DU). Alternatively, the network device may be an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, or a future advanced network device in a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).

[0127] The communication device in this embodiment of the application may be a terminal device or a communication chip. For example, a terminal is an entity located on the user side and configured to receive signals, transmit signals, or receive and transmit signals. The terminal device is configured to provide the user with one or more voice services and data connectivity services. The terminal device may be referred to as an UE, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment. Alternatively, the terminal device may be a V2X device, such as a smart car or intelligent car, a digital car, an unmanned car (driverless car, pilotless car or automobile), a self-driving car or autonomous car, a pure EV or battery EV, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a range-extended EV (REEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a new energy vehicle, or a road site unit (RSU). Alternatively, the terminal device may be a device in device-to-device (D2D) communication, such as an electric meter or a water meter.Terminal devices may also include, as an alternative, mobile stations (MS), subscriber units, unmanned aerial vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, WLAN stations (ST), cellular phones, smartphones, cordless phones, wireless data cards, tablet computers, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, laptop computers, machine type communication (MTC) terminals, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, or wearable devices (which may also be called wearable intelligent devices). Terminal devices may also include, as an alternative, terminals in next-generation communication systems, such as terminals in 5G systems, terminals in future advanced PLMNs, or terminals in NR systems. For example, the terminal device in the embodiment of this application may be replaced by a mobile phone, tablet, computer with wireless transceiver functionality, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in telemedicine, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The application scenarios are not limited to this embodiment of this application.In this application, methods and steps implemented by a terminal device may, alternatively, be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that may be used in the terminal device. The above-mentioned terminal device and components (e.g., chips or circuits) that may be placed in the terminal device are collectively referred to as terminal devices in this application.

[0128] In this application, communication devices and network devices are used as illustrative examples, but it should be noted that this is not limited to applications applicable only to communication devices and network devices. The solutions in this application may also be applicable to other devices, and this is not limited to this application. Communication devices may be replaced by the first device, and network devices by the second device. For example, the solutions in this application may also be applicable to communication devices and other communication devices, as well as network devices and other network devices.

[0129] Introduction to the problem

[0130] Network devices may perform transmission of multicast services / multicast data using different transmission methods (e.g., C+C transmission method, C+G transmission method, G+G transmission method, and configured transmission method), and the transmission method may be changed.

[0131] For example, a network device transmits multicast data 1 using the C+G transmission method and multicast data 2 using either the G+G transmission method or the C+C transmission method.

[0132] Problem 1

[0133] The communication device receives DCI1 / data1 transmitted using the C+G transmission method. Subsequently, the network device may transmit DCI2 / data2 using either the G+G transmission method or the C+C transmission method. Currently, there is no effective solution for ensuring that the communication device can receive the data subsequently transmitted by the network device using either the G+G transmission method or the C+C transmission method.

[0134] In other examples, a network device may transmit multicast data 1 using the C+G transmission method, and the network device may retransmit multicast data 1 using the G+G transmission method, the C+G transmission method, or the C+C transmission method.

[0135] Problem 2

[0136] The communication device receives DCI1 / data1 transmitted using the C+G transmission method. Subsequently, the network device may retransmit data1 using the G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method. Currently, there is no effective solution for ensuring that the communication device can receive the retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device using the G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method.

[0137] For example, a network device transmits multicast data 1 using the configured transmission method and multicast data 2 using the G+G transmission method, C+G transmission method, or C+C transmission method.

[0138] Problem 3

[0139] The communication device receives data 1 transmitted using the configured transmission method. Subsequently, the network device may transmit DCI2 / data 2 using the C+C transmission method, C+G transmission method, or G+C transmission method. Currently, there is no effective solution for ensuring that the communication device can receive data subsequently transmitted by the network device using the G+G transmission method, C+G transmission method, or C+C transmission method.

[0140] In other examples, a network device may transmit multicast data 1 using the configured transmission method, and the network device may retransmit multicast data 1 using the G+G transmission method, the configured transmission method, or the C+C transmission method.

[0141] Question 4

[0142] The communication device receives data 1 transmitted using the configured transmission method. Subsequently, the network device may retransmit data 1 using the G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method. Currently, there is no effective solution for ensuring that the communication device can receive the retransmitted data 1 subsequently transmitted by the network device using the G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method.

[0143] Even after resolving some of problems 1-4, several other problems may still exist. These could lead to high power consumption in communication devices or be detrimental to energy conservation. For example,

[0144] Problem 5: A communication device receives DCI1 / data1 transmitted using a C+G transmission scheme (e.g., corresponding to HARQ process 1). To ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data1 subsequently transmitted by a network device using a G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission scheme, the communication device may start or restart timers corresponding to DRXs used for retransmission and associated with multicast (e.g., a second timer or Retransmission Timer associated with HARQ process 1), and / or timers corresponding to DRXs used for retransmission and associated with unicast (e.g., a fifth timer or Retransmission Timer associated with HARQ process 1), in order to listen for a PDCCH for retransmission of data1. When a communication device receives DCI and / or data (e.g., a retransmission of data 1 or other data) transmitted using a G+G transmission method, C+G transmission method, C+C transmission method, or configured transmission method and associated with the same HARQ process (e.g., HARQ process 1), the communication device will still listen on PDCCH (e.g., PDCCH for the retransmission of data 1). This increases the power consumption of the communication device.

[0145] Question 6:

[0146] The communication device receives data 1 transmitted using a configured transmission method (e.g., corresponding to HARQ process 1). To ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data 1 subsequently transmitted by a network device using a G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method, the communication device may start or restart timers corresponding to DRXs used for retransmission and associated with multicast (e.g., a second timer or Retransmission Timer associated with HARQ process 1), and / or timers corresponding to DRXs used for retransmission and associated with unicast (e.g., a fifth timer or Retransmission Timer associated with HARQ process 1) to listen for a PDCCH for retransmission of data 1. If the communication device receives DCI and / or data (e.g., retransmitted data 1 or other data) transmitted using a G+G, C+G, C+C, or configured transmission method and associated with the same HARQ process (e.g., HARQ process 1), the communication device still listens for a PDCCH (e.g., a PDCCH for retransmission of data 1). This increases the power consumption of communication devices.

[0147] Embodiment 1.1 In view of the technical problems in Problems 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 above, this application provides a DRX control method to ensure that a communication device can receive multicast data (in other words, to avoid a situation where the communication device cannot receive multicast data) and / or to save energy for the communication device. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes the following steps.

[0148] 501: A communication device receives first control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the first control information is for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or, the communication device receives first data, the first data is transmitted in a multicast manner. Correspondingly, a network device transmits first control information transmitted in a unicast manner to the communication device, the first control information is for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or, the network device transmits first data to the communication device, the first data is transmitted in a multicast manner.

[0149] It should be noted that the multicast in embodiments 1.1 and 1.2 of this application may be understood as multicast corresponding to first data, or multicast corresponding to G-RNTI corresponding to first data.

[0150] The first control information transmitted by unicast may / may include one or more of the following:

[0151] (1) The first control information is transmitted over the first resource, and the first resource is a resource associated with unicast.

[0152] The fact that the first resource is a resource associated with a unicast can be understood as follows: The first resource is located in the BWP corresponding to the unicast.

[0153] For example, the first resource could be a PDCCH resource.

[0154] (2) The first control information is scrambled using the first RNTI.

[0155] The first RNTI may be used for one or more of the following: unicasting, scheduling dynamic resources, retransmitting dynamic resources, activating configuration resources, deactivating configuration resources, deactivating configuration resources, scheduling retransmitting configuration resources, and scrambling (e.g., scrambling PDCCH or PDSCH).

[0156] For example, the first RNTI may be a C-RNTI or a CS-RNTI.

[0157] For example, the first control information can be understood as DCI.

[0158] In this application, DCI may be replaced with PDCCH. PDCCH may be replaced with DCI.

[0159] For example, the first control information transmitted by unicast may be PDCCH / DCI scrambled using C-RNTI, or DCI transmitted over PDCCH scrambled using C-RNTI.

[0160] The phrase "the communication device receives first control information transmitted in a unicast manner" can be understood to indicate that the first control information is specific to the communication device. In other words, the first control information is transmitted specifically to the communication device.

[0161] It should be noted that the first control information may be replaced by alternatives such as the second information, the first DCI, etc. This is not limited to this application, and the first control information is not limited to being a DCI in this application.

[0162] The transmission of first data by multicast, or the transmission of first data by multicast, may include / be understood to include one or more of the following:

[0163] (1) The first data is transmitted over the second resource, and the second resource is a multicast-associated resource.

[0164] The fact that the second resource is a multicast-related resource can be understood as follows: the second resource is within a common frequency resource that supports multicast, or the second resource is an SPS resource that supports multicast.

[0165] A multicast-compatible SPS resource can be understood as a multicast-compatible common SPS resource (e.g., a PDSCH resource). All communication devices receiving multicast may receive data on a multicast-compatible SPS resource.

[0166] For example, a communication device may obtain the configuration of an SPS resource, or the correspondence between an SPS resource / SPS resource configuration and multicast, by using one or more of the following: broadcast messages (e.g., system information and multicast control channel (MCCH) messages), radio resource control (RRC) messages (e.g., dedicated RRC messages), medium access control (MAC) messages (e.g., MAC control element (CE)), physical layer messages (e.g., DCI), or pre-configured messages.

[0167] For example, after obtaining the SPS configuration, the communication device may need to be activated to receive data by using resources (e.g., by using physical layer messages / DCI), or it may receive data directly by using resources (i.e., no activation is required).

[0168] A common frequency resource that supports multicast can be understood as a multicast-compatible frequency wave (BWP) or a multicast-compatible frequency range.

[0169] For example, the second resource could be a PDSCH resource.

[0170] (2) The first data is scrambled using the second RNTI.

[0171] The second RNTI may be used for one or more of the following: multicast, scheduling dynamic resources, retransmission resources for dynamic resources, activating configuration resources, deactivating configuration resources, deactivating configuration resources, scheduling retransmission resources for configuration resources, and scrambling (e.g., scrambling PDCCH or PDSCH).

[0172] For example, the second RNTI could be a G-RNTI.

[0173] For example, the first data can be multicast data.

[0174] For example, the first data transmitted using the unicast method may be a PDSCH scrambled using G-RNTI, or data transmitted over a PDSCH scrambled using G-RNTI, or data scrambled using G-RNTI.

[0175] The phrase "transmit the first data using multicast" can be understood to mean that the first data does not have to be specific to the communication device. In other words, the first data does not have to be sent specifically to the communication device. For example, multiple communication devices may all receive the first data transmitted using multicast, and these multiple communication devices may be UEs interested in the first data.

[0176] The statement "The first control information is for scheduling the first data transmitted in a multicast manner" may be understood to include / include one or more of the following:

[0177] (1) The first control information indicates that the first data will be transmitted by multicast.

[0178] The indication by the first control information that the first data is transmitted in a multicast manner includes one or more of the following: the format of the first control information / the scrambling information of the first control information / the instruction information within the first control information (e.g., one or more fields) indicates that the first data is transmitted in a multicast manner.

[0179] The communication device receives first control information and determines that first data will be transmitted in a multicast manner based on the format of the first control information, the scrambling information of the first control information, and the instruction information within the first control information (e.g., one or more fields).

[0180] (2) The first control information indicates that the first data is scrambled by using the second RNTI.

[0181] The indication by the first control information that the first data will be scrambled using the second RNTI includes one or more of the following: the format of the first control information / the instruction information within the first control information (e.g., one or more fields) that indicates that the first data will be scrambled using the second RNTI.

[0182] For example, the first control information indicates that the first data is scrambled by using G-RNTI1.

[0183] (3) The first control information indicates that the first data corresponds to multicast (service) 1.

[0184] The indication by the first control information that the first data corresponds to multicast (service) 1 includes one or more of the following: the format of the first control information / the instruction information within the first control information (e.g., one or more fields) indicates that the first data corresponds to multicast (service) 1.

[0185] It can be understood that the communication device acquires the correspondence between multicast (service) 1 and G-RNTI1, and recognizes that it will receive the first data by using G-RNTI1.

[0186] (4) The first control information is for scheduling the first data.

[0187] The first control information indicates the resource location of the first data and / or information necessary to decode the first data, such as time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), HARQ process ID, and new data indicator (NDI).

