Communication method, communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a communication method, a communication device, and a storage medium. The communication method comprises: a first terminal determining, according to whether the first terminal is configured with a random access resource, a random access resource which is used by the first terminal, wherein the first terminal is a first-type terminal.

Description

Communication method, communication device and storage medium Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of technology, a new type of terminal or user equipment (UE) has been proposed. This new type of terminal or UE is called a Reduced Capability (RedCap) terminal or RedCap UE. This new type of terminal has at least one of the following characteristics: low cost, low complexity, a certain degree of coverage enhancement required, and / or low power consumption.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] With the development of communication technology, there is a need to improve the random access effect of specific terminals.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a communication device, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, wherein the method includes:

[0007] The first terminal determines, according to whether the random access resource is configured, a random access resource to be used by the first terminal;

[0008] The first terminal is a first type terminal.

[0009] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0010] A network device sends configuration information of a random access resource, wherein the configuration information indicates whether the random access resource is used for a first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a first category terminal.

[0011] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first terminal is provided, comprising:

[0012] a processing module configured to determine, according to whether the first terminal is configured with a random access resource, a random access resource used by the first terminal;

[0013] The first terminal has a first characteristic, or the first terminal is a first type of terminal.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, including:

[0015] The sending module is configured to send configuration information of the random access resource, wherein the configuration information indicates whether the random access resource is used for the first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a first category terminal.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0017] A first terminal is configured to execute the communication method provided by any technical solution of the first aspect;

[0018] A network device is configured to execute the communication method provided by any technical solution of the second aspect.

[0019] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method provided by the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0020] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure standardizes the use of random access resources for the first terminal, reduces the low random success rate and / or confusion of the random access process caused by the first terminal using inappropriate random access resources, thereby at least improving the random access effect of the first terminal.

[0021] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] FIG2 is a schematic flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] FIG3 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] FIG4 is a flow chart showing a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a first terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method and apparatus, communication equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0032] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, wherein the method includes:

[0033] The first terminal determines the random access resource used by the first terminal according to whether the first terminal is configured with the random access resource; wherein the first terminal is a first type of terminal.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the first terminal determines the random access resources to be used by itself based on whether random access resources are configured, rather than arbitrarily using the random access resources configured by the network device, thereby standardizing the use of random access resources for the first terminal and reducing the low random success rate and / or confusion in the random access process caused by the first terminal using inappropriate random access resources.

[0035] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first terminal is configured with random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal uses the random access resources of the first terminal; the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal; wherein the second terminal is a second-category terminal, and the third terminal is a third-category terminal.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the specification of how to select the random access resource for initiating random access by the first terminal is provided when the first terminal is not configured with random access resources or is configured with random access resources, so as to implement the random access specification of the first terminal.

[0037] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first terminal is configured with random access resources, and determining that the first terminal uses the random access resources of the first terminal includes: the first terminal is configured with four-step random access resources, and determining to use the four-step random access resources of the first terminal.

[0038] In the above embodiment, if the first terminal is configured with four-step random access resources by the network device, the four-step random access resources configured by itself are used preferentially. In this way, the network device can know the type or characteristics of the terminal that initiates the random access process based on the random access resources used in the random access process, and thus can control the random access process according to the characteristics or type of the terminal.

[0039] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares random access resources with the second terminal or the third terminal, including at least one of the following: the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and the second terminal is configured with random access resources, and the first terminal uses the random access resources of the second terminal; the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares random access resources with the third terminal; the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal uses the random access resources of the third terminal.

[0040] Based on the above solution, it is further defined that when the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, at least three methods are provided to select random access resources to initiate a random access procedure, so as to be applicable to different communication scenarios and / or different communication requirements.

[0041] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and determining that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal includes: the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and determining that the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources or the four-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0042] In the above embodiment, when the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, the two-step random access resources of the second or third terminal are shared. In this way, the first terminal can use a two-step random access process with a shorter procedure, thereby improving the random access efficiency of the first terminal. Furthermore, if the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources of the second or third terminal, if the two-step random access fails using the two-step random access resources, the first terminal can use a random access fallback to continue using the four-step random access resources of the second or third terminal for four-step random access, thereby maximizing the chance of successful random access for the first terminal.

[0043] Based on the above solution, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and shares the four-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal for random access, thereby achieving standardization of the random access resources used by the first terminal when the first terminal is not configured with random access resources.

[0044] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and determining that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal includes: the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources with the second terminal or the third terminal according to the protocol agreement or network notification.

[0045] Based on the above scheme, the first terminal selects the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal according to the protocol agreement or network notification. In this way, the random access resources selected by the first terminal are known to the network device on the network side, thereby realizing the negotiation between the first terminal and the network device on the random access resources used by the first terminal.

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and determining that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal includes: the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and determining that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal based on the conditions that are met.

[0047] Based on the above scheme, when the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, it chooses to use the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal according to the conditions met, thereby realizing that the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources and in the absence of network protocol or network notification, and selects the random access resources suitable for the first terminal.

[0048] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving configuration information of the random access resource, wherein the configuration information is used to indicate whether the random access resource is used for the first terminal.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the first terminal receives the configuration information sent by the network device. Thus, the first terminal determines whether the first terminal is configured with random access resources according to the configuration information, which has the characteristic of simple implementation.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration information is further used to indicate whether the two-step random access resource is used for the first terminal.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the configuration information may be configuration information of the two-step random access resource of the second terminal and / or the third terminal. Therefore, the configuration information may indicate that the two-step random access resource is used for the first terminal.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, the first terminal is an eRedCap terminal, the second terminal is a RedCap terminal, and the third terminal is different from the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0053] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which includes: a network device sending configuration information of a random access resource, wherein the configuration information indicates whether the random access resource is used for a first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a first type of terminal.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the random access resource includes: a two-step random access resource.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration information is further used to indicate whether the random access resource is used for the second terminal; wherein the second terminal is a second type of terminal.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration information does not indicate random access resources, which are used for the first terminal and the second terminal, and the random access resources are used for the third terminal; wherein the third terminal is a third type of terminal.

[0057] According to a third aspect, a first terminal is provided, comprising: a processing module configured to determine the random access resources used by the first terminal based on whether the first terminal is configured with random access resources; wherein the first terminal has a first characteristic, or the first terminal is a first type terminal.

[0058] In a fourth aspect, a network device is provided, including: a transceiver module configured to send configuration information of random access resources, wherein the configuration information indicates whether the random access resources are used for a first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a first type terminal.

