Communication method, user equipment, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a user equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: a first user equipment receiving a first command, wherein the first command is sent to the first user equipment by a first network device before instructing a second user equipment to start path handover; and according to the function of the first command to instruct the first user equipment to pause data transmission of a radio bearer, pausing the data transmission of the radio bearer. In this way, the data transmission state of a radio bearer of a first user equipment can be controlled, thereby ensuring the security of data that is transmitted by means of the radio bearer.

Description

Communication method, terminal, communication system, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] During a handover (HO) process, the network configures the user equipment (UE) to perform measurements. Based on the measurement results reported by the UE, the network sends a handover request to the target cell. After the target cell confirms the handover, the network sends a handover command to the UE. Upon receiving the handover command, the UE initiates a random access procedure to access the target cell.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium to control the data transmission status of a radio bearer of a first terminal, thereby ensuring the security of data transmitted through the radio bearer.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a first terminal. The method includes:

[0006] receiving a first command, where the first command is sent by the first network device to the first terminal before instructing the second terminal to start path switching;

[0007] According to the function of the first command, the first terminal is instructed to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, and the data transmission of the radio bearer is suspended.

[0008] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a second terminal. The method includes:

[0009] The first command sent by the first network device is forwarded to the first terminal, where the first command is sent by the first network device before instructing the second terminal to start path switching. The first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command, thereby suspending data transmission of the wireless bearer.

[0010] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a network device. The method includes:

[0011] Before instructing the second terminal to start path switching, a first command is sent to the first terminal, where the first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, thereby suspending data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first terminal is provided, the first terminal including:

[0013] a transceiver module, configured to receive a first command, where the first command is sent by the first network device to the first terminal before instructing the second terminal to start path switching;

[0014] The processing module is configured to suspend the data transmission of the radio bearer according to the effect of the first command to instruct the first terminal to suspend the data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second terminal is provided, the second terminal including:

[0016] A transceiver module is used to forward a first command sent by a first network device to a first terminal, where the first command is sent by the first network device before instructing the second terminal to start path switching. The first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising:

[0018] The transceiver module is used to send a first command to the first terminal before instructing the second terminal to start path switching. The first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, including:

[0020] One or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the communication method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0021] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including:

[0022] One or more processors; wherein, the network device is used to execute the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, and a network device, wherein the first terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, the second terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0024] According to the tenth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0025] The above technical solution can achieve at least the following beneficial technical effects:

[0026] By configuring the first terminal to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer according to a first command instructing the second terminal to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer before the first network device instructs the second terminal to initiate path switching, the data transmission state of the radio bearer of the first terminal is controlled, thereby ensuring the security of data transmitted on the radio bearer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG1 b is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG2 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG3 a is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG3 b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG3 c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG3 d is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG4 a is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG4 b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG5 a is a schematic diagram showing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG5 b is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG5c is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG5 d is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG6 a is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG6 b is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG6c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG7 a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG7 b is a schematic structural diagram of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0047] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, performed by a first terminal, the method comprising:

[0048] receiving a first command, where the first command is sent by the first network device to the first terminal before instructing the second terminal to start path switching;

[0049] According to the function of the first command, the first terminal is instructed to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, and the data transmission of the radio bearer is suspended.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the first terminal is configured to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer according to a first command instructing the second terminal to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer before the first network device instructs the second terminal to initiate path switching. This achieves the purpose of controlling the data transmission state of the radio bearer of the first terminal, thereby ensuring the security of data transmitted on the radio bearer.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the radio bearer is a radio bearer for transmitting data through an indirect path, and the indirect path represents a path by which the first terminal is connected to the first network device through the second terminal.

[0052] In the above embodiment, before the second terminal performs path switching, the state of the wireless bearer for data transmission on the first terminal through the second terminal can be controlled to avoid the loss of data sent to the network by the first terminal due to path switching by the second terminal, or to avoid the problem that the data sent to the network by the first terminal cannot be resolved by the network due to path switching by the second terminal.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first command is a first path switching command, or the first command is Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDCP control signaling.

[0054] In the above embodiment, by configuring the first command to be a first path switching command or a PDCP control signaling, signaling overhead can be saved.

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

[0056] The first command includes a first instruction, and it is determined that the function of the first command is to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, wherein the first instruction represents that the first network device instructs the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0057] In the above embodiment, by configuring a first instruction in the first command that represents the first network device instructing the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer, the first command can be made to have the function of instructing the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer, thereby achieving the purpose of controlling the data transmission status of the wireless bearer of the first terminal.

[0058] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first command including the first instruction is sent by the first network device when determining that the serving cell in the new path is changed after the path switch.

[0059] In the above embodiment, since the new service cell may not be able to parse the data generated using the configuration of the original service cell, the first network device will send a first command instructing the first terminal to suspend the data transmission of the wireless bearer to the first terminal when it determines that the service cell in the new path has changed after the second terminal performs path switching. This can avoid sending the data generated using the configuration of the original service cell to the new service cell, and further avoid the problem of data loss caused by the new service cell being unable to parse the data generated using the configuration of the original service cell.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0061] It is determined that the first command includes a second instruction to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer, wherein the second instruction represents that the first network device instructs the first terminal to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0062] In the above embodiment, by configuring the first command to carry the second instruction, the first terminal can maintain the data transmission of the radio bearer, avoid the interruption of the data transmission of the radio bearer, and ensure the stability of the data transmission.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first command including the second instruction is sent by the first network device when it determines that the serving cell in the new path has not changed after the path switch.

[0064] In the above embodiment, by configuring the first terminal to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer when the serving cell in the new path does not change after the second terminal performs path switching, data backlog caused by data transmission interruption can be avoided.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0066] A third instruction is sent to the first network device, where the third instruction indicates the numbers of the data packets that the first terminal has successfully sent to the second terminal, and the numbers are used by the first network device to instruct the second terminal to start path switching after determining that the first network device has received each of the data packets corresponding to the numbers sent by the second terminal.