[0188] (5) The first control information indicates downlink transmission.

[0189] Downlink transmission can be understood as the first data.

[0190] Multiple communication devices may receive different PDCCH / DCI (for example, the PDCCH / DCI received by each communication device may be scrambled using the C-RNTI corresponding to each communication device), and it may be understood that different PDCCH / DCI may schedule the same PDSCH / same data.

[0191] For example, a communication device receives scrambled DCI / PDCCH using C-RNTI, and the DCI / PDCCH schedules scrambled PDSCH / data using G-RNTI.

[0192] For example, a communication device receives scrambled PDSCH / data by using G-RNTI.

[0193] It can be understood that a communication device receives first control information transmitted in a unicast manner, and that the first control information transmitted by the network device to multiple communication devices is different. The first control information received by each of the multiple communication devices is different.

[0194] A communication device receives the first data transmitted via multicast, and it can be understood that the first data transmitted by the network device to multiple communication devices is the same. The first data received by each of the multiple communication devices is the same.

[0195] In this application, the multicast scheme may be replaced by / with a multicast scheme or a broadcast scheme. In this application, the multicast scheme is used as an example for illustrative purposes.

[0196] For example, the first control information and / or the first data is associated with the first HARQ process.

[0197] 502: The communication device performs one or more of the following steps 502-1, 502-2, 502-2A, and 502-3, and / or the communication device performs one or more of the following steps 502-4, 502-5, 502-5A, and 502-6.

[0198] Optionally, before the communication device performs one or more of steps 502-1, 502-2, 502-2A, and 502-3, the method includes the following: The communication device receives first instruction information.

[0199] The first instruction indicates one or more of the following: the network device retransmits the first data or transmits subsequent data using the C+G or G+G transmission method; the network device does not retransmit the first data or transmit subsequent data using the C+C transmission method; or the network device configures / instructs that the communication device may start / stop / restart the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0200] Optionally, before the communication device performs one or more of steps 502-4, 502-5, 502-5A, and 502-6, the method further includes: The communication device receives a second instruction information.

[0201] The second instruction information indicates one or more of the following: the network device retransmits the first data or transmits subsequent data using the C+G or G+G transmission method; the network device retransmits the first data or transmits subsequent data using the C+C transmission method; or the network device configures / instructs that the communication device may start / stop / restart the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast.

[0202] For example, the first data corresponds to multicast (service) 1. For example, the first data is scrambled using G-RNTI1. Subsequent data may be understood as data corresponding to multicast (service) 1, or as data corresponding to a service (which may include one or more services) corresponding to G-RNTI1.

[0203] For example, the first instruction information or the second instruction information may be included in the first control information, or it may be included in one or more of the following: a broadcast message (e.g., system information or MCCH message), an RRC message (e.g., a dedicated RRC message), a MAC message (e.g., MAC CE), a physical layer message (e.g., DCI), or a preconfiguration.

[0204] 502-1: The communication device starts or restarts a first timer, the duration of the first timer / first timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled, and the first timer is a timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0205] Indicating the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled may include / may be understood to include indicating the duration after a newly transmitted PDCCH opportunity has been scheduled, or indicating the duration after a newly transmitted SCI has been scheduled.

[0206] It should be noted that this application (or the definition / function / duration of the first timer) does not limit whether the first timer is started immediately after being used to schedule newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data, or after a certain period of time.

[0207] For example, the first timer may be understood as an Inactivity Timer, or an Inactivity Timer corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast.

[0208] For example, a DRX associated with multicast can be understood as one or more of the following: a DRX corresponding to a second RNTI, a DRX corresponding to a service corresponding to a second RNTI, and a DRX corresponding to a service corresponding to the first data.

[0209] It should be noted that a service corresponding to the first data or a service corresponding to the second RNTI may include one or more services.

[0210] Optionally, starting or restarting the first timer includes starting or restarting the first timer when the first data is newly transmitted data, or when the first control information indicates a new transmission / the first data is newly transmitted, or when the communication device determines that the first data is newly transmitted data.

[0211] For example, the communication device determines that the first data is newly transmitted data based on the NDI in the first control information.

[0212] For example, when it is determined that the first data is newly transmitted data, the communication device starts the Inactivity Timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0213] Optionally, the communication device may start or restart the first timer after a first duration / at a first time point following the receipt of the first control information, or it may start or restart the first timer after a first duration / at a first time point following the receipt of the first data.

[0214] The first time point may be the a symbol / slot / subframe / frame, etc., where a is a non-negative integer. The value of the first time point / the value of a / the value of the first duration may be configured or pre-configured by the network device, or specified in the protocol. This is not limited to this application.

[0215] For example, a communication device may receive DCI and / or data (corresponding to a first HARQ process) transmitted using the C+G transmission method, or data (corresponding to a first HARQ process) transmitted using a configured transmission method, and the network device may then transmit other DCI and / or data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method), or retransmit the data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method), the communication device may start a first timer (corresponding to a second HARQ process) corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast. Thus, when a network device transmits other DCI and / or data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the first timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device will be in a sleep state and unable to receive the DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0216] In a possible implementation, 502-2: The communication device stops a second timer, the duration of the second timer / second timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, and the second timer is a timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0217] Indicating the duration for which a communication device receives retransmitted data may include / may be understood to include indicating the maximum duration for which a communication device receives retransmitted downlink data.

[0218] For example, the second timer may be understood as a Retransmission Timer or a Retransmission Timer corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast.

[0219] Optionally, stopping the second timer includes stopping the second timer when the first data is newly transmitted or retransmitted data, or when the first control information indicates a new transmission or retransmission / the first data is newly transmitted or retransmitted, or when the communication device determines that the first data is newly transmitted or retransmitted data.

[0220] For example, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (e.g., corresponding to the first HARQ process) may be running (for example, if the communication device has previously received DCI and / or data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the C+G or G+G transmission scheme, or has received data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the configured transmission scheme, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast, corresponding to the second HARQ process, may be started or restarted by the communication device to ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device in the G+G transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme)), the communication device may receive DCI and / or data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the second HARQ process) transmitted in the C+G transmission scheme, or receive data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the second HARQ process) transmitted in the configured transmission scheme. To conserve energy in the communication device, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped. If data Y is a retransmission of data X, it can be understood that this indicates the retransmission of data X has been received and the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped. If data Y is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data X for the communication device and the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped.

[0221] For example, the second timer is associated with the second HARQ process.

[0222] It can be understood that the first data / first control information and the second timer correspond to the same HARQ process.

[0223] In other possible implementations, step 502-2 may be replaced with 502-2A.

[0224] For example, if the DRX associated with multicast does not include a HARQ-RTT-Timer, step 502-2 may be replaced with 502-2A.

[0225] 502-2A: The communication device starts or restarts a second timer, the duration of the second timer / second timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, and the second timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0226] Optionally, starting or restarting a second timer includes the following: The communication device transmits first feedback information, which indicates that the communication device has successfully received or failed to receive first data, or, at the first feedback time, after the first feedback time, or before the first feedback time, where the first feedback time is the time domain position where the first feedback resource is located, and the first feedback resource is associated with the first data, and the second timer is started or restarted.

[0227] The first feedback information may include ACK and / or NACK.

[0228] For example, the association of a first feedback resource with first data may include / be understood to include the use of the first feedback resource by a communication device to transmit first feedback information.

[0229] For example, the first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain associated with the first data, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. This is not limited to this application. For example, multiple communication devices may receive the first data, and the feedback resources corresponding to the multiple communication devices may be the same in the time domain (e.g., time-division multiplexing). The first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain among the multiple feedback resources, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. In this way, the active times of different communication devices (active times of DRX associated with multicast) can be aligned to ensure that the communication devices can receive control information and / or data transmitted by network devices.

[0230] For example, a communication device may transmit first feedback information on a PUCCH resource or a PUSCH resource.

[0231] For example, the first feedback resource may include a PUCCH resource.

[0232] Optionally, in order to start or restart the second timer, the following condition must be met: The communication device fails to receive / decode the first data.

[0233] The communication device may optionally start the second timer after a second duration / at a second time point following the reception of the first control information, or after a second duration / at a second time point following the reception of the first data, or after a second duration / at a second time point following the transmission of the first feedback information, or after a second duration / at a second time point following the first feedback time.

[0234] The second time point may be the b symbol / slot / subframe / frame, etc., where b is a non-negative integer. The value of the second time point / the value of b / the value of the second duration may be configured or preconfigured by the network device, or specified in the protocol. This is not limited to this application.

[0235] For example, a communication device may receive DCI and / or data (corresponding to a first HARQ process) transmitted in a C+G transmission scheme, or data transmitted in a configured transmission scheme, and the network device may then transmit other DCI and / or data in a G+G transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), or retransmit the data in a G+G transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device in a G+G transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), the communication device may start or restart a second timer (corresponding to a second HARQ process) corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast. Thus, when a network device transmits other DCI and / or data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the second timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device will be in a sleep state and unable to receive the DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0236] 502-3: The communication device starts or restarts a third timer, the duration of which indicates the waiting period before the communication device receives retransmitted data, and the third timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0237] For example, the third timer may be understood as a HARQ-RTT-Timer, or a HARQ-RTT-Timer corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast.

[0238] Optionally, starting or restarting a third timer includes: the communication device transmits first feedback information, which indicates that the communication device has successfully received or failed to receive first data, or, at the first feedback time, after the first feedback time, or before the first feedback time, where the first feedback time is the time domain position where the first feedback resource is located, and the first feedback resource is associated with the first data, and the third timer is started or restarted.

[0239] The first feedback information may include ACK and / or NACK.

[0240] For example, the association of a first feedback resource with first data may include / be understood to include the use of the first feedback resource by a communication device to transmit first feedback information.

[0241] For example, the first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain associated with the first data, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. This is not limited to this application. For example, multiple communication devices may receive the first data, and the feedback resources corresponding to the multiple communication devices may be the same in the time domain (e.g., time-division multiplexing). The first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain among the multiple feedback resources, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. In this way, the active times of different communication devices (active times of DRX associated with multicast) can be aligned to ensure that the communication devices can receive control information and / or data transmitted by network devices.

[0242] For example, a communication device may transmit first feedback information on a PUCCH resource or a PUSCH resource.

[0243] For example, the first feedback resource may include a PUCCH resource.

[0244] Optionally, in order to start or restart the third timer, the following condition must be met: The communication device fails to receive / decode the first data.

[0245] The communication device may optionally start the third timer after a third duration / at a third time point following the reception of the first control information, or after a third duration / at a third time point following the reception of the first data, or after a third duration / at a third time point following the transmission of the first feedback information, or after a third duration / at a third time point following the first feedback time.

[0246] The third time point may be the c symbol / slot / subframe / frame, etc., where c is a non-negative integer. The value of the third time point / the value of c / the value of the third duration may be configured or preconfigured by the network device, or specified in the protocol. This is not limited to this application.

[0247] Optionally, this application further includes: when a third timer expires, the communication device starts or restarts a second timer; or when a third timer expires and the communication device fails to receive / decode the first data, the communication device starts or restarts a second timer.

[0248] Optionally, the communication device may start a second timer at a second time point in time after a second duration following the expiration of the third timer.

[0249] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted in a C+G transmission scheme, or data transmitted in a configured transmission scheme, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data in a G+G transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), or retransmit the data in a G+G transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device in a G+G transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), the communication device may start or restart a third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. Optionally, after the third timer has expired, the communication device may start or restart a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. Thus, when a network device transmits other DCI and / or data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the second timer (and / or the third timer), it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device will be in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission. Furthermore, the communication device starts or restarts a third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast, and after the third timer expires, starts or restarts a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. This also avoids listening for data retransmissions within the operating duration of the third timer, promoting energy savings for the communication device.

[0250] For example, the third timer is associated with the second HARQ process.

[0251] It can be understood that the first data / first control information and the third timer correspond to the same HARQ process.

[0252] The first timer, the second timer, and the third timer all correspond to the second HARQ process. The first HARQ process and the second HARQ process can be understood as the same HARQ process or as two related HARQ processes.

[0253] 502-4: The communication device starts or restarts the fourth timer. The duration of the fourth timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled. The fourth timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast.