[0059] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a communication system. The communication method may include:

[0060] The first terminal is configured to execute the communication method provided by any technical solution of the first aspect.

[0061] A network device is configured as the communication method provided by any technical solution of the second aspect.

[0062] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device including: one or more processors;

[0063] The processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the communication method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0064] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, which, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the communication method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0065] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0066] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the communication method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0067] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminals, network devices, communication systems, program products, and computer programs are all used to execute the methods provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0068] The network equipment may include: access network equipment and / or core network equipment.

[0069] The present disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" are interchangeable; the terms "information indicating device" and "information processing device" are interchangeable; and the terms "communication system" and "information processing system" are interchangeable.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English are used in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0074] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0075] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0076] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "in one case A, in another case B," or "in one case A, in 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 same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] In some embodiments, terms such as "...", "determine...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", and "if..." can be used interchangeably.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0083] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0084] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / 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)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0085] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "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. can be used interchangeably.

[0086] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0088] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0089] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0090] 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.

[0091] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0093] The network device 102 may include: an access network device and a core network device. In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of: a RedCap terminal, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, 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 a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terminal is also referred to as User Equipment (UE).

[0095] In some embodiments, the access network device may be, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device including a first network element, or may be a plurality of devices or a group of devices, each including a first network element. 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).

[0099] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0100] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0101] In some embodiments, the first network element is used for access and mobility management, such as registration management, connection management, and mobility management, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first network element may be a network element independent of the core network device.

[0103] In some embodiments, the core network may further include a second network element, etc. The second network element may include: User Data Management (UDM), etc.

[0104] 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 provided by 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 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0105] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0106] 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).

[0107] For the first type of terminals, such as enhanced Reduced Capability (eRedCap) terminals, separate four-step random access resources are configured. In this case, if the first type of terminals (eRedCap terminals) are configured with four-step random access resources, the four-step random access resources are preferentially used for random access. If the network device does not configure four-step random access resources for the first type of terminals (eRedCap terminals), the first type of terminals (eRedCap terminals) can share the four-step random access resources of the RedCap terminals. However, there are no relevant regulations on whether the first type of terminals (eRedCap terminals) can reuse the two-step random access resources of the RedCap terminals.

[0108] In view of this, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method to solve the above-mentioned problems. Figure 2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for use in a communication system 100. The method includes:

[0109] S2101: The network device sends configuration information of random access resources.

[0110] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the access network device sends configuration information of the random access resource.

[0112] In some embodiments, the access network device broadcasts, multicasts, or unicasts the configuration information of the random access resource.

[0113] In some embodiments, the access network device broadcasts configuration information of the random access resource via a system message.

[0114] In some embodiments, the access network device may send configuration information of the random access resource via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0115] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the random access resource may include at least one of the following: configuration information of a two-step random access resource; and configuration information of a four-step random access resource.

[0116] The two-step random access resource may be used for a two-step random access procedure. The two-step random access procedure may involve message A and message B.

[0117] The four-step random access resource may be used for the four-step random access procedure. The four-step random access procedure may involve message 1, message 2, message 3, and message 4.

[0118] In some embodiments, the configuration information sent by the network device may indicate at least one of the following random access resources:

[0119] random access resources configured for the first terminal;

[0120] random access resources configured for the second terminal;

[0121] Random access resources configured for the third terminal.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives configuration information of random access resources of the network device.

[0123] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the random access resource received by the first terminal from the network device may include at least one of the following:

[0124] The first terminal receives configuration information of random access resources configured by the network device for the first terminal;

[0125] The first terminal receives configuration information of a random access resource that is configured by a network device for a second terminal and that can be shared by the first terminal;

[0126] The first terminal receives configuration information of a random access resource that is configured by the network device for the third terminal and that can be shared by the first terminal.

[0127] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of the following: time-frequency domain location information of random access resources; period, offset and / or duration of a single random access channel Occasion (RO), and other related information.

[0128] Of course, the above is only an example of configuration information, and the specific implementation is not limited to the above example.

[0129] In some embodiments, the network device sends the configuration information of the random access resource, and the terminal receives the configuration information of the random access resource sent by the network device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the configuration information may also indicate a corresponding random access resource allocation target. The allocation target may use the random access resource. The allocation target may include, but is not limited to, a terminal with specified characteristics or a terminal of a specified type.

[0131] That is, in some embodiments, the configuration information is used to indicate whether the random access resource is used for the first terminal.

[0132] In some embodiments, the configuration information may be used to configure a four-step random access resource and to indicate whether the four-step random access resource is configured for use by the first terminal.

[0133] In some embodiments, the random access resources indicated by the configuration information can be used for access in any access scenario of the terminal.

[0134] In some embodiments, the random access resource indicated by the configuration information may be used for random access for initial access.

[0135] In some embodiments, the random access resources indicated by the configuration information may be used for random access during RRC connection establishment, reestablishment, or recovery.

[0136] In some embodiments, the random access resources indicated by the configuration information may also be used for random access for cell reselection.

[0137] In some embodiments, the random access resource indicated by the configuration information may be a contention-based random access resource or a non-contention-based random access resource.

[0138] In some examples, the first terminal may receive configuration information for any random access resource from a network device. After receiving the configuration information, the first terminal determines, based on the content of the configuration information, whether the random access resource configured in the configuration information is a dedicated random access resource for the first terminal or a random access resource that can be shared with the first terminal.

[0139] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of the following: a first bit indicating whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is dedicated to the first terminal; a second bit indicating whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is used for the second terminal.

[0140] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the first bit, it may be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is not dedicated to the first terminal. If the configuration information includes the first bit, it may be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is dedicated to the first terminal.

[0141] In some embodiments, the value of the first bit included in the configuration information may indicate whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is dedicated to the first terminal.

[0142] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the second bit, it may be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is not dedicated to the second terminal. If the configuration information includes the second bit, it may be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is dedicated to the second terminal. However, whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information can be shared by the first terminal may be determined by a protocol agreement, other network notification instructions, or the satisfaction of certain conditions.

[0143] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the first bit and the second bit, it can be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information can be used for the third terminal.

[0144] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the first bit and the second bit, the random access resource may be used by terminals with various characteristics or different types of terminals.

[0145] In some embodiments, if the configuration information includes a first bit indicating that the random access resource is not for the first terminal and a second bit indicating that the random access resource is not for the second terminal, it can be considered that the random access resource is for the third terminal.

[0146] In some embodiments, if the configuration information includes a first bit indicating that the random access resource is not used for the first terminal and a second bit indicating that the random access resource is not used for the second terminal, the random access resource may be used for terminals with various characteristics or different types of terminals.