[0067] In the above embodiment, sending the third instruction to the first network device helps the first network device determine the timing to instruct the second terminal to start path switching, thereby improving the reliability of the first network device.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0069] Receive a fourth instruction sent by the second terminal, and resume data transmission of the radio bearer, wherein the fourth instruction indicates that the path switching of the second terminal is successful.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the first terminal resumes data transmission on the radio bearer in response to receiving the fourth instruction sent by the second terminal. This can reduce the duration during which the first terminal suspends data transmission on the radio bearer, thereby avoiding data backlogs and delayed data transmission caused by data transmission interruptions. For example, delayed data transmission in real-time data transmission scenarios can be avoided.

[0071] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth instruction is carried in a NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification message.

[0072] In the above embodiment, carrying the fourth instruction in the NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification message can reduce signaling overhead and is also beneficial for the first terminal to receive the fourth instruction in time, thereby avoiding loss or failure of the fourth instruction.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0074] Receive a fifth instruction sent by a second network device, and resume data transmission of the radio bearer, where the second network device represents a network device to which the second terminal is connected after the path switching is successful.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the first terminal resumes data transmission on the radio bearer in response to receiving the fifth instruction sent by the second network device, which can reduce the duration of the first terminal stopping data transmission on the radio bearer and improve the data transmission performance of the first terminal.

[0076] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fifth instruction is carried in an RRC Reconfiguration message.

[0077] In the above embodiment, carrying the fifth instruction in the RRC Reconfiguration message can save signaling overhead and is also beneficial for the first terminal to receive the fifth instruction in time, thereby resuming data transmission of the radio bearer in time.

[0078] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first path switching command is a group path switching command.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when the first path switching command is a group path switching command, the data transmission state of the radio bearer of the first terminal can be controlled before the first terminal and the second terminal perform path change together. This can avoid the loss of data sent by the first terminal to the network through the second terminal due to the group path switching.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first path switching command is reconfigurationwithsync synchronous reconfiguration signaling or pathswitch path switching signaling.

[0081] In the above embodiment, since the first path switching command can be configured as reconfigurationwithsync synchronous reconfiguration signaling or pathswitch path switching signaling, it is convenient to flexibly configure the first path switching command.

[0082] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is performed by a second terminal. The method includes:

[0083] The first command sent by the first network device is forwarded to the first terminal, where the first command is sent by the first network device before instructing the second terminal to start path switching. The first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command, thereby suspending data transmission of the wireless bearer.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0085] receiving a second path switching command sent by the first network device, and initiating access to a target node;

[0086] Determine that the path switching is successful, and send a fourth instruction to the first terminal, where the fourth instruction instructs the first terminal to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0087] In the above embodiment, by configuring the second terminal to send the fourth instruction to the first terminal when the path switching is successful, the first terminal can be notified in time to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0088] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth instruction is carried in a NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification message.

[0089] In the above embodiment, by carrying the fourth instruction in the NotificationMessageSidelink notification message, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0090] With reference to some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the target node is a cell;

[0091] The determining that the path switching is successful includes: determining that the target node is successfully accessed according to a successful completion of a random access process, and determining that the path switching is successful.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a method for determining whether the second terminal successfully accesses the target node is provided.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the target node is a relay terminal;

[0094] The determining that the path switching is successful includes: determining that the target node is successfully accessed according to the successful sending of the RRC ReconfigurationCompleteRRC reconfiguration completion message, and determining that the path switching is successful.

[0095] In the above embodiment, another method for determining whether the second terminal successfully accesses the target node is provided.

[0096] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is performed by a network device. The method includes:

[0097] Before instructing the second terminal to start path switching, a first command is sent to the first terminal, where the first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, thereby suspending data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0099] receiving a third instruction sent by the first terminal, where the third instruction indicates the number of the data packet that the first terminal has successfully sent to the second terminal;

[0100] Determine that each of the data packets corresponding to the respective numbers sent by the second terminal is received, and send a second path switching command to the second terminal, where the second path switching command is used to instruct the second terminal to start path switching.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0102] A fifth instruction is sent to the first terminal, where the fifth instruction is used to instruct the first terminal to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0103] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first terminal, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module, and is used to execute the implementation method of the first aspect or the optional implementation method of the first aspect.

[0104] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second terminal, which includes a transceiver module and is used to execute the implementation method of the second aspect or the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0105] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, which includes a transceiver module and is used to execute the implementation method of the third aspect or the optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0106] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a terminal, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the terminal is used to execute the implementation method of the first aspect or the optional implementation method of the first aspect, or the terminal is used to execute the implementation method of the second aspect or the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0107] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the network device is used to execute the implementation method of the third aspect or the optional implementation method of the third aspect.

[0108] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, and a network device, wherein the first terminal is configured to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second terminal is configured to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the second aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect, and the network device is configured to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the third aspect or the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0109] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the first aspect, or the communication device executes the communication method described in the implementation of the second aspect or the optional implementation of the second aspect, or the communication device executes the communication method described in the implementation of the third aspect or the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0110] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, it enables the communication device to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect or the optional implementation of the first aspect, or enables the communication device to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the second aspect and the optional implementation of the second aspect, or enables the communication device to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the third aspect and the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0111] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect, the implementation of the second aspect, the implementation of the third aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, or the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0112] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the communication method described in the implementation of the first aspect, the implementation of the second aspect, the implementation of the third aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, or the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0113] It is understandable that the first terminal, the second terminal, the terminal, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, or the chip system are all used to execute the communication method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0114] The present disclosure provides a communication method, terminal, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" and "data transmission method" are interchangeable; the terms "communication device" and "information processing device" and "data transmission device" are interchangeable; and the terms "communication system" and "information processing system" and "data transmission system" are interchangeable.