[0254] It should be noted that this application (or the definition / function / duration of the fourth timer) is not limited to whether the fourth timer is started immediately after being used to schedule newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data, or after a certain period of time.

[0255] For example, the fourth timer may be understood as an Inactivity Timer, or an Inactivity Timer corresponding to a DRX associated with a unicast.

[0256] For example, a DRX associated with a unicast can be understood as one or more of the following DRXs corresponding to the first RNTI:

[0257] For details regarding "Starting or restarting the fourth timer," refer to the relevant section for "Starting or restarting the first timer" in step 502-1. For the sake of understanding, the first timer is replaced by the fourth timer, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0258] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted in a C+G transmission scheme, or receives data transmitted in a configured transmission scheme, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), or retransmit the data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), the communication device may start a fourth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other DCI and / or data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the fourth timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0259] 502-5: The communication device stops the fifth timer. The duration of the fifth timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data. The fifth timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast.

[0260] For example, the fifth timer could be understood as a Retransmission Timer, or a Retransmission Timer corresponding to a DRX associated with a unicast.

[0261] For details regarding "Stopping the fifth timer," refer to the relevant section for "Stopping the second timer" in step 502-2. For the sake of understanding, the second timer is replaced by the fifth timer, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0262] For example, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast (e.g., corresponding to the first HARQ process) may be running (for example, if the communication device has previously received DCI and / or data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the C+G, G+G, or C+C transmission scheme, or has received data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the configured transmission scheme, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be started or restarted by the communication device to ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device in the C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme)), the communication device may receive DCI and / or data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the C+G transmission scheme, or receive data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the configured transmission scheme. To conserve energy in the communication device, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped. If data Y is a retransmission of data X, it can be understood that this indicates the retransmission of data X has been received and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped. If data Y is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data X for the communication device and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped.

[0263] For example, the fifth timer is associated with the first HARQ process.

[0264] It can be understood that the first data / first control information and the fifth timer correspond to the same HARQ process.

[0265] In other possible implementations, step 502-5 may be replaced with 502-5A.

[0266] For example, if the DRX associated with the unicast does not include a HARQ-RTT-Timer, step 502-2 may be replaced with 502-2A.

[0267] 502-5A: The communication device starts or restarts the fifth timer, the duration of which indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data. The fifth timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast.

[0268] For details regarding "Starting or restarting the fifth timer," refer to the relevant section for "Starting or restarting the second timer" in step 502-2A. For the sake of understanding, the second timer is replaced by the fifth timer, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0269] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted in a C+G transmission scheme, or receives data transmitted in a configured transmission scheme, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), or retransmit the data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), the communication device may start or restart a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other DCI and / or data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the fifth timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0270] 502-6: The communication device starts or restarts the sixth timer, the duration of the sixth timer / sixth timer indicates the waiting duration before the communication device receives retransmitted data, and the sixth timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast.

[0271] For example, the sixth timer may be understood as a HARQ-RTT-Timer, or a HARQ-RTT-Timer corresponding to a DRX associated with a unicast.

[0272] For details regarding "Starting or restarting the sixth timer," refer to the relevant section for "Starting or restarting the third timer" in step 502-3. For the sake of understanding, the third timer is replaced by the sixth timer, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0273] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted in a C+G transmission scheme, or receives data transmitted in a configured transmission scheme, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), or retransmit the data in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device in a C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme), the communication device may start or restart a sixth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. Optionally, after the sixth timer has expired, the communication device may start or restart a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. Thus, when a network device transmits other DCI and / or data using the C+C transmission method (or C+G transmission method) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the fifth timer (and / or the operating duration of the sixth timer), it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device will be in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission. Furthermore, the communication device starts or restarts the sixth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast, and after the sixth timer expires, starts or restarts the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast. This also avoids listening for data retransmissions within the operating duration of the sixth timer, promoting energy savings for the communication device.

[0274] For example, the sixth timer is associated with the third HARQ process.

[0275] It can be understood that the first data / first control information and the sixth timer correspond to the same HARQ process.

[0276] The fourth, fifth, and sixth timers all correspond to the third HARQ process.

[0277] The first HARQ process and the third HARQ process can be understood as the same HARQ process or as two related HARQ processes.

[0278] It should be noted that in this embodiment, only the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be controlled, or only the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be controlled, or both the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast and the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be controlled. Any combination of these solutions falls within the scope of protection of this application.

[0279] In Embodiment 1.1, it should be noted that whether or not to start / stop / restart the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast or the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast, or whether or not to control the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast or the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast, may be configured by the network device for each multicast service, i.e., for each MBS service, or may be configured by the network device for each second RNTI, i.e., for each second RNTI.

[0280] Optionally, this embodiment further includes the following steps: 503 (not shown in the drawings): The communication device receives a second control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the second control information for scheduling a second data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or the communication device receives a second data, the second data being transmitted in a multicast manner. Alternatively, the communication device receives a second control information transmitted in a multicast manner, the second control information for scheduling a second data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or the communication device receives a second data, the second data being transmitted in a multicast manner. Alternatively, the communication device receives a second control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the second control information for scheduling a second data transmitted in a unicast manner, and / or the communication device receives a second data, the second data being transmitted in a single unicast manner. In response, the network device transmits a second control information, transmitted via unicast, to the communication device, which is used to schedule a second data, transmitted via multicast, and / or, the network device transmits the second data to the communication device, which is transmitted via multicast. Alternatively, the network device transmits a second control information, transmitted via multicast, to the communication device, which is used to schedule a second data, transmitted via multicast, and / or, the network device transmits the second data to the communication device, which is transmitted via multicast. Alternatively, the network device transmits a second control information, transmitted via unicast, to the communication device, which is used to schedule a second data, transmitted via unicast, and / or, the network device transmits the second data to the communication device, which is transmitted via unicast.

[0281] For the understanding of "the second control information transmitted in the unicast mode", refer to the description of "the first control information transmitted in the unicast mode" in step 501. For the sake of understanding, "the first control information" is replaced by "the second control information".

[0282] For the understanding of "transmitting the second data in the multicast mode" and "the second data being transmitted in the multicast mode", refer to the description of "transmitting the first data in the multicast mode" or "the first data being transmitted in the multicast mode" in step 501. For the sake of understanding, "the first data" is replaced by "the second data".

[0283] For the understanding of "the second control information is for scheduling the second data transmitted in the multicast mode", refer to the description of "the first control information is for scheduling the first data transmitted in the multicast mode" in step 501.

[0284] The second control information transmitted in the multicast mode can be understood as PDCCH / DCI scrambled by using the first RNTI, or DCI transmitted on PDCCH scrambled by using the second RNTI.

[0285] ]> The first RNTI may be, for example, C-RNTI, and the second RNTI may be, for example, G-RNTI.

[0286] "The communication device receives the second control information transmitted in the multicast mode" can be understood to indicate that the second control information is unique to a plurality of communication devices. In other words, the second control information is transmitted to a plurality of communication devices within the multicast. <{

[0287] Transmitting the second data in unicast mode can be understood as scrambling the PDSCH by using the first RNTI, or transmitting the second data on the PDSCH scrambled by using the first RNTI. The first RNTI may be, for example, a C-RNTI.

[0288] "The second data is transmitted in unicast mode" can be understood to indicate that the second data is specific to a particular communication device. In other words, the second data is transmitted to a specific communication device within the multicast.

[0289] For example, the second control information and / or the second data is associated with the first HARQ process.

[0290] Optionally, this embodiment further includes the following. 504: The communication device executes the following steps 504-1 and / or 504-2.

[0291] 504-1 (not shown in the drawings): The communication device stops the second timer.

[0292] 504-2 (not shown in the drawings): The communication device stops the fifth timer.

[0293] For example, the communication device receives DCI1 / data1 (corresponding to HARQ process 1) transmitted via the C+G transmission method, or the communication device receives data1 (for example, corresponding to HARQ process 1) transmitted via the configured transmission method. After the communication device provides feedback to the network device (for example, feedbacks a NACK), the communication device starts both the second timer on the DRX associated with multicast and the fifth timer on the DRX associated with unicast. If the communication device again receives DCI and / or data2 transmitted via the G+G transmission method, C+G transmission method, C+C transmission method, or the configured transmission method and associated with the same HARQ process (for example, HARQ process 1), the communication device stops the fifth timer on the DRX associated with unicast and the second timer on the DRX associated with multicast.

[0294] If the newly received data 2 is a retransmission of data 1, it can be understood that this indicates that the retransmission of data 1 has been received and that the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be stopped to reduce the power consumption of the communication device. To further reduce power consumption, considering that downlink control information and / or newly transmitted data scheduled to be transmitted in multicast mode are not received, the communication device may further stop the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. Alternatively, the communication device may stop only the second timer to reduce power consumption.

[0295] If data 2 is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data 1 for the communication device, and a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be stopped to reduce the power consumption of the communication device. To further reduce power consumption, considering that downlink control information and / or newly transmitted data scheduled to be transmitted in multicast mode will not be received, the communication device may further stop a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. Alternatively, the communication device may stop only the second timer to reduce power consumption.

[0296] It should be noted that steps 503 and 504 may be used as separate embodiments.

[0297] It may be understood that the communication device receives second control information and / or second data within the active time of the DRX associated with multicast or the active time of the DRX associated with unicast.

[0298] For example, the active time of a DRX associated with multicast may include one or more of the following: the time when a first timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running, the time when a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (which may include multiple second timers corresponding to different HARQ processes) is running, and the time when a drx-onDurationTimer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running. For example, the start time of the drx-onDurationTimer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be determined based on several parameters.

[0299] For example, the active time of a DRX associated with a unicast may include one or more of the following: the time when a fourth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast is running; the time when a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast (which may include multiple fifth timers corresponding to different HARQ processes) is running; and the time when a drx-onDurationTimer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast is running. For example, the start time of the drx-onDurationTimer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be determined based on several parameters.

[0300] For example, a network device may transmit multicast data 1 using the G+G transmission method, and the network device may retransmit multicast data 1 using the G+G transmission method, the C+G transmission method, or the C+C transmission method.

[0301] Problem A

[0302] The communication device receives DCI1 / data1 transmitted using the G+G transmission method. Subsequently, the network device may retransmit data1 using the G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method. Currently, there is no effective solution for ensuring that the communication device can receive the retransmitted data1 subsequently transmitted by the network device using the G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method.

[0303] Even after solving problem A, several other problems may still exist. These could lead to high power consumption in communication devices or be detrimental to energy conservation in those devices. For example,

[0304] Problem B

[0305] The communication device receives DCI1 / data1 transmitted using the G+G transmission method (e.g., corresponding to HARQ process 1). To ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data1 subsequently transmitted by the network device using the G+G, C+G, or C+C transmission method, the communication device may start or restart timers corresponding to DRXs used for retransmission and associated with multicast (e.g., a second timer or Retransmission Timer associated with HARQ process 1), and / or timers corresponding to DRXs used for retransmission and associated with unicast (e.g., a fifth timer or Retransmission Timer associated with HARQ process 1), in order to listen for PDCCH for retransmission of data1. When a communication device receives DCI and / or data (e.g., retransmitted data 1 or other data) transmitted using a G+G transmission method, C+G transmission method, C+C transmission method, or configured transmission method and associated with the same HARQ process (e.g., HARQ process 1), the communication device continues to listen for PDCCH (e.g., PDCCH for retransmission of data 1). This increases the power consumption of the communication device.

[0306] Embodiment 1.2 Similar to Embodiment 1.1, with respect to problem A, in order to ensure that the communication device can receive unicast data (in other words, to avoid the communication device being unable to receive unicast data) and / or to save energy for the communication device, this application further provides a DRX control method. As shown in Figure 6, the method includes the following steps.

[0307] 601: The communication device receives the first control information transmitted in the multicast mode. The first control information is for scheduling the first data transmitted in the multicast mode, and / or the communication device receives the first data, and the first data is transmitted in the multicast mode. Correspondingly, the network device transmits the first control information transmitted in the multicast mode to the communication device. The first control information is for scheduling the first data transmitted in the multicast mode, and / or the network device transmits the first data to the communication device, and the first data is transmitted in the multicast mode.

[0308] The first control information transmitted in the multicast mode may include / be understood to include any one or more of the following.

[0309] (1) The first control information is transmitted on the first resource, and the first resource is a resource associated with multicast.