[0147] In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include a third bit, which may indicate whether the random access resource configured by the configuration information is used for a third terminal.

[0148] In this way, after receiving the configuration information, the first terminal can determine, based on the first bit, whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is a random access resource dedicated to the first terminal, and can determine, based on the second bit, whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is a random access resource configured by the network device for the second terminal and available for sharing by the first terminal. The first terminal can also determine, based on the first bit, the second bit, and / or the third bit, whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is a random access resource configured by the network device for a third terminal and available for configuration by the first terminal.

[0149] S2102: The first terminal determines a random access resource used by the first terminal.

[0150] In some embodiments, the random access resource used by the first terminal is determined according to whether the first terminal is configured with a random access resource.

[0151] In some embodiments, whether the first terminal is configured with random access resources is determined according to the configuration information, and the random access resources used by the first terminal are determined according to the determination result.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first terminal may determine, based on a first bit included in the configuration information, whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is the random access resource of the first terminal. For example, if the first bit has a first value, the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is determined to be the random access resource of the first terminal. If the first bit has a second value, the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is determined to be the random access resource of the first terminal. The second value is different from the first value.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first terminal may determine whether the random access resources indicated by the configuration information are dedicated to the first terminal based on whether the information includes the first bit. For example, if the configuration information includes the first bit, it may be determined that the random access resources indicated by the configuration information are dedicated to the first terminal; otherwise, the random access resources indicated by the configuration information are not dedicated to the first terminal.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the first bit included in the configuration information indicates that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is not dedicated to the first terminal, a second bit included in the configuration information is used to determine whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is for the second terminal. When the configuration information does not include the first bit but includes the second bit, it can be considered that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is not dedicated to the first terminal and can be used by the second terminal. Whether the random access resource of the second terminal can be shared with the first terminal can be determined based on a protocol agreement, a network notification, or the satisfaction of a condition.

[0155] In some embodiments, when the configuration information does not include the first bit, the first terminal may determine, based on whether the configuration information includes the second bit, that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is used for the second terminal.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the configuration information does not include the first bit and does not include the second bit, the first terminal determines that the random access resource configured by the configuration information is for the third terminal.

[0157] In some embodiments, when the configuration information includes the third bit, the first terminal determines whether the random access resource configured by the configuration information is a random access resource of the third terminal.

[0158] In summary, when the random access resources indicated by the configuration information are not dedicated to the first terminal, the first terminal can further determine whether the random access resources specified by the configuration information for the second terminal or the third terminal can be shared by the first terminal through protocol agreement, network notification or satisfied conditions.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first terminal is configured with a random access resource, and the first terminal uses the random access resource configured therefor.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first terminal is configured with a four-step random access resource, and the first terminal uses the four-step random access resource configured therefor.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and uses random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and uses two-step random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and uses the four-step random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0164] In some embodiments, it is determined that the first terminal uses a random access resource configured for the first terminal by a network device.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first terminal uses the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first terminal conditionally uses the random access resource of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first terminal uses a two-step random access resource of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first terminal conditionally uses the two-step random access resource of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first terminal has a first feature.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second terminal has a second characteristic.

[0171] In some embodiments, the third terminal has a third characteristic.

[0172] In some embodiments, any two of the first characteristic, the second characteristic, and the third characteristic are different.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first characteristic is enhanced reduced capability (eRedCap).

[0174] In some embodiments, the second characteristic is reduced capability (RedCap).

[0175] In some embodiments, the third characteristic is different from the first characteristic and the second characteristic. For example, the third characteristic may include, but is not limited to, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). For another example, the third characteristic may include, but is not limited to, small data transmission (SDT).

[0176] In some embodiments, the first terminal has the first feature, which indicates that the first terminal supports services of the first feature, for example, supports services related to eRedCap.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second terminal has the second characteristic, which indicates that the second terminal supports services of the second characteristic, for example, supports RedCap-related services.

[0178] In some embodiments, the third terminal has a third characteristic, which indicates that the third terminal supports services of the third characteristic, for example, supports eMBB-related services.

[0179] Exemplarily, the first feature enables the first terminal to support a rate down to a baseband bandwidth (BB) of 5 MHz on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and / or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0180] As another example, the second characteristic may enable the second terminal to support a 20 MHz BB on the PDSCH and / or PUSCH.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal may be terminals of different types.

[0182] In some embodiments, the bandwidth supported by the first terminal is smaller than the bandwidth supported by the second terminal.

[0183] In some embodiments, the bandwidth supported by the second terminal is smaller than the bandwidth supported by the third terminal.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first terminal may be an eRedCap terminal.

[0185] In some embodiments, the second terminal may be a RedCap terminal.

[0186] In some embodiments, the third terminal may be a normal terminal. The normal terminal may be a non-eRedCap terminal and / or a non-RedCap terminal.

[0187] In some embodiments, the eRedCap terminal has the eRedCap feature, but is not limited to only the eRedCap terminal having the eRedCap feature. For example, some RedCap terminals may support the eRedCap feature.

[0188] In some embodiments, the RedCap terminal has the RedCap feature, but is not limited to only RedCap terminals having the RedCap feature. For example, some conventional terminals may support the RedCap feature.

[0189] In some embodiments, the conventional terminal may have the first characteristic and / or the second characteristic at the same time as having the third characteristic.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal uses random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources and four-step random access resources, and the first terminal uses random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal uses the two-step random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal. If the first terminal uses the two-step random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal, the random access process of the first terminal can be shortened and the random access efficiency can be improved.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares the four-step random access resources of the second terminal.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources of the second terminal.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with a four-step random access resource, and the first terminal shares the four-step random access resource of the second terminal.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with a four-step random access resource, and the first terminal shares a two-step random access resource of the second terminal.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first terminal and the second terminal have higher similarity in characteristics, or the first terminal and the second terminal have higher similarity in types. When the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, the random access resources of the second terminal are used preferentially. This allows the network device to perform resource scheduling after the first terminal accesses based on the random access resources used by the first terminal, thereby improving the communication quality after the first terminal successfully accesses.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and shares the two-step random access resources of the second terminal. The first terminal may use the two-step random access process to perform random access, thereby improving access efficiency.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares the four-step random access resources of the third terminal.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares two-step random access resources of the third terminal.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the four-step random access resources of the third terminal.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources of the third terminal. In this case, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and can directly share the random access resources of the third terminal. In this embodiment, the first terminal shares the random access resources of the third terminal, and whether the second terminal is configured with random access resources can be ignored. In some cases, the network device may configure random access resources for the third terminal but not for the second terminal. If the first terminal shares the random access resources of the third terminal, it will not be unable to select a suitable random access resource because the second terminal is not configured with random access resources. That is, the scenarios in which this embodiment can be used may also include: scenarios in which the second terminal is configured with random access resources and scenarios in which it is not configured with random access resources, thereby having the characteristics of wide range of use and high flexibility.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources of the third terminal.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources of the third terminal.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources of the third terminal.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources of the third terminal.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources of the third terminal.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares two-step random access resources of the third terminal.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and preferentially uses the random access resources of the second terminal. If the second terminal is not configured with random access resources, the random access resources of the third terminal may also be used to complete random access.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and according to a protocol agreement, it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and according to a network notification, it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and according to a protocol agreement, it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and according to a network notification, it is determined that the first terminal shares random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and according to a protocol agreement, it is determined that the first terminal shares two-step random access resources with the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and according to a network notification, it is determined that the first terminal shares two-step random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources, and according to a protocol agreement, it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources, and according to a network notification, it is determined that the first terminal shares random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources, and according to a protocol agreement, it is determined that the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources, and according to a network notification, it is determined that the first terminal shares two-step random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0222] If the random access resources shared by the first terminals are determined according to a protocol agreement, signaling overhead can be saved.