[0115] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0116] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0117] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0118] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0119] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0122] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0123] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0124] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0125] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0126] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0127] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0128] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0129] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0130] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0131] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0132] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0133] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0134] Although operations are described in a particular order in the accompanying drawings in the disclosed embodiments, this should not be construed as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a serial order, or that all of the operations shown be performed to obtain the desired result. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, sending multiple messages via the same message may also be advantageous.

[0135] FIG1a is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1a , a communication system 100 includes a first terminal 101 , a second terminal 102 , a first network device 103 , and a second network device 104 .

[0136] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 and / or the second terminal 102 include, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but are not limited thereto.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first network device 103 and / or the second network device 104 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0138] Optionally, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses the terminal to the wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first network device 103 and the second network device 104 are both base stations.

[0140] Optionally, the base station is, for example, a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a relay station, an access point, a 5G base station or a future base station, a satellite, a transmission point (Transmitting and Receiving Point, TRP), a transmission point (Transmitting Point, TP), a mobile switching center, or other devices that perform base station functions in a communication system, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the convenience of description, in all embodiments of the present disclosure, devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices are collectively referred to as network devices or base stations.

[0141] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0142] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0143] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0144] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0145] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1a, or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in Figure 1a are examples. The communication system may include all or part of the subjects in Figure 1a (for example, the communication system 100 includes the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, and the first network device 103; or, the communication system 100 includes the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102). It may also include other subjects other than Figure 1a. The number and form of each subject are arbitrary. Each subject can be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the subjects is an example. The subjects can be connected or disconnected. The connection can be in any manner, which can be direct or indirect, and can be wired or wireless.

[0146] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0147] In the disclosed embodiment, during the handover (HO) process, the network configures the UE to perform measurements, and based on the measurement results reported by the UE, the network sends a handover request to the target cell. After the target cell is confirmed, the network sends a handover command to the UE, such as a Reconfiguration with sync signaling. The handover command may carry configuration information of the target cell, which may include bearer configuration, MAC configuration, and random access configuration. After receiving the handover command, the UE synchronizes with the target cell, initiates a random access process to access the target cell, and begins using the configuration of the target cell.

[0148] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG1b , a UE may communicate with the base station through the relay function of another UE instead of being directly connected to the base station, wherein the UE that is not connected to the base station is called a remote UE (Remote UE), and the UE that provides the relay function is called a relay UE (Relay UE). The remote UE and the relay UE communicate via Sidelink unicast, and this architecture is called U2N (UE to Network, also known as UE to NW) relay. In this way, even if the remote UE cannot receive the base station signal, the remote UE can still maintain communication with the network through the relay UE, thereby expanding the coverage of the network. The direct communication interface between UEs is PC-5. The UE and the base station communicate via the cellular network communication interface Uu.

[0149] 1b , the remote UE and the base station can implement Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) related communications via the Uu interface.

[0150] Continuing with Figure 1b, the remote UE and the relay UE can implement Sidelink Relay Adaptation Protocol (SRAP), Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and physical layer (PHY) related communications through the PC-5 interface.

[0151] Based on the correspondence between the sending and receiving UEs, three data transmission modes are supported on the sidelink: unicast, multicast, and broadcast. Establishing a unicast connection between UEs establishes a PC5-RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection, and after the unicast connection is established, UEs can exchange PC5-RRC messages.

[0152] When a radio link failure (Radio Link Failure), handover, cell reselection, or RRC connection failure occurs in the relay UE, a notification message can be sent to the connected remote UE via sidelink, such as NotificationMessageSidelink signaling. When the remote UE receives the notification message, the remote UE in the connected (CONNECTED) state triggers reestablishment, and the remote UE in the idle (IDLE) state and the inactive (INACTIVE) state can decide whether to release the connection with the relay UE. If the connection with the relay UE is not released, and if the notification message indicates that the relay UE has undergone handover / cell reselection, the remote UE also believes that it has undergone handover / cell reselection.

[0153] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the network may switch the path of a remote UE from one relay UE to another. For example, the network may send path switch signaling to the remote UE, such as a path switch signaling message, which may include the identifier of the target relay UE. After the remote UE receives the path switch signaling message, it establishes a sidelink unicast connection with the target relay UE, allowing the remote UE to transmit data to the network through the target relay UE.

[0154] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the network switches the path of the remote UE from the relay UE to a direct connection with the cell, the traditional handover process is reused.

[0155] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the architecture in which a remote UE maintains connection with a network through multiple relay UEs is referred to as a multi-hop U2N relay.

[0156] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the manner in which the relay UE and the connected remote UE change paths together is called group mobility.

[0157] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a direct connection between a UE and a base station is called a direct path, and a connection between a UE and a base station via a relay is called an indirect path.

[0158] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, to improve transmission rate and reliability, a remote UE can maintain a connection to the network through multiple paths simultaneously. This function is called multipath connection. The remote UE can support multipath connection when in a connected state. The multiple paths can include direct paths and indirect paths.

[0159] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a bearer for a remote UE may be transmitted via a direct path, which may be referred to as a direct bearer. A bearer for a remote UE may also be transmitted via an indirect path, which may be referred to as an indirect bearer. A bearer for a remote UE may also be transmitted via a direct path and an indirect path, which may be referred to as a multipath bearer.

[0160] The following describes an embodiment based on an example in which the first terminal 101 is a remote UE of the second terminal 102 and the second terminal 102 is a relay UE of the first terminal 101 .

[0161] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for use in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0162] In step S201 , the first network device 103 sends a first command to the first terminal 101 .