[0310] The fact that the first resource is a resource associated with multicast may be understood as follows. The first resource is in the common frequency resource corresponding to multicast.

[0311] For example, the first resource may be a PDCCH resource.

[0312] (2) The first control information is scrambled by using the second RNTI.

[0313] For example, the first control information transmitted in the multicast mode may be PDCCH / DCI scrambled by using G-RNTI, or DCI transmitted on the PDCCH scrambled by using G-RNTI.

[0314] The phrase "The communication device receives the first control information transmitted via multicast" can be understood to mean that the first control information is specific to multiple communication devices. In other words, the first control information is transmitted to multiple communication devices within multicast.

[0315] For an understanding of "the first data transmitted by multicast" or "the first data is transmitted by multicast" in step 601, refer to the explanation in step 501.

[0316] For an understanding of the statement in step 601, "The first control information is for scheduling the first data transmitted in a multicast manner," refer to the explanation in step 501.

[0317] It can be understood that the communication device receives the first control information transmitted via multicast, and that the first control information transmitted by the network device to multiple communication devices is the same. The first control information received by each of the multiple communication devices is the same.

[0318] 602: The communication device performs one or more of the following steps 602-1, 602-2, and 602-2A, and / or the communication device performs one or more of the following steps 602-4, 602-5, and 602-5A.

[0319] Optionally, before the communication device performs one or more of steps 602-1, 602-2, and 602-2A, the method includes the following: The communication device receives a third instruction information.

[0320] To understand the "third instruction information," refer to the explanation of the "first instruction information" in step 502, and for the sake of understanding, the "first instruction information" is replaced with the "third instruction information."

[0321] Optionally, before the communication device performs one or more of steps 602-4, 602-5, and 602-5A, the method further includes: The communication device receives a fourth instruction information.

[0322] To understand the "fourth instruction information," refer to the explanation of the "second instruction information" in step 502, and for the sake of understanding, the "second instruction information" is replaced with the "fourth instruction information."

[0323] 602-1: The communication device starts or restarts the fourth timer, the duration of the fourth timer / the duration of the fourth timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled. The fourth timer is a timer in a DRX associated with unicast.

[0324] It should be noted that this application (or the definition / function / duration of the fourth timer) is not limited to whether the fourth timer is started immediately after being used to schedule newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data, or after a certain period of time.

[0325] For example, the fourth timer may be understood as an Inactivity Timer, or an Inactivity Timer corresponding to a DRX associated with a unicast.

[0326] For details regarding "starting or restarting the fourth timer" in step 602-1, please refer to the relevant section for "starting or restarting the fourth timer" in step 502-4; further details will not be explained here. The difference is that the fourth timer in step 602-1 is associated with a unicast.

[0327] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted in G+G transmission mode, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data in C+C transmission mode (or C+G transmission mode), or retransmit the data in C+C transmission mode (or C+G transmission mode). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device in C+C transmission mode (or C+G transmission mode), the communication device may start a fourth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other DCI and / or data in C+C transmission mode (or C+G transmission mode) or retransmits the data within the operating duration of the fourth timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0328] 602-2: The communication device stops the fifth timer, and the duration of the fifth timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data. The fifth timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast.

[0329] For details regarding "Stopping the fifth timer" in step 602-2, please refer to the relevant section in step 502-5, and the details will not be explained again here. The difference is that the fifth timer in step 602-2 is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast.

[0330] The fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast (e.g., corresponding to the first HARQ process) may be running (for example, if the communication device has previously received DCI and / or data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the C+G, G+G, or C+C transmission scheme, or has received data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the configured transmission scheme, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be started or restarted by the communication device to ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device in the C+C transmission scheme (or C+G transmission scheme)), the communication device may receive DCI and / or data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the C+G transmission scheme, or receive data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in the configured transmission scheme. To conserve energy in the communication device, the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped. If data Y is a retransmission of data X, it can be understood that this indicates the retransmission of data X has been received and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped. If data Y is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data X for the communication device and the fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast may be stopped.

[0331] For example, the fifth timer is associated with the first HARQ process.

[0332] It can be understood that the first data / first control information and the fifth timer correspond to the same HARQ process.

[0333] In other possible implementations, step 602-2 may be replaced with 602-2A.

[0334] For example, if the DRX associated with the unicast does not include a HARQ-RTT-Timer, step 602-2 may be replaced with 602-2A.

[0335] 602-2A: The communication device starts or restarts a fifth timer, the duration of which indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data. The fifth timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast.

[0336] For details regarding "Start or restart the fifth timer" in step 602-2A, please refer to the relevant section for "Start or restart the fifth timer" in step 502-5A. Further details will not be explained here.

[0337] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted in a G+G transmission manner, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data in a C+C transmission manner (or C+G transmission manner), or retransmit the data in a C+C transmission manner (or C+G transmission manner). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device in a C+C transmission manner (or C+G transmission manner), the communication device may start or restart a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other DCI and / or data in a C+C transmission manner (or C+G transmission manner) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the fifth timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0338] 602-3: The communication device starts or restarts a first timer, the duration of the first timer / first timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled, and the first timer is a timer corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast.

[0339] For an understanding of "start or restart the first timer" in step 602-3, refer to the explanation in step 502-1.

[0340] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted using the G+G transmission method, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method), or retransmit the data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method), the communication device may start a first timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other DCI and / or data using the G+G transmission method (or C+G transmission method) or retransmits the data within the operating duration of the first timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0341] 602-4: The communication device stops the second timer, where the duration of the second timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, and the second timer is the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. For an understanding of “stopping the second timer” in step 602-4, see the explanation in step 502-2.

[0342] For example, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (e.g., corresponding to the first HARQ process) may be running (for example, because the communication device has previously received DCI and / or data X (corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in C+G or G+G transmission, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be started or restarted by the communication device to ensure that the communication device can receive retransmitted data subsequently transmitted by the network device in G+G transmission (or C+G transmission)), and the communication device receives DCI and / or data Y (e.g., newly transmitted or retransmitted data corresponding to the first HARQ process) transmitted in C+G transmission. To conserve energy in the communication device, the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped. If data Y is retransmitted data X, it can be understood that this indicates that the retransmitted data X has been received and the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped. If data Y is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data X for the communication device, and the second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped.

[0343] In other possible implementations, step 602-4 may be replaced with 602-4A.

[0344] For example, if the DRX associated with multicast does not include a HARQ-RTT-Timer, step 602-4 may be replaced with 602-4A.

[0345] 602-4A: The communication device starts or restarts a second timer, the duration of the second timer / second timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data, and the second timer is a timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0346] For an understanding of "start or restart the second timer" in step 602-4A, refer to the explanation in step 502-2A.

[0347] For example, a communication device receives DCI and / or data transmitted via G+G transmission, or receives data transmitted via a configured transmission method, and a network device may subsequently transmit other DCI and / or data via G+G transmission (or C+G transmission), or retransmit the data via G+G transmission (or C+G transmission). To ensure that the communication device can receive DCI and / or data subsequently transmitted by the network device via G+G transmission (or C+G transmission), the communication device may start or restart a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast. In this way, if the network device transmits other DCI and / or data via G+G transmission (or C+G transmission) or retransmits data within the operating duration of the second timer, it is ensured that the communication device can receive the DCI and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that the communication device is in a sleep state and unable to receive DCI and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0348] It should be noted that in this embodiment, only the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be controlled, or only the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be controlled, or both the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast and the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast may be controlled. Any combination of these solutions falls within the scope of protection of this application.

[0349] In Embodiment 1.2, it should be noted that whether or not to start / stop / restart the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast or the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast, or whether or not to control the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast or the timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast, may be configured by the network device for each multicast service, i.e., for each MBS service, or may be configured by the network device for each second RNTI, i.e., for each second RNTI.

[0350] Optionally, this embodiment further includes the following steps: 603 (not shown in the drawings): The communication device receives a second control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the second control information for scheduling a second data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or the communication device receives a second data, the second data being transmitted in a multicast manner. Alternatively, the communication device receives a second control information transmitted in a multicast manner, the second control information for scheduling a second data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or the communication device receives a second data, the second data being transmitted in a multicast manner. Alternatively, the communication device receives a second control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the second control information for scheduling a second data transmitted in a unicast manner, and / or the communication device receives a second data, the second data being transmitted in a single unicast manner. In response, the network device transmits a second control information, transmitted via unicast, to the communication device, which is used to schedule a second data, transmitted via multicast, and / or, the network device transmits the second data to the communication device, which is transmitted via multicast. Alternatively, the network device transmits a second control information, transmitted via multicast, to the communication device, which is used to schedule a second data, transmitted via multicast, and / or, the network device transmits the second data to the communication device, which is transmitted via multicast. Alternatively, the network device transmits a second control information, transmitted via unicast, to the communication device, which is used to schedule a second data, transmitted via unicast, and / or, the network device transmits the second data to the communication device, which is transmitted via unicast.

[0351] For an understanding of step 603, refer to the description of step 503 in the above embodiment.

[0352] Optionally, this embodiment further includes: 604 (not shown in the drawings): The communication device performs the following steps 604-1 and / or 604-2.

[0353] 604-1: The communication device stops the second timer.

[0354] 604-2: The communication device stops the fifth timer.

[0355] For example, the communication device receives DCI1 / data1 (corresponding to HARQ process 1) transmitted via the G+G transmission method. After the communication device provides feedback to the network device (e.g., feedback a NACK), the communication device starts both the second timer on the DRX associated with multicast and the fifth timer on the DRX associated with unicast. If the communication device again receives DCI and / or data2 transmitted via the G+G transmission method, C+G transmission method, C+C transmission method, or a configured transmission method and associated with the same HARQ process (e.g., HARQ process 1), the communication device stops the fifth timer on the DRX associated with unicast and the second timer on the DRX associated with multicast.

[0356] If the newly received data 2 is a retransmission of data 1, it can be understood that this indicates that the retransmission of data 1 has been received and that a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped to reduce the power consumption of the communication device. To further reduce power consumption, considering that downlink control information and / or newly transmitted data scheduled to be transmitted in a unicast manner are not received, the communication device may further stop a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast. Alternatively, the communication device may stop only the fifth timer to reduce power consumption.

[0357] If data 2 is newly transmitted data, this indicates that the network device will no longer retransmit data 1 for the communication device, and a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be stopped to reduce the power consumption of the communication device. To further reduce power consumption, considering that downlink control information and / or newly transmitted data scheduled to be transmitted in unicast mode will not be received, the communication device may further stop a fifth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with unicast. Alternatively, the communication device may stop only the fifth timer to reduce power consumption.

[0358] Embodiment 2.1 Based on the above analysis, in an MBS, if a communication device starts an RTT timer (HARQ-RTT-Timer) after receiving DCI and / or data, and then starts a RetransmissionTimer only if the communication device fails to receive data after the HARQ-RTT-Timer has expired, the active opportunities of different communication devices receiving the same MBS may not be aligned. Specifically, in an MBS, different communication devices receiving the same MBS service may either successfully receive the MBS service or fail to receive the MBS service. In this case, the active times of the two communication devices may not be aligned, and as a result, the communication devices may fail to receive DCI and / or data. As shown in Figure 7, for example, after receiving DCI and / or data during the active period, communication device 1 starts the HARQ-RTT-Timer and enters a sleep period after the RTT timer expires (if no other timers related to DRX active time are operating). Similarly, after receiving DCI and / or data during the active period, communication device 2 starts the HARQ-RTT-Timer, starts the RetransmissionTimer after the RTT timer expires, and enters a sleep period only after the retransmission timer expires (if no other timers related to DRX active time are operating). If a network device transmits newly transmitted data within the operating duration of the RetransmissionTimer (if no other timers related to DRX active time are operating during this period for communication device 1, i.e., communication device 1 is in a sleep state), communication device 1 may not receive newly transmitted data during the sleep period.