[0223] If the random access resource shared by the first terminal is determined according to the network notification, the network device will send a network notification.

[0224] In some embodiments, the network notification may be various messages sent by the network device, for example, system messages, broadcast messages, RRC messages, Media Access Control (MAC) layer messages and / or downlink control information (DCI).

[0225] In some embodiments, the network notification may be sent along with the configuration information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources, and the first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares two-step random access resources with the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources. The first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares two-step random access resources with the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources. The first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares the four-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources. The first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares the four-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources. The first terminal may determine, based on a satisfied condition, that the first terminal shares four-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0235] In these embodiments, the first terminal determines to share the random access resources of the second terminal and / or the third terminal based on the conditions it meets, without requiring network protocol agreement, thus having high flexibility and without requiring network device notification, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal according to a satisfied condition.

[0237] In some embodiments, when the first terminal is not allocated with random access resources and the protocol does not stipulate the random access resources used by the first terminal, the first terminal may consider that this situation meets the condition.

[0238] In some embodiments, a situation in which the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources and the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources may be considered to meet the condition.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first terminal initiates a random access procedure on the determined random access resource.

[0240] Exemplarily, the random access procedure may be a two-step random access procedure and / or a four-step random access procedure.

[0241] In some embodiments, if a terminal of a certain type or a terminal of a certain characteristic is configured with two-step random access resources, it will usually be configured with four-step random access resources.

[0242] In some embodiments, the fallback of random access may include: when two-step random access fails using two-step random access resources having characteristic A, four-step random access may continue to be performed using random access resources having characteristic A. Characteristic A may generally refer to any characteristic, such as RedCap, small data transmission, and / or repeated transmission of message 3.

[0243] In this case, when the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, based on the provision that two-step random access resources are not specifically configured for the first terminal, it is equivalent to the first terminal not being configured with any dedicated random access resources. In this case, the first terminal can use the two-step random access resources of the second terminal. If the access fails using the two-step random access resources of the second terminal, the four-step random access of the second terminal can be continued to be used for random access, so that the first terminal can successfully fall back to the second terminal using the four-step random access resources for random access after the access fails by reusing the two-step random access resources of the second terminal, thereby ensuring the success probability of random access of the first terminal. Alternatively, the first terminal can use the two-step random access resources of the third terminal. If the access fails using the two-step random access resources of the third terminal, the four-step random access of the third terminal can be continued to be used for random access, thereby achieving the first terminal can successfully fall back to the third terminal using the four-step random access resources for random access after the access fails by reusing the two-step random access resources of the third terminal, thereby ensuring the success probability of random access of the first terminal.

[0244] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a communication method for a first terminal, the method comprising:

[0245] S3101: Receive configuration information of random access resources.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives configuration information of random access resources sent by the network device.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives configuration information of random access resources broadcast, multicast, or unicast by a network device.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first terminal receives a system message block, an RRC message, a MAC layer message, or a DCI, etc., carrying configuration information of random access resources.

[0249] For the relevant content of the configuration information of the random access resource, please refer to the corresponding description in S2101 in the embodiment corresponding to FIG2 .

[0250] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of the following: a first bit indicating whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is used for the first terminal; a second bit indicating whether the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is used for the second terminal.

[0251] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the first bit, it may be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is not dedicated to the first terminal.

[0252] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the second bit, it may be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information is not dedicated to the first terminal.

[0253] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the first bit and the second bit, it can be assumed that the random access resource indicated by the configuration information can be used for the third terminal.

[0254] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not include the first bit and the second bit, the random access resource may be used by terminals with various characteristics or different types of terminals.

[0255] In some embodiments, if the configuration information includes a first bit indicating that the random access resource is not for the first terminal and a second bit indicating that the random access resource is not for the second terminal, it can be considered that the random access resource is for the third terminal.

[0256] In some embodiments, if the configuration information includes a first bit indicating that the random access resource is not used for the first terminal and a second bit indicating that the random access resource is not used for the second terminal, the random access resource may be used for terminals with various characteristics or different types of terminals.

[0257] In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include a third bit, which may indicate whether the random access resource configured by the configuration information is used for a third terminal.

[0258] In some embodiments, the configuration information is further used to indicate whether the two-step random access resource is used for the first terminal.

[0259] In some embodiments, the configuration information herein may indicate whether the two-step random access resource indicated by the configuration information is dedicated to the first terminal. For example, the first bit included in the configuration information may be used to indicate whether the two-step random access resource is dedicated to the first terminal. For another example, the second bit or the third bit included in the configuration information may indicate whether the two-step random access resource is shared by the first terminal.

[0260] S3102: Determine the random access resource used by the first terminal.

[0261] For the specific step of determining the random access resource used by the first terminal, reference may be made to S2102 in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0262] In some embodiments, the first terminal determines the random access resource used by the first terminal according to whether the first terminal is configured with the random access resource; wherein the first terminal is a first type of terminal.

[0263] In some embodiments, determining the random access resource used by the first terminal for random access according to whether the random access resource is configured includes at least one of the following:

[0264] The first terminal is configured with a random access resource, and determining that the first terminal uses the random access resource of the first terminal;

[0265] The first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of a second terminal or a third terminal; wherein the second terminal is a second-category terminal, and the third terminal is a third-category terminal.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first terminal is configured with random access resources, and determining that the first terminal uses the random access resources of the first terminal includes: the first terminal is configured with four-step random access resources, and determining to use the four-step random access resources of the first terminal.