[0163] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0164] In some embodiments, the names of commands, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "command", "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 receives a first command.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first command is used to control the radio bearer of the first terminal 101.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first command is used to control the data transmission state of the radio bearer of the first terminal 101.

[0168] In some embodiments, the name of the first command is not limited, and it can be, for example, radio bearer configuration signaling, state control signaling, data transmission control signaling, etc.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first command is sent by the first network device 103 to the first terminal 101 before instructing the second terminal 102 to start path switching.

[0170] Optionally, the first network device 103 sends the first command to the first terminal 101 via a direct path (Direct Path). The direct path represents a path in which the first network device 103 and the first terminal 101 are directly connected.

[0171] Optionally, the first network device 103 sends the first command to the first terminal 101 via an indirect path. The indirect path represents a path through which the first terminal 101 is indirectly connected to the first network device 103 via the second terminal 102. Optionally, the indirect path also includes other relay terminals in addition to the second terminal 102.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first command is a first path switching command. Optionally, the first path switching command is a group path switching command. Optionally, group path switching refers to a path switching method in which the relay UE and the connected remote UE switch paths to the same target node, and during the path switching process, the relay UE and the remote UE maintain a sidelink connection.

[0173] Optionally, the first network device 103 sends a "Reconfiguration with Sync" signaling message, which carries or includes the first command. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the "Reconfiguration with Sync" signaling message and obtains the first command. Optionally, the first network device 103 sends a "Path Switch" signaling message, which carries or includes the first command. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the "Path Switch" signaling message and obtains the first command.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first command is a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) control signaling. Optionally, the first network device 103 sends a PDCP control signaling, and the PDCP control signaling carries or includes the first command. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the PDCP control signaling to obtain the first command.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first command may include a first instruction. Optionally, the first command is the same as the first instruction. In some embodiments, the first instruction indicates that the first network device 103 instructs the first terminal 101 to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer. The name of the first instruction is not limited and can be, for example, radio bearer configuration signaling, state control signaling, data transmission control signaling, etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first command may include a second instruction. Optionally, the first command and the second instruction are the same. In some embodiments, the second instruction indicates that the first network device 103 instructs the first terminal 101 to maintain data transmission on the radio bearer. The name of the second instruction is not limited and can be, for example, a radio bearer configuration signaling, a state control signaling, a data transmission control signaling, etc.

[0177] Step S202: If the first terminal 101 determines that the first command is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, the first terminal 101 suspends data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0178] Optionally, the radio bearer is a radio bearer for transmitting data via an indirect path. Optionally, the indirect path represents a path connecting the first terminal 101 to the first network device 103 via the second terminal 102. In some embodiments, the indirect path may further include other relay UEs in addition to the second terminal 102.

[0179] In some embodiments, the objects whose transmission of the radio bearer of the first terminal 101 is suspended include PDCP packets and / or RLC packets. For example, if the first terminal 101 determines that the first command is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, the first terminal 101 suspends the transmission of the PDCP packets and / or RLC packets on the radio bearer.

[0180] In some embodiments, the object for which transmission of the radio bearer of the first terminal 101 is suspended does not include signaling. For example, if the first terminal 101 determines that the first command is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer, the first terminal 101 suspends transmission of PDCP packets and / or RLC packets on the radio bearer, but the radio bearer of the first terminal 101 can transmit signaling.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first command can be configured to instruct first terminal 101 to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer. Thus, in response to receiving the first command, first terminal 101 suspends data transmission on the radio bearer. In some embodiments, first network device 103 sends the first command to first terminal 101 before instructing second terminal 102 to initiate a path switch. In some embodiments, first network device 103 can send the first command to first terminal 101 if it is known that performing a path switch on second terminal 102 will result in a change in the serving cell of second terminal 102, and before first network device 103 instructs second terminal 102 to initiate a path switch.

[0182] In some embodiments, terms such as "preset", "preset", "set", and "agreement" can be interchangeable, and "preset A", "preset A", "set A", and "agreement A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in an agreement, etc.

[0183] In some embodiments, a first instruction may be configured in the first command, and the first instruction is used to instruct first terminal 101 to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer. Thus, when first terminal 101 receives the first command and determines that the first command carries the first instruction, first terminal 101 determines that the first command is an instruction from first network device 103 to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer, and thus first terminal 101 suspends data transmission on the radio bearer. In some embodiments, first network device 103 may send the first command including the first instruction to first terminal 101 if it is known that a path switch performed by second terminal 102 will result in a change in the serving cell of second terminal 102.

[0184] In some embodiments, if the first terminal 101 determines that the first command is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to maintain data transmission on the radio bearer, the first terminal 101 maintains data transmission on the radio bearer. In some embodiments, a second instruction may be configured in the first command, and the second instruction is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to maintain data transmission on the radio bearer. In this way, when the first terminal 101 receives the first command, if the first terminal 101 determines that the first command carries the second instruction, the first terminal 101 maintains data transmission on the radio bearer. In some embodiments, the first network device 103 may send the first command including the second instruction to the first terminal 101 when it is known that the path switching of the second terminal 102 will not cause a change in the serving cell of the second terminal 102.

[0185] Step S203 : The first terminal 101 sends a third instruction to the first network device 103 .

[0186] Optionally, after suspending data transmission of the radio bearer, the first terminal 101 executes step S203 , and the first terminal 101 sends a third instruction to the first network device 103 .

[0187] Optionally, when the first terminal 101 receives the first command for instructing the first terminal 101 to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, step S203 is performed, and the first terminal 101 sends a third instruction to the first network device 103.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first network device 103 receives a third instruction.

[0189] In some embodiments, the third instruction is used to indicate the number of the data packet that the first terminal 101 has successfully sent to the second terminal 102 .

[0190] In some embodiments, the third instruction is used to indicate the numbers of data packets that the first terminal 101 has successfully sent to the second terminal 102 within a recent period of time.