[0359] The above problem exists in V2X as well as in MBS. In V2X, if a communication device starts the HARQ-RTT-Timer after receiving SCI and / or data, and the RetransmissionTimer is started only if the communication device fails to receive data after the HARQ-RTT-Timer has expired, the active opportunities of different communication devices receiving the same V2X multicast may not be aligned. Specifically, in V2X, different communication devices receiving the same V2X multicast may either successfully receive the V2X multicast or fail to receive it. In this case, the active times of the two communication devices may not be aligned, and as a result, the communication devices may fail to receive SCI and / or data. As shown in Figure 7, for example, after receiving SCI and / or data during the active period, communication device 1 starts the HARQ-RTT-Timer and enters a sleep period after the RTT timer expires (if no other timers related to the DRX active time are operating). Similarly, after receiving SCI and / or data during the active period, communication device 2 starts the HARQ-RTT-Timer and starts the RetransmissionTimer after the RTT timer expires, and enters a sleep period only after the RetransmissionTimer expires (if no other timers related to the DRX active time are operating). If a transmitting device transmits newly transmitted data within the operating duration of the RetransmissionTimer (if no other timers related to the DRX active time are operating during this period for communication device 1, i.e., communication device 1 is in a sleep state), communication device 1 may not receive newly transmitted data during the sleep period.

[0360] In this case, the embodiment of this application provides a DRX control method. In this method, with respect to data transmitted in a multicast manner or multicast data, a RetransmissionTimer is started or restarted regardless of whether the communication device has successfully received the data, thereby aligning the active period of the communication device that provides feedback on an ACK (or has successfully received it) with the active period of the communication device that provides feedback on a NACK (or has failed to receive it). In this way, if a transmitting device (e.g., a network device or a terminal device) transmits newly transmitted data within the operating duration of the retransmission timer, the communication device that provides feedback on an ACK (or has successfully received it) can also receive the newly transmitted data because the communication device that provides feedback on an ACK is in its active period.

[0361] Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the DRX control method may include the following steps.

[0362] 800: The communication device receives first control information and / or first data, the first control information being for scheduling the first data, the first data being multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner, and accordingly, the network device transmits the first control information and / or first data, and / or the communication device determines that the first timer has expired, the first timer / duration of the first timer indicating the waiting period before the communication device receives the retransmitted data.

[0363] The first control information may / may be understood to include one or more of the following:

[0364] (1) First DCI

[0365] For example, the first DCI is for scheduling the first data, the first data is downlink data, and the first data is data transmitted using a multicast method.

[0366] (2) The first SCI

[0367] For example, the first SCI is for scheduling the first data, the first data is SL data, and the second data is multicast data.

[0368] The first data being multicast data may / may be understood to include one or more of the following:

[0369] (1) The first data is transmitted over the second resource, which is a multicast-related resource.

[0370] (2) The first data is scrambled using the second RNTI.

[0371] For details regarding (1) and (2), please refer to the explanation of the relevant content in Embodiment 1.1, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0372] For example, the first data may be data transmitted using the C+G transmission method, or it may be data transmitted using the G+G transmission method.

[0373] (3) The first data is multicast data transmitted using the C+C transmission method.

[0374] (4) The first control information indicates that the first data is multicast data, or that the transmission corresponding to the first control information is multicast (transmission).

[0375] For example, the first SCI indicates that the first data is multicast data, or that the transmission corresponding to the first SCI is multicast (transmission).

[0376] Regarding the statement "the first data is data transmitted using a multicast method," please refer to the understanding of the statement "the first data is transmitted using a multicast method" or "the first data is transmitted using a multicast method" in Embodiment 1.1, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0377] For example, when the first data is downlink data, the first data is multicast data or data transmitted using a multicast method.

[0378] For example, when the first data is SL data, the first data is multicast data.

[0379] The reception of first control information and / or first data by a communication device may be understood to include / be understood to include one or more of the following:

[0380] (1) The communication device receives first control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the first control information is for scheduling first data transmitted in a multicast manner, and / or the communication device receives first data, the first data is transmitted in a multicast manner.

[0381] For details regarding the "first control information transmitted by unicast," please refer to the explanation of the relevant content in Embodiment 1.1, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0382] (2) The communication device receives first control information transmitted in multicast mode, the first control information is for scheduling first data transmitted in multicast mode, and / or the communication device receives first data, the first data is transmitted in multicast mode.

[0383] For details regarding the "first control information transmitted by multicast," please refer to the explanation of the relevant content in Embodiment 1.2, and the details will not be explained again here.

[0384] (3) The communication device receives first control information transmitted in a unicast manner, the first control information is for scheduling first data transmitted in a unicast manner, and / or the communication device receives first data, the first data is transmitted in a unicast manner.

[0385] For an understanding of the "first control information transmitted by unicast" in 800, please refer to the content in Embodiment 1.1.

[0386] To understand "transmit the first data using a unicast method" in step 800, refer to the content of "transmit the second data using a unicast method" in Embodiment 1.1, and for the sake of understanding, "second data" is replaced with "first data".

[0387] For example, the first timer can be understood as a HARQ-RTT-Timer.

[0388] For example, the first timer may include a first timer corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast (e.g., a HARQ-RTT-Timer) and / or a first timer corresponding to a DRX associated with unicast (e.g., a HARQ-RTT-Timer).

[0389] For example, the first control information and / or the first data is associated with the first HARQ process.

[0390] For example, the first timer is associated with the second HARQ process. The first and second HARQ processes can be understood as the same HARQ process or as two associated HARQ processes.

[0391] For example, the first data / first control information and the first timer correspond to the same HARQ process.

[0392] 801: The communication device starts or restarts the second timer, and the duration of the second timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data.

[0393] For example, the second timer could be understood as a RetransmissionTimer.

[0394] For example, the second timer may include a second timer corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast (e.g., a RetransmissionTimer) and / or a second timer corresponding to a DRX associated with unicast (e.g., a RetransmissionTimer).

[0395] Optionally, before the communication device determines that the first timer has expired, the method may include the following: The communication device receives first downlink control information and / or first data, and the communication device starts the first timer.

[0396] Optionally, starting or restarting the first timer may include: the communication device transmits first feedback information indicating that the communication device has successfully received or failed to receive first data, or at the first feedback time, after the first feedback time, or before the first feedback time, where the first feedback time is the time domain position where the first feedback resource is located, the first feedback resource is associated with the first data, and the first timer is started or restarted.

[0397] The first feedback information may include ACK and / or NACK.

[0398] For example, the association of a first feedback resource with first data may include / be understood to include the use of the first feedback resource by a communication device to transmit first feedback information.

[0399] For example, the first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain associated with the first data, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. This is not limited to this application. For example, multiple communication devices may receive the first data, and the feedback resources corresponding to the multiple communication devices may be the same in the time domain (e.g., time-division multiplexing). The first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain among the multiple feedback resources, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. In this way, the active times of different communication devices (active times of DRX associated with multicast) can be aligned to ensure that the communication devices can receive control information and / or data transmitted by network devices.

[0400] For example, a communication device may transmit first feedback information on a PUCCH resource or a PUSCH resource.

[0401] For example, the first feedback resource may include a PUCCH resource.

[0402] Optionally, the following condition must be met in order to start or restart the first timer: The communication device fails to receive / decode the first data.

[0403] The communication device may optionally start the first timer after a third duration / at a third time point following the reception of the first control information, or after a third duration / at a third time point following the reception of the first data, or after a third duration / at a third time point following the transmission of the first feedback information, or after a third duration / at a third time point following the first feedback time.

[0404] The third time point may be the c symbol / slot / subframe / frame, etc., where c is a non-negative integer. The value of the third time point / the value of c / the value of the third duration may be configured or preconfigured by the network device, or specified in the protocol. This is not limited to this application.

[0405] Optionally, the communication device may start or restart the second timer if: the communication device has successfully received the first data or has failed to receive the first data. Alternatively, optionally, the following conditions must be met for the second timer to start or restart: the communication device has successfully received / decoded the first data or has failed to receive / decode the first data.

[0406] For example, a second timer is associated with a second HARQ process. The first and second HARQ processes can be understood as the same HARQ process or as two associated HARQ processes.

[0407] For example, the first data / first control information and the second timer correspond to the same HARQ process.

[0408] Optionally, starting or restarting a second timer may include: the communication device transmits first feedback information indicating that the communication device has successfully received or failed to receive first data, or at the first feedback time, after the first feedback time, or before the first feedback time, where the first feedback time is the time domain position where the first feedback resource is located, and the first feedback resource is associated with the first data, and the second timer is started or restarted.

[0409] The first feedback information may include ACK and / or NACK.

[0410] For example, the association of a first feedback resource with first data may include / be understood to include the use of the first feedback resource by a communication device to transmit first feedback information.

[0411] For example, the first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain associated with the first data, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. This is not limited to this application. For example, multiple communication devices may receive the first data, and the feedback resources corresponding to the multiple communication devices may be the same in the time domain (e.g., time-division multiplexing). The first feedback resource may be the first feedback resource in the time domain among the multiple feedback resources, or the last feedback resource in the time domain. In this way, the active times of different communication devices (active times of DRX associated with multicast) can be aligned to ensure that the communication devices can receive control information and / or data transmitted by network devices.

[0412] For example, a communication device may transmit first feedback information on a PUCCH resource or a PUSCH resource.

[0413] For example, the first feedback resource may include a PUCCH resource.

[0414] Optionally, in order to start or restart the second timer, the following condition must be met: The communication device fails to receive / decode the first data.

[0415] The communication device may optionally start the second timer after a second duration / at a second time point following the reception of the first control information, or after a second duration / at a second time point following the reception of the first data, or after a second duration / at a second time point following the transmission of the first feedback information, or after a second duration / at a second time point following the first feedback time.

[0416] The second time point may be the b symbol / slot / subframe / frame, etc., where b is a non-negative integer. The value of the second time point / the value of b / the value of the second duration may be configured or preconfigured by the network device, or specified in the protocol. This is not limited to this application.

[0417] For example, if the communication device determines that the HARQ-RTT-Timer has expired, and the first data is multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner, the communication device starts a RetransmissionTimer. That is, when the first data is successfully received or fails to be received, the communication device starts a RetransmissionTimer to synchronize the active times of multiple communication devices in a multicast manner, thereby allowing the multiple communication devices to receive newly transmitted data transmitted by the network device within the timing duration of the RetransmissionTimer.

[0418] For example, after receiving first control information and / or first data, which is multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner, multiple communication devices start a first timer. After the first timer expires, the communication devices start a second timer, regardless of whether the communication devices successfully received the first data, in order to synchronize the activation times of the multiple communication devices. If a transmitting end device (e.g., a network device, another communication device, or a terminal device) transmits other control information and / or data (e.g., newly transmitted data) within the operating duration of the second timer, it is ensured that the communication devices can receive the control information and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that communication devices (e.g., several communication devices) are in a sleep state and cannot receive the control information and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0419] For example, after receiving first control information and / or first data, which is multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner, multiple communication devices start a second timer regardless of whether the communication devices successfully received the first data, in order to synchronize the activation times of the multiple communication devices. If a transmitting end device (e.g., a network device, another communication device, or a terminal device) transmits other control information and / or data (e.g., newly transmitted data) within the operating duration of the second timer, it is ensured that the communication devices can receive the control information and / or data, or in other words, it is avoided that communication devices (e.g., several communication devices) are in a sleep state and cannot receive the control information and / or data, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0420] Optionally, the communication device receives first information, the first information instructs the communication device to receive first control information and / or first data, and / or the communication device determines that the first timer has expired, and the communication device starts or restarts the second timer. For example, the first instruction may indicate whether step 801 is permitted to be performed, or whether the above solution is permitted to be performed.

[0421] In a possible solution, it can be understood that the communication device receives the first information and then performs steps 800 and 801. Alternatively, in a possible solution, before performing step 801, the communication device must further satisfy the following condition: The communication device receives the first information.

[0422] For example, a transmitting device (network device, other communication device, or terminal device) or network device may decide whether or not to transmit the first information for each multicast service (or MBS service) / second RNTI. Alternatively, it can be understood as follows: A transmitting device (network device, other communication device, or terminal device) or network device may configure whether or not to allow a communication device to perform the above solution for each multicast service / second RNTI. The configuration granularity is each multicast service / second RNTI.

[0423] Embodiment 1.2 may be understood as providing a method from the receiver's perspective for solving the active time matching problem. This application may also provide a method from the transmitter's perspective for solving the active time matching problem at the receiver. See Embodiment 2.2 for details.