[0267] In some embodiments, when the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and the second terminal is configured with random access resources, the first terminal uses the random access resources of the second terminal.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources and the second terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal and the third terminal share random access resources.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and the first terminal uses the random access resources of the third terminal.

[0270] The first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal shares two-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal according to a protocol agreement or network notification. Here, the first terminal may share the four-step random access resources or the two-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal according to a satisfied condition.

[0273] For example, the conditions satisfied here may include but are not limited to at least one of the following:

[0274] If the first terminal is not configured with two-step random access resources and is not configured with four-step random access resources, the first terminal considers that this situation meets the condition;

[0275] The first terminal is not allocated random access resources and the protocol does not stipulate the random access resources used by the first terminal. The first terminal may consider that this situation meets the conditions.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first terminal is an eRedCap terminal, the second terminal is a RedCap terminal, and the third terminal is different from the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0277] It is worth noting that the communication method may include S3102, and S3101 may be an optional step. For example, the first terminal may determine the random access resources it can use according to a protocol agreement or a network notification, rather than needing to receive random access resource configuration information.

[0278] In some embodiments, the communication method may include S3101 and S3102 in sequence. In this way, the first terminal first receives the configuration information of the random access resource, determines whether it has been configured with the random access resource based on the received configuration information of the random access resource, and then determines the random access resource to be used by itself based on whether it has been configured with the random access resource.

[0279] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a network device, the method comprising:

[0280] S4101: Send configuration information of random access resources.

[0281] For the relevant content of the configuration information of the random access resource, please refer to the corresponding description in S2101 in the embodiment corresponding to FIG2 .

[0282] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device.

[0283] In some embodiments, the random access resource may include a four-step random access resource and / or a two-step random access resource.

[0284] In some embodiments, the configuration information is further used to indicate whether the random access resource is used for a second terminal; wherein the second terminal is a second type of terminal.

[0285] In some embodiments, if the configuration information does not indicate that the random access resource is used for the first terminal and the second terminal, the random access resource is used for a third terminal; wherein the third terminal is a third category terminal.

[0286] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for selecting random access resources in a random access process for a specific type of terminal or a specific feature.

[0287] As an embodiment, the first type of terminal is an eRedcap terminal. The eRedcap terminal is different from the second type of terminal. The second type of terminal may be a Redcap terminal. The second type of terminal is different from the third type of terminal. The third type of terminal is different from the second type of terminal. The third type of terminal may be a common terminal or an eMBB terminal.

[0288] As an embodiment, the first type of terminal has a smaller baseband processing bandwidth than the second type of terminal and the third type of terminal. For example, the bandwidth of the data channel is limited to a smaller number of physical resource blocks (PRBs).

[0289] As an embodiment, the first type of terminal has a lower peak rate than the second type of terminal.

[0290] The first type of terminal may have a first characteristic or correspond to the first characteristic. The second type of terminal may have a second characteristic or correspond to the second characteristic.

[0291] In some embodiments, for example, a higher layer determines applicable features in the random access procedure initiated by the terminal. The higher layer may include layers above the physical layer, such as the MAC layer and the RRC layer.

[0292] For example, for a Redcap terminal, a higher layer of the Redcap terminal determines that the "Redcap" feature is applicable to a random access process initiated by the terminal for a certain random access resource.

[0293] In one embodiment, the upper layer may include a MAC layer and layers above the MAC layer. The layers above the MAC layer may include: an RRC layer and / or an upper layer and / or a non-access stratum (NAS).

[0294] As another example, the protocol specifies applicable features for the random access procedure initiated by the terminal. For example, when the terminal meets the small data transmission condition (SDT), the applicable feature for the random access procedure initiated is the random access resource of the SDT. Therefore, a Redcap terminal can also meet the SDT initiation condition at the same time. In this case, for the Redcap terminal, the two features "Redcap" and "SDT" are applicable to the random access procedure initiated by the terminal.

[0295] Exemplarily, a higher layer or MAC layer determines the applicable features for the random access procedure initiated by the terminal. For example, for an eRedcap terminal, the higher layer determines that the terminal has the eRedcap feature and may determine that random access resources with the "Redcap" feature may be used for the eRedcap terminal. The higher layer may include at least the RRC layer and / or the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer.

[0296] Another approach is to define, through a protocol, the applicable features of the random access procedure initiated by the terminal. For example, if the terminal meets the Small Data Transfer (SDT) condition, the random access resource with the SDT feature can be used when the terminal initiates a random access procedure using the random access resource.

[0297] If a terminal has both Redcap and SDT features, the terminal can use the random access resources with the Redcap and SDT features for random access.

[0298] In some embodiments, a network device configures a random access resource set to be used for a certain characteristic. In this case, a terminal with this characteristic can select the random access resource when initiating random access; in other words, a terminal that does not have this characteristic cannot select a random access resource with this characteristic when initiating random access.

[0299] There are several solutions for determining the random access resource used by the first terminal or the first feature:

[0300] Solution 1: For a terminal with the first characteristic or the first category, it cannot use the 2-step RACH resources configured for a terminal with the second category or the second characteristic.

[0301] As an embodiment, it may be pre-agreed by the protocol or notified by the network that terminals with the first characteristic or the first category cannot use two-step random access (2-step RACH) resources configured for terminals with the second category or the second characteristic.

[0302] Solution 2: For the first feature or the first type of terminal, it can use the two-step random access (2-step RACH) resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second feature.

[0303] As an embodiment, it may be pre-agreed by the protocol or notified by the network that the first type of terminals or terminals with the first characteristic can use two-step random access (2-step RACH) resources configured for the second type of terminals or the second characteristic.

[0304] Solution 3: For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, the two-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic terminal can be conditionally used.

[0305] Exemplarily, the protocol stipulates that if the network device does not configure four-step random access resources for terminals with the first characteristic or the first category of terminals, the two-step random access resources configured by the network device for terminals with the second category or the second characteristic may be used.

[0306] Exemplarily, if the network device does not configure two-step random access resources and four-step random access resources for the first feature or first type terminal, the first feature terminal or first type terminal can reuse the random access resources of the second type terminal or second feature terminal.

[0307] Exemplarily, if the network device does not configure four-step random access resources for the first characteristic or first type of terminal, the terminal with the first characteristic or the first type of terminal can reuse the random access resources of the second type of terminal or the second characteristic of the terminal, including two-step random access resources and / or four-step random access resources.