[0191] In some embodiments, the name of the third instruction is not limited, and it can be, for example, a data packet number sequence, a data packet number set, etc.

[0192] In step S204 , the first network device 103 instructs the second terminal 102 to start path switching.

[0193] In some embodiments, first network device 103 receives a third instruction. First network device 103 determines, based on the numbers indicated by the third instruction, whether it has received the data packets corresponding to the respective numbers sent by second terminal 102. Simultaneously with or after determining that the data packets corresponding to the respective numbers sent by second terminal 102 have been received, first network device 103 executes step S204, whereby first network device 103 instructs second terminal 102 to initiate path switching.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first network device 103 instructs the second terminal 102 to start path switching by: the first network device 103 sends a second path switching command to the second terminal 102 .

[0195] Optionally, the second terminal 102 receives a second path switching command. Optionally, in response to receiving the second path switching command, the second terminal 102 initiates access to a target node. The target node may be determined based on a target node identifier carried in the second path switching command. Optionally, the target node is a cell or a relay terminal.

[0196] In some embodiments, the second path switch command is used to instruct the second terminal 102 to initiate a path switch. Optionally, the first network device 103 sends a "reconfiguration with sync" signaling message, which carries or includes the second path switch command. Optionally, the second terminal 102 receives the "reconfiguration with sync" signaling message and obtains the second path switch command. Optionally, the first network device 103 sends a "path switch" signaling message, which carries or includes the second path switch command. Optionally, the second terminal 102 receives the "path switch" signaling message and obtains the second path switch command.

[0197] Step S205 : The second terminal 102 sends a fourth instruction to the first terminal 101 .

[0198] In some embodiments, after the second terminal 102 initiates access to the target node, if the second terminal 102 determines that the path switching is successful, step S205 is executed, and the second terminal 102 sends a fourth instruction to the first terminal 101.

[0199] Optionally, if the target node is a cell, then according to the successful completion of the random access process, it can be determined that the second terminal 102 successfully accesses the target node, and further it can be determined that the path switching is successful.

[0200] Optionally, if the target node is a relay terminal, then according to the successful sending of the RRC ReconfigurationComplete message, it can be determined that the second terminal 102 successfully accesses the target node, and further it can be determined that the path switching is successful.

[0201] Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives a fourth instruction.

[0202] In some embodiments, the fourth instruction is used to indicate to the second terminal 102 that the path switching is successful.

[0203] In some embodiments, the fourth instruction is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0204] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth instruction is not limited, and it can be, for example, radio bearer configuration signaling, state control signaling, data transmission control signaling, etc.

[0205] In some embodiments, the fourth instruction is carried in a NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification message. Optionally, the second terminal 102 sends a NotificationMessageSidelink, which carries or includes the fourth instruction. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the NotificationMessageSidelink and obtains the fourth instruction.

[0206] Step S206 : The second network device 104 sends a fifth instruction to the first terminal 101 .

[0207] In some embodiments, the network device to which the second terminal 102 is connected after the path switching is successful is called the second network device 104. Optionally, after the second network device 104 determines that the second terminal 102 has successfully connected, the second network device 104 sends a fifth instruction to the first terminal 101.

[0208] Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives a fifth instruction.

[0209] In some embodiments, the fifth instruction is used to indicate to the second terminal 102 that the path switching is successful.

[0210] In some embodiments, the fifth instruction is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0211] In some embodiments, the fifth instruction is carried in an RRC Reconfiguration message. Optionally, the second network device 104 sends an RRC Reconfiguration message, and the RRC Reconfiguration message carries or includes the fifth instruction. Optionally, the first terminal 101 receives the RRC Reconfiguration message and obtains the fifth instruction.

[0212] Optionally, the second network device 104 and the first network device 103 are the same network device.

[0213] Step S207: The first terminal 101 resumes data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0214] Optionally, in response to receiving the fourth instruction, the first terminal 101 executes step S207, and the first terminal 101 resumes data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0215] Optionally, in response to receiving the fifth instruction, the first terminal 101 executes step S207, and the first terminal 101 resumes data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0216] In some embodiments, after the first terminal 101 resumes data transmission of the radio bearer, the first terminal 101 sends data to the second network device 104 through the second terminal 102. For example, the first terminal 101 sends a PDCP data packet and / or an RLC data packet.

[0217] It should be noted that when a group path switch is triggered, the second terminal 102 may still have PDCP PDUs (Protocol Data Units) sent by the first terminal 101 that have not yet been sent to the first network device 103. At this time, the second terminal 102 will disconnect from the first network device 103 to access the new path. After the second terminal accesses the new path, if the PDCP encryption key changes, these PDCP PDUs cannot be parsed by the cells in the new path, resulting in data loss.

[0218] By adopting the above-mentioned communication method disclosed in the present invention, the state of the wireless bearer for data transmission on the first terminal through the second terminal can be controlled before the second terminal performs path switching, thereby avoiding the loss of data sent to the network by the first terminal due to the path switching by the second terminal, or avoiding the problem that the data sent to the network by the first terminal cannot be parsed by the network due to the path switching by the second terminal.

[0219] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S207. For example, step S201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S201 and step S202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S201, step S202, and step S207 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0220] In some embodiments, step S202 and step S203 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously, and step S205 and step S206 may be executed in an exchanged order or simultaneously.

[0221] In some embodiments, steps S203 to S207 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0222] In some embodiments, steps S202 to S207 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0223] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0224] FIG3a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0225] Step S3101, obtain the first command.

[0226] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 receives the first command sent by the first network device 103, but is not limited thereto. The first terminal 101 may also receive the first command sent or forwarded by other entities.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains a first command specified by the protocol.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains the first command from an upper layer(s).

[0230] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the first command.

[0231] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the first terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the first command, or the above function is default or by default.