[0424] It should be noted that Embodiment 2.1 is also applicable to scenarios where multicast data is transmitted between communication devices, or where data is transmitted between communication devices in a multicast manner. That is, when a communication device acting as a receiver determines that the first timer has expired, the receiving communication device starts or restarts the second timer, thereby aligning the active periods of the receiving communication devices within the same multicast.

[0425] Embodiment 2.2 This application provides a DRX control method. As shown in Figure 9, the method includes the following steps.

[0426] 900: The network device determines that the first timer on the communication device side is operating, and the duration of the first timer / first timer indicates the duration for which the communication device receives retransmitted data.

[0427] 901: A network device decides not to transmit first control information and / or first data, the first control information being for scheduling the first data, and the first data being multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner.

[0428] For example, the first timer can be understood as a RetransmissionTimer.

[0429] For example, the first timer may include a first timer (e.g., a RetransmissionTimer) corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast.

[0430] For details regarding "first control information" and "first data," please refer to the explanations of the relevant content in Embodiments 2.1, 1.1, and 1.2. Further details will not be explained here.

[0431] For example, the first control information is transmitted using a multicast method.

[0432] For example, the first control information may be the first DCI, the first DCI is for scheduling the first data, the first data is downlink data, and the first data is data transmitted using a multicast method.

[0433] For example, the first control information may be the first SCI, the first SCI is for scheduling the first data, the first data is SL data, and the first data is multicast data.

[0434] Optionally, the first data is the newly transmitted data.

[0435] The network device's decision to optionally decide not to send new data further includes / must satisfy the following conditions: The network device decides that neither the second nor the third timer on the communication device side is operating.

[0436] The second timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled.

[0437] For example, the second timer could be understood as an Inactivity Timer.

[0438] For example, the second timer may include a second timer (e.g., an Inactivity Timer) that corresponds to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0439] The third timer indicates the duration for which the communication device waits after being woken up to receive control information (e.g., DCI or SCI).

[0440] For example, the third timer could be understood as an onDuration Timer.

[0441] For example, the third timer may include a third timer (e.g., an onDuration Timer) that corresponds to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0442] The network device's optional decision not to transmit new data further includes / must satisfy the following conditions: The network device determines that none of the fourth timer, second timer, or third timer on the communication device side are operating.

[0443] The fourth timer indicates the waiting period before the communication device receives the retransmitted data.

[0444] For example, the fourth timer could be understood as a HARQ-RTT-Timer.

[0445] For example, the fourth timer may include a fourth timer (e.g., HARQ-RTT-Timer) that corresponds to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0446] Optionally, a network device deciding not to send new data includes / must satisfy the following conditions: The network device determines that the first timer on the other communication device is not running.

[0447] Both the communication device and other communication devices receive (or are interested in / assume to receive) the first control information and / or the first data.

[0448] The second timer indicates the duration after newly transmitted control information or newly transmitted data has been scheduled.

[0449] For example, the second timer could be understood as an Inactivity Timer.

[0450] For example, the second timer may include a second timer (e.g., an Inactivity Timer) that corresponds to the DRX associated with multicast.

[0451] For example, the active time of a DRX associated with multicast may include one or more of the following: the time during which a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running, and the time during which a third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running.

[0452] For example, the start time of the third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast may be determined based on several parameters.

[0453] For example, the active time of a DRX associated with multicast may include one or more of the following: the time during which a first timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (which may include multiple first timers corresponding to different HARQ processes) is running; the time during which a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running; and the time during which a third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running.

[0454] For example, the active time of a DRX associated with multicast may include one or more of the following: the time when a first timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (which may include multiple first timers corresponding to different HARQ processes) is running; the time when a second timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running; the time when a third timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast is running; and the time when a fourth timer corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (which may include multiple fourth timers corresponding to different HARQ processes) is running.

[0455] For example, if a network device is expected to transmit first control information and / or first data, it can be understood that the network device must transmit the first control information and / or first data during the active time corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (all of the active time corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast) of multiple communication devices (communication devices expected to receive the first data), thereby ensuring that multiple communication devices can receive the first control information and / or first data. In other words, if the network device transmits the first control information and / or first data when one or more communication devices are not in active time, or when one or more communication devices are in inactive time (sleep state) corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast, one or more communication devices will not be able to receive the first control information and / or first data. In other words, the network device transmits the first control information and / or first data during the common time of the active time corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast (which can be understood as a common subset of the active time corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast) of all communication devices that need to receive the first data.

[0456] For example, different communication devices may have different reception states (likely success and likely failure) for multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner. As a result, some communication devices within these devices may start or restart the first timer, while others may not. For example, if one or more communication devices are in an active state because the first timer is running (other timers associated with the active time corresponding to the DRX associated with multicast are not running), and one or more communication devices are not in an active state, the network devices may not be able to transmit the first control information and / or the first data.

[0457] For example, steps 900 and 901 may be understood as follows: The network device decides that newly transmitted multicast data or data transmitted in a multicast manner (e.g., PDSCH scrambled using G-RNTI) needs to be sent to all communications devices in the multicast. If at least one communications device in the multicast is operating under a RetransmissionTimer, then at least one communications device in the multicast does not need to be operating under a RetransmissionTimer, but considering that it is in a sleep period (no other timers related to the active time corresponding to the DRX associated with the multicast are running), in this case the network device does not need to send the newly transmitted data to all communications devices in the multicast. Conversely, if none of the communications devices in the multicast are operating under a RetransmissionTimer, the network device may consider all communications devices to be in an active period, i.e., the active periods of all communications devices are aligned. In this case the network device sends the newly transmitted data to the communications devices in the multicast only when all communications devices in the multicast are in an active period, so that all communications devices in the multicast can receive the newly transmitted data.

[0458] For example, in step 900, the network device's determination that the first timer on the communication device is running can be understood as the network device determining that only the first timer of at least one communication device in the multicast is running, and / or that the first timer of at least one communication device in the multicast is not running, and neither the second timer nor the third timer of at least one communication device is running. In this case, the network device performs step 901.

[0459] Embodiment 2.2 is also applicable to scenarios where multicast data is transmitted between communication devices, or where data is transmitted between communication devices in a multicast manner. For understanding purposes, the network device in the above description is replaced with the first communication device, and the communication device is replaced with the second communication device. For example, when a communication device acting as a transmitter determines that at least one first timer of a communication device acting as a receiver in multicast is operational, and / or when a communication device acting as a receiver in multicast is not operational, the communication device acting as a transmitter decides not to transmit any new data, and the new data is multicast data.

[0460] For example, it can also be understood as follows: When a communication device acting as a transmitter needs to transmit newly transmitted multicast data, the transmitter will transmit the data within the "active time" of the DRX corresponding to the data. That is, if none of the other timers (OnDuration Timer, Inactivity Timer, and HARQ-RTT-Timer) of one communication device in a communication device used as a receiver are operating, and only the RetransmissionTimer is operating, the communication device used as a transmitter will not transmit newly transmitted multicast data.

[0461] Embodiment 3.1 With current technology, when a communication device initiates random access, the downlink BWP (Broadband Point) must be switched to the BWP corresponding to the uplink BWP. For example, when the uplink BWP is switched to the uplink initial BWP, the downlink BWP must also be switched to the downlink initial BWP, or the downlink BWP must also be switched to a downlink BWP whose identifier corresponds to the identifier of the first uplink BWP. However, in MBS (Multi-Band System), if the resources of the downlink BWP after the switch do not include MBS common frequency resources, the communication device cannot receive MBS data from network devices on the downlink BWP after the switch. Furthermore, if network devices are unaware that the communication device is performing a downlink BWP switch, network devices will still transmit MBS data on the BWP before the downlink switch, and the communication device will not be able to receive the MBS data.

[0462] For example, when a communication device initiates CBRA, it causes the communication device to perform a downlink BWP switch. The network device is unaware that the communication device has switched from downlink BWP1 to downlink BWP2, and continues to send data to the communication device using the PTP transmission method over downlink BWP1, which is still in use before the switch. However, the communication device has switched to downlink BWP2, and therefore the communication device cannot receive the data.

[0463] Alternatively, when the communication device initiates CBRA, it is instructed to perform a downlink BWP switchover. Network devices are unaware that the communication device is switching from downlink BWP1 to downlink BWP2. Since downlink BWP2 does not contain MBS common frequency resources, the communication device cannot receive MBS data (e.g., data transmitted using the PTM transmission method).

[0464] Alternatively, when a communication device initiates CFRA, it is instructed to perform a downlink BWP switch from downlink BWP1 to downlink BWP2. The network device may decide which communication device initiates random access, or it may decide that the communication device switches to downlink BWP2. When a network device transmits data to a communication device using the PTP method, the communication device may receive the data transmitted using the PTP method on downlink BWP2. When a network device transmits data to a communication device using the PTM method, but downlink BWP2 does not include MBS common frequency resources, the communication device cannot receive the data transmitted using the PTM method on downlink BWP2.

[0465] Alternatively, based on the above example where MBS data cannot be received, generally speaking, if a communication device switches to a downlink BWP that does not include MBS common frequency resources, the communication device may not receive downlink data on the downlink BWP after the switch.

[0466] In the example above, the scenario in which the communication device initiates random access and fails to receive MBS data illustrates that not all downlink BWPs (downlink unicast BWPs) include MBS common frequency resources.

[0467] In the above case, if the communication device still listens to MBS data / DCI corresponding to the MBS data (even though listening is pointless), power consumption will be high.

[0468] To solve the above problems, this application provides a DRX control method. When a communication device initiates random access, if the communication device determines that the downlink BWP to be switched or the switched downlink BWP does not contain MBS common frequency resources, the communication device may enter a sleep period to skip receiving downlink control information or downlink data transmitted in multicast, or it may not listen to downlink control information associated with multicast. In this way, the communication device can be prevented from listening to unnecessary downlink control information, and power consumption by using the communication device is reduced.

[0469] Based on this, this application provides a DRX control method. As shown in Figure 10, the method includes the following steps.

[0470] 100: The communication device determines that the first downlink BWP does not include the first resource.

[0471] The first resource may be understood as a resource used for control information (e.g., PDCCH, common PDCCH, or group common PDCCH) and / or data (e.g., PDSCH, common PSCCH, or group common PDSCH) transmitted in a multicast manner, a common frequency resource or a common frequency resource corresponding to multicast, and a resource used for common PDCCH and common PDSCH, e.g., a common frequency resource, which may be one or more of these.

[0472] A common frequency resource or a common frequency resource that supports multicast can be understood as a BWP that supports multicast, or a frequency range that supports multicast.

[0473] The first downlink BWP is either an active downlink BWP, or the communication device will switch to the first downlink BWP.

[0474] For example, the first downlink BWP is / includes the downlink BWP corresponding to the unicast, or the initial downlink BWP.

[0475] For example, switching to the first downlink BWP can be understood as activating the first downlink BWP.

[0476] The fact that the first downlink BWP does not include the first resource can be understood as one or more of the following: the first downlink BWP does not include the first resource, the first downlink BWP cannot cover the first resource, or the first resource is not entirely within the frequency domain range of the first downlink BWP.

[0477] When the first downlink BWP does not include the first resource, the relationship between the first downlink BWP and the first resource may include both a relationship with common parts and a relationship without common parts.

[0478] The boundaries of the first downlink BWP are the first and second boundaries, with the first boundary being smaller than the second boundary. The boundaries of the first resource are the third and fourth boundaries, with the third boundary being smaller than the fourth boundary. Optionally, the first / third boundaries may be called the left boundary or the lower boundary. Optionally, the second / fourth boundaries may be called the right boundary or the upper boundary.

[0479] The boundary can be understood as a frequency range boundary, a frequency boundary, or a frequency starting point.

[0480] (1) Relationship with common parts: There is a common part between the first downlink BWP and the first resource.

[0481] The existence of a common element between the first downlink BWP and the first resource can be understood as one of the following:

[0482] (a) The third boundary is greater than the first boundary and less than the second boundary, and the fourth boundary is greater than the second boundary.

[0483] (b) The first boundary is greater than the third boundary and less than the fourth boundary, and the second boundary is greater than the fourth boundary.

[0484] (2) Relationship without common parts: There is no common part between the first downlink BWP and the first resource.

[0485] The absence of common ground between the first downlink BWP and the first resource can be understood as one of the following:

[0486] (a) The third boundary is greater than or equal to the second boundary.