[0308] If the network device configures random access resources for the first feature (such as eRedcap) or the first type of terminal, the following expressions may be used:

[0309] Method 1: If eRedCap is set to true for any random access resource set;

[0310] Method 2: If the availability of a random access resource set is indicated as available for eRedCap;

[0311] Mode 3: There is availability of one or more random access resources configured to point to eRedCap.

[0312] If the network device does not configure random access resources for the first feature (such as eRedcap) or the first type of terminal, the following expressions may be used:

[0313] Method 1: If none of the random access resource sets has eRedCap set set to true;

[0314] Method 2: If no random access resource set has availability for eRedCap;

[0315] Mode 3: There is no availability of one or more random access resources configured to point to eRedCap.

[0316] Several optional embodiments are provided below for the above-mentioned solutions 1 to 3.

[0317] Example 1:

[0318] For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, it can use the 2-step RACH resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic. This embodiment can be an embodiment of solution 2. Specifically:

[0319] For example, the protocol may stipulate that a certain random access resource set is used for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), and then the random access resource set should not be used for the random access process of a terminal that does not have the eRedcap feature.

[0320] For example, the protocol may stipulate that a certain random access resource set is used for Redcap, and then the following operations are performed.

[0321] That is, if it is assumed that the random access resource set is a two-step random access resource, then the two-step random access resource cannot be used for two-step random access of terminals with Redcap characteristics and eRedcap characteristics, and terminals other than Redcap terminals and eRedcap terminals.

[0322] If the random access resource is a four-step random access resource, then if the network device does not configure any random access resource set to be used for the first feature or the first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), the four-step random access resource cannot be used for four-step random access of terminals other than Redcap and eRedcap terminals, or Redcap terminals and eRedcap terminals. Otherwise, if the network device configures a random access resource set to be configured for the first feature or the first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), the random access resource set cannot be used in the random access process other than the second feature (Redcap) or the second type of terminal.

[0323] Example 2:

[0324] For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, it can use the 2-step RACH resource solution configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic. This embodiment can be an embodiment of Solution 2. The specific operations involved in this embodiment are as follows:

[0325] In one implementation manner, a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), and the random access resource set is unavailable for a random access procedure of a terminal that is not an eRedcap terminal.

[0326] In another embodiment, a certain random access resource set is configured for Redcap, and the random access resource may be used as follows:

[0327] Step 1: If the RedCap of a random access resource set is set to true, go to step 2; it is worth noting that the RedCap here can be understood as a characteristic, that is, if the RedCap of a random access resource is set to true, it means that the random access resource has the characteristic RedCap.

[0328] Step 2: If a random access resource is used for two-step random access, proceed to step 3; if not, proceed to step 4;

[0329] Step 3: Determine that the two-step random access resource set cannot be used for non-RedCap and / or non-eRedCap random access procedures.

[0330] Step 4: Determine that the random access resource set is used for four-step random access, and proceed to step 5;

[0331] Step 5: If eRedCap is not set to true for any random access resource set, go to step 6; otherwise, go to step 7.

[0332] Step 6: Determine that the four-step random access resource set cannot be used for the random access process of non-RedCap and / or non-eRedCap terminals. That is, the four-step random access resource set can be used for the random access process of RedCap and eRedCap terminals.

[0333] Step 7: Determine that the four-step random access resource set cannot be used for random access by non-RedCap terminals.

[0334] Example 3:

[0335] For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, it can use the 2-step RACH resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic. This embodiment may be an embodiment of Solution 2.

[0336] In one embodiment, the protocol may stipulate that a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), and the random access resource set is unavailable for the random access process of a terminal without the eRedcap feature.

[0337] In another embodiment, the protocol may stipulate that a certain random access resource set is configured for Redcap, and the following operations are performed: assuming that the random access resource set is a two-step random access resource:

[0338] The two-step random access resource cannot be used for the two-step random access process of terminals other than terminals with Redcap, Redcap terminals, terminals with eRedcap, and eRedcap terminals. That is, the two-step random access resource can be used for the two-step random access of terminals with Redcap, Redcap terminals, terminals with eRedcap, and eRedcap terminals. If the random access resource is a four-step random access resource:

[0339] For an eRedcap terminal and the network does not configure any random access resources for the eRedcap feature or the eRedcap terminal, the terminal with eRedcap and the eRedcap terminal can use the four-step random access resources to perform four-step random access.

[0340] For other cases, such as the terminal is a RedCap terminal or the terminal is an eRedCap terminal and the network has any random access resource whose eRedCap is set to true, the four-step random access resource set cannot be used for random access of non-RedCap terminals.

[0341] Example 4:

[0342] For the first feature or the first type of terminal, it can use the two-step random access resource configured for the second type of terminal or the second feature. The specific operations are as follows:

[0343] Exemplarily, a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), and the random access resource set is unavailable for a random access procedure that is not applied to eRedcap.

[0344] Exemplarily, the random access resources in the random access resource set may be used in the following manner:

[0345] Step 1: If the RedCap of a random access resource set is set to true, go to step 2; it is worth noting that the RedCap here can be understood as a characteristic, that is, if the RedCap of a random access resource is set to true, it means that the random access resource has a RedCap terminal.

[0346] Step 2: If a random access resource is used for two-step random access, proceed to step 3; if not, proceed to step 4;

[0347] Step 3: Determine that the two-step random access resource set cannot be used for the random access process of non-RedCap terminals and / or non-eRedCap terminals:

[0348] Step 4: Determine that the random access resource set is used for four-step random access, and proceed to step 5;

[0349] Step 5: If the terminal is an eRedCap terminal and none of the random access resources has eRedCap set to true, proceed to Step 6: Otherwise, proceed to Step 7;

[0350] Step 6: Determine that the random access resource set configured by the network device is not available for random access of non-eRedCap terminals or non-eRedcap feature terminals (ie, eRedcap terminals can use it).

[0351] Step 7: If the terminal is a RedCap terminal or the terminal is an eRedCap terminal and the network has any random access resource whose eRedCap is set to true, go to step 8;

[0352] Step 8: Determine that the random resource set cannot be used for random access by non-RedCap terminals or non-Redcap features.

[0353] Example 5:

[0354] Step 1: If the small data of random access resource is set to true, go to step 2:

[0355] Step 2: Determine that the random access resource is not available for random access triggered by non-small data transmission.

[0356] Example 6:

[0357] Step 1: If the random access resource set is set with a network slice access layer group (NSAG) list, proceed to step 2:

[0358] Step 2: Determine that the random access resource set is not available for random access for an NSAG identity (NSAG-ID) not in the NSAG list.