[0232] Optionally, the first command is sent by the first network device 103 before instructing the second terminal 102 to start path switching.

[0233] Step S3102: Determine whether the first command indicates to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0234] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0235] If it is determined that the first command is used to instruct to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, step S3103 is executed. If it is determined that the first command is used to instruct to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer, step S3104 is executed.

[0236] Step S3103: suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0237] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] In some embodiments, the operation of suspending data transmission of the radio bearer is determined based on a first command instructing to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0239] Step S3104: Maintain data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0240] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0241] In some embodiments, the operation of continuing to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer is determined based on a first command instructing to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0242] Step S3105: Send the third instruction.

[0243] The optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 sends the third instruction to the first network device 103, but is not limited thereto, and the third instruction may also be sent to other entities.

[0245] Optionally, the third instruction is used by the first network device 103 to obtain the number of the data packet that the first terminal 101 has successfully sent to the second terminal 102, and then determine whether to instruct the second terminal 102 to start path switching.

[0246] Step S3106, obtain the fourth instruction.

[0247] The optional implementation of step S3106 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 receives the fourth instruction sent by the second terminal 102, but is not limited thereto. The first terminal 101 may also receive the fourth instruction sent by other entities.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains a fourth instruction specified by the protocol.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains the fourth instruction from an upper layer(s).

[0251] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the fourth instruction.

[0252] In some embodiments, step S3106 is omitted, and the first terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the fourth instruction, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0253] Step S3107, obtain the fifth instruction.

[0254] The optional implementation of step S3107 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0255] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 receives the fifth instruction sent by the second network device 104, but is not limited thereto. The first terminal 101 may also receive the fifth instruction sent or forwarded by other entities.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains a fifth instruction specified by the protocol.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 obtains the fifth instruction from an upper layer(s).

[0258] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101 performs processing to obtain the fifth instruction.

[0259] In some embodiments, step S3107 is omitted, and the first terminal 101 autonomously implements the function indicated by the fifth instruction, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0260] Step S3108: Resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0261] The optional implementation of step S3108 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3108. For example, step S3103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101 and step S3103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S3101, step S3102, and step S3103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0263] In some embodiments, step S3106 and step S3107 may be executed in an interchanged order or simultaneously.

[0264] In some embodiments, step S3101, step S3102, and step S3104 to step S3108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0265] In some embodiments, steps S3102 to S3108 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0266] FIG3b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0267] Step S3201, obtain the first command.

[0268] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] Step S3202: suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0270] Optional implementations of step S3202 can refer to step S202 in FIG. 2 , step S3102 in FIG. 3 a , optional implementations of step S3103 , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0271] Step S3203: Send a third instruction.

[0272] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to step S203 in FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3105 in FIG. 3 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0273] Step S3204, obtain the fourth instruction.

[0274] The optional implementation of step S3204 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2, step S3106 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] Step S3205: Resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0276] The optional implementation of step S3205 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2, step S3108 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3205. For example, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3201 and step S3202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S3201, step S3202, and step S3205 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0278] In some embodiments, step S3201 and step S3203 to step S3205 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0279] FIG3c is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3c, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0280] Step S3301, obtain the first command.

[0281] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0282] Step S3302: suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0283] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to step S202 in Figure 2, step S3102 in Figure 3a, the optional implementation of step S3103, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0284] Step S3303: Send the third instruction.

[0285] The optional implementation of step S3303 can refer to step S203 in FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S3105 in FIG. 3 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0286] Step S3304, obtain the fifth instruction.

[0287] The optional implementation of step S3304 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, step S3107 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0288] Step S3305: Resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0289] The optional implementation of step S3305 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2, step S3108 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0290] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3305. For example, step S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3301 and step S3302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and step S3301, step S3302, and step S3305 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0291] In some embodiments, step S3301 and step S3303 to step S3305 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0292] FIG3 d is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 d , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the first terminal 101 and includes:

[0293] Step S3401, obtain the first command.

[0294] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 3a, which will not be repeated here.

[0295] Step S3402: suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0296] Optional implementations of step S3402 can refer to step S202 in FIG. 2 , step S3102 in FIG. 3 a , optional implementations of step S3103 , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0297] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of step S3401 and step S3402. For example, step S3402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0298] In some embodiments, step S3401 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0299] FIG4a is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the second terminal 102 and includes:

[0300] Step S4101: Send the first command.

[0301] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 forwards the first command sent by the first network device 103 to the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto. The second terminal 102 may also forward the first command to other entities.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first command is used by the first terminal to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer according to the effect of the first command being to instruct to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer.

[0304] Step S4102: Acquire a second path switching command.

[0305] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 receives the second path switching command sent by the first network device 103, but is not limited thereto. The second terminal 102 may also receive the second path switching command sent by other entities.

[0307] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 obtains a second path switching command specified by the protocol.

[0308] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 obtains the second path switching command from an upper layer(s).

[0309] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 performs processing to obtain a second path switching command.

[0310] In some embodiments, step S4102 is omitted, and the second terminal 102 autonomously implements the function indicated by the second path switching command, or the above function is default or acquiescent.

[0311] Step S4103: Send the fourth instruction.

[0312] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] In some embodiments, the second terminal 102 sends the fourth instruction to the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and the fourth instruction may also be sent to other entities.

[0314] Optionally, the fourth instruction is used to instruct the first terminal 101 to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0315] Optionally, the fourth instruction is used to notify the first terminal 101 that the second terminal 102 has successfully switched the path.

[0316] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103. For example, step S4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0317] In some embodiments, step S4102 and step S4103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0318] FIG4 b is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 b , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by the second terminal 102 and includes:

[0319] Step S4201: Send the first command.

[0320] The optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to step S201 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S4101 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0321] Step S4202: Send the fourth instruction.