[0487] (b) The first boundary is greater than or equal to the fourth boundary.

[0488] 101: The communication device controls the first DRX to enter a sleep period, or does not listen to control information associated with multicast, and the first DRX is associated with multicast.

[0489] Not listening may include stopping listening altogether.

[0490] In some embodiments, in step 100, the communication device may determine that the first BWP does not contain the first resource when the communication device switches to the first downlink BWP, or when the communication device will switch to the first downlink BWP but has not yet switched to the first downlink BWP.

[0491] The first resource is associated with the first multicast (service) or the first RNTI (e.g., a specific G-RNTI).

[0492] The first DRX is associated with the first multicast (service) or the first RNTI (e.g., a specific G-RNTI).

[0493] The first DRX can be understood to be associated with the service corresponding to the first resource, or with the first RNTI.

[0494] Optionally, this application further includes: The communication device initiates random access (e.g., CBRA or CFRA), and the communication device switches to / switches to a first downlink BWP.

[0495] The first downlink BWP is a downlink BWP that corresponds to the first uplink BWP.

[0496] For example, the first downlink BWP is the initial downlink BWP, and the first uplink BWP is the initial uplink BWP. Alternatively, for example, the identifier of the first downlink BWP is the same as the identifier of the first uplink BWP.

[0497] For example, the communication device initiates random access. In this case, the active uplink BWP is the second uplink BWP. When the communication device determines that the second uplink BWP does not have PRACH resources, the communication device switches the uplink BWP to the initial uplink BWP, i.e., when the first uplink BWP is the initial uplink BWP, in this case the communication device also needs to switch from the downlink BWP to the initial downlink BWP, and the first downlink BWP is the initial downlink BWP.

[0498] PRACH resources can be understood as PRACH opportunities.

[0499] The fact that the second uplink BWP does not have a PRACH resource can be understood as the PRACH resource not being configured for the second uplink BWP.

[0500] Alternatively, for example, the communication device initiates random access. In this case, the active uplink BWP is the first uplink BWP. If the communication device determines that the first uplink BWP has a PRACH resource, and the identifier corresponding to the active downlink BWP (for example, the active downlink BWP in this case is the third downlink BWP) is different from the identifier corresponding to the first uplink BWP (for example, the BWP-ID), then the communication device must switch from the downlink BWP to the first downlink BWP, and the identifier of the first downlink BWP is the same as the identifier of the first uplink BWP.

[0501] The fact that the first uplink BWP has a PRACH resource can be understood as the PRACH resource being configured for the first uplink BWP.

[0502] Optionally, controlling the first DRX to put the communication device into a sleep state may include the following: The communication device stops the timer corresponding to the first DRX.

[0503] When the timer of the first DRX is not operating, the communication device does not need to listen further to control information associated with multicast. For example, the communication device does not need to listen to DCI scrambled using a second RNTI (e.g., G-RNTI), and / or PDCCH scrambled using a first RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI) associated with MBS (e.g., some DCI formats may not need to be listened to), thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication device.

[0504] For example, the communication device initiates CBRA in the MBS. As a result, the communication device decides to switch to the first downlink BWP, or has already switched to the first downlink BWP. In this case, when the communication device determines that the first downlink BWP does not contain MBS common frequency resources, the communication device stops all active timers in the first DRX used for the MBS. Timers may include, for example, an OnDuration Timer, an Inactivity Timer, a HARQ-RTT-Timer, and a RetransmissionTimer. In this way, the communication device is equivalent to entering a sleep period and does not receive downlink control information and downlink data related to the MBS.

[0505] For example, a communication device not listening to control information associated with multicast may occur as follows: The communication device initiates a CBRA on the MBS, thereby causing the communication device to decide to switch to a first downlink BWP, or to have already switched to a first downlink BWP. In this case, if the communication device determines that the first downlink BWP does not contain MBS common frequency resources, the communication device does not listen to DCI scrambled using a first RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI), and / or PDCCH (e.g., a specific DCI format) scrambled using a first RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI) and associated with the MBS. In this case, the operating timer on the first DRX may stop timing, or may continue timing, but the communication device does not listen to DCI.

[0506] Optionally, the communication device does not listen to control information associated with multicast. If the HARQ-RTT-Timer on the first DRX expires, the communication device may also control the RetransmissionTimer on the first DRX not to start in order to reduce the power consumption of the communication device.

[0507] In some embodiments, when the communication device initiates CFRA and as a result switches to the first downlink BWP, or has switched to the first BWP, the communication device may determine that the first downlink BWP does not contain MBS common frequency resources. In this case, the communication device may control the first DRX to enter a sleep period, or it may not listen to control information associated with multicast.

[0508] In some embodiments, when a communication device receives a switching instruction, it may determine that the first downlink BWP does not contain MBS common frequency resources, and the switching instruction instructs the communication device to switch to the first BWP. In this case, the communication device may control the first DRX to enter a sleep period, or it may not listen to downlink control information associated with multicast.

[0509] The above describes the process by which the communication device may enter a sleep period to reduce power consumption. The communication device may enter the active period of the first DRX, or may listen to (or begin listening to) downlink control information associated with multicast, in the following scenarios:

[0510] It should be noted that "the communication device controls the first DRX to enter an active period, or listens to control information associated with multicast based on the first DRX" or "enters an active period for the first DRX, or listens to (starts listening to) downlink control information associated with multicast" does not mean that the communication device is always in an active DRX period or always listening to control information. The communication device still determines the actual DRX active period and controls listening based on DRX parameters and reception status.

[0511] Optionally, when a communication device sends message 3 in a random access procedure, and message 3 is used for scheduled transmission and carries the communication device identifier, the communication device controls the first DRX to be active, or listens for multicast-related control information based on the first DRX.

[0512] The identifier for the communication device may include one or more of the following: 5GS-TMSI, C-RNTI, and a random value.

[0513] This is because the network device may determine the identity of the communication device based on message 3 and recognize which communication device will perform random access, and the network device may also determine the first downlink BWP after the communication device has switched. In this case, when the network device sends control information or data (e.g., MBS data transmitted via PTP transmission) to the communication device, the network device may send the control information or data on the first downlink BWP, and the communication device may also receive the control information or data on the first downlink BWP.

[0514] Message 3 can be understood as MSG3 above. Message 3 can also be understood as the first scheduled transmission in a random access process.

[0515] In some embodiments, when the communication device determines that random access has been successful, the communication device may control the first DRX to enter an active period, or it may listen for control information associated with multicast based on the first DRX.

[0516] The communication device may, as an alternative, fail to send message 3. To more reliably determine that the network device identifies the communication device, the communication device may determine that the random access was successful, and then MSG3 is reliably received by the network device. In this case, the network device may determine the identity of the communication device and the downlink BWP that is currently activated by the communication device. When the network device sends control information or data (e.g., MBS data transmitted via PTP transmission) to the communication device, the network device may send the control information or data on the first downlink BWP, and the communication device may also receive the control information or data on the first downlink BWP. Thus, the communication device may control the first DRX to be active, or, based on the first DRX, listen for downlink control information associated with multicast.

[0517] The communication device's determination that random access was successful may include / may be understood to include the following: The communication device receives a fourth message in the random access procedure, which may be understood as MSG4 above.

[0518] In some embodiments, the communication device may further switch to a second downlink BWP, the second BWP containing the first resource, and the communication device controls the first DRX to be active, or listens for multicast-related control information based on the first DRX.

[0519] The inclusion of the first resource by the second downlink BWP can be understood as one or more of the following: the second downlink BWP includes the first resource, the second downlink BWP can cover the first resource, and the first resource is entirely within the frequency domain range of the second downlink BWP.

[0520] The boundaries of the second downlink BWP are the fifth and sixth boundaries, with the fifth boundary being smaller than the sixth boundary. The boundaries of the first resource are the third and fourth boundaries, with the third boundary being smaller than the fourth boundary. Optionally, the fifth / third boundary may be called the left boundary or the lower boundary. Optionally, the sixth / fourth boundary may be called the right boundary or the upper boundary.

[0521] The boundary can be understood as a frequency range boundary, a frequency boundary, or a frequency starting point.

[0522] When the second downlink BWP includes the first resource, the relationship between the second downlink BWP and the first resource may include both an inclusion relationship and an equality relationship.

[0523] (1) Inclusion relationship: The second downlink BWP contains the first resource.

[0524] The fact that the second downlink BWP contains the first resource can be understood as follows: the third boundary is greater than or equal to the fifth boundary, and the fourth boundary is less than or equal to the sixth boundary.

[0525] (2) Equality relationship: The second downlink BWP is equal to the first resource.

[0526] The fact that the second downlink BWP is equal to the first resource can be understood as follows: the fifth boundary is equal to the third boundary, and the sixth boundary is equal to the fourth boundary.

[0527] For example, controlling the first DRX to enter an active period may include the following: The communication device starts a timer corresponding to the first DRX. For example, the timer corresponding to the first DRX includes one or more of the following: OnDuration Timer, Inactivity Timer, HARQ-RTT-Timer, and RetransmissionTimer. In this way, the communication device may continue to control the timer in the first DRX based on the period conditions of the first DRX and downlink reception.

[0528] Alternatively, controlling the first DRX to be in an active period may include the following: The communication device continues to listen to the PDCCH scrambled using a second RNTI (e.g., G-RNTI) and / or the PDCCH associated with the MBS and scrambled using a first RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI) based on the active time (active period) in the first DRX.

[0529] In some embodiments, the control information associated with multicast includes one or more of the following: control information transmitted in a multicast manner, control information transmitted in a unicast manner, control information for scheduling multicast data, control information for scheduling data transmitted in a multicast manner, control information for scheduling multicast data transmitted in a unicast manner, and control information for scheduling multicast configuration information. For a concrete understanding of this, refer to the descriptions in embodiments 1.1 and 1.2 above.

[0530] For example, multicast configuration information can be understood as an MCCH message.

[0531] For example, control information can be understood as DCI.

[0532] In the explanation of step 101 above, if the communication device receives multiple MBS services (multicast services) and all of the multiple MBS services are associated with the first resource, the timers stopped by the communication device and the downlink control information not listened to by the communication device can be understood as corresponding to multiple MBS services. That is, all timers in the DRX corresponding to multiple MBS must be stopped, and all behavior that listens to downlink control information based on the DRX of multiple MBS must be stopped.

[0533] Embodiment 3.2 Similar to Embodiment 3.1, when the communication device initiates random access, the downlink BWP needs to be switched to the BWP corresponding to the uplink BWP. For example, when the uplink BWP is switched to the uplink initial BWP, the downlink BWP also needs to be switched to the downlink initial BWP, or the downlink BWP also needs to be switched to a downlink BWP whose identifier corresponds to the identifier of the first uplink BWP. However, in a unicast service, the network device is unaware that the communication device is performing a downlink BWP switch, and the network device continues to send data to the communication device over the downlink BWP before the switch. In this case, the communication device cannot receive the data.

[0534] For example, when a communication device initiates CBRA, it causes the communication device to perform a downlink BWP switch. The network device is unaware that the communication device has switched from downlink BWP1 to downlink BWP2, and continues to send data to the communication device using the PTP transmission method over downlink BWP1, which is still in use before the switch. However, the communication device has switched to downlink BWP2, and therefore the communication device cannot receive the data.

[0535] In the above case, if the communication device still listens to DCI corresponding to unicast data (which is pointless), power consumption will be high.

[0536] To address problems in unicast services, this application provides a DRX control method. When a communication device initiates random access, if the communication device determines which downlink BWP should be switched or which downlink BWP has been switched, the communication device may enter a sleep period to skip receiving downlink control information or downlink data transmitted in a unicast manner, or it may not listen to downlink control information associated with the unicast. This can help reduce the power consumption of the communication device by preventing it from listening to unnecessary downlink control information.

[0537] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a DRX control method. As shown in Figure 11, the method includes the following steps.

[0538] 110: The communication device switches from the first downlink BWP to the second downlink BWP, and the first and second BWPs are for transmitting downlink control information or data using a unicast method.

[0539] For example, the first downlink BWP and / or the second downlink BWP include / are the downlink BWP corresponding to the unicast, or the initial downlink BWP.

[0540] For example, switching from the first downlink BWP to the second downlink BWP can be understood as deactivating the first downlink BWP and activating the second downlink BWP.