[0359] Example 7:

[0360] Step 1: If message 3 repeat of the random access resource set is set to true, go to step 2:

[0361] Step 2: Determine that the random access resource set is not available for random access that is not a repetition of message 3.

[0362] Example 8:

[0363] Step 1: If the random access resource is not configured with a feature combination, proceed to step 2;

[0364] Step 2: Determine whether the random access resource is associated with any characteristics.

[0365] Example 9:

[0366] Exemplarily, the protocol stipulates that if a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resource set shall not be used for a non-eRedcap random access procedure.

[0367] For example, the protocol may stipulate that a certain set of random access resources is configured to be used for Redcap.

[0368] If the network device does not configure any random access resource set for the terminal with the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, the random access resources configured by the network device cannot be used for random access of terminals other than the terminal with the first characteristic, the first type of terminal, the terminal with the second characteristic, and the second type of terminal.

[0369] If the network device configures random access resources for a terminal with a first characteristic or a terminal of a first type, the random access resources cannot be used for random access by a terminal with a second characteristic or a terminal of a second type.

[0370] If the network device does not configure random access resources for the terminal with the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, the terminal with the first characteristic or the first type may reuse random access resources of terminals with other characteristics or terminals of other types.

[0371] If the network device does not configure random access resources for terminals with the first characteristic or terminals of the first type, the terminals with the first characteristic or the first type may preferentially reuse random access resources of terminals with the second characteristic or terminals of the second type.

[0372] Exemplarily, the random access resources multiplexed by the terminal with the first characteristic or the terminal of the first type may preferably be two-step random access resources.

[0373] Example 10:

[0374] For example, the protocol stipulates that if a random access resource set is configured for a first characteristic or a first type of terminal, and if the terminal with the first characteristic or the first type of terminal is an eRedcap terminal, then the random access resource set cannot be used for the random access process of a non-eRedcap terminal.

[0375] Exemplarily, the protocol stipulates that if a random access resource set is configured for Redcap, and the network device does not configure any random access resource set configured for the first characteristic or the first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resources can be used for terminals of the first characteristic, terminals of the first type, terminals of the second characteristic, and terminals of the second type.

[0376] If the network device does not configure a certain random access resource set to be used for the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, then the random access resource cannot be used for the second type of terminal or the terminal of the second characteristic.

[0377] It can be understood that if the network device does not configure any random access resource set to be used for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedCap), the eRedCap terminal can share the random access resources of other feature terminals or other types of terminals. For example, the eRedCap terminal can share the random access resources of the RedCap terminal or the RedCap feature terminal.

[0378] Example 11:

[0379] The MAC entity shall configure the random access resource set for two-step random access and four-step random access.

[0380] Step 1: If the eRedCap of a random access resource set is set to true, proceed to step 2. It is worth noting that the eRedCap here can be understood as a characteristic, that is, if the eRedCap of a random access resource is set to true, it means that the random access resource has the characteristic eRedCap.

[0381] Step 2: Determine that the random access resources in the random access resource set cannot be used for random access other than eRedCap.

[0382] Example 12:

[0383] Step 1: If the RedCap of a random access resource set is set to true, go to step 2; it is worth noting that the RedCap here can be understood as a characteristic, that is, if the RedCap of a random access resource is set to true, it means that the random access resource has the characteristic RedCap.

[0384] Step 2: If the eRedCap of the random access resource set is not set to true, go to step 3; otherwise go to step 4.

[0385] Step 3: Determine that the random access resource set is not available for non-RedCap and / or non-RedCap random access.

[0386] Step 4: Determine whether the eRedCap of the random access resource set is set to true, and proceed to step 5.

[0387] Step 5: Determine that the random access resource set is not available for random access of eRedCap.

[0388] Example 13:

[0389] For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, the two-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic terminal can be conditionally used.

[0390] Exemplarily, the protocol stipulates that if a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resource set is unavailable for a random access procedure that is not applied to eRedcap.

[0391] As another example, the protocol may stipulate that a certain random access resource set is configured for Redcap, and the following decision operation is performed on the resource set:

[0392] If the network device does not configure any random access resource set for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedCap), then the random access resource set cannot be used for random access procedures of non-RedCap and / or non-eRedCap features or terminals. In other words, the random access resource set can be used for random access procedures of RedCap and eRedCap terminals. In other words, both RedCap and eRedCap features are applicable.

[0393] Otherwise, if the network configures a random access resource set to be used for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resource set cannot be used for random access of non-Redcap terminals or non-Redcap features, that is, it is only used for the Redcap feature.

[0394] Example 14:

[0395] For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, the two-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic terminal can be conditionally used.

[0396] The MAC entity makes the following decisions for each random access resource configured for a four-step random access type and each random access resource configured for a two-step random access type:

[0397] 1) If a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resource set cannot be used for random access not related to eRedcap.

[0398] 2) For a random access resource set configured with Redcap, follow the steps below:

[0399] Step 1: If the RedCap of a random access resource set is set to true, go to step 2; it is worth noting that the RedCap here can be understood as a characteristic, that is, if the RedCap of a random access resource is set to true, it means that the random access resource has the characteristic RedCap.

[0400] Step 2: If eRedCap is not set to true for any random access resource set, go to step 3; otherwise go to step 4;

[0401] Step 3: Determine that the random access resource set cannot be used for random access of non-RedCap and / or non-eRedCap features or terminals.

[0402] Step 4: This random access resource cannot be used for random access by non-RedCap terminals or non-Redcap terminals.

[0403] Example 15:

[0404] For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, the two-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic terminal can be conditionally used.

[0405] Exemplarily, the protocol stipulates that if a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resource set is unavailable for a random access procedure that is not applied to eRedcap.

[0406] As another example, the protocol may stipulate that a certain random access resource set is configured for Redcap, and the following decision operation is performed on the resource set:

[0407] Exemplarily, for an eRedcap terminal, and the network device does not configure any random access resource set dedicated to a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resource set cannot be used for random access by non-eRedcap terminals or non-eRedcap features. Otherwise, if the terminal is a RedCap terminal or the terminal is an eRedCap terminal and the network has any random access resource with eRedCap set to true, the random access resource cannot be used for random access by non-RedCap terminals or non-Redcap features.

[0408] Example 16:

[0409] For the first characteristic or the first type of terminal, the two-step random access resources configured for the second type of terminal or the second characteristic terminal can be conditionally used.