[0322] The optional implementation of step S4202 can refer to step S205 in FIG. 2 , the optional implementation of step S4103 in FIG. 4 a , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0323] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of step S4201 and step S4202. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0324] In some embodiments, step S4202 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0325] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0326] Step S5101: A first terminal receives a first command, where the first command is sent by a first network device to the first terminal before instructing a second terminal to start path switching.

[0327] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3a, step S4101 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] Step S5102: Suspend data transmission of the radio bearer according to the function of the first command to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0329] The optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2, step S3103 in Figure 3a, step S4101 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] In some embodiments, the above method may include the communication method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first terminal side, the second terminal side, the first network device side, the second network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0331] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, and the method includes:

[0332] In step S5201, the second terminal forwards the first command sent by the first network device to the first terminal. The first command is sent by the first network device before instructing the second terminal to start path switching. The first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command.

[0333] The optional implementation of step S5201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3a, step S4101 in Figure 4a, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3a, and 4a, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] In some embodiments, the above method may include the communication method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first terminal side, the second terminal side, the first network device side, the second network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0335] Figure 5c is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5c, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0336] Step S5301: Send the first command.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S5301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] In some embodiments, the network device sends the first command to the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send the first command to other entities.

[0339] Step S5302: Receive a third instruction.

[0340] The optional implementation of step S5302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] In some embodiments, the network device receives the third instruction sent by the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the third instruction sent by other entities.

[0342] In some embodiments, the network device obtains a third instruction specified by the protocol.

[0343] In some embodiments, the network device obtains the third instruction from an upper layer(s).

[0344] In some embodiments, the network device performs processing to obtain the third instruction.

[0345] In some embodiments, step S5302 is omitted, and the network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the third instruction, or the above function is default or by default.

[0346] Step S5303: Send a second path switching command.

[0347] The optional implementation of step S5303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0348] Step S5304: Send the fifth instruction.

[0349] The optional implementation of step S5304 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] In some embodiments, the network device sends the fifth instruction to the first terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send the fifth instruction to other entities.

[0351] The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5301 to S5304. For example, step S5301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0352] In some embodiments, steps S5302 to S5304 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0353] Figure 5d is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5d, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is executed by a network device, and the method includes:

[0354] Step S5401: before instructing the second terminal to start path switching, a first command is sent to the first terminal. The first command is used for the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

[0355] The optional implementation of step S5401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2, step S5301 in Figure 5c, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2 and 5c, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] In some embodiments, the above method may include the communication method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first terminal side, the second terminal side, the network device side (the first network device side and the second network device side), etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0357] The present disclosure also provides an interactive mode of a communication method, wherein a remote UE maintains a connection with a network via a relay UE.

[0358] The remote UE is configured to perform the following processing:

[0359] 1. Receive a first command sent by a first network device, and suspend data transmission based on a radio bearer.

[0360] As an embodiment, when the remote UE is connected to the network only through the relay UE, the radio bearers are all radio bearers of the terminal. When the remote UE is configured with multipath, the radio bearers are radio bearers transmitted through indirect paths.

[0361] As an embodiment, the first command may be a group switching command. As an embodiment, the group switching command may be a reconfigurationwithsync or pathswitch signaling.

[0362] As an embodiment, the first command may be PDCP control signaling, and the network sends the first command before triggering the relay UE to perform group path switching.

[0363] 2. Based on 1, send a first indication to the first network device, which carries the number of the sent PDCP data packet.

[0364] 3. Based on step 1, receive the path switching completion indication sent by the relay UE, resume transmission of all radio bearers, and transmit data with the network through the relay UE.

[0365] As an embodiment, the path switching completion indication may be carried by NotificationMessageSidelink.

[0366] 4. Based on 1, receive a second indication sent by the second network device to which the second terminal is connected after switching the path, resume transmission of all radio bearers, and transmit data with the network through the relay UE.

[0367] As an embodiment, the second indication may be carried in an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0368] 5. Based on 1, the group handover command carries an instruction to suspend transmission, and the transmission of all radio bearers is suspended.

[0369] As an embodiment, when the new path changes the serving cell, the network may carry a transmission suspension instruction in the group handover command. When the new path does not change the serving cell, the network may indicate in the group handover command not to suspend transmission.

[0370] The relay UE is used to perform the following processing:

[0371] 1. When the relay UE completes the path switching, it sends a path switching completion indication to the remote UE.

[0372] As an embodiment, the path switching completion indication may be carried by NotificationMessageSidelink.

[0373] As an embodiment, when the target node accessed by the second terminal is a cell, when the random access process is successfully completed, the relay UE determines that the path switching is completed. When the target node is a relay UE, when the RRCReconfigurationComplete message is successfully sent, the relay UE determines that the path switching is completed.

[0374] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0375] The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a device is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a first terminal in any of the above communication methods. For another example, another device is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a second terminal in any of the above communication methods.

[0376] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0377] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0378] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, terminal 6100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6101 and a processing module 6102. In some embodiments, transceiver module 6101 is configured to receive a first command, which is sent by a first network device before instructing a second terminal to initiate a path switch. Processing module 6102 is configured to suspend data transmission on a radio bearer based on the first command indicating that the radio bearer is to be suspended.

[0379] Optionally, the transceiver module 6101 is configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S201, step S203, step S205, step S206, but not limited thereto) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first terminal 101 in any of the above communication methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 6102 is configured to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S202, step S207, but not limited thereto) performed by the first terminal 101 in any of the above communication methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0380] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6b, terminal 6200 may include at least one transceiver module 6201. In some embodiments, transceiver module 6201 is configured to forward a first command sent by a first network device to the first terminal, the first command being sent by the first network device before instructing the second terminal to initiate a path switch, the first command being used by the first terminal to suspend data transmission on a radio bearer according to the first command instructing the first terminal to suspend data transmission on the radio bearer.