[0541] 111: The communication device controls the first DRX to enter a sleep period, or does not listen to the control information associated with the unicast, and the first DRX is associated with the unicast.

[0542] Not listening may include stopping listening altogether.

[0543] For example, the downlink BWP in step 110 may be switched in the case of CBRA. That is, when the communication device initiates CBRA, the communication device switches from the first BWP to the second BWP. The second downlink BWP can be understood to be the downlink BWP corresponding to the active first uplink BWP.

[0544] For example, the second downlink BWP is the initial downlink BWP, and the first uplink BWP is the initial uplink BWP. Alternatively, for example, the identifier of the second downlink BWP is the same as the identifier of the first uplink BWP. For a specific explanation here, see the explanations in steps 100 and 101 above.

[0545] For example, for a specific implementation of controlling the first DRX so that the communication device enters a sleep period, refer to the above explanation in steps 100 and 101. The difference is that the first DRX is associated with unicast, and all the timers in the first DRX are timers in the unicast service.

[0546] This application further includes: The communication device initiates random access (e.g., CBRA or CFRA), and the communication device switches to / switches to a second downlink BWP.

[0547] For example, a communication device stopping listening to downlink control information for scheduling unicast data may be done as follows: The communication device stops listening to scrambled DCI by using a unicast RNTI, which may be, for example, a C-RNTI.

[0548] Optionally, controlling the first DRX to put the communication device into a sleep state may include the following: The communication device stops the timer corresponding to the first DRX.

[0549] For example, if the HARQ-RTT-Timer is running when the communication device switches to the second downlink BWP, the communication device will not start the RetransmissionTimer until the HARQ-RTT-Timer expires in order to conserve power consumption.

[0550] The above describes a process in which the communication device may enter a sleep period to reduce power consumption. The communication device may control the first DRX to enter an active period again in the following scenarios, or it may listen again to (or start listening to) downlink control information associated with unicast based on the first DRX.

[0551] Optionally, the communication device sends message 3 in the CBRA procedure, and message 3 is used for scheduled transmission. In this case, the network device determines the identity of the communication device based on message 3, and may further determine that the communication device has switched to the second downlink BWP. Thus, the communication device may control the first DRX to be active, or it may listen for control information associated with unicast based on the first DRX.

[0552] For example, the communication device starts a timer on the first DRX that includes one or more of the following: OnDuration Timer, Inactivity Timer, HARQ-RTT-Timer, and RetransmissionTimer. Alternatively, the communication device may continue listening for downlink control information based on the active period of the first DRX, for example, by continuing to listen for scrambled DCI using C-RNTI.

[0553] For example, downlink control information for scheduling unicast data includes one or more of the following: downlink control information transmitted in a unicast manner, downlink control information for scheduling data transmitted in a unicast manner, and downlink control information for scheduling unicast data transmitted in a unicast manner.

[0554] Therefore, in a unicast service, when a communication device switches to a downlink BWP in the CBRA process, the communication device may control the first DRX to enter a sleep period to prevent the communication device from performing unnecessary DCI listening and to save power consumption, or it may stop listening to downlink control information for scheduling unicast data.

[0555] It should be noted that the DRX control methods provided in embodiments of this application may be performed separately or by reference to at least two of such methods. This is not limited to this application.

[0556] To implement the above functions, it may be understood that the communication device includes corresponding hardware and / or software modules for performing each function. Referring to the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the algorithmic steps may be implemented in hardware or in combination with hardware and computer software in this application. Whether a function is 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 functions described for specific applications by referring to the embodiments, but the implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0557] In an embodiment, the communication device may be divided into functional modules based on the example of the method described above. For example, each functional module may be obtained through a division based on its corresponding function, or two or more functions may be integrated into a single processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware form. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the division into modules is merely an example and is simply a logical functional division. Other division methods may be used in actual implementations.

[0558] When functional modules are obtained through division based on corresponding functions, Figure 12 shows a possible schematic configuration of the communication device in the above embodiment. The communication device may be the above terminal device or UE. A terminal device is used as an example. As shown in Figure 12, the terminal device 120 may include a transceiver unit 1201 and a processing unit 1202.

[0559] The transceiver unit 1201 may be configured to support the terminal device 120 when performing steps 501, 601, 800, etc., and / or to perform other processes of the technology described in this specification.

[0560] The processing unit 1202 may be configured to support the terminal device 170 when performing the above steps 502 (502-1, 502-2, 502-2A, 502-3, 502-4, 502-5, 502-5A, 502-6), 602 (602-1, 602-2, 602-2A, 602-4, 602-5 and 602-5A), 801, 100, 101, 110, 111, etc., and / or to perform other processes of the technology described in this specification.

[0561] It should be noted that all relevant details of the steps in the embodiment of the above method may be referenced in the functional description of the corresponding functional module. Further details will not be explained again here.

[0562] The terminal device 120 provided in this embodiment is configured to perform the above-described DRX control method and, therefore, can achieve the same effects as the above-described implementation method.

[0563] When an integrated unit is used, the terminal device may include a processing module, a storage module, and a communication module. The processing module may be configured to control and manage the actions of the terminal device. For example, the processing module may be configured to support the terminal device 120 when performing steps performed by the processing unit 1202. The storage module may be configured to support the terminal device when storing program code, data, etc. The communication module may be configured to support communication between the terminal device and other devices, for example, communication between the terminal device and a wireless access device.

[0564] The processing module may be a processor or a controller. The processing module may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules and circuits described with reference to what is disclosed in this application. Alternatively, the processor may be a combination of processors that implement computing functions, for example, a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor. The storage module may be memory. The communication module may specifically be a device such as a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, or a Wi-Fi chip that interacts with other electronic devices.

[0565] In this embodiment, when the processing module is a processor, the storage module is memory, and the transceiver module is a transceiver, the terminal device in this embodiment may be a UE having the structure shown in Figure 13.

[0566] When functional modules are obtained through division based on their corresponding functions, Figure 14 shows a possible schematic configuration of the network device in the above embodiment. The network device may be the base station, etc. The network device is used as an example. As shown in Figure 14, the network device 140 may include a transceiver unit 1401 and a processing unit 1402.

[0567] The transceiver unit 1401 may be configured to support the network device 140 when performing steps 501, 121, etc., and / or to perform other processes of the technology described in this specification.

[0568] The processing unit 1402 may be configured to support the network device 140 when performing the above steps 900, 901, etc., and / or to perform other processes of the technology described in this specification.

[0569] It should be noted that all relevant details of the steps in the embodiment of the above method may be referenced in the functional description of the corresponding functional module. Further details will not be explained again here.

[0570] The network device 140 provided in this embodiment is configured to perform the above-described DRX control method and, therefore, can achieve the same effects as the above-described implementation method.

[0571] When an integrated unit is used, the network device may include a processing module, a storage module, and a communication module. The processing module may be configured to control and manage the actions of the terminal device. For example, the processing module may be configured to support the network device when performing steps performed by the processing unit 1402. The storage module may be configured to support the network device when storing program code, data, etc. The communication module may be configured to support communication between the network device and other devices, for example, communication between the network device and a terminal device.

[0572] The processing module may be a processor or a controller. The processing module may implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules and circuits described with reference to what is disclosed in this application. Alternatively, the processor may be a combination of processors that implement computing functions, for example, a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor. The storage module may be memory. The communication module may specifically be a device such as a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, or a Wi-Fi chip that interacts with other electronic devices.

[0573] In the embodiment, when the processing module is a processor and the storage module is memory, the terminal device in the embodiment may be a base station having the structure shown in Figure 15.

[0574] Embodiments of this application further provide an electronic device comprising one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more memories are coupled to one or more processors. The one or more memories are configured to store computer program code, which includes computer instructions. When one or more processors execute computer instructions, the electronic device is able to perform the steps of the associated method described above to realize the DRX control method in the above embodiment.

[0575] Embodiments of this application further provide a computer storage medium for storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device can perform the steps of the associated method described above to realize the DRX control method in the above embodiment.

[0576] Embodiments of this application further provide a computer program product. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer can perform the steps of the associated method described above to realize the DRX control method performed by the electronic device in the above embodiment.

[0577] Furthermore, embodiments of this application further provide an apparatus, which may specifically be a chip, component, or module. The apparatus may include a connected processor and memory. The memory is configured to store computer executable instructions. When the apparatus is operating, the processor may execute computer executable instructions stored in memory, thereby causing the chip to execute a DRX control method performed by an electronic device in embodiments of the above method.

[0578] The electronic devices, computer storage media, computer program products, and chips provided in the embodiments are all configured to perform the methods provided above. Therefore, for the beneficial effects that can be achieved, refer to the beneficial effects corresponding to the methods provided above. Further details will not be described again here.

[0579] The above description of the implementation method will enable those skilled in the art to understand that, for convenience and for the sake of concise explanation, the division into functional modules described above is provided as an example for illustrative purposes. In actual applications, the above functions can be implemented by assigning them to different modules based on requirements; in other words, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to implement all or some of the above functions.

[0580] In some embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments of the described apparatus are merely examples. For example, the division into modules or units is merely a logical functional division, and other divisions may be used in actual implementations. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into other devices, or some features may be ignored or not performed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling, direct coupling or communication connection indicated or discussed may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically or in other forms.

[0581] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts shown as units may be one or more physical units, may be located in one place, or may be dispersed in different places. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements in order to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

[0582] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in hardware form, or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0583] When an integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software function unit and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application may be implemented essentially, or in part, in the form of a software product, or in part in the form of a software product, in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a device (which may be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or processor to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in embodiments of this application. The storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0584] The above description merely outlines the specific implementation of this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any modification or substitution readily understood by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the scope of protection of this application. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. Intermittent reception (DRX) control method, A step of receiving second control information transmitted in a unicast manner, wherein the second control information is for scheduling second data, and / or a step of receiving the second data. The second step is to stop the timer and Includes, A method wherein the second data is transmitted in the unicast manner, the second data corresponds to a first hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ) process, the second timer is a retransmission timer corresponding to a DRX associated with multicast, the second timer corresponds to the first HARQ process, and the second timer indicates the duration for which a communication device receives the retransmitted data.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of stopping a fifth timer, the fifth timer being a retransmission timer corresponding to a DRX associated with a unicast, the fifth timer corresponding to the first HARQ process, and the fifth timer indicating the duration for which the communication device receives retransmission data.

3. A step of receiving first data on a second resource, wherein the second resource is a configured resource that supports multicast, and the first data corresponds to the first HARQ process, or The step of receiving first control information transmitted by multicast, wherein the first control information is for scheduling first data, and the first data corresponds to the first HARQ process, step The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. A step of starting or restarting a third timer at the cth symbol after the first feedback information has been transmitted, wherein the third timer is a HARQ RTT timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the multicast, and the third timer corresponds to the first HARQ process, The steps include starting or restarting a sixth timer at the cth symbol after the first feedback information has been transmitted, wherein the sixth timer is a HARQ RTT timer corresponding to a DRX associated with a unicast, and the sixth timer corresponds to the first HARQ process, and It further includes, The method according to claim 3, wherein the first feedback information indicates whether the reception of the first data was successful or unsuccessful, and c is a non-negative integer.

5. The DRX associated with the multicast is a DRX corresponding to a second Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI), The method according to claim 4, wherein the second RNTI is used for one or more of the following: multicast, scheduling of multicast dynamic resources, scheduling of retransmission resources for multicast dynamic resources, activation of configured multicast resources, deactivation of configured multicast resources, deactivation of configured multicast resources, and scheduling of retransmission resources for configured multicast resources.

6. When the third timer expires and the first data fails to be received or decoded, the second timer is started or restarted. Steps include: when the sixth timer expires and the first data fails to be received or decoded, start or restart the fifth timer, the fifth timer being a retransmission timer corresponding to the DRX associated with the unicast, and the fifth timer corresponding to the first HARQ process, and The method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising:

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising the step of starting the second timer with the b symbol after the third timer has expired, where b is a non-negative integer.

8. A communication device comprising a unit or module configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A communication device including a processor, A communication device wherein the processor is configured to execute a program or instruction stored in memory to realize the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions, A computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer instruction is executed on the electronic device, the electronic device becomes capable of performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer program that includes instructions, A computer program in which, when the instruction is executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is realized.

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