[0410] The MAC entity makes the following decisions for each random access resource configured with a four-step random access type and each random access resource configured with a two-step random access type:

[0411] Decision method 1: If a certain random access resource set is configured for a first feature or a first type of terminal (such as eRedcap), then the random access resource set is unavailable for a random access procedure that is not applicable to eRedcap.

[0412] Decision method 2: If a random access resource set is configured for Redcap, the following steps are performed:

[0413] Step 1: If the RedCap of a random access resource set is set to true, go to step 2; it is worth noting that the RedCap here can be understood as a characteristic, that is, if the RedCap of a random access resource is set to true, it means that the random access resource has the characteristic RedCap.

[0414] Step 2: If the terminal is an eRedCap terminal and if eRedCap is not set to true in any random access resource set, go to step 3; otherwise go to step 4;

[0415] Step 3: Determine that the random access resource set cannot be used for random access of non-eRedCap terminals or non-eRedcap features.

[0416] Step 4: If the terminal is a RedCap terminal or the terminal is an eRedCap terminal and the network has any random access resource with eRedCap set to true, the random access resource cannot be used for random access by non-RedCap terminals or non-Redcap features.

[0417] 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.

[0418] 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.

[0419] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device or a core network device) in any of the above methods.

[0420] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above devices 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 devices, 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 integrated circuit (application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC), and the functions of some or all of the above units or modules are realized 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, which 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 remaining part by the form of hardware circuits.

[0421] 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, and the logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable, such as a hardware circuit implemented by an integrated circuit (application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC) or a programmable logic device (programmable logic device, PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document to implement 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.

[0422] FIG5 is a first terminal provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes:

[0423] The processing module 501 is configured to determine a random access resource used by the first terminal according to whether the first terminal is configured with a random access resource;

[0424] The first terminal is a first type terminal.

[0425] In some embodiments, the processing module 501 may also be used to implement various steps related to information processing in the communication method executed by the first terminal.

[0426] Optionally, the first terminal further includes a storage module and / or a transceiver module, wherein the storage module may be configured to store information, for example, to store configuration information. The transceiver module may be configured to perform actions related to sending and / or receiving of the communication method performed by the first terminal.

[0427] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the network device includes: a transceiver module 601 configured to send configuration information of a random access resource, wherein the configuration information indicates whether the random access resource is for a first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a first-category terminal.

[0428] In some embodiments, the network device may be an access network device.

[0429] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may be used to implement steps related to sending and / or receiving in a communication method performed by a network device.

[0430] Optionally, the network device further includes a storage module and / or a transceiver module, wherein the storage module may be configured to store information, for example, to store configuration information. The transceiver module may be configured to perform actions related to sending and / or receiving of the communication method performed by the network device.

[0431] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a communication device, which may include: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute a communication method that can be implemented in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0432] The communication device may be the aforementioned first terminal and / or network device.

[0433] 7 and / or 8 , the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0434] The communication device may be the aforementioned terminal, core network device and / or access network device.

[0435] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 8103, and the other steps are performed by the processor 8101.

[0436] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which 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.

[0437] Optionally, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more interface circuits 8104, which are connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuits 8104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0438] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 7 . 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.

[0439] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 8200 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0440] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 , and the processor 8201 is used to call instructions so that the chip 8200 executes any of the above communication methods.

[0441] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202, which are connected to memory 8203. Interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in memory 8203 and send the instructions to processor 8201. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver are interchangeable.

[0442] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8203 may be outside the chip 8200.

[0443] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 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 may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but may also be a transient storage medium.

[0444] The present disclosure further provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above communication methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0445] The present disclosure also provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the above communication methods.

[0446] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow from the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0447] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein: The method comprises: The first terminal determines, according to whether the random access resource is configured, a random access resource used by the first terminal; The first terminal is a first category terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The determining, according to whether a random access resource is configured, a random access resource used by the first terminal for random access comprises at least one of the following: The first terminal is configured with a random access resource, and determining that the first terminal uses the random access resource of the first terminal; The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource, and determining that the first terminal shares a random access resource of a second terminal or a third terminal; The second terminal is a second type terminal, and the third terminal is a third type terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first terminal is configured with a random access resource, and determining that the first terminal uses the random access resource of the first terminal includes: The first terminal is configured with four-step random access resources, and it is determined to use the four-step random access resources of the first terminal.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource, and the first terminal shares a random access resource with a second terminal or a third terminal, including at least one of the following: The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource and the second terminal is configured with a random access resource, and the first terminal uses the random access resource of the second terminal; The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource and the second terminal is not configured with a random access resource, and the first terminal and the third terminal share a random access resource; The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource, and the first terminal uses the random access resource of the third terminal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource, and determining that the first terminal shares a random access resource of a second terminal or a third terminal includes: The first terminal is not configured with random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal shares the two-step random access resources or the four-step random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource, and determining that the first terminal shares a random access resource of a second terminal or a third terminal includes: The first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal according to a protocol agreement or a network notification.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The first terminal is not configured with a random access resource, and determining that the first terminal shares a random access resource of a second terminal or a third terminal includes: The first terminal is not configured with four-step random access resources, and it is determined that the first terminal shares the random access resources of the second terminal or the third terminal according to a satisfied condition.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving configuration information of a random access resource, wherein the configuration information is used to indicate whether the random access resource is used for The first terminal.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The configuration information is also used to indicate whether the two-step random access resource is used for the first terminal.

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first terminal is an eRedCap terminal, the second terminal is a RedCap terminal, and the third terminal is different from the first terminal and the second terminal.

11. A communication method, wherein: include: A network device sends configuration information of a random access resource, wherein the configuration information indicates whether the random access resource is used for a first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a first category terminal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The random access resources include: two-step random access resources.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The configuration information is also used to indicate whether the random access resource is used for a second terminal; wherein the second terminal is a second type of terminal.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: If the configuration information does not indicate that the random access resource is used for the first terminal and the second terminal, the random access resource is used for a third terminal; The third terminal is a third type terminal.

15. A first terminal, wherein: include: a processing module, configured to determine the random access resource used by the first terminal according to whether the random access resource is configured; The first terminal is a first category terminal.

16. A network device comprising: The transceiver module is configured to send configuration information of random access resources, wherein the configuration information indicates whether the random access resources are used for the first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a first category terminal.

17. A communication method, wherein: include: A first terminal, configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A network device configured to execute the communication method described in any one of items 11 to 14.

18. A communication device, wherein: The communication device comprises: one or more processors; The processor is used to call instructions so that the communication device executes the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or claims 11 to 14.

19. A storage medium, wherein: The storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or claims 11 to 14.

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