[0381] Optionally, the transceiver module 6201 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, step S204, step S205, but not limited to this) performed by the second terminal 102 in any of the above communication methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0382] Figure 6c is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6c, network device 6300 may include a transceiver module 6301. In some embodiments, transceiver module 6301 is configured to send a first command to a first terminal before instructing a second terminal to initiate a path switch. The first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission on a radio bearer, thereby suspending data transmission on the radio bearer.

[0383] Optionally, the transceiver module 6301 is used to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network device 103 and / or the second network device 104 in any of the above communication methods (for example, step S201, step S204, step S206, but not limited to these), which are not repeated here.

[0384] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, and the transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0385] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0386] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user device, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above communication methods. Communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above communication method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above communication method embodiments.

[0387] As shown in Figure 7a, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 7100 is used to perform any of the above communication methods.

[0388] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0389] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceiver 7103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S201, step S203, step S204, step S205, step S206, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S202, step S207, but not limited thereto).

[0390] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0391] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuit 7104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 may read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0392] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7a. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0393] FIG7 b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 7200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 shown in FIG7 b , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0394] The chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201 , and the chip 7200 is configured to execute any of the above communication methods.

[0395] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to the memory 7203. The interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in the memory 7203 and send the instructions to the processor 7201.

[0396] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 executes at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S201, step S203, step S204, step S205, step S206, but not limited to these), and the processor 7201 executes at least one of the other steps (for example, step S202, step S207, but not limited to these).

[0397] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0398] In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside the chip 7200.

[0399] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0400] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 7100, enables the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above communication methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0401] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute any one of the above communication methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first terminal and includes: receiving a first command, where the first command is sent by the first network device to the first terminal before instructing the second terminal to start path switching; According to the first command, the data transmission of the wireless bearer is suspended.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The radio bearer is a radio bearer for data transmission via an indirect path, and the indirect path represents a path through which the first terminal is connected to the first network device via the second terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first command is a first path switching command, or the first command is a Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDCP control signaling.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first command includes a first instruction, and it is determined that the function of the first command is to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer, wherein the first instruction represents that the first network device instructs the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the radio bearer.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first command including the first instruction is sent by the first network device when determining that the serving cell in the new path is changed after the path switching.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine that the first command includes a second instruction to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer, wherein the second instruction represents that the first network device instructs the first terminal to maintain data transmission of the radio bearer.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first command including the second instruction is sent by the first network device when it is determined that the serving cell in the new path is not changed after the path switching.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send a third instruction to the first network device, wherein the third instruction indicates that the first terminal has successfully sent the The number of the data packet of the second terminal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A fourth instruction sent by the second terminal is received, and data transmission of the radio bearer is resumed, wherein the fourth instruction indicates that the path switching of the second terminal is successful.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The fourth instruction is carried in the NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A fifth instruction sent by a second network device is received to resume data transmission of the radio bearer, wherein the second network device represents a network device to which the second terminal is connected after the path switching is successful.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The fifth instruction is carried in the RRC ReconfigurationRRC reconfiguration message.

13. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first path switching command is a group path switching command.

14. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first path switching command is reconfigurationwithsync synchronous reconfiguration signaling or pathswitch path switching signaling.

15. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by the second terminal, and includes: A first command sent by a first network device is forwarded to a first terminal, wherein the first command is sent by the first network device before instructing the second terminal to start path switching, and the first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of a wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a second path switching command sent by the first network device, and initiating access to a target node; Determine that the path switching is successful, and send a fourth instruction to the first terminal, where the fourth instruction instructs the first terminal to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The fourth instruction is carried in the NotificationMessageSidelink sidelink notification message.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The target node is a cell; The determining that the path switching is successful includes: The target node is successfully accessed based on the successful completion of the random access process, and the path switching is determined to be successful.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The target node is a relay terminal; The determining that the path switching is successful includes: According to the successful sending of the RRC ReconfigurationCompleteRRC reconfiguration completion message, it is determined that the target node is successfully accessed, and the path switching is successful.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: Executed by a network device, the method includes: Before instructing the second terminal to start path switching, a first command is sent to the first terminal, where the first command is used for the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a third instruction sent by the first terminal, wherein the third instruction indicates the number of the data packet that the first terminal has successfully sent to the second terminal; Determine that each of the data packets corresponding to each of the numbers sent by the second terminal is received, and send a second path switching command to the second terminal, where the second path switching command is used to instruct the second terminal to start path switching.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fifth instruction is sent to the first terminal, where the fifth instruction is used to instruct the first terminal to resume data transmission of the radio bearer.

23. A first terminal, characterized in that: The first terminal includes: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first command, where the first command is sent by the first network device to the first terminal before instructing the second terminal to start path switching; The processing module is used to suspend the data transmission of the radio bearer according to the effect of the first command to instruct the first terminal to suspend the data transmission of the radio bearer.

24. A second terminal, characterized in that: The second terminal includes: A transceiver module is used to forward a first command sent by a first network device to a first terminal, wherein the first command is sent by the first network device before instructing the second terminal to start path switching, and the first command is used by the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of a wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command, thereby suspending data transmission of the wireless bearer.

25. A network device, characterized in that: The network equipment includes: The transceiver module is used to send a first command to the first terminal before instructing the second terminal to start path switching, wherein the first command is used for the first terminal to instruct the first terminal to suspend data transmission of the wireless bearer according to the effect of the first command, thereby suspending data transmission of the wireless bearer.

26. A terminal, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The terminal is used to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1-19.

27. A network device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; Wherein, the network device is used to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 20-22.

28. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a network device, wherein the first terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 1-14, the second terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 15-19, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 20-22.